TSA Agent ‘Removed’ for Leaving Note About Woman’s Sex Toy in Her Luggage
- Posted on October 27, 2011 at 9:49am by
Jonathon M. Seidl
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A TSA agent has been “removed” after he scribbled a note on an official notice of inspection regarding a woman’s sex toy and left it in her luggage. But it wasn’t just any note, it wasn’t just any luggage, and it wasn’t just any passenger. See, the note said “Get your freak on girl” and was referring to a sex toy the woman had in her checked bag. And the woman was a popular blogger.
That woman was Jill Filipovic, a blogger for the site Femeniste. And on Monday, while on unpacking her bag from a recent trip, she found this gem:
Filipovic tweeted the picture and the story went viral. And it didn’t take long for the TSA to get involved. On Wednesday it announced disciplinary action against the agent involved:
Earlier this week, a passenger found a highly inappropriate note scrawled on a “Notice of Inspection” that TSA places in checked bags if they are required to be searched. She tweeted a photo of what she found and we soon learned of the incident.
TSA quickly launched an investigation and identified the employee responsible. That individual was immediately removed from screening operations and appropriate disciplinary action has been initiated.
The handwritten note was highly inappropriate and unprofessional, and TSA has zero tolerance for this type of behavior.
Agency officials have also reached out to the passenger to personally apologize for this unfortunate incident.
As for Filipovic, she responded to the news by writing a blog post on Femeniste that said she’s not really offended by the note (she put it up because she thought it was humorous), but rather upset that the note is “representative of the bigger privacy intrusions that the U.S. government…levels every day:”
It’s easy to scape-goat one individual here, but the problem with the note is that it’s representative of the bigger privacy intrusions that the U.S. government, through the TSA and other sources, levels every day. The invasion is inherent to the TSA’s mission, regardless of whether a funny note is left behind — the note only serves to highlight the absurdity of all this security theater. As much as this is a funny and titillating story, when I put the note on Twitter for what I thought was a relatively limited audience I was hoping it would open up a bigger conversation about privacy rights (or lack thereof) in post-9/11 America. It unfortunately hasn’t done that, and instead has turned into a media circus. I would imagine that the TSA agent in question feels the same way I do at this point: I just want this story to go away. The note was inappropriate, the agent in question acted unprofessionally when s/he put in in my bag, there should be consequences and I’m glad the TSA takes these things seriously. But I get no satisfaction in hearing that someone may be in danger of losing their job over this. I would much prefer a look at why ‘security’ has been used to justify so many intrusions on our civil liberties, rather than fire a person who made a mistake.
And that’s how a joke about a sex toy led to a conversation of government intrusion.
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Comments (98)
YOUR NOT GETTING MY GUNS
Posted on October 27, 2011 at 11:07amIt‘s funny that you didn’t see the words WAS FIRED in there. Oh that,s right union.
Report Post »SpankDaMonkey
Posted on October 27, 2011 at 11:02am.
Report Post »I’m surprised this is not a story about a stolen sex toy. Seeing how the TSA was involved…….
Detroit paperboy
Posted on October 27, 2011 at 11:14amFeministe…… Hmmmm
Report Post »kennyg933
Posted on October 27, 2011 at 11:59amWell, it’s kind of a cliff hanger…did she get her freak on, or not?
Report Post »VegasGuy
Posted on October 27, 2011 at 1:19pm“…when I put the note on Twitter for what I thought was a relatively limited audience I was hoping it would open up a bigger conversation about privacy rights (or lack thereof) in post-9/11 America.”
The story could follow only two routes: 1) A discussion about privacy. 2) A discussion about a sex toy. Well duh! It doesn’t take a anthropology genius to know which way the conversation is going to go.
Report Post »Polwatcher
Posted on October 27, 2011 at 2:27pmHow many women has TSA done this to? This women had the cajones to say something. The TSA is getting their jollys at our expense every day any way they can. Strip searches, pat downs, and now this. They want to remind us that we are on their plantation, under their control, and travel at their pleasure. I doubt they will do anything to this employee because the employee didn‘t do anything their TSA boss wouldn’t do.
Report Post »TH30PH1LUS
Posted on October 27, 2011 at 4:54pmSNL hit too close to home with this TSA spoof skit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNA2y_tNy5Y
Report Post »Ruler4You
Posted on October 27, 2011 at 5:25pmI bet you this “employee” goes to a rubber room and collects pay while waiting for retirement. Just like union teachers.
Report Post »hineni
Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:56amIf TSA agents get aroused by inanimate objects in luggage, how much more when they are required to manipulate their hands in strangers’ most private parts? That is the stark image of a govt.-controlled socialist America defiling and disgracing its people.
Report Post »Marine 1
Posted on October 27, 2011 at 11:30amThe Department of Homeland Security is the most useless entity the government has besides the Department of Education. It is the worst theater one can be a part of.
Myself and other law enforcement professionals used to work for the DHS and we all left because it was a joke. We were hired because of our military and law enforcement backgrounds. It’s just another “easy government money” paycheck at the expense of the American taxpayer.
I personally tested TSA personnel at one western airport on their security measures seven times and they failed every time. In fact, I was able to get a simulated Semtex package all the way to a boarding area on the sterile side of the airport.
When I had to work at an airport in New York the folks there were the most ignorant people I have ever had to work with in my life. The school system in New York City must be $#!^.
The reality is that DHS is useless. The Border Patrol and other law enforcement are not allowed to do their jobs and we are paying for it. We need real Americans in the White House and in other leadership positions in the country. We have trators their now.
See what Rep.Chaffetz from Utah does to Big Sis.
Check this out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOQcUSemkZc
Report Post »loriann12
Posted on October 27, 2011 at 11:39amNotice it said the individual was removed from screening bags, NOT fired.
Report Post »Bill Rowland
Posted on October 27, 2011 at 12:14pmHis punishment was probably a week off with pay and a promotion to a supervisory position.
OMG
Report Post »Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on October 27, 2011 at 12:14pm@Hineni — the TSA is becoming the new KGB and armed cartel style of militia working for Mr Obama to enforce his wishes and cause as much discomfort for the lawful travelers of the nation.
Report Post »Polwatcher
Posted on October 27, 2011 at 2:44pmRecently the police arrested a TSA agent with child pornography. There apparently are all kinds at TSA. This girl is probably the only one with the cajones to ever complain about this. TSA probably does this all the time. They wanted this girl to know that they know.
Report Post »Junter
Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:55amSo she wasn’t fired just moved to other operations. I suspect this employee is African American and TSA doesn’t want to risk being sued for discrimination.
“TSA quickly launched an investigation and identified the employee responsible. That individual was immediately removed from screening operations and appropriate disciplinary action has been initiated.”
Report Post »swimmer1940
Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:53amIf you choose to fly, you are at the mercy of thieves, rapists, pedophiles, and every other member of the dregs of this society, now called TSA. Now Obama has given them the right to unionize so they can’t be fired, merely disciplined.
Report Post »I remember how we used to laugh at the “petty potentates” when we were going through airport security while touring China in the 80′s. The smaller the person, the nastier.
China has come to us.
barber2
Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:58amAllowing these people to unionize is just another stupid, vote- buying Obama decision. He is the biggest political Capitalist ever, OWS folks. This guy has instituted more polices to BUY votes than any politician to date. Latest was the student loan one – announced on his non-political, non-campaigning, jobs creation tour ! Guess he thinks Americans are as dumb as his lap dog media !
Report Post »gwssacredcause
Posted on October 27, 2011 at 1:10pmHitler also turned office into power by acts of sham legality. If our schools and colleges were more interested in education and less active in indoctrination people would know there history and understand the serious nature of these power grabs.
Report Post »American_Made
Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:52amTSA= Gestapo. This agent is just one of the moronic subclass.
Report Post »cromag11b
Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:51amOne TDY trip I found someone’s lunch remnants in the shoe compartment of my luggage with the “We went through your stuff’ note. Paper bag, sandwich wrapper, and an empty bag of chips.
Report Post »barber2
Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:50amROTH: I really didn’t realize that sheep were noted for being rational . Guess I can ask you : how is it being arrogant ?
Report Post »Unix
Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:49amyeah right, probably was given a raise and a management job! TSA is a thug organization and should be disbanded immediately, but don’t hold your breath.
Report Post »momrules
Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:39amThese TSA agents were low paid powerless people until they took their current jobs. Now they have power and quite a lot of power at that. Small people with power over other people is a very dangerous situation.
Report Post »TheLeftMadeMeRight
Posted on October 27, 2011 at 11:02amIt’s the same way with the IRS. A powerless middle class worker is employed by the IRS and suddenly has power over another person’s life. Respect my authority or else.
Absolute power corrupts absolutely…
Report Post »Meyvn
Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:36amNow he can go join his peers at OWS somewhere.
Report Post »1proudAmerican
Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:33amThe woman just happens to be “a blogger for the site Femeniste”, and now it’s all over the internet. Sounds like a setup to me.
Report Post »babylonvi
Posted on October 27, 2011 at 11:25amAgreed
Report Post »Don_Tanna
Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:32amSeems seem to be a classic lib.
This is what big government get you liberals!
Report Post »Corwin of Amber
Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:24am“with imPUNity” as well…
Report Post »littlefish
Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:23amSo what promotion to the upper Obama team did this freak get !
TIC
Report Post »ares338
Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:14amShe wanted to know where she could buy one herself!
Report Post »rationallyurs
Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:08amthe tsa hires these thugs–darn near illiterate, felons–but diversity and political correctness is the democrap way
Report Post »Rothbardian_in_the_Cleve
Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:22amAnd we do nothing.
Report Post »garygromele
Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:06amThis story “reverberates” throughout the ranks of the TSA…
Report Post »ANOTHER ISOLATED INCIDENT
Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:06amPROOFREADING??? We don‘t need no stinking ’proofreading’!
Report Post »Smokey_Bojangles
Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:04amThat was “Get Your Freak on girl.” No telling what the TSA pervert did with it before returning it.She may want to throw it away and bill the TSA for a new one.Now is when the real Constitutionalists stand up.The people who are more offended over her having a sex toy than the fact her rights were violated.Just like the people who want the Government to drug test Food stamp recipients with out care for their 4th amendment rights,yet will pitch a fit when the Police start Random Police searches of their own homes when Obama declares martial law.
Report Post »wtfhappend
Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:50amAnd then confiscates our firearms out of noncompliance of some obscured law.
Report Post »Smokey_Bojangles
Posted on October 27, 2011 at 1:25pmYou got that right wtfhappend.How far ca we trust the Government?Not very far.
Report Post »CaptMickeyd
Posted on October 27, 2011 at 1:56pmI think the difference with welfare recipients is the fact that with any job you are subject to drug screening, but with welfare you can get a check and not be subject to the same standards. 4th amendment does not apply in that instance. Random police searches of my personal property? Whole different story.
Report Post »Birgitte
Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:02amI think you should proofread your stories and check the facts before posting. You left the y off “sex toy” and misquoted the note as Funk, not Freak, clearly seen in the photo. Have another cup of coffee and wake up. It’s unprofessional to post these easy to find mistakes..
Report Post »barber2
Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:00amI prefer to focus my anger on the barbaric terrorists who have created this need for additional security rather than those who are employed to accomplish this. That said I think the note was inappropriate . Also you have a few mistakes in this article which are also inappropriately low for credibility and attention to detail.
Report Post »HorseCrazy
Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:10amI agree with you BUT the tsa did nothing the last time I flew on the big airlines, a tsa agent cut my photo out of my family phtograph (me next to my husband and children) and stole my personal items from my dirty clothes on my return home so he could do what ever perveted things he chose. They did NOTHING. These TSA searches need to stop. Good thing my husband is a pilot and we have a plane otherwise I would not travel. Apparently in order to get justice you need to be a loud mouth with a blog. Get rid of the TSA
Report Post »Rothbardian_in_the_Cleve
Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:23amOh please. How is it being a sheep?
Report Post »Brooke Lorren
Posted on October 27, 2011 at 1:05pmBut then again, more people drown in bathtubs than are killed by terrorism…
I’m not afraid of drowning in my bathtub, are you?
Then why have we rearranged our entire way of life, giving up all of our liberties, to prevent something that kills fewer people than drown in bathtubs?
Report Post »dgremark12
Posted on October 27, 2011 at 9:58amShe’s cute, why do you need a toy? I would service you!
Report Post »darkknight91
Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:15amShe’s still a braindead liberal.
Report Post »booger71
Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:46amEven brain dead liberals have their uses.
Report Post »zorro
Posted on October 27, 2011 at 2:27pmShe would probably want to talk, though. Who’d want to listen to that garbage?
She is cute, though.
Report Post »BadgerBenson
Posted on October 27, 2011 at 9:58amI’m pretty sure it says “Get your freak on” not funk. Either way.
Report Post »biohazard23
Posted on October 27, 2011 at 9:54amSo instead of checking bags the agent in question has been promoted to molesting grandmothers, toddlers, cancer patients, and women with mastectomies…..
Report Post »brntout
Posted on October 27, 2011 at 9:59amMore like man behind the scanner.That Fanta ad was appropiate don’t ya think/
Report Post »Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on October 27, 2011 at 9:59amAnd this coming from the TSA that is now doing “random” stopping of trucks on highways for the inspections for terrorists; also at train passenger depots and the bus line services? We are more and more seeing the growth of a incompetent, out of control and unmanagable band of thugs who are able to do as they please with immunity.
Report Post »Rothbardian_in_the_Cleve
Posted on October 27, 2011 at 10:25amAgain, we do nothing. Oh sure, there’s outrage. And then we go elect a spineless RINO and submit to searches at checkpoints. We are sheep, we get what we deserve. We should just stop with these posts about how indignant we are.
Report Post »Bill Rowland
Posted on October 27, 2011 at 12:18pmThe most feared words in the english language “I‘m from the government and I’m here to help”
OMG
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