Really, though, how many different sorts of things in how many bags per hour can a person running a luggage x-ray machine be reasonably expected to notice without it stretching their attention beyond its limits? Maybe a couple of things like guns, large knives and obvious bombs, but they’re supposed to be looking for all sorts of contraband in amongst all the clutter that shows up on the screen - drugs, liquids, who knows what else? I’m not surprised if all sorts of things can slip through when they’re looking at every single bag coming through. A more selective approach would reduce workload and increase the chances of finding prohibited items.
Agreed, and since 9/12 there have been what, 5 terrorists riding planes?
It is like Admiral Yamamoto half-heartedly searching for the US fleet before the Battle of Midway. The chance of actually finding something of interest is so low, why bother putting your heart into it? You may as well not try, but in case the boss is watching, you have to keep up appearances until your next pay check comes.
In the mean time the pointlessness of your job gets to you and your attitude gets worse every day. Such is life when the Man gives you your salary. No personal incentive to try harder.