Government

Backlash Grows Over TSA’s New Security Measures

Passing through security at an airport this morning, I couldn’t help but think about how much air travel in America has become such a complicated and stressful task over the years. As a relatively young person, I can’t imagine what air travel must have been like in the past, at a time when flying was more of a luxurious adventure than an exercise in extreme patience…

“Next!” My thoughts are snapped back into today’s reality — a slow-moving line crawling past one security checkpoint, then another and another. The post 9/11 world at the airport is a dizzying maze of shoe removal, belt removal, laptop retrieval and carefully measured 3 oz. bottles of liquid, and as I approach the front of the line, the new frontier is in sight: the full-body scan. Another day, another new rule.Backlash Grows Over TSAs New Security Measures

Not satisfied with the old standard metal detector searches, the ever-vigilant Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is dispatching its latest round of new “backscatter” full-body scanners to airports across the country. The technology is controversial to be sure. Yesterday we reported how pilots unions are urging their members to avoid the contraptions because they worry about daily exposure to radiation and the controversially invasive “naked strip searches,” despite most experts agreeing that the level of radiation released by the new screening machines is minuscule. (The pilots concerns make me wonder about the TSA agents who stand there all day, receiving continuous exposure.)

Flight attendants are also raising their voices — not just about the new body scanners, but about their alternative. If you are “randomly” chosen for a full-body scan and refuse for whatever reason, you’re treated to the only-slightly-less-embarrassing pat-down:

The Denver head of the union that represents United Airlines flight attendants is concerned his members may be victimized by Transportation and Security Administration agents, perceived as going too far.

In recent weeks, procedures have changed. Agents may now search individuals using the front of their hands, instead of the back. They can also touch private areas.

“We don’t necessarily believe that such an invasive process is necessary to the safety and security of the flight, ” said Ken Kyle, President of Association of Flight Attendants Local Council 9.

“If we believed it was a totally necessary procedure, I don’t think there would be a crew member that would object to it,” said Kyle.

Flight attendants and pilots are pushing back, demanding the TSA create a special “crew pass,” so they can pass through security without being subjected to the new procedures like… well, all of the rest of us.

The Atlantic’s Jeffrey Goldberg speculates that those who refuse to pass through the scanners are used as a lesson for other passengers waiting in line to be checked:

The second lesson is that the effectiveness of pat-downs does not matter very much, because the obvious goal of the TSA is to make the pat-down embarrassing enough for the average passenger that the vast majority of people will choose high-tech humiliation over the low-tech ball check.

The seemed to be the case for one radio host who recently recounted her run-in with the TSA after refusing the scan and pat-down, describing the process as “humiliating.” Consumer Traveler suggests this is how it works:

[W]hen meeting with privacy officials at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and TSA later that month, I was told unofficially that there were two standards of pat-downs. One for the normal situation where passengers are going through metal detectors and a different pat-down for those who refuse to go through the whole-body scanners.

With this latest announcement, TSA admits that it has been clandestinely punishing passengers for refusing to go through the invasive whole-body scans with an even more intrusive aggressive pat-down and that soon those more invasive pat-down will creep from airport to airport.

The Association for Airline Passenger Rights, a non-profit Washington-based group, is speaking out on behalf of the rest of us, calling on the TSA to end its new, “flawed and intrusive” pat-down searches.

“TSA has a history of being a day late and a dollar short on its security measures, and unfortunately their new aggressive pat-down searches are in keeping with that history,” Brandon M. Macsata, executive director of the association, said in a statement. Mascata says the new technique violates passengers’ privacy rights while doing little to actually improve air security.

Backlash Grows Over TSAs New Security Measures

Image: Urlesque

The American Civil Liberties Union is also criticizing the new “hands on” regulations, equating the new pat-down process to little more than a legal “grope.”

Some who have refused to undergo the new searches say they have been treated unfairly and bullied. Some have come up with snarky new acronyms for TSA. And some half-jokingly wonder what the next extreme measure the threat of terrorism might subject law-abiding citizens to.

At least one lawsuit has been filed against the Department of Homeland Security by the Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC) in an attempt to suspend the new regulations and citizen passengers have taken to online web forums to report their own stories.

Believe it or not, government airport security regulations have even inspired a new movie, aptly titled “Please Remove Your Shoes”:

Fortunately, I passed through screening this morning without having to feel violated by the new “scatterback” scan or molested by the new pat-down techniques. Still, I couldn’t help but feel sorry for the unfortunate individual who would eventually be pulled aside and subjected to such an intrusive peak under their clothes.

Is this simply the reality of of the post-9/11 world — where security always needs to worry about staying one step ahead of innovative enemies who wish us harm? Where one “underwear bomber” means strip searches for all?

Let us know what you think — are these new security measures just a necessary nuisance to protect crew and passenger safety, or are they overstepping the line between privacy and security? And, as always, if you have a story to share about your experiences, we’d love to hear from you.

Comments (178)

  • MJ1025
    Posted on November 11, 2010 at 7:43pm

    These progressives think years ahead, at least that is what Howard Dean said. What if you want to leave the country with your money and jewelry if things were to get really, really bad? They will find it.

    Report Post » MJ1025  
  • Takeoutthegarbagenov2
    Posted on November 11, 2010 at 7:37pm

    Ban ALL Moose-Slums from flying. Problem solved.

    Report Post » Takeoutthegarbagenov2  
  • Bill Van
    Posted on November 11, 2010 at 7:36pm

    I took a flight recently. Took off my shoes and belt like a good little traveler and put all the things that were in my pockets in the tray and went through the scanner and then through the magnetometer doorway. I set off all the alarms so I handed my medical ID card which stated that I had two hip replacements to security. A really obnoxious and rude individual to say the least. I waited for ten minutes for a security guard to show up who proceeded to check the inside of my empty pockets up and down the inside of both legs and the metal clip that held my pants closed. He went around my hip area at least four times as the hand scanner went off each time. I said “Ihave two hip replacements.“ he said ”shut up and let me do my job.” I thought the scanner was supposed to speed up the security checks. I guess these folks have trouble distinguishing a large hip implant on an X-Ray machine!! Then they took my carry-on and proceeded to empty everything on the counter when one of these light bulbs asked what was in a particular container. I said “it’s Metamucil like it says on the label”. Not good enough I suppose because she opened the container and proceeded to pour some out on a paper towel and perform a chemical test to assure herself that it was what I said it was.Life is fun except when you have to fly.

    Report Post »  
  • ChipK
    Posted on November 11, 2010 at 7:36pm

    How stupid the tsa managment is….. Not on my watch. I will not fly again. What a joke!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Report Post »  
  • Harvickfan29
    Posted on November 11, 2010 at 7:34pm

    I’ll drive to my destination before I ever get on a plane, and if I can’t get there by car I wont be going there.

    Report Post » Harvickfan29  
  • kingssman
    Posted on November 11, 2010 at 7:33pm

    the body scanner is just an attempt to re-create the Subway security system seen in the movie “Total Recall” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U40jCWWOE-Q (mid way in the video)

    Though the technology is way off. I saw one of these at a connecting airport, its 3x slower than a typical metal detector. I also couldn’t help but notice that they scanned more females than males. My Wife was one of the scanned. I made it through the metal detector and had to patiently wait for her and a few others to moose pose through the body scanner.

    yet oddly despite all this security, my keychain pocketknife made it through without any problems….

    I do hand it to them though, the TSA does racial profile (they just scan kids and white women to save face from civil rights lawsuits) and if you are on some no-fly list or yellow flagged, they will pull you over and question you. (My cousin has a restraining order on him from his ex-wife who is on the opposite coast, he can’t fly anywhere without him getting pulled aside)

    Report Post » kingssman  
    • kingssman
      Posted on November 11, 2010 at 7:37pm

      A better link to the movie clip than what i had posted

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWIHv7a6luY

      Report Post » kingssman  
    • Reavist
      Posted on November 11, 2010 at 8:12pm

      I too noticed, the morning I was scanned, and then patted down….that it was women going through the body scanner. No men went through during my ordeal. I was traveling with my husband and 25 year old son …both went through the normal metal dectector. Interesting to hear someone else has noticed the female ratio.

      Report Post » Reavist  
  • RightPolitically
    Posted on November 11, 2010 at 7:31pm

    PROFILE Muslims and stop harassing everyone else in the name of POLITICAL CORRECTNESS! Like any and every other entity given WAY TOO MUCH license, the TSA is DRUNK with POWER! The whole damn process at airports is ONE BIG JOKE! Here’s a thought, next time a plane is brought down in the name of ISLAM, we NUKE an entire city of theirs back into THE STONE AGE…….works for me!

    Report Post » RightPolitically  
  • ULYSSESG
    Posted on November 11, 2010 at 7:21pm

    We need to model our system after Israel’s flagship airlines ELAL.
    I dont recall them having any issues with security nor hijackings ect…..
    TSA, friggen mall cops.

    Report Post » ULYSSESG  
    • Bullwinkle
      Posted on November 11, 2010 at 9:16pm

      You apologize to mall cops this instant! There’s no sense in insulting them by the comparison! LOL

      Report Post » Bullwinkle  
  • justice
    Posted on November 11, 2010 at 7:16pm

    if you have ever had a baby you have lost all dignity.lol this is nessessary. i would rather go through this than thinking of my family as the plane is going down.

    Report Post »  
    • Carrie3570
      Posted on November 11, 2010 at 7:45pm

      I have had 3 babies and never once lost my dignity. I would suggest you find another doctor, hospital, or midwife if that is how you really feel. Those times were wonderful, I never felt violated or embarrassed. I really can’t see the comparison at all.

      Report Post » Carrie3570  
    • Bullwinkle
      Posted on November 11, 2010 at 9:14pm

      You’re assuming that any of what TSA does will actually be effective. They are some of the most incompetent of government employees. What exactly are the job requirements?

      Report Post » Bullwinkle  
    • GhostOfJefferson
      Posted on November 12, 2010 at 8:52am

      @JUSTICE

      Typical chick thinking (not all women, but “chicks”). Willing to put up with any indignity and willing to implore others to give up their sense of human dignity. Willing to give up any right in the name of “safety”.

      How about this. You demand that the government start a government airline with all of this Gestapo crap, and you can fly on those planes with the other “chicks” and effeminate men and feel all safe, and leave us alone who do not wish to be treated like animals by the government because we choose to engage in business with another private entity? Sound good?

      Report Post » GhostOfJefferson  
  • EP46
    Posted on November 11, 2010 at 7:13pm

    Did anyone hear Neal Boortz this week when he described his ‘adventure’ at the airport? Due to a titanium knee, he had to have the ‘pat down’. I had to sit in the car at the grocery store to listen to the entire story. It was beyond funny !! But for the regular passenger I realize the humor is missing. Homeland Security always plays defense. They react After the fact and just make things ridiculous instead of taking proactive measures.

    Report Post »  
  • free2bme1961
    Posted on November 11, 2010 at 7:12pm

    Ignoring this, by looking for alternate ways to travel, isn’t the answer. It will only become worse. A bully never gives up, until he is intimidated, or put into his “place.”
    We aren’t being given choices anymore. It would be a perverts’ paradise, to become employed, the TSA right now.

    Report Post » free2bme1961  
  • grayjohn
    Posted on November 11, 2010 at 7:09pm

    Stop flying for a month. Don’t fly for any reason. Take the bus. Drive. Telecommute. When the airports are deserted, the TSA and it’s fascist BS will disapear.

    Report Post » grayjohn  
    • Diamondback
      Posted on November 11, 2010 at 10:41pm

      Stop flying PERIOD until the TSA reforms significantly!!!

      Report Post »  
    • silentwatcher
      Posted on November 11, 2010 at 11:18pm

      You must understand that to boycott commercial flying to punish the TSA does not hurt them, it hurts the airlines. The TSA is a FEDERAL agency.

      I don‘t fly because I don’t have the patience for the crap that is now required before you can board, much less enter the terminal. It also keeps me out of jail because I am fully confident that there will be a scene if someone grabs my junk or reaches into the pants of my wife.

      Report Post »  
    • GhostOfJefferson
      Posted on November 12, 2010 at 8:48am

      @SILENTWATCHER

      True to a point. However, if the airlines start losing big money, they’ll put pressure on Congress. Big money puts pressure on much more effectively than us little people griping while being treated like livestock.

      Report Post » GhostOfJefferson  
    • Highland
      Posted on November 12, 2010 at 10:36am

      Yes, boycotting airlines to protest TSA does hurt the airlines and their employees, not Big Government. On the other hand, why isn’t the airline industry making a stink? Is it because they all got their big unjustifiable post-9/11 financial windfall from the federal government and they don’t want to bite the hand that fed them?

      Report Post » Highland  
  • temple62
    Posted on November 11, 2010 at 6:56pm

    Dismantling TSA is a cost saving for the American Tax Payer. The TSA do more harm than good. They have done nothing to make America safer! They are deterrent to flying and making my air trips no longer fun and are used only when I have no other choice.

    Report Post » temple62  
  • Gloucester Libertarian
    Posted on November 11, 2010 at 6:49pm

    I have flown twice recently with the new security measures in affect. The aggressive and unconstitutional invasion of privacy were worse than described in the article. On one trip, when asked to put EVERYTHING (wallet etc) through the x-ray machine out of my sight while they sent me the the body scanner, I objected, unless TSA was responsible for my money. No they were not responsible if my money disappeared, was the answer. That resulted on the full body scan, then they searched my wallet, and then a full body grope by the TSA agents. We are moving toward the ways of the old Soviet Union, and are living in very troubles times. I hope the American people wake up soon. As Ben Franklin said, those who would give up their liberty for safety, shall have neither!!

    Report Post » Gloucester Libertarian  
  • Diamondback
    Posted on November 11, 2010 at 6:21pm

    The Israelis have a pretty successful security system for their airline industry. How does what we have to endure compare with them I wonder. I would imagine they actually focus on EFFECTIVE measures rather than the “feel good” BS DHS and TSA put Americans through mostly unnecessarily.

    Just don’t play their games anymore.

    Report Post »  
    • Bullwinkle
      Posted on November 11, 2010 at 9:07pm

      The Israelis have an incredibly good profiling (gasp!) system that they’ve used effectively for years. Of course, they aren’t trying to control their population, just stop incidents.

      Report Post » Bullwinkle  
    • mdb749
      Posted on November 11, 2010 at 9:52pm

      The Israeli’s PROFILE. What a concept! They talk to the passengers and take note of body language, eye movements and the like. You can be sure they have much better people manning their security at the airports than any TSA screener. Those people are idiot losers.

      Report Post » mdb749  
    • staythecourse
      Posted on November 12, 2010 at 2:29am

      yes, I’ve heard of their program and how effective it is. With regard to this program. It is a total and complete violation of personal dignity and human, and constitutional rights. it is groping. And am I suppposed to feel any better if a female gropes…whose to say it’s not a woman who gets her kicks from touching and groping other females or men…who to say it’s not a man who digs groping you. This is a total violation and must be stopped. Big “sis” pretends it is for our safety… meanwhile we have a war on our southern border and they do nothing….This is a joke on the Americn people and it is programing to get people used to being searched and groped at any and all times. And for all of you folks who travel with laptaps…randomly your laptap can be taken aside and the complete contents downloaded from your computer (copied) on to the government system. Be forwarned if you value privacy.

      Report Post »  
  • Diamondback
    Posted on November 11, 2010 at 6:18pm

    I just flat quit flying in late 2004 after flying down to Florida to see my mom before she passed away and was “randomly selected” twice going and twice coming back to be singled out, taken to a set-off roped area and “body frisked” and my carry on bags thoroughly searched. Wonder if I’m on their “watch” list or something? So, I decided. That’s it. If I can’t get there in a cager or on a motorcycle, I’m not going. To hell with the rest of the world, I’ve got enough concerns here in the lower 48 to keep me busy for my remaining days.

    I think a boycott of the airline industry and the TSA would be GOOD for America.

    Report Post »  
    • Diamondback
      Posted on November 11, 2010 at 10:39pm

      Oh, and just so you guys know. I’ve never been convicted – correction – I’ve never even been arrested for anything (unless an occasional traffic ticket is considered an arrest but I’ve never been “booked” or taken to the station or anything).

      I have bought several firearms through their unconstitutional “instant check” system though. That’s the only thing I can figure why they were “targeting” me “randomly” of course – twice going and twice coming back.

      The TSA sucks big time.

      We conservatives need to boycott the airline industry as much as possible!! Hit’em where it hurts until they stop the BS and get serious like the Israelis – even if it requires PROFILING!

      Report Post »  
  • kevymac
    Posted on November 11, 2010 at 6:17pm

    If we can’t trust the pilots and flight attendants, who can we trust??

    Report Post » kevymac  
    • Anarcho Capitalist
      Posted on November 11, 2010 at 10:54pm

      The only one you can put trust in is yourself. Looking to put trust in others is the nature of our problems.

      Report Post » Anarcho Capitalist  
  • Star Spangled
    Posted on November 11, 2010 at 6:15pm

    I needed to fly from Detroit to Oklahoma city last year . I check the airlines web site made sure I knew what I could pack and what I couldn’t , I followed every (stupid) rule . When I got to the Detroit airport and walked through the metal detector it went off , I was asked to step to the side , I was already bearfoot , I had already put everything in the bins and it was being sent through the scanner , I allowed them to pat me down , I was told to walk through again and when I did the damn thing went off again , so again I was pulled to the side and searched . I had NOTHING on me the only metal I had was my wedding rings , I had to wait while a supervisor was called over and she searched me again and let pass through .
    When I found the bin that had held my purse , my ticket , my carry on bag and shoes the only things left in it were my ticket and my shoes !!! With all that “security” around I had been robbed !!!
    So now I plan ahead and DRIVE !

    Report Post » Star Spangled  
  • heavyduty
    Posted on November 11, 2010 at 6:05pm

    If you don‘t like the new security features then don’t fly. Take a train ride or go by bus. I don’t think they are frisking you in those methods of transportation yet.

    Report Post »  
    • Anonimouse
      Posted on November 11, 2010 at 8:52pm

      Um, no. I am an American citizen. If I want to fly, I fly.

      The government works for us, as in, our employees. They do not now,
      nor have they ever had this right. If we all refuse to comply, they
      will back down. It’s only when we behave like sheep that they win.

      Take the train if you want. I prefer to stand up for myself.

      Report Post »  
    • Taquoshi
      Posted on November 11, 2010 at 9:02pm

      Ah, my job has contacts with a local airport. Not too long ago, there was a discussion about why the landing and departure fees for the aircraft had taken an uptick. The airport manager said that alot of companies now find it easier to hire a private jet for their executives simply because of the hassle. I realize that’s not going to be the answer for everyone, but I would love to know if it’s making an economic impact on the major airlines. I bet it will because the business passengers are the bread and butter of the industry.

      Report Post » Taquoshi  
    • GhostOfJefferson
      Posted on November 12, 2010 at 8:44am

      An airline is a private entity. I am a private entity. The airline wants my business, I want to use the airline. The government has no right to demand that government workers get to leer at me and my wife and grope us. No, maybe a case could be made as you state when security was private. Now, it’s wrong, and unconstitutional (no search warrant) and I‘ll be damned if I’m going to bleat like a sheep and pretend this kind of thing is acceptable.

      Report Post » GhostOfJefferson  
    • Hugh Williams
      Posted on November 12, 2010 at 9:19am

      Heavyduty do you blindly follow everything the Government tells you to do without question?

      Report Post » Hugh Williams  
  • BurntHills
    Posted on November 11, 2010 at 6:04pm

    we were horrified when we went to drop off a cousin at the airport. if you look at most of the screeners who are doing the groping, they are straight out of the inner-city ghettoes and ACORN.

    only ones who should get screened are the MUSLIMS.

    Report Post » BurntHills  
  • Johnnyp1958
    Posted on November 11, 2010 at 6:03pm

    The next time I go through security it looks like I’ll have to wear a condom,I can’t wait

    Report Post »  
  • hempstead1944
    Posted on November 11, 2010 at 5:56pm

    Been through it twice….useless. Asked the TSA “Patter” if he had ever found anyone carrying weapons or contriband….he answered, “ only during the tests” Way to go you government wackjobs!

    Report Post »  
  • Bullcop34
    Posted on November 11, 2010 at 5:55pm

    The first one of those TSA wanna be police officers that grabs hold of my “package” is going to get there ass handed to them. This screening does not fit the SITA(search incident to arrest) or officer safety pat down since they are not officers of the law with arrest authority. Let em try and see what they get.

    Report Post » Bullcop34  
    • Dustyluv
      Posted on November 11, 2010 at 8:07pm

      I agee. He places his hands on my privates he gets a bloody nose and a black eye…at least. I am flying next month. You may read about me LOL

      Report Post »  
    • clearwaterpro
      Posted on November 11, 2010 at 11:15pm

      If you do, sadly, you will be made an example and will have federal (gestapo) charges against you.

      Report Post »  
    • Soundbyte
      Posted on November 11, 2010 at 11:20pm

      Please do not call them “Police Wanna Be’s”. You can disagree with the policies as much as you want, but personally knowing and having family members who are TSA officers, they go through very difficult training and are dedicated officers of the law who are trying to protect you and your family.

      Report Post »  
    • avocationaviator
      Posted on November 12, 2010 at 7:11am

      They will love that reaction becuase then they will have delayed you and screwed up your day.

      Maybe a better idea: Ask for a female (I am a man) to search me and groan approvingly as she does so. Hell, I might even do that for a male searcher…bound to make a better impression. You humiilaite me? I humiliate you.

      We will see how long it takes for BSBS (Big Sis’ Brown Shirts) to detain one for making inappropriate noises while being searched.

      Report Post »  
    • Cloth Stews
      Posted on November 12, 2010 at 1:21pm

      I flew last week and was randomly screened by TSA. I was patted down but nothing offensive was done to me.

      Report Post »  
  • bry
    Posted on November 11, 2010 at 5:46pm

    Government gone insane. Humiliate people getting on a plane…leaving the country. Meanwhile, leave our southern borders wide open and sue any state that tries to protect themselves. Welcome to Obamanation.

    Report Post » bry  
    • whitaker
      Posted on November 11, 2010 at 6:45pm

      It hasent gone insane its conditioning people to accept goverment control over everyones lives. Goverments throught-out history have repeated this procedure. Just look how people have been conditioned to view guns. As criminal to even possesse one, even if your do own it legally.
      “If tyranny and oppression come to this land, it will be in the guise of fighting a foreign enemy.”
      -James Madison

      Report Post » whitaker  
    • bry
      Posted on November 11, 2010 at 7:51pm

      @whitaker…I agree completely with your comment. The part I find insane is how the WH can take such extreme measures to “protect” us at the airports of this Nation, yet have such utter disregard for the danger facing our citizens along the Mexican border. Our citizens are being killed. is that not a call for immediate action. If not, then the government is insane.

      Report Post » bry  
    • Promotefreedom
      Posted on November 12, 2010 at 10:16am

      This “security” has very little to do with security. Government does not care about the safety of its people. Just like Obamacare is NOT for the health of people. Just like the 2000 page financial reform bill is NOT about protecting people. ALL of these things are for government to establish CONTROL of every aspect of human life.

      We are being conditioned to accept implanted (under the skin) RFDs (radio transmitting signal) that will track your every move. We are being conditioned to accept the coming military state.

      Report Post »  
    • Blacktooth
      Posted on November 12, 2010 at 7:44pm

      Why don’t we all just show up at the airport in swimming trunks, a teeshirt and flipflops. If they still irradiate us or grope us then we are all doomed and there is no hope left.

      Report Post » Blacktooth  
  • ReneePA
    Posted on November 11, 2010 at 5:45pm

    This is not making anybody safer. They are correct in assuming that they are losing business. I am opting for places that are a car ride away rather than flying because I won’t put up with this nonsense. We need to put political correctness and meaningless rituals in the trash and do what actually works. It is time to profile.

    Report Post »  
    • halfbrain
      Posted on November 11, 2010 at 5:56pm

      I’m all for it. Profile and ask personal questions. The image of the TSA searching an old lady and the young kid make me sick.

      Report Post »  
    • what4
      Posted on November 11, 2010 at 6:19pm

      Doesn’t our constitution protect us from “unreasonable search and seizure”…Just wondering!

      Report Post »  
    • Rogue
      Posted on November 11, 2010 at 6:29pm

      Maybe profiling is what it would take for moderate muslims to stand up and speak out against extremists trying to blow up planes. If my type, average middle-aged white men with brown hair and blue eyes, were the ones trying to bring explosives on board, I would expect to be scrutinized closely when I traveled. When was the last time a 70 year old asian woman or a 14 year old black boy tried to blow up a plane?

      I would bet every cent I have that the TSA shys away from “randomly selecting” anyone who would actually fit the profile, so as not to be accused of singling out arab looking people. It’s all a big show, folks, to make people think they MIGHT get caught if they try to sneak anyting on a plane. The sense of security, not actually taking steps to make flying more secure.

      Report Post » Rogue  
    • snowleopard3200 {mix art}
      Posted on November 11, 2010 at 6:32pm

      Anymore when the need for distant traveling occurs, I will only go by car or bus. I know it takes much longer, but I explained to people this much – the choice comes down to either being irradiated and scrutinized like a criminal, or being patted down like a criminal and groped legally at the same time.

      In the case of the legal groping procedure, I would do this infatically, they have both a supervisor and a police officer present – so the instant anything inapporopriate happens, I will file charges for assault and groping against all the TSA authorities involved.

      http://www.artinphoenix.com/gallery/grimm

      Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • Firefight
      Posted on November 11, 2010 at 7:02pm

      @What4 sure the constitution says that but hey its kinda irrelevant right? Haven’t we “progressed” past this now? After all We apparently have “no reasonable expectation of privacy” when out in public…on your phone…in your car…in your house…on your computer…and apparently in your pants too.

      Report Post » Firefight  
    • what4
      Posted on November 11, 2010 at 7:21pm

      So the answer must be, just show up naked???

      Report Post »  
    • jds7171
      Posted on November 11, 2010 at 7:52pm

      They have to do this to everyone because if they skip a couple people and then do it to some arab there will be a lawsuit. The wonderful consequences of our law system.

      Report Post »  
    • sportlock
      Posted on November 11, 2010 at 10:28pm

      That is EXACTLY why we are all subjected to this BS. PC=BS We don’t wanna single out a muslim now do we? Sad part is, Muslims are patted down the least because we don’t wanna profile do we? Well yeah, yeah we do. If the peaceful muslims wanna stand silent and not denounce the radicals then they can stand in the slow ass pat down/body scan/cavity searche lines and let GRANDMA up there in the pic on the damn plane. This political correct BS has got to stop because if you cannot identify and single out the problem, you cannot address the problem.

      Report Post »  
    • OneFunR6
      Posted on November 11, 2010 at 10:28pm

      Rogue is right. Absolutely right on.

      Report Post » OneFunR6  
    • Anarcho Capitalist
      Posted on November 11, 2010 at 10:42pm

      @WHAT4
      what constitution!

      Report Post » Anarcho Capitalist  
    • *************************
      Posted on November 12, 2010 at 5:30am

      Hey buddy! You wanna search me? Get a search warrant signed by a judge!

      “Badges? We don‘t need no stinkin’ badges.” -Mexican Bandit, Blazing Saddles

      Report Post » WeDontNeedNoStinkinBadges  
    • Polwatcher
      Posted on November 12, 2010 at 5:38am

      Somehow I don’t think I could ever get used to the idea of a strange person groping my crouch. I think Napolitano is living her dreams too much.

      Report Post »  
    • GhostOfJefferson
      Posted on November 12, 2010 at 8:37am

      Well, not to put too fine a point on it, but when they Federalized airport security and we all started taking off our shoes, it was clear to me at that point where this would lead. This “security” crap is just that, crap. It’s fine to do the metal detector, as long as the airline wants it done. And it is perfectly fine to profile, because I can’t remember the last time my blond haired 11 year old daughter hijacked an aircraft. What is not fine is treating people who obviously have no connection to airline hijacking like criminals.

      Profile, now. Stop treating the rest of us like chattel.

      Report Post » GhostOfJefferson  
    • GUT_CHECK
      Posted on November 12, 2010 at 9:58am

      AND wHAT IF THIS IS JUST A PROGRESSIVE PLOT TO DISMANTLE THE AIRLINE INDUSTRY IN U.S.?
      HELL, THEYRE TAKING THE REST OF THE COUNTRY APART, WHY NOT TRAIN MINIMUM WAGE GOONS AND THEYRE CHILDREN THAT THIS IS NORMAL.

      Report Post »  
    • GUT_CHECK
      Posted on November 12, 2010 at 10:02am

      LEtS TAKE IT AN EXTRA STEP, SHALL WE?
      LETS HAVE EVERYONE STRIP AND BE ISSUED PRISON ATTIRE FOR THEIR RIDE IN THE “BIG JET”. THEM TRANSFORM INTO ORDINARY CITISENS WHEN THEY ARRIVE AT THEYRE DESTINANTION.
      WONT THAT BE A WARM FUZZY ENCOUNTER WHEN EVERY ONE IS TREATED THE SAME, BECAUSE EVERYOBNE IS WEARING THE SAME UNIFORMS.

      Report Post »  
    • ron the veteran
      Posted on November 12, 2010 at 10:37am

      the terrorists will use anyone they can get to do their dirty work. such as old ladys and little kids. if you want to fly you go through the searches, otherwise ride the buss.

      Report Post »  
    • GENEBLISTER
      Posted on November 12, 2010 at 11:50am

      *************************: Actually the quote comes from Alfonso Bedoya, the “Gold Hat” bandito in The Treasure of the Sierra Madra. Absolutely classic scene, and paid a great tribute paraphrased in Brooks’ Blazing Saddles. I‘m just glad Bogey didn’t try to upstage Alfonso by claiming to have stampeded cattle through the Vatican. …Kinky….

      Report Post » GENE BLISTER  
    • GENEBLISTER
      Posted on November 12, 2010 at 12:21pm

      RON THE VETERAN: I agree totally with your sentiments; the rug squatters can kiss my mecca. But I couldn’t help but be reminded by your statement “it’s for your own safety” of Dudley Smith’s (James Cromwell) reassurance to Sid Hudgens (Danny DeVito) as the smut peddler was being handcuffed to the interrogation chair in L.A. Confidential. Shortly after being secured he was safely beaten to death.
      “Hush Hush…”

      Report Post » GENE BLISTER  
    • BaritoneBro
      Posted on November 12, 2010 at 3:23pm

      The disruption is exactly what our enimies want. Their goal is to bring down our society any way they can. I have a solution to the scanning issue. How about having flyers issued biodegradable paper clothing before they board. Procedure would be to go in to a locker room like building or personal stalls and change from street cloths to special issued clothing. While they are at it, they could spray everyone down with disinfectant to prevent disease transfers from country to country.

      Report Post » BaritoneBro  

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