TSA

[custosnox]

I escaped the scanner on my last trip for some reason.  Wasn't that big a crowd, either.  Maybe I just look old enough to not be a threat?  Geez,...when they disrobe a 95 year old...I must look REAL old!!

I think I got sent to the scanner two of the last three times I flew.  Maybe when I fly here in a few weeks I'll take the opt out option, and put on the biggest flaming act of my life, and see how uncomfortable I can make it for the person violating me.

[dbacks fan]

I like the scanners. Last time I went to the airport I taped some of my kid's magnetic letters to my chest that said, "not a threat."

When I went through the scanner in Portland, and asked if I could have a copy of my first acting appearence in a porno.

[patric]

In the latest apparent case of what have been hundreds of thefts by TSA officers of passenger belongings, an iPad left behind at a security checkpoint in the Orlando airport was tracked as it moved 30 miles to the home of the TSA officer last seen handling it.

Confronted two weeks later by ABC News, the TSA officer, Andy Ramirez, at first denied having the missing iPad, but ultimately turned it over after blaming his wife for taking it from the airport.

The iPad was one of ten purposely left behind at TSA checkpoints at major airports with a history of theft by government screeners, as part of an ABC News investigation into the TSA's ongoing problem with theft from passengers.

According to the TSA, 381 TSA officers have been fired for theft between 2003 and 2012.

In the ABC News investigation, TSA officers at nine of the ten airport checkpoints followed agency guidelines and immediately contacted the owner, whose name and phone number were displayed prominently on the iPad case.
But in Orlando, the iPad was not immediately returned and two hours later its tracking application showed the device as it moved away from the airport to the home of the TSA officer.

After waiting 15 days, ABC News went to the home and asked Ramirez to return the iPad.
Ramirez produced the iPad only after ABC News activated an audio alarm feature, and turned it over after taking off his TSA uniform shirt.
http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/abc-news-tracks-missing-ipad-florida-home-tsa/story?id=17331937

[nathanm]

Wow, he blamed his wife...

More generally, this is why I don't let my belongings out of my sight while they grope me. They get a little shouty sometimes when I have to stand in the way waiting on the "male assist," but I don't really mind. Whatever helps them get through the day. I would also be stressed if I had to spend every working day abusing people. Having been subject to their maximum possible escalation in 2002, I'm not terribly concerned with a few words.

[TheTed]

The TSA types here at our local airport always seem to be pretty good about letting me watch my belongings while they grope me.

It may be harder to watch your belongings at some busier airports with less open floorplans, but all the busier airports I've been to don't have time to make everyone go through the nude-o-scope (and opt out in favor of a grope) like we do.

[nathanm]

I have the best luck. I'm always directed to the strip search machine. Orlando, Miami, Dallas, doesn't matter. I suspect my long hair makes them think they can get a free bag of some illegal drug if they send me through the machine.

[DolfanBob]

I have the best luck. I'm always directed to the strip search machine. Orlando, Miami, Dallas, doesn't matter. I suspect my long hair makes them think they can get a free bag of some illegal drug if they send me through the machine.

And what drug might that be, pray tell.

[nathanm]

And what drug might that be, pray tell.

If only I knew.

[Ed W]

A photographer said that he found the ideal way to provide enhanced security for his checked luggage.  He purchased a starter pistol that has to be declared as a firearm when flying, and he puts it inside his locked camera case. Firearms receive special attention from the airlines and he never worries about them losing the case, though he has to pick it up at the ticket desk or baggage claim office.

[shadows]

I have seen children with green plastic toy guns sent back to the desk.  I have had to check my Boy Scout knife at the court house.  I had a new coat with brass buttons on the sleeves that would not scan until I took it off along with the tie clasps.  If it stops another 9/11 it is worth the inconvenient.       

[nathanm]

If it stops another 9/11 it is worth the inconvenient.       

Box cutters were allowed on planes before 9/11. Airport security was not the failure.

[heironymouspasparagus]

I have seen children with green plastic toy guns sent back to the desk.  I have had to check my Boy Scout knife at the court house.  I had a new coat with brass buttons on the sleeves that would not scan until I took it off along with the tie clasps.  If it stops another 9/11 it is worth the inconvenient.       

All of which has either been shown NOT to be of any consequence or totally irrelevant to the security of the nation.

[patric]

Feds strand NDAA critic in Hawaii using 'No-Fly' list, no explanation given
http://www.examiner.com/article/feds-strand-ndaa-critic-hawaii-using-no-fly-list-no-explanation-given

Wade Hicks, Jr., a Mississippi man who simply wanted to visit his wife in Okinawa, Japan, learned earlier this week that he is on a "No-Fly" list after flying from Travis Air Force Base, California, to Hawaii.
"They have given me no reason," Hicks told Canada Free Press reporter Doug Hagmann. They just basically are telling me, 'You can't fly because we said so.'"

Hicks, who is a member of "Patriots for America" and the Mississippi Preparedness Project, told Examiner that "it is quite possible" he ended up on the list because of his political views.
"He is openly vocal about the erosion of our rights - and it certainly looks like he has been proven correct," Hagmann added.

As of Thursday, Hicks is still stranded in Hawaii, but despite being on the list usually reserved for terrorists and others deemed to be national security threats, he is allowed to stay on a military base, but has to pay for his own lodging.
Hicks told Examiner that authorities did not detain him, nor did they take any of his credentials. He is also free to leave Hawaii any time wants - as long as he doesn't fly.

According to Business Insider, Hicks "holds a Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC), a security card issued by the TSA for transportation personnel."  He has also passed extensive background checks and holds an enhanced concealed carry permit.

"I feel like a prisoner in my own country, but no one will tell me what I've done to be placed on the 'No-Fly' list. I'm not allowed to know"

[heironymouspasparagus]

And Oklahoma in it's infinite wisdom of electing the current idiot governor, will no longer be able to use your driver license as ID for airplane travel, after the first of the year.  (This is one of those 'lost freedoms' I ranted about elsewhere that is useless, but makes the bureaucracy happy.)

[Hoss]

And Oklahoma in it's infinite wisdom of electing the current idiot governor, will no longer be able to use your driver license as ID for airplane travel, after the first of the year.  (This is one of those 'lost freedoms' I ranted about elsewhere that is useless, but makes the bureaucracy happy.)

 What did I miss here?  having a hard time tracking that down on the inturhtoobz.