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.
Unfortunately most will submit. I know I will have to submit. I have a security clearance and don’t want to lose it when traveling for the government.
If flying on my personal time I would definitely refuse.
We need a real rosa parks moment.
Just sent a letter to Delta that they lost four flights this coming year. They need to get lobbying.
I like it! Something along the lines of ‘blow me’ .....
;)
I am not saying what the TSA is doing is right or the Napoleon wannabe supervisor handled the situation well. Its just that they are low on the food chain along a attitude to match and are doing what they are told.
Their reflex reaction is always up the ante and to involve a LEO as muscle.
I can imagine it.
Barack Obama and Janet Napelitano would tell their agents to stop it because illegals can do whatever they want in the United States while they go out of their way to limit the rights of American citizens.
This is the nature of the evil liberal beast in all its forms.
ROFLOL!!
I was considering putting on a strap on :-) or as someone in another thread suggested...wear a kilt without underwear.
And to kick it up a notch...throw a liberal amount of KY or Vaseline on the hangdown :-)
And the reason dressing as a muslim and carrying a koran would work is because some balsy muslims before you stood up to the system. The right needs to learn a few lessons about real social hand-to-hand combat from the left.
Well if even YOU guys are intimidated, we are finished.
I thought you guys salivate at the chance to nail an egregious violator of Constitutional liberties?
Or is the Constitution that far-gone already?
I wonder what would have happened if after declining the pat down search if you instead offered to drop your drawers and raise your shirt for a visual inspection instead of the groping? You know at my age it is a way of getting even, what has been seen can not be unseen, they would have to live with that image for the rest of their lives!
So the thug claimed he was about to commit some 'crime' for not allowing himself to be sexually assaulted. At the very least, when being accused of this, it would be best your attorney is involved and speaks for you to the "authorities" rather then you attempt to handle it on your own. Maybe you should refuse to speak with them until they contact your attorney for you if your phone isn't handy. If they treat you like a common criminal then they need to deal with your attorney, not you.
And ask for clean gloves and a doctor to perform the "examination".
Hope they bought you dinner & flowers.
The disparity between these searches and the treatment of illegals by the federal government is simply stunning.
I wonder how we have survived for so long (during the Bush Adm) without having to be molested at the airport before boarding?
Maybe if the TSA (Obama Adm) figured out who the real enemy is normal citizens would go about our daily lives without this crap!
I wonder what would have happened if after declining the pat down search if you instead offered to drop your drawers and raise your shirt for a visual inspection instead of the groping? You know at my age it is a way of getting even, what has been seen can not be unseen, they would have to live with that image for the rest of their lives!
We had it with the 'don't touch my junk' man. He was escorted from the airport and the TSA director in LA says the TSA is going to 'probe' him further and said he is liable for a fine exceeding $10,000.
Great ideas. lol
When you sue the Feds, the Feds have to agree to be sued. It makes that a bit tougher.
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