For me, I have to journey to the frozen north in the foreseeable future, and I'm driving.
The FedGov and the airlines who continue to allow this flagrant abuse of the citizenry can all go bankrupt and burn in hell.
Posted on 11/17/2010 11:22:37 AM PST by Mike Evers
Very unpleasant experience today with TSA employees on a mission from God to conduct full body pat-downs whenever they could. You’ve heard about it. You’ve seen it on television. Well, it actually happened to me this morning and I almost went to jail over it.
I was attempting to fly out of Sarasota, Florida to Atlanta, Georgia today. I cleared security and got out to my gate only to discover the flight was delayed for another hour and a half. So I exited the boarding area and went to one of the restaurants in the main terminal. When I attempted to go back through security I was detained and told to sit in a Plexiglas cubical. I was now separated from my carry-on bag, my shoes, wallet, cell phone, watch and belt. Eventually a TSA employee entered and began to describe the procedures he was going to use to pat-down my entire body. I declined, and said I wanted to go back through the scanner. After all, I had cleared it earlier in the morning, and there was nothing new on my person. Perhaps it was just a misreading.
Well, they would have none of that. A very pompous little supervisor came over and asked me if I wanted to fly today. I informed him that was my intention. Otherwise, why would I be in his little plexiglass cubical. I told him I did not wish to submit to the full body pat-down because I believe it is unwarranted and potentially an unconstitutional invasion of my right to privacy—you know, the privacy right the Supreme Court says is in the Constitution even though there are no such words to that effect. Not persuaded by my argument, the supervisor told me to submit or he would have me arrested. I asked what law I was allegedly violating. He said refusal to submit to federal authority. I replied that I thought there were less intrusive alternatives. He said “No,” and once again demanded that I submit. I declined, so he brought over his superior and three Sheriff’s deputies. Now it was getting interesting.
So much time was taken up with all this nonsense that I missed my flight. When I informed them that I wished to leave the screening area so I could see about another flight I was advised that I was not allowed to leave. Now that I had tripped into their briar patch I either submitted to their search or face arrest. I contemplated the arrest scenario in earnest. When I was in law school 30 years ago, I don’t recall things being like this. Certainly there have been some changes, especially after 9-11, but full body pat-downs and groping of genitalia? When did all this come about Janet Napolitano? Last week? Well, I don’t think it will be around six months from now, so enjoy it while you can.
Facing certain arrest if I refused to submit to their police tactics, I agreed to the search and was led to a private cubical with frosted glass to keep things a bit more private. A Sheriff’s deputy stood inside because I said I did not wish to be without witnesses should the TSA employee get a bit too frisky while feeling every inch of my body, and I do mean “every inch!” Ladies, you are going to love this new procedure when you get singled out for “special” treatment. And guys, you are not going to like it one bit. No happy ending!
Naturally, the extraordinary feel-down didn’t produce anything explosive, or otherwise. Nevertheless, I was informed that the contents of my carry-on bag needed to be searched. Once again, I protested, informing them that it had already passed through screening on the x-ray conveyor belt. Well, now things were different. Now that I was getting the “special” treatment, the entire contents of my bag were laid out on the table for all to see. About 13 local and federal agents gathered around for this little training exercise, or as our beloved President Obama would call it, a “teachable moment.” Fortunately, I wasn’t carrying any sexy lingerie or other items that could cause one to blush. And the extra look-through didn’t produce anything explosive or dangerous, even though I mentioned that my house key could be used to poke out someone’s eye. They failed to see the humor in that observation and stuffed my belongings back into the bag and escorted me out of the screening area and into the ticketing terminal. I got booked on a late afternoon flight, rented a car for three hours ($18 is a lot cheaper than a taxi), and came home to catch on some work before returning to the brave new world of TSA dominance.
As a Million Miler with Delta, I have a little bit of experience with this whole flying thing. I was flying long before 9-11 brought about all this beefed up security and intrusiveness. I’ve faced plenty of airport security issues about the decade, had valuable items stolen from my checked bags by TSA employees, and now this arrogant display of unbridled assault and battery on my body, all in the name of protecting the American public. I publish this missive and add my voice to the growing tide of rebellion over this unprecedented intrusion against our personal freedom.
Now, it’s time to head back to the airport and pray that there has been a shift change in the screening area. If not, please come visit me wherever they decide to lock me up.
Yes, this is the most appalling about this debacle. Everyone read Lost’s post.
Apparently (and this happened to this guy and the guy in San Diego), once you decide you do not want this government rape, you have lost your right to leave. The TSA (and airport police??) FORCE you to submit to the rape anyway.
WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED TO OUR RIGHTS AS FREE CITIZENS???
They now assume that if an American decides NOT to submit to the sexual assault, and wishes to leave the airport, that this is a threat to them??
This has gone FAR too far.
I was thinking about making up some gooey goo out of corn syrup and corn starch, dying it with red food coloring, and saturating a sanitary pad with it. “Enjoy!!”
Yep. All true.
I wasn’t planning to travel on the Nov 24 “Opt Out Day”, but I am considering getting a poster made up and taking it to our airport to warn people. Something along the lines of “Know Before You Go”.
I don’t think the majority of people know about the naked scanners and “enhanced pat downs”. And I can guarantee you that most don’t know that if they get in the line, they’re signing up to finish the process. Like you, I think it’s nuts, but maybe informing people is a good start.
Oh Syncro, NOOOOO, is that out of McCarran airport??? I have to fly out of it in a few weeks. UGGGHHHH.
perfect! lol
Oh yes, great story. We need a couple more famous people like Penn sharing their stories and calling for the cops. Please, famous people, make like Penn and help all Americans fight this lack of freedom.
Let me offer my opinion on how it has gone too far.
I flew yesterday and had some extra time on the way back so I sat and watched a security station for about 30 minutes in the Minneapolis airport.
It was disgusting.
As I sat there and there were 3 women in 30 minutes that set off the metal detector even after taking off all metal objects. All three were 55-65 year old white women that were full figured. My assumption was they were likely wearing underwire bras.
So under the new rules they get subjected to the “enhanced patdown”. In full view of everyone a TSA agent stands in front of the victim and rubs the back of her hand in circles around each breast. Then the TSA agent rubs the back of hand up and down over the front surface of the victim's breast. This is not a “pat down”, this is the rubbing of the hands repeatedly over the breasts. Each of the victims turned bright red with embarrassment while this was happening. The TSA agents took their time and were in no hurry as they stroked the women's breasts. It was very disturbing to watch.
The look on the faces of the victims as they walked away was that of abject embarrassment. I really got the feeling they have never been treated like this before (having their breasts stroked repeatedly in public by a stranger).
This crap has to stop. These women were no threat to anybody and they have to groped in public according to the new rules? It is sick and twisted.
Good news! /s
Thanks, Mike. Appreciate this thread. If it works out good for you, it works out good for America. I’ll be on the lookout for any updates.
Get lost with your defeatist attitude. Do you work for the TSA or wish you did?
For me, I have to journey to the frozen north in the foreseeable future, and I'm driving.
The FedGov and the airlines who continue to allow this flagrant abuse of the citizenry can all go bankrupt and burn in hell.
I had a friend post on facebook this morning that she was flying for work and had just been “violated” by someone from the TSA because she was wearing an underwire bra.
I’m not going anywhere I can’t drive. And it’s not going to hurt me one bit. Screw them.
To see is one step. To see things for what they are, another step. To plan an action based on what was observed and what it means is another step. Then we step into action, and the battle, the fray, attack and counter. Steps froward and back, against serious resistance. The step after that is resolve and becoming indomitable.
Thanks for seeing. Thanks for saying things were for what they were.
I was wondering if there was some kind of body paint that would show up on the screen. The message possibilities are endless!
I just wanted to comment on your “its optional to fly.”
Sure its optional if you are taking a vacation.
But for the millions of business people who fly every day, it is not optional. In my office alone, the engineers, sales people, quality people, production people, vice president and CEO all fly at least quarterly. Some have to make multiple flights a week.
If we stop flying, we can not get our job done. Then, I get fired and can’t feed my family. If the entire company stops, we don’t sell products and 100’s are out of work.
If my industry stops flying, construction equipment takes much longer to design and build with higher costs. This directly impacts the cost housing, shopping centers, hospitals, etc.
So in this day and age, flying is NOT an option for millions of people. It is required for their job.
Notice that he used the words, “pompous” and “arrogant” to describe these TSA thugs. That’s their attitude precisely. It’s got to stop!
Actually, as long as one can raise them self back to their naturally superior level, what's the problem?
“Obama wins.”
So does Osama
Where are liberals? They’re the ones who made the fourth and fifth amendments apply to such an extreme that it’s difficult to get convictions in criminal cases. If they were true to their proclaimed principles, they should be howling about this unreasonable search and seizure.
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