At the beginning of the security conveyor belt is a black man with a TSA polo shirt who is helping us get our things on the conveyor. He banters.

I forget to take my shoes off; he says, "That's required in every airport in the US. (beat) Even the crappy ones. (beat) Like Chicago." I chuckle.

The other TSA agents wear white uniforms with shoulder bands. Someone is returning the first agent's small talk: "How come you don't have to wear the uniform? These guys all have to wear the uniform."

"He gets paid more, that's why," say the uniformed guys.

"Nah," says the first agent, deadpan, "I voted for Bush, that's why."