[Hostage]

I'd like to hear from Freepers what they would do in a case like this. I am calling the SeaTac Airport Manager's office tomorrow. I will write President Bush. That's all I can think to do at the moment.

[MIT-Elephant]

If she was wearing a burqa they wouldn't have dared put her in a retention room.

[lawdude]

Contact your Senator in tennies for immediate action....sarc/

[wmc-50]

Sorry for the inconvenience.

I traveled to Europe after 9-11-2001. Upon arrival at the Zurich airport I met a very nice officer who pointed an MP-5 sub-machinegun at me. Inadvertently, of course. /S/

If I were a terrorist, I would try to find any one and any way to do my business, including using your 75 year old mother-in-law.

My wife and 15 year old daughter went out of country last July and were searched. Stuff happens.

[sissyjane]

I really don't think writing the President is going to do any good whatsoever. I'm sorry it happened, but it's over.

[Bahbah]

This is absolutely outrageous. That poor woman. How can people be so stupid!

I am very glad your mother-in-law is with her much awaited grandson (and congratulations to you and your wife). I think you ought to contact your Senators.

[NerdDad]

You should definitely contact the airport manager but only as a courtesy. Don't expect him/her to be able to do much. His authority over customs officials will be extremely limited.

A letter to President Bush, other than as a comfort to yourself, is a waste of paper and ink.

Contacting the Lithuanian embassy/consulate and your congress critters is the best "official" means of getting a redress of your grievances.

Finding a sympathetic set of media types (TV, radio, and print) who can direct the glare of attention on the situation will act as a hot poker in the backside of your congress critters. A TV interview request to your congressman will rain down fireballs on the DHS people at and above SEATAC.

It would be interesting to see a count of how many arab men between the ages of 17 and 35 get the same kind of treatment as this Lithuanian grandmother. All of our government officials need to be constantly reminded that all the terrorists involved in attacks on US interests have been a part of the arab male group mentioned above.

[Red Boots]

How about contacting the media ?

It seems unlikely that it could be policy to strip search liitle old ladies to their underwear, and leave them bewildered and alone in a room.

It seems more likely that it was some mean-spirited employee throwing his/her weight around. Sometimes there's nothing better than throwing a little public scrunity on these people. Remember what just happened with the holiday trees there ?

Anyway, please express my condolences to her, what a scary and awful thing to have to go through.

[paulat]

If this is true (which I doubt)

Call

KING5 - television station
KIRO7 - television station
KOMO4 - television station
KIRONEWS.com - radio station
KOMONEWS.com - radio station

You can get all of their phone numbers online.

[wizr]

Hug your mother-in-law for me, and tell her congratulations on the birth of her new grandbaby.

[semaj]

Do a full-blown press release detailing the abuse your Mother-inLaw endured at the heavy hands of bureaucratic incompetents.

[backtothestreets]

Had a similar situation at LAX years ago. Do contact you Representative and Senators in Congress. If possible, print and deliver personally what you have written here. It is well composed. Express the displeasure with all, but save your angst for Customs.

Your mother-in-law is due an apology, which she may or may not receive. Her experience need not be left in humiliation. If your press the issue her experience could help stop further abuses to others. If you feel it necessary, contact local news resources. You can email them the account you have posted. Airing such stories can apply great pressure upon Customs to improve their activities.

[mdittmar]

Grandmas here,relax,this is life post 911.

[ItisaReligionofPeace]

Writing President Bush is a foolish idea. Complain to the appropriate parties. Good luch!

[DeFault User]

Customs had asked grandmother a series of questions and she could not answer. She kept telling them "no English, no English"

At one time these questions were printed on forms given to each arriving visitor in the language of their home country. Is this no longer done? Seems like that would avoid the situation you described.

[EGPWS]

Here's the story and the reason we are "fed up".

Give us the REAL reason Hostage...

[trussell]

Americans cant have it both ways...we either want to be secured against infiltration, or we want an "easy access, every has a free pass" society.

[RGSpincich]

You should have approached the airline for an "escort pass". When the elderly, unaccompanied children, handicapped, etc. travel these passes are issued to the "greeters" if warranted. Your wife could have met grandma and escorted her through customs.

[DustyMoment]

This is disgraceful and outrageous and, on behalf of real Americans, please convey our apologies to your Mother-in-Law. This is TSA/Customs crap that is directed by one of the most incompetent and overpriced agencies in America.

Complain to Michael Chertoff - he runs the Dept. of Homeland Security and should be taken to task for this outrage.

[trussell]

A few hours inconvenience at least assures that she arrived safely to see her precious grandson. I would think the inconvenience is worth the feeling of security.

[paulat]

I need to get in touch with you ASAP....there are folks wanting to know your story. The folks at SeaTac are especially interested, LOL!!!

Pleae FReepmail me for connections.