Posted on 12/26/2011 3:52:36 PM PST by upchuck
The Transportation Security Administration isn't just in airports anymore. TSA teams are increasingly conducting searches and screenings at train stations, subways, ferry terminals and other mass transit locations around the country...
The TSA's 25 "viper" teams — for Visible Intermodal Prevention and Response — have run more than 9,300 unannounced checkpoints and other search operations in the last year. Department of Homeland Security officials have asked Congress for funding to add 12 more teams next year.
According to budget documents, the department spent $110 million in fiscal 2011 for "surface transportation security," including the TSA's viper program, and is asking for an additional $24 million next year. That compares with more than $5 billion for aviation security.
TSA officials say they have no proof that the roving viper teams have foiled any terrorist plots or thwarted any major threat to public safety. But they argue that the random nature of the searches and the presence of armed officers serve as a deterrent and bolster public confidence.
But critics say that without a clear threat, the TSA checkpoints are merely political theater. Privacy advocates worry that the agency is stretching legal limits on the government's right to search U.S. citizens without probable cause — and with no proof that the scattershot checkpoints help prevent attacks.
"It's a great way to make the public think you are doing something," said Fred H. Cate, a professor at the Indiana University Maurer School of Law, who writes on privacy and security. "It's a little like saying, 'If we start throwing things up in the air, will they hit terrorists?'"
Last month in Orlando, Fla., a team set up metal detectors at a Greyhound bus station and tested passengers' bags for explosive residue.
(Excerpt) Read more at latimes.com ...
It was a figurative statement.
To use “up in arms” was probably an unfortunate (or inapt) figure of speech to use in this context. Most here naturally think of guns when the terms “arms” is mentioned, particularly when state power is being discussed.
No thanks. Antiwar.com can shove it up their butts.
The last time I enjoyed a commercial flight was when you could enjoy beers and cigarettes in flight and ogle the hot stewardesses in orange hot pants, tight t-shirts and knee-high boots.
The last time I was even inside an airport was 1997.
Not antiwar.com. infowars.com.
I am talking about those who straps bombs to themselves or who go on a gun rampage. It seems to be a specific demographic that does that.
I am talking about those who straps bombs to themselves or who go on a gun rampage. It seems to be a specific demographic that does that.
Barf.
The real T Jefferson didn’t have internal Islam to deal with. Something about domestic enemies..... hard to recall, the tolerance and diverstiy and all that CRAP!
Grow set and open your eyes.
You are correct. It is an idiomatic expression that I’ve used for around 50 or so years (picked it up from my Dad at a young age), but I should be more careful using it in threads of this nature (although I certainly wasn’t thinking along any literal sense of the phrase).
Good for you, you certainly haven’t missed anything by staying away. It certainly would have helped if more folks stopped flying (for pleasure) when these draconian measures were first instituted. But at this point I believe that society has (perhaps unwittingly) demonstrated to them that they can continue to ratchet it up and expand it at will.
Absolutely, between the ramped up Bread & Circuses (distractions) and the astounding power of the Normalcy Bias, tyranny rolls over this populace essentially unopposed.
Why is everyone treated as a terror suspect when we could target the minority of most likely suspects are? Make Muslims go through extra checks. That is what Israel does. It is reasonable and cost effective to focus on specific populations of suspicious people.
Will it take one of our cites being nuked before we figure this out?
“Flying is an ordeal at every level. The TSA is a part of it, and particularly annoying”
OK, so we wanted to take a vacation in Palm Springs last week and we go to the airport here in Seattle. I had to stand in the naked scanner, lift my arms above my head like a criminal and be exposed to radiation.
Then they found my fishing jackknife in my backpack which I forgot about. It wasn’t expensive or special, just a small multi-blade knife I got for a good price.
The TSA guy says, “you can check the bag or mail it to your home.” I was so disgusted I just said, “Toss it” and walked away.
Well, if it's Myth, I'm sure he'll fight against this with the same vigor as he fought for citizens' rights in Massachusetts. (do I really need a sarcasm tag?)
My eyes are open. I see what you and your ilk for what you are.
Glad you’re back...
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