I have to wonder if you worry about the TSA agent at the airport selling your information after you show ID at the security screening. Same principle...and at least in THAT red herring scenario, they KNOW you are going to be out of town.
Yes, because the Walmart cashier has undergone the same extensive criminal, credit and background checks as a Transportation Security Officer(TSO), aka screener
Job requirements for a TSO include:
- Demonstrate physical fitness to work on a daily basis without the aid of medication.
- Work irregular hours and shifts, including holidays and weekends.
- Pass drug and alcohol screening tests.
- Pass background, criminal and credit checks.
Aww, c'mon now. They DO have to pass a "personality test".
I wonder how many fail the "do you think it's OK to steal from your employer as long as you don't get caught" question?
Um.....uh.... I'd like to use a lifeline, Regis.
The criminal background check does nothing to assess one's propensity for criminality. It is looking for convictions (and whatever arrests might show up on the NCIC check performed by TSA contractors). Credit checks...again, that is done in the beginning, but not on a regular basis. I could also point you to any number of criminals who had good credit and clear histories prior to being caught and subsequently charged with criminal conduct.
And, as case in point, I would also point to the increasing number of cops being charged with criminal conduct...some of which is also alcohol and drug related (since the drug/alcohol checks were also referenced here).
If someone is going to be tempted, it does not always mean that they have been arrested in the past.
My other point is that availability of the information does not mean that it WILL be abused. The point I attempted to make is that the potential for abuse exists at the same rate, whether at the cash register or the security screening line. And if one is so truly paranoid about showing ID, then the same level of paranoia should exist at a line where a greater argument exists that the rights of the individual are being stripped away...
As a final point on TSA checks making for better employees...anyone remember Newark? Yeah, those higher standards really get a better employee at the line...
