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.
I'll take this one.
But we need someone more sympathetic. He’s a white male in his 30’s. We need a black female nun refusing the scanner and the groping.
The United States has now become a country where you are better off to renounce your citizenship, leave the country, sneak back in using a stolen identity with a Hispanic name while pretending to be a Muslim.
Do that and the government will bend over backwards to see that your “rights” are upheld.
Be a law-abiding, tax-paying citizen, and there is no end to the degradation you will be put through.
Wow! So many reply comments to this post of mine.
Yes, I AM a lawyer, and I was (am) on my way to Atlanta for two days of continuing legal education to help sharpen my skills. I assure you this episode will be discussed with my colleagues, and I’ll be even better prepared for my return flight Saturday (assuming I am allowed to board later today).
I agree that we need to come together as a freedom-loving nation and put an end to this unwarranted intrusion into our bodies. The stories I’ve read online from others demonstrate a far more pervasive problem than my little incident.
So let’s keep this thread going, and look for others to comment on as well. I’ve already sent my original post to my congressman, who just happened to send out an email poll today asking if these pat-downs are good, bad, or you’ve never flown on an airplane lately. I will follow up with him, and I encourage everyone on this board to do likewise. We can make them rescind this policy if you yell loud enough.
One thing we can push (read: scream) for is higher speed limits on certain interstates. A mere bump from 65 to 70 on the PA Turnpike (or even just the new six-lane parts) would increase my operating radius by 40-50 miles.
I-78 would also be a good candidate, as would be I-476.
They probably aren’t through with you they are investigating another who didn’t play along and look at the fines! You will probably need an attorney unless you are going to represent yourself. This fellow had a video camera hopefully it will help him.
TSA to investigate body scan resister
Oceanside man took a stand against security, went viral
Michael J. Aguilar, chief of the TSA office in San Diego, called a news conference at the airport Monday afternoon to announce the probe. He said the investigation could lead to prosecution and civil penalties of up to $11,000.
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010/nov/15/tsa-probe-scan-resistor/
Of course this is about Money.
Duncan Blasts TSA Pat-Downs, Body Scanners
November 17, 2010 11:01 AM
VIDEO
WASHINGTON – Congressman John J. Duncan, Jr. (R-Tenn.) blasted the Transportation Security Administration Wednesday during a speech on the floor of the House of Representatives for invasive “pat-downs” of U.S. citizens and the role lucrative government contracts played in the use of body scanning machines at airport checkpoints.
Duncan, former Chairman of the House Aviation Subcommittee and the current top Republican on the House Subcommittee on Highways and Transit, said: “Unfortunately, for the traveling public, big brother never makes a mistake, so I am not surprised they are trying to defend the purchase of these scanners.”
The text of Rep. Duncan’s speech is copied below:
Mr. Speaker:
A nationwide revolt is developing over the body scanners at the airports, and it should.
Hundreds of thousands of frequent fliers who fly each week are upset about getting these frequent doses of radiation.
Parents are upset about being forced to have their children radiated or being touched inappropriately by an unrelated adult.
There is already plenty of security at the airport, but now we are going to spend up to $300 million to install 1,000 scanners.
This is much more about money than it is about security.
The former Secretary of Homeland Security, Michael Chertoff, represents Rapiscan, the company which is selling these scanners to his former department.
Far too many federal contracts are sweetheart, insider deals.
Companies hire former high ranking federal officials, and then magically, those companies get hugely profitable federal contracts.
The American people should not have to choose between having full-body radiation or a very embarrassing, intrusive pat-down every time they fly, as if they were criminals.
We need a little more balance and common sense on this.
http://duncan.house.gov/2010/11/duncan-blasts-tsa-pat-downs-body-scanners.shtml
I have known Mike Evers personally for years. He is a good friend, frequent house guest here, makes a great martini and pursues only the most beautiful of women... and does so successfully.
Mike fits no one’s profile of a terrorist. He is 50+/- year old white male.... in an expensive suit.
He is also a bulldog lawyer.
Good luck, TSA.
I'd have no problem finding an attorney.
It boils down to: they don't have right to do anything without my consent. And, buying an airline ticket does not grant consent for anything.
If I choose to go through the metal detector or the new X-ray machines, I've consented. But, I have the right to revoke my consent at any time -- I don't care what the government says.
If I revoke my consent, I also forfeit my ability to depart on my flight. But, it doesn't give them the right to detain me.
The only way I lose my right to consent or they have the right to detain me if I'm arrested. And if they do that, I'm not answering any questions or consenting to anything unless my lawyer is present.
The only exceptions to that rule is if there is an reason to suspect that I committed a crime. And my refusal to consent to a search is not a valid reason to suspect I've committed a crime. There are multiple Supreme Court precedents for this.
If it was that simple there would already be cases pending.
You didn't see the earlier posting from the woman who is doing exactly that?
This is a new policy. And that's why you are suddenly seeing an explosion of people that experience it.
They should at the least have to buy you dinner beforehand.
Sue for unlawful restraint, unlawful arrest, indecent touching, violation of Federal Civil Rights, and others. We need more citizen Rosa Parks. I apologize on behalf of my nation to you.
So sorry for what you've gone through and the residual stress it must be putting you under. Our nation is BETTER than this.
November 17, 2010 10:34 AM PST
Senate Democrats back TSA ‘virtual strip searches’
http://news.cnet.com/8301-31921_3-20023108-281.html#ixzz15ZTwcpBN
P.S. Mike spoke at a lot of TEA Party rallies this year, where he was known as “Red Meat Mike.” He was the one who would throw the pink slips out into the crowd.
I’m told they won’t do the pat down thing unless something triggers the metal detector. At least that’s how it was explained to me.
“Don’t Touch My Junk” Flier Unlikely to Face Fine
by Craig Schulz | November 17, 2010
Transportation Security Administrator John Pistole doubts the “don’t touch my junk” traveler, John Tyner, will face the $10,000 fine allowed by law.
“I don’t anticipate anything coming from that,” Pistole said.
Tyner secretly recorded his TSA pat down experience on a cell phone camera and has become one of the voices in a chorus of angry Americans protesting the new security procedures in place at the nation’s airports.
And if you’re traveling soon, consider yourself forewarned: Even the man in charge of the TSA’s aggressive new procedure says he was “uncomfortable” the first time he received a pat down.
“It is clearly more invasive,” Pistole admitted to the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation committee Wednesday. He insisted that he receive a pat down before deploying it as a security technique nationwide.
But that doesn’t mean the public outcry over the pat downs and scanners is going to lead to a scaling back of the tactic.
He is the perfect profile of everyone's favorite "soft target" the middle aged white male.
Thanks for all those complements Mindbender. I am changing clothes for the return this afternoon so I don’t call too much attention to myself. I had quite a crowd gathered this morning.
And you know who is going to get a call about this in Washington. This is destined to be a very short-lived experiment in social control—very short-lived!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.