I was reading A nice secure feeling and McArdle references Schneier, about 'feeling' secure and what his plan for an effective TSA/Counter Terrorist Strategy looks like.

I don't have any problem with the methods proposed. What I do have a problem with is that none of the security experts in government or the private sector want to mention that there will be failures. Intelligence and detective work are a much better solution than the current TSA boondoggle, but zero-defect security isn't something that is going to happen.

I was recently subjected to a very upbeat and jolly little online government "anti-terrorism" training program. In the best choose-your-own-adventure format I was presented with an attempt to take me hostage. The program disapproved of my answer of immediate violent resistance and proceeded to quiz me on my compliance with the hostage takers and my behavior when the commandos came to rescue me. I was disappointed that at no time was I presented with a "kill terrorists" option.

If there is one thing we should have learned by now it is that the government can not protect the individual, and that the individual has to do their own rescuing. Investigation and Intelligence has the role of preempting attacks, but everyone has the role of resistance.