Isn’t TSA thinking a bit inconsistent?

SO the Transportation Security Administration is banning lighters from airliners [Travel Log, March 6], though it is still allowing matches and up to four matchbooks if you carefully allocate them on your person and carry-ons. The funny part -- which would be hilarious if these people weren’t responsible for serious safety issues -- is that they mention shoe bomber Richard C. Reid. Ironically, Reid tried to light his device with ... yes, matches.

I haven’t had as much amusement since standing in a security line with an ex-Marine commercial pilot telling me security screeners now possess his mustache trimmer, while he not only has an ax in the cockpit, but he is also in control of the aircraft.

I wish we could hear what Bob Hope may have had to say. And better yet, the monologue could have been delivered at his namesake airport in Burbank.

William A. Sottile

Palmdale