Topic: Security Costs

A report from an airline industry insider explains that airports rarely use guards to verify bag tags because it is a simple cost-benefit calculation for airlines. It is often cheaper for airlines to pay out claims for lost or stolen bags than to fund the labor required for strict security at baggage claim areas. This "Pinto effect" ensures that security measures only increase if theft rates exceed the cost of prevention.

The wealthy town of Atherton, California, implements a new policy requiring hosts of large-scale events, including presidential fundraisers, to pay for extra security and police overtime. The move comes after a previous visit by President Obama cost the town $10,000. For the latest visit, the fundraiser's organizer agreed to foot the bill for the 150 officers required.

Representative Dennis Kucinich warned that the "Chained CPI" is a gimmick designed to reduce Social Security benefits. The formula assumes that as prices rise, seniors will switch to cheaper alternatives, which Kucinich characterizes as a "cat food Christmas." This change in cost-of-living calculations would effectively lower the standard of living for the elderly.

The rules allowing Senators to fly on corporate jets for the price of a first-class commercial ticket are characterized as a form of legalized bribery or "corporatism." The discussion also covers the high cost of Air Force One and the financial burden placed on small towns for police overtime during presidential visits.

The Canadian government faces criticism for spending a reported one billion dollars on security for the G20 Summit in Toronto. Reports from local news station 680 News describe burning police cruisers and clashes between protesters and police, while the hosts question the necessity of such high expenditures for a three-day event.