I first read about this on globalgrind.com and I thought it was crazy. They can catch my bringing a lighter on the plane but if a got a bomb its all good?

privately contracted screeners did a better job of protecting airline passengers than federal government employees hired and trained by TSA?!?!

gasp!!

say it ain't so, joe!?

I'm a Screener or TSO with the TSA and there are several things to consider with this information. First of all, how accurate is the information. The TSA doesn't post this kind of info, so is there just a TSA leak or someone within the TSA with an ax to grind giving out MISS-INFORMATION. I know that if I missed 75% of X-Ray threat items, I would be fired pretty quickly. We are tested constantly and sent for remedial training for poor performance. If you still don't improve, your gone.
Also, not all X-Ray machines are created equal. Without getting into details some are far better then others and a few airports have the brand new, state of the art, 3D X-Rays which are a quantum leap forward in X-Ray Technology. I would like to know what machines were being used by the private screeners in San Fran.
Lastly, the TSA is like any other HUGE organization, you have some great people and you have some total slackers too. I work with some great folks who are dedicated to your safety and couldn't take there job more seriously. I live about 10 miles from the former World Trade. Many of my co-workers lost loved ones in that mess. Believe me when I tell you, we want nothing more then to stop the next terrorist threat before it happens.
PEACE, Springs