I had been standing in a long line at security at LaGuardia a number of years ago. After 25 minutes I was finally up to the point of putting my luggage in the X-ray machine. I heard a voice next to me say, “Step aside for VIP”. A black female TSA agent gave the directive, the VIP was Jessie Jackson who with another large black male was standing next to the agent.
At the time Mr. Jackson held no government office, he was I private citizen like me. I politely asked the agent why the VIP could not wait in line like the rest of us travelers. She gave me a very stern look and said, “You’ll step aside and keep your mouth shut if you know what’s good for you. Not wanting to create a scene, and given I was traveling on business I knew if I was arrested I’d probably lose my job, I stepped back and quietly watched as Mr. Jackson and his companion were whisked through. As they moved on the female agent whispered to the black male security agent monitoring the area.
I put my luggage on the belt and went through the scanner. As I exited the scanner the security agent told me to get my bag and come with him. He directed me to an area behind a curtain where I was given an aggressive pat down. Another agent opened and unpacked my bag, examining every item, and piling my clothing in a messy pile. When the extremely slow inspection was completed, the agent gave me a big toothy smile and said - “You may go”.
I refolded my clothes, repacked my bag, and fortunately made my flight.
I spoke to an FBI agent friend about the incident. He told me I did the right thing. If I had argued with the agents I would have been arrested, spent the night in detention, been charged with some federal crime. If I didn’t plea bargain to a lesser charge I’d have gone to trial in federal court, the agents would have testified against me, I would have no witnesses to testify to my story (I wasn’t traveling with anyone I knew), the incident would be highly publicized by the government to embarrass me publicly, and I’d have likely served some jail time.
That incident demonstrated to me clearly that our federal government is exerting too much power over the people. The founding fathers would be horrified. We can thank President George H. W. Bush, for the tyranny that is the TSA and Department of Homeland Security.
Anyone who believes all citizens are equal in the eyes of those who govern us is either extremely naive or a fool.
It was W... not HW. And there’s nothing we the people can do about it except stay in our place.
My wife booked a vacation that’s non refundable and non transferable. That means we have to fly somewhere or lose a bunch of money. That also means we have to fly even though I swore 5 years ago I’d never fly again. Just because of crap like what happened to you. The TSA agents, qualified to be janitors, love pushing people around.
I totally believe your story. I’ve also seen evidence of the terminal arrogance that is in place within some of the TSA.
This extreme bureaucrap will be very difficult to remove.
OMG, this is INFURIATING!!!!