I think part of the problem is that a significant portion of the US doesn't fly often enough to be greatly inconvenienced by this. And, of course, the media can always find people willing to say "Well, if it will make us safer..."
Imagine the outcry in New York if they announced that they were going to install metal detectors and x-ray machines at the entrance to every subway stop. --That would (hopefully) never be implemented because the number of people who would complain and campaign against such measures would be much higher.
Well, they did do random bag checks at random subway stops for a while. It was always half-assed and you were not compelled to let them search your bag, you could just turn around and walk a few blocks to the next stop where they were not checking bags. It was all Security Theatre to make all of us here in NYC "feel safer" and let us know the NYPD was "on top of things". From a security standpoint it was absolutely pointless and people did get annoyed.
In the past I would have agreed. But I've seen the "imagine the outcry" argument brought up, the thing is later implemented, there is brief murmering, police crack down on the few hard core dissenters, then the masses begin to chant "Well of course we have to xray everyone getting on the subway, it's the only way we can be safe."
I have traveled with people who are happy with the situation, they don't understand whats going on, and are very happy to give up out freedom for a insignificant increase in security.
Imagine the outcry in New York if they announced that they were going to install metal detectors and x-ray machines at the entrance to every subway stop. --That would (hopefully) never be implemented because the number of people who would complain and campaign against such measures would be much higher.