Government

AP: TSA Has Met the Enemy…and It Is Us

How did an agency created to protect the public become the target of so much public scorn?

After nine years of funneling travelers into ever longer lines with orders to have shoes off, sippy cups empty and laptops out for inspection, the most surprising thing about increasingly heated frustration with the federal Transportation Security Administration may be that it took so long to boil over.

The agency, a marvel of nearly instant government when it was launched in the fearful months following the 9/11 terror attacks, started out with a strong measure of public goodwill. Americans wanted the assurance of safety when they boarded planes and entrusted the government with the responsibility.

But in episode after episode since then, the TSA has demonstrated a knack for ignoring the basics of customer relations, while struggling with what experts say is an all but impossible task. It must stand as the last line against unknown terror, yet somehow do so without treating everyone from frequent business travelers to the family heading home to visit grandma as a potential terrorist.

The TSA “is not a flier-centered system. It’s a terrorist-centered system and the travelers get caught in it,” said Paul Light, a professor of public service at New York University who has tracked the agency‘s effectiveness since it’s creation.

That built-in conflict is at the heart of a growing backlash against the TSA for ordering travelers to step before a full-body scanner that sees through their clothing, undergo a potentially invasive pat-down or not fly at all.

“After 9/11 people were scared and when people are scared they’ll do anything for someone who will make them less scared,” said Bruce Schneier, a Minneapolis security technology expert who has long been critical of the TSA. “But … this is particularly invasive. It’s strip-searching. It’s body groping. As abhorrent goes, this pegs it.”

A traveler in San Diego, John Tyner, has become an Internet hero after resisting both the scan and the pat-down, telling a TSA screener: “If you touch my junk, I’m gonna have you arrested.” That has helped ignite a campaign urging people to refuse such searches on Nov. 24, which immediately precedes Thanksgiving and is one of the year’s busiest travel days.

The outcry, though, “is symptomatic of a bigger issue,” said Geoff Freeman, executive vice president of the U.S. Travel Association, an industry group that says it has received nearly 1,000 calls and e-mails from consumers about the new policy in the last week.

“It‘s almost as if it’s a tipping point,” Freeman said. “What we’ve heard from travelers time and again is that there must be a better way.”

Indeed, TSA has a history of stirring public irritation. There was the time in 2004 when Sen. Ted Kennedy complained after being stopped five times while trying to board planes because a name similar to his appeared on the agency’s no-fly list. And the time in 2006 when a Maine woman went public with her tale of being ordered by a TSA agent to dump the gel packs she was using to cool bags of breast milk. And the time in 2007, when a Washington, D.C. woman charged that another TSA agent threatened to have her arrested for spilling water out of her child’s sippy cup.

TSA denied the last, releasing security camera footage to try and prove its point. But that did little to offset the agency’s longtime struggle to explain itself and win traveler cooperation.

It wasn’t supposed to be this way. After Congress approved creation of the agency in late 2001, the TSA grew quickly from just 13 employees in January 2002 to 65,000 a year later. In the first year, agency workers confiscated more than 4.8 million firearms, knives and other prohibited items, according to a report by the U.S. Government Accountability Office.

But even as the new agency mushroomed, officials at the top, pressured by airlines worried that tighter security would discourage people from flying, looked to the business world for lessons on systems, efficiency and service.

TSA set up “go teams” pairing government employees with executives from companies including Marriott International Inc., The Walt Disney Co., and Intel Corp., to figure out how to move lines of people through checkpoints efficiently and how to deal with angry travelers.

But the agency was working under what Freeman calls “an unachievable mandate.” Congress demanded an agency that eliminated risk. But the risks are always changing, as terrorists devise new methods and government parries. That has led to an agency that is always in crisis mode, constantly adding new policies designed to respond to the last terror plot.

President Barack Obama says he has pushed the TSA to make sure that it is always reviewing screening processes with actual people in mind. “You have to constantly refine and measure whether what we‘re doing is the only way to assure the American people’s safety,” Obama said Saturday. “And you also have to think through, are there ways of doing it that are less intrusive.”

TSA operates on the belief that a key to foiling terrorists is to keep them guessing, agency watchers say. But it has never really explained that to a flying public that sees never-ending changes in policies covering carry-on liquids, shoes, and printer cartridges as maddening and pointless inconsistency.

“If you ask what its procedures are, how you screen people, its ‘I can’t tell you that because if the bad guys find out they‘ll be able to work around the system’,” said Christopher Elliott, an Orlando, Fla.-based consumer advocate specializing in travel. “That‘s why a lot of what they’ve done has not really gone over well with air travelers. They perceive it as being heavy-handed and often the screeners come across as being very authoritarian.”

Over time, TSA has settled into a pattern of issuing directives with little explanation and expecting they be followed. But increasingly fed-up travelers don‘t understand the agency’s sense of urgency and aren’t buying it.

“I don’t think the law enforcement approach is going to work with the American public. You’ve got to explain yourself and reassure people. And they’re not doing it,” Light said.

That goes beyond public relations, experts say. As more and more layers are added to air travel security efforts, it creates difficult and potentially unpopular choices. But the TSA has been unwilling to openly discuss how it arrives at policies or to justify the trade-offs, highlighted by its insistence over the need for the scanners.

“They’re very expensive and what they (TSA officials) should be able to do is answer if it does reduce the risk, how much does it reduce the risk and is it worth it?” said John Mueller, a professor of political science at Ohio State, who has researched the way society reacts to terrorism.

The pushback against the body scanners and pat-downs shows the agency at its worst, Elliott said, issuing a policy that wasn’t properly vetted or explained, but determined to defend it.

Growing dissatisfaction with TSA has even led some airports to consider replacing the agency with private screeners. Such a change is allowed by law, but contractor must follow all the security procedures mandated by the TSA, including body scans and pat-downs.

But frustration with the TSA was building even before the latest furor. In a December 2007 Associated Press-Ipsos poll asking Americans to rank government agencies, it was as unpopular as the Internal Revenue Service. Even so, a poll earlier this month by CBS News found 81 percent of Americans support the TSA’s use of full-body scanners at airports. The poll, conducted Nov. 7-10, had a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points.

Elliott said that better communication would probably win the TSA more cooperation. But the pushback suggests that a growing number of consumers, particularly frequent travelers, are questioning the premise at the heart of the agency’s existence.

“I think at some point Americans said to themselves, maybe in their collective subconscious…there‘s a line here where it’s not just worth it anymore,” he said. “There’s a growing sense that that line has been crossed.”

Comments (76)

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  • Minority Retort
    Posted on November 21, 2010 at 2:07pm

    Every time, I get “selected” for the scanner, I opt for the pat down. Because they should endure the inconvenience just as much as I will. Further, the pat-down lasts for a moment, the scanner image lasts indefinitely.

    Then I ask the TSA employee, “How was I selected for further scrutiny?” and they will [quite often] say, “We select people at random in order to keep it fair and sample the population.” Or do we really believe children fit a threat profile?

    Folks, random sampling is not “reasonable search and seizure.” Keep a record and file a complaint anywhere and everywhere. Begin with TSA, the airlines and your congressman’s office(s).

    Defend the constitution, or be prepared to live without it. Know the 4th amendment. Know when it’s been violated too.

    There’s something very wrong with this arrangement. Remember, if seems excessive, it probably is.

    THERE ARE other technological and manual methods which will work without invading your privacy or assaulting your dignity and your rights (as scanner image clarity AND the frisking do)!

    Otherwise, some suggest “crop-dusting.” ;^) You pick…lose your rights, or lose your couth. That’s gonna be a curious trend to report in the news!!

    In other related news, the terrorist Ghailani got a slap on the wrist with 1 conviction out of 285 charges…and the one conviction was not even a “terrorist” charge…you think it’s going to get easier on the American public as we have to make up for the lack of deterrence…

    Report Post » Minority Retort  
  • GumbyGunslinger
    Posted on November 21, 2010 at 1:53pm

    Does hope and change mean the Marxist/Socialist HOPE we don’t notice the CHANGE? Inquiring minds want to know!

    Report Post » GumbyGunslinger  
  • GumbyGunslinger
    Posted on November 21, 2010 at 1:49pm

    “People willing to trade their freedom for temporary security deserve neither and will lose both.” attributed to Benjamin Franklin

    Report Post » GumbyGunslinger  
    • Midwest Belle
      Posted on November 21, 2010 at 1:53pm

      “Any Government big enough to provide everything you need will also be big enough to take everything you have”

      (Senator David Crockett,1832)

      Report Post » Midwest Blonde  
  • GumbyGunslinger
    Posted on November 21, 2010 at 1:41pm

    TSA= The Stoßtruppen of America….even more radical arm of Homeland Gestapo

    Report Post » GumbyGunslinger  
  • Conservative Grinch
    Posted on November 21, 2010 at 1:24pm

    “Even so, a poll earlier this month by CBS News found 81 percent of Americans support the TSA’s use of full-body scanners at airports. The poll, conducted Nov. 7-10, had a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points.”

    That is because the American Cattle are stupid, uninformed, ignorant. The truth be told most of these dopes had no ideal what a full-body scan all entailed. They probably thought that it was no menacing or intrusive walking through a metal detector. But, that didn’t stop these Einsteins from offering up their worthless misinformed opinion on sacrificing liberty to gain a some dubious promise of safety.

    The worst thing is that these idiots actually vote. That is why the nation suffers under the Communism of Obama.

    This is what he meant by “hope and change” which is not even an original Obama ideal. Obama plagiarized it from his Cousin Raila Odinga’s failed presidential campaign in Kenya. When the Orange Party and Obama’s Comrade Cousin lost, Raila Odinga and his Marxist goons went on a little ethnic cleansing.

    Report Post »  
    • BurntHills
      Posted on November 21, 2010 at 3:11pm

      nope, these “polls” ask only the democrats who are on the obama goodie list. we have a huge extended and in–contact-during-THESE-times family and none of us across America has ever been questioned how do we patriotic AMERICANS think.

      Report Post » BurntHills  
    • Conservative Grinch
      Posted on November 21, 2010 at 6:44pm

      BurntHills

      Silly me. You are right. That is how CBS’s poll found that 85% of the idiots surveyed were in favor of virtual strip searches and groping. The entire polling sample consisted of nothing but Democrats.

      And here I thought that CBS actually tried to do an honest poll. In reality the sample is spiked so that CBS can spew forth propaganda. I am way to trusting.

      Report Post »  
  • Midwest Belle
    Posted on November 21, 2010 at 12:41pm

    A friend tells me that if we stop flying [due to TSA]] then the terrorists have won.

    I don’t think the terrorists objectives is to keep us off the planes but to kill us on the planes. If there’s few fliers, they have less reason to blow up a plane.

    Since I don’t like to fly and rarely do fly, I’m not worried about this. I will not, however, fly unless the TSA starts profiling and actually goes after the TYPE of person likely to blow up the plane. I’m not talking blond (me) old (60) chubby (me) grandma (me) ladies (me). I’m talking typical middle eastern-looking persons between the ages of 25 and 40 who have been responsible for most of the terror in this country since Sirhan Sirhan shot Bobby Kennedy in 1968 (and before 68).

    Show me ONE instance of a blond chubby grandma blowing up anything and I’ll go thru a pat-down. Until then, screw the airlines.

    Report Post » Midwest Blonde  
  • SND97
    Posted on November 21, 2010 at 12:31pm

    Ronald Regan once said “Government is not the solution, Government is the problem” Isn’t it funny how our rights are gone and the terrorist rights are protected?

    How long are we going to allow this insanity to keep going, granted even President Obama at this point is just doing what he thinks is right, but IT ISN’T RIGHT Mr President!!!! Profile NOW!!!

    Report Post »  
  • kevtheatheist
    Posted on November 21, 2010 at 12:03pm

    The line has been crossed in so many ways in this country. The need to resort to this level of asshattery (pat-downs, screenings) to avoid being politically incorrect to me is insane.

    And Jon…please. it is not “It is Us”, but “They are Us.”

    Report Post » kevtheatheist  
  • katy
    Posted on November 21, 2010 at 11:49am

    This assault will not stop at the airport.
    In the name of safety and security, the American people will now be forced to undergo these pat downs when stopped for traffic violations, Entering a mall. A grocery store. Your child’s school. etc…
    Once the fourth amendment is null and void, the options for this invasive assault on our persons will be unlimited if they use under the guise of safety and security.

    Report Post »  
    • Freedom1984
      Posted on November 21, 2010 at 12:13pm

      I agree with you. It won’t stop here. Right now Amtrack is working harder than ever before, to meet the public’s desire to get their by TRAIN.

      So soon the Train Stations are going to be “filled with security, strip searches….”

      Then people will stop public transportation and start driving…then the stip searches will start there…

      Then the public will say screw it and stay home…then beware your DOOR WILL BE KNOCKED ON and you will have to get stip searched for just staying home…“for after all you might just be making a bomb in your basement”.

      WE NEED TO BAN TOGETHER AND HAVE THESE MORONS START PROFILING…Who cares anymore about political correctness…if YOU DO, THEN LEAVE OUR COUNTRY..FOR YOU ARE OLD NEWS…AND WE DON’T WANT YOU HERE!

      Report Post » Freedom1984  
  • Commonsensical
    Posted on November 21, 2010 at 11:47am

    Typical Government response…
    Don’t offend the muslims, offend EVERYONE equally,
    Don’t disarm the criminals, disarm the LAW ABIDING CITIZENS,
    Don’t seal the border, force ALL CITIZENS to undergo more Intense Identity screening.
    And WHY does the Government not care about offending the GOOD guys? Because offending the BAD guys is hazardous to your health! It’s easier to sheer the sheep than to defang the wolves!

    Report Post »  
  • timeofjacobstrouble
    Posted on November 21, 2010 at 11:35am

    This is why our Founding Fathers Limited the Federal Government. Our country hasn’t been governed by the Constitution for over a hundred years.

    It’s not just ObamaCare or the TSA, it’ everything. If we don’t get rid of the Federal Reserve, Social Security to Food Stamps, the Patriot Act…this revolution will be pointless. God Bless.

    Report Post » timeofjacobstrouble  
  • crossdraw
    Posted on November 21, 2010 at 11:27am

    ORGANIZE THE VETERANS UNION. There won’t be any commies there.
    THE VETERANS UNION(IT’S TIME)

    Report Post »  
    • 89121Marine
      Posted on November 21, 2010 at 9:48pm

      Count me IN for a Veterans Union! I’m tired of being walked on by our government, both right and left! What would stop us? Do you think SEIU, Teamsters, or AFSCME? Who would be beating down our door to represent us?

      Report Post »  
  • ARIZONA VETERAN
    Posted on November 21, 2010 at 11:27am

    cavity seach all mooooooslums, that will keep the terrorist from getting on airplanes..

    Report Post » ARIZONA VETERAN  
  • 2010GOP
    Posted on November 21, 2010 at 11:23am

    Perhaps one of the reasons that airport security has progressed to this level of intrusion is because since this administration has taken office the US is under increased threats of attack do to the lack of ability of the President to lead us in foreign affairs as well as domestically. Further, if the public uprises on this and does affect the volume of passengers, it demonizes the capitalist pigs/CEO’s of the airlines, which has been an agenda since his inaugaration, destroy capitalism or take down the economy, (Spooky dude style). Once the airlines are struggling again, the government can then take over the control just as they did with the auto industry. This TSA security stuff is a diversion to the real issue. DHS knows grandmas and kids aren’t threats, but keeping us talking about it allows the DHS, TSA, and many others to covertly build its shadow government.

    Report Post »  
  • stinkybisquit
    Posted on November 21, 2010 at 11:21am

    ” and when people are scared they’ll do anything for someone who will make them less scared,”

    Remember that quote well for the next few years.

    Report Post »  
  • emsawyer
    Posted on November 21, 2010 at 11:14am

    Exactly why are we NOT racial profiling? Who the hell or what the hell is saying we “shouldn’t”? I am simply not going to fly anymore until someone with an actual brain sits down and figures this out. I will either stay home or drive. I personally don’t give a s**t about political correctness and you won’t find me baring my a** to take it up the keister by people who think offending someone is illegal. We’ve turned into a nation whiny, wimpy, pansy-a**ed school children who refuse to stand up to the schoolyard bully. We deserve what we get. Reminds me of that Progressive commercial where the drill sergeant is the psychologist. We ALL need to be yelled at that way. And we need to stand up and hit back with our voices and our wallets. We’ve already begun with our votes. I just hope this country survives another month and a half. I have my doubts. I don’t think Pelosi is actually going to step down.

    I can’t wait to hear the news on Wednesday to see what happens at the airports. I do have a trek to make on Wednesday, but I’m driving, dammit.

    Report Post »  
  • SLY 1
    Posted on November 21, 2010 at 11:11am

    The TSA is the laughing stock of the world. I have never seen a bigger group of incompetent morons in my life like the TSA
    If we have lost our rights like they are telling us when we go thru the security, Then Muslims have lost the right against Racial Profiling.
    NOW, PROFILE THE HELL OUT OF THE MUSLIMS AND LEAVE GRANNY AND THE KIDS ALONE YOU BUNCH OF GROPING PERVERTS.

    Report Post »  
  • wethepeoplepress
    Posted on November 21, 2010 at 11:06am

    Myself and another passenger were flying out of Ft Lauderdale airport to Atlanta. We did not set off the alarm going through the metal detector but were still marked for x ray scanner. Pat’s story can be found here. http://teapartyfortlauderdale.com/news.html He is a much better writer than I.

    The video of the Atlanta airport security terminal warning lock down can be seen here.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPo8R79lQ6Q

    This morning flight from Ft Lauderdale to Atlanta had a medical emergency in flight about half way through. Upon landing passengers were asked to stay seated while paramedics boarded and attended to the passenger in first class. Our prayers are with the man and his family. I am unsure of his condition.

    Once I exited the plane into the terminal I was spooked by a recorded alarms and flashing lights, the alarm stating
    “”Attention please, attention please, relocate to a safe area within the building near a safe exit and await further instructions, do not use elevators.”

    I asked the only TSA person present if this alarm was due to the medical emergency that happened on the plane, she said she did not think so, I asked if this was a drill, she said she did not think so, BUT “if I see people running then you know it is hitting the fan”. I steeped back as she walked away with a grin and thought If this is what our millions of stimulus have accomplished we are indeed in deep trouble. I pulled ou t my Iphone and began to record. I captured the security warning audio message in full and then stopped recording.

    The trip started in Ft Lauderdale airport where a TSA agent asked me to walk through the metal detector, I did without a beep. I was then lured into one of the x-ray machines, I was not told I was going to be scanned. Upon realizing what they were attempting to do I told the TSA agent I refuse to be scanned. My opt out was announced publicly and then by walkie talkie. I was then paraded to a small roped off area for pat down. My TSA assaulter was gentle compared to the horror stories I have read about to date.. The process took 2-4 minutes. After what I assume was some kind of chemical test I was told I was free to go. I know a TSA agent. They do in fact profile just so you know. The problem is it is left up to the discretion of the agent. If you have a liberal America hating agent you can be sure those who are devout followers of a religion who track record of followers who blow up planes is rather alarming will be pushed through leaving room for the grandmas and children to be patted down and assualted? Someone needs to tell the TSA you don’t look for oranges in a apple orchard.

    Report Post » wethepeoplepress  
  • HKS
    Posted on November 21, 2010 at 11:02am

    I’m waiting for those nifty little arm bands for the TSA folks to appear. You know the cute ones like the Nazi’s used for the gestapo. I think they will follow traditionl, they have so far.

    Report Post » HKS  
    • mrdbcooper
      Posted on November 21, 2010 at 11:11am

      Schutzstaffel (SS)

      Report Post » mrdbcooper  
    • BurntHills
      Posted on November 21, 2010 at 11:52am

      this is pure nazi tactics to a tee. obama is getting his plays how to destroy and humiliate America straight from soros.

      welcome to 1930s Germany and we are going to have to do something to STOP this NATIONAL ATROCITY being perpetrated on US.

      Report Post » BurntHills  
  • Reavist
    Posted on November 21, 2010 at 10:58am

    Yes, PROFILE.

    (Article here on the blaze)WASHINGTON (AP) — The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff says he believes Al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula’s boast that it will try to carry out more cheap, small-scale attacks. Adm. Mike Mullen says the terrorist group in Yemen has grown and is dangerous, and that counterterrorism efforts should focus on its activities.
    In an online magazine, al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula boasts that it’s using cheap and easy methods to attack U.S. targets, pointing to a failed plot to bomb two U.S.-bound cargo planes.

    The group says it can “bring down America” with smaller attacks that play on what it calls the “security phobia that is sweeping America.”

    Mullen told ABC’s “This Week” on Sunday he considers the threat to be serious.

    WAKE UP Homeland Security. Terrorists are playing you like a fiddle. Talk to Israel NOW.

    Report Post » Reavist  
  • HKS
    Posted on November 21, 2010 at 10:57am

    The last four presidents are birds of the same feather, they have all lead us to where we are. What your are seeing here is the “Truman Story” a work in progress. Wow, progress, progressive, hummm. Are you really ready for that?

    Report Post » HKS  
  • BetterDays
    Posted on November 21, 2010 at 10:56am

    Well my fellow Americans, this is what I think. I believe that both the TSA and the Patriot Act need to go to the trash heep of history.
    I think that we might get that done after January2011 rolls around, I’m pretty sure that its a moot point before hand. After all the TSA is more than likely told to “pass through” anyone with the “mark of Socialism” on their foreheads or right hand, after all communism and Lucifarianism couldn’t possiably be the enemies of America now could they? At present our Federal Government more closely resembles the third ring of HELL than it resembles a Republic, ah in like a Lamb (two horns like a lamb but in its end roared about like a lion)….out Like a Lion, but I digress.
    Thankfully we have the age of “knowlege” with us, imagine what this type of Government oppression would have looked like in say the early to mid 20th. century? Oh yea, the Russian revolution and the rise of the Third Riche, go figure.
    Ireegardless, I am free because Christ Jesus has set me free. This world can have from me all that IT has given me, I care not for it any way. But that which I have been so graciously been given and give to GOD is his alone, and The World may not have it, on this I shall not BEND, that of which I speak is my worship and the Sanctified Day upon which I worship in.

    Report Post »  
  • AZBabe
    Posted on November 21, 2010 at 10:54am

    It’s very simple…When americans start boycotting the airlines and it hits them in the pocketbook, something will be done about this police state agency that is violating our liberties and our bodies…

    Do not fly!

    Report Post »  
    • ME
      Posted on November 21, 2010 at 11:09am

      Money is the real vote period. know how you spend every dollar!!!!! does it support china, does it support TSA, does it support an American????? buy local pay more but in the long run save your country is wal mart really that cheap when the products there are made by and support communism. And then continue to support the airlines and wonder why the TSA start to treat us like we are in a communist country??? Sheep to the slaughter and we support the butchers on the way wake up.

      Report Post » ME  
    • copper
      Posted on November 21, 2010 at 4:45pm

      I agree. It will drive them nuts if there are more and more vehicles on the road. Just think of all that pollution from gas engines clogging the highways.

      I have already emailed congress telling them this and also that this is suspending our right to be searched ONLY if under suspicion with a warrant. Also, a simple chest x-ray is more dangerous radiation than you know, think what this is. And if this was not a government agency we could have them arrested for assault.

      I WILL NOT GO WILLINGLY INTO THE NIGHT! What is more important than FREEDOM?
      I no longer shop Walmart or Sams.

      Report Post »  
  • OneRepublic4us
    Posted on November 21, 2010 at 10:50am

    Plain and simple, it’s time to start profiling. The pat downs and the full body scanners would not have stopped the underwear bomber. Metal detectors and profiling would have stopped 9/11.

    Report Post » OneRepublic4us  
  • FIREDUDE
    Posted on November 21, 2010 at 10:45am

    This is why you allow “r a c i a l p r o f i l i n g” wake up america get use to it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Report Post »  
    • SHTFMilitia.com
      Posted on November 21, 2010 at 11:02am

      Not sure that is the FULL answer but,
      if people just simply STOP flying that might help.

      If you are prepared you may survive,
      http://www.shtfmilitia.com

      Report Post » SHTFMRadio.com -- Emergency Preparedness Radio Show  
    • SLY 1
      Posted on November 21, 2010 at 11:04am

      You are 100 % correct FIREDUDE. The TSA keeps telling us that we lose our rights when we enter the security area, They tell us we have no choice. If that is the way it is, then that also means you lost your right to protection from racial profiling. So profile the HELL out of the Muslims that are going thru security and leave Granny and the kids alone. The TSA is the best example of “NO COMMON SENSE”. They should go to Guiness to claim the record for the largest group of MORONS.
      THE TSA IS THE LAUGHING STOCK OF THE ENTIRE WORLD.

      Report Post »  
    • Rogue
      Posted on November 21, 2010 at 11:06am

      I’d like to see some research company take on this issue in a large nationwide poll. I’m sure we would overwhelmingly see that profiling is acceptable to the American public as a means to keep us safe, rather than the big dog and pony show the TSA runs now.

      Correction – no dogs in this show – those would actually be a step up in tangible safety measures. No ones gets rich off of having dogs at airports for security, so it’ll never happen.

      If the TSA is so concerned about “racial” profiling, then call it what it really is – “psychological” profiling. Use well trained security personnel who ask everyone who checks in similar questions. A real professional would know who needs further screening.

      The TSA needs to go. Privatize airport security – private companies could do 10 times better with half the budget.

      Report Post » Rogue  
    • MONSTER
      Posted on November 21, 2010 at 11:08am

      Very few have mentioned how the envirofacists think that air travel is the #1 contributor to climate change. It would seem that people deciding to never fly again would be the goal of these groups. Few flyers… Fewer flights…

      Report Post »  
    • mrdbcooper
      Posted on November 21, 2010 at 11:10am

      criminal profiling

      Report Post » mrdbcooper  
    • afishfarted
      Posted on November 21, 2010 at 11:29am

      These “new” proceedures are meant to do one thing: Send a visual and physical message that we are now living in a prison state. Being an ex-prison guard, I can attest that only those who have lost their freedom are subject to such invasive searches for the purpose of “security”. The physcological message of the one patted down is “we are in control and you will do what we say when we say”. This current furvor over the TSA is the culmination of a systematic trampling on our Constitution and a once free people–under the guise of fairness and security. Welcome to tyranny

      Report Post »  
    • katy
      Posted on November 21, 2010 at 11:37am

      SHTFMilitia.com

      If people stop flying and the airlines begin to feel the crunch…they won’t fight back. They will cry bailout. I worked for a major airline for 13 years and have a good idea of what will take place. The pilots and flight attendants are union. The Unions will not allow those jobs and massive dues to be wasted and they will seek the Feds to bail them out. The smaller carriers will die off and the larger may merge but the ultimate goal in this TSA assault is ….NATIONALIZATION of the next major industry. “Never let a good crisis go to waste” is what the progressives are relying on. The TSA is in talks to unionize and if the the Feds take over the airlines they will also force the other working groups ie. res.agents, customer service to unionize.
      If the public is so demoralized and worn down through this onslaught and the industry begins to crumble the Feds will once again come to the rescue and gobble up another huge industry. Our ability to move about will be highly regulated even more so to the point of only being accessible to the very wealthy and well connected. It’s an insidious plan that seems to be working.

      Report Post »  
    • chaoticupheaval
      Posted on November 21, 2010 at 12:13pm

      i totally agree…..one of the things wrong with this country is POLITCAL CORRECTNESS!!! I agree….profile …profile…. and profile some more!!!!! If it walks like a duck, quacks like a duck, then check the damn duck!!!!

      Report Post » chaoticupheaval  
    • TNT1
      Posted on November 21, 2010 at 12:50pm

      Amen on the profiling.Because of the P/C bulls*** we are becoming a weeker nation.Hell every person in this counyrt profiles one way or another.”Hey look at that fat guy, ”man she’s pretty”,”did you see that black dude”,”damn towel heads”, white people , black people we all do it.Hell even Flotus is guillty as sin of it but she thinks she’s being P/C by calling people obese.Be respectful not stupid!!!!!!!!!

      Report Post »  
    • APatriotFirst
      Posted on November 21, 2010 at 1:47pm

      As said before, You all need a different approach. Reverse Psychology will drive them crazy and take the starch out of them.
      Fly with a smile, a laugh, a knowing smirk. When done with pat down, look at TSA and say…*you forgot under my arms didn’t you? *
      You kill them with kindness and agreeableness. It works every time.

      Report Post »  
    • ClockKing
      Posted on November 21, 2010 at 3:00pm

      Katy, you get it! This is all about control and a planned takeover.

      Report Post » ClockKing  
    • tower7femacamp
      Posted on November 21, 2010 at 3:27pm

      Alex Jones has been against the Patriot Act from the very 1st Day it was announced
      but all the NEOCONS were afraid of the big bad terrorist and Now we are Screwed.
      there is no going back to Freedom anyone who supported the Patriot Act Screwed the USA
      forever..And make fun of those who tried to stop it.
      Yes we were the Crazy ones.

      Report Post » tower7femacamp  
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