Alkon: Don't go quietly

Amy Alkon has an entry on her latest violation at the hands of the TSA. After years of degradation by the TSA, there is nothing particularly remarkable about her experience: she was sexually assaulted because she bought a plane ticket.

I wholeheartedly agree with her final remarks:

I will at least make a spectacle of myself and in turn of what they are doing.

Don't go quietly, please. And name names of those who violate you -- post their name (THEDALA MAGEE!) and a picture of them if you can find or take it. (To avoid a libel suit, be absolutely sure it's the right person -- there were a number of Tiffany Applewhites, and most of them are regular people who don't appear to grope people's genitals for a living.)
If more people screamed and yelled and protested in some way, we might be able to make some change. In so many ways lately, our constitutional rights are being eroded. Keeping quiet will not end well for any of us.

If you are having trouble finding a place to publish your story, please send it to me using the contact form on this blog.

Underbomber witness statement

Please read this heroic statement by underbomber would-be victim, Kurt Haskell. An excerpt:

In closing I will just say that regardless of how the media and government try to shape the public perception of this case, I am convinced that Umar was given an intentionally defective bomb by a U.S. Government agent and placed on our flight without showing a passport or going through security, to stage a false terrorist attack to be used to implement various government policies.

The effect this matter has had on my life has been astounding and due to this case, I will never trust the government in any matter, ever.

In regards to sentencing, nothing I’ve said excuses the fact that Umar tried to kill me.

'Nothing better than a disobedient government agent'

A friend wrote to tell me his recent encounter with the TSA at the Houston airport:

So, I'm was at the Houston airport which just loves the porno scanners. The TSA agents seem to be the most gung-ho here. I don't know what it is...perhaps it's a Texas neocon thing. Well, I figured out that they usually have people go through the regular metal detectors, and then they randomly switch to the porno scanners. In the past, I've just gotten into a line where I've seen about a dozen people pass through the regular metal detectors. I did the same thing this time, but they decided to switch to the porno scanner right as I got there. So, I decided to opt out. I thought that my luck had run out but it hadn't. The lady at the scanner was the regular TSA thug, but the guy that was supposed to search me was much more relaxed. I didn't get an authoritarian vibe from him at all. Essentially, he didn't even do his job. He gave me the old-fashioned search one would receive if the metal kept beeping -nothing invasive. This reminds me of a saying, "There's nothing worse than an honest bureaucrat when the laws are dumb." I actually thanked the agent afterweard. Thank God for government agents that refuse to follow rules and procedures!

The concession: Kids keep their shoes on

A mom writes of her interaction with airport security and having to remove her 14-month-old's shoes. I can't say I admire her when she so blindly accepts the "need" for TSA and absurd procedures, but only draws a line (sorta) when they become too absurd. But, anyway, she points out that part of the special new procedures at Boston Logan, where SPOT is being tested, is that kids under 12 won't have to remove their shoes.

Be gracious to your overlords, peons, for they have listened and are so compassionate that your youngest children can wear their shoes.

Dated testamonial from amputee is circulating

This story from the beginning of last summer (May 2010) is heartbreaking, not only for the humiliation of this woman, but also the ridiculous justification given for the ill-treatment of her son:

As predicted, and as is typical, I was directed to the Plexiglas waiting area after I triggered the metal detector. Robby proudly walked through the sensors, running into my arms. Apparently that was a mistake, because he was taken back through the sensors again because he had been "compromised" by touching me. He was not pleased.

... After Robby's second screening, he was directed by an imposing figure to sit in a chair and not to communicate with me. He was scared and asked me if everything was okay. He broke the "rule" and the consequence was a full body pat down. I was forced to sit in a chair and helplessly watch my scared little boy get patted down for explosives. I was angry and perplexed when they pulled back his hands and peeked into his diaper. When his ordeal was over, Robby sat quietly shaking in a chair staring at me.

So, a 4-year-old (four!!) is expected to 1) stay separated from his mother, 2) sit still, and 3) not talk, including asking his mother if everything is okay. Any one of those three demands is, well, just dumb, not to mention wrong. But the TSA piled on three stupid, immoral, and probably illegal demands.

The story continues. The woman was ordered (against TSA policy and probably against the law) to remove not only her prosthetic, but also her liner, which protects her limb from injury, infection, and the view of the public. Both the boy and his mother were crying from this ordeal, but she was surrounded by 4 agents (really - how many bullies does it take to gang up on one disabled woman?).

These stories - at varying degrees - are happening all the time and will continue to happen at a more rapid pace until this rogue agency is eliminated.

H/T Bill Fisher

An advice columnist 'sobbing' over pat-down

Amy Alkon writes of her recent experience with an invasive pat-down and, also, her boyfriend's experience being prevented from filming the event.

Scanned then molested. But, why?

This frequent-flier was reduced to tears and wants to know why:

Expectant mothers' concerns

I cam across this interesting thread on a forum for hopeful mothers. The consensus is that these women don't trust the scanners one bit, and good for them!

Here's the deal, ladies. There is basically zero science on what the effects of the naked scanners (be it ionizing or non-ionizing radiation) are on a developing fetus. Hopefully there is no danger and our government didn't just poison the next generation. But why risk it?

Also, remember that you are going to be more sensitive during your pregnancy - both physically and emotionally. Carefully consider how you might react when a stranger violently gropes you, asks you to expose your belly, or questions what those pads are in your bra or what that elastic band is around your waist before you buy your plane tickets.

Police state on Greyhound

A reader, Adolfo Leon, shares his recent experience traveling by bus:

On July 4, on the bus (Greyhound) trip, I had to change bus at West Palm. The bus driver pulled into the parking space. He then got up and told us to wait for the two men standing out side the bus to come in and inspect. These two men were dressed in a green uniform with a "Border Patrol" label. They asked me, as well as the man across from me, "How are you doing?" I said, " I am doing good." Second question, "are you a citizen?" I said, "yes."

They moved to the back of the bus. The bus driver came in and asked, if they were finished with the two of us. They said, "yes" and the driver told us to go to the next bus.

Based on the bus driver actions, this seems to be happening on a regular basis.

Interesting the question was citizen, not citizen of the US.

A surprising piece at HuffPo

I do think opinion is coming around and - slowly - more Americans are waking up. Here's the closing paragraph of this HuffPo editorial:

In the meantime, our collective surrender to fear is robbing of us of something ineffable and precious. For what it's worth, I'm old enough to remember the lyric from the old Buffalo Springfield song: You step out of line, the man come, and take you away. In a small way, it's become true.

Texan politicians share their groping stories

Another traveler comes around

A blogger writes of inconsistent and unclear procedures at airport security checkpoints on a recent trip. There is nothing particularly notable about this man's experience, but I have a couple of things to say about the general themes...

First, Pistole, et al, have repeatedly referred to their "multi-layered" "unpredictable" approach to security. This is sold as a way to make sure that security is, well, secure. I don't buy this at all, but - to the blogger, RG Edmonson's questions ("Shouldn’t there be standard protocols?... Would it be too much for TSA to post clearly-written instructions at the security checkpoint?") - I would just say that the TSA's answers are "No" and "Yes." Not that the TSA would ever give such a straightforward answer. But, they don't want mere civilians to be able to feel too comfortable while traveling, and they need to cover the butts of their workers when they mess up. They want us in fear and submissive - that's the whole point!

Mr. Edmonson concludes:

When people began complaining about TSA’s security last year, I felt like they should stop whining and get with the program. No more. People have legitimate complaints. Add mine to the list. Maybe TSA will read it and take note.

which brings me to my second comment. Those of us who have spoken up about TSA abuses are regularly dismissed as "whiners." Americans' mentality regarding this is certainly part of the problem. If a person goes around being a doormat their whole lives, with coworkers, friends, family, and romantic partners walking all over them, do we applaud them for "not whining" and "getting with the program?" Of course not! But, for some reason, when we stand up to our abusers, it is us - not the doormats - who are making things out of nothing and whining. Good grief!

In any case, I'm glad Mr. Edmonson seems to be coming around on this. Listen when people complain and continue to think for yourself about whether the "program" is one that we should want to join.

'The face of terrorism': 15-year-old girls and 75-year-old men

Here is the point of view of a 15-year-old girl going through "security" at Midway. This letter does not seem like it was written by any 15-year-olds that I know, but the sentiment is, of course, undeniable.

This other editorial, however, is totally believable. Isn't it great how the elders in our country, with disabilities and old-fashioned senses of style, are treated by the TSA?

H/T Boycott Flying

Another victim of "poor judgement"

The experience of this man is extraordinarily sad. This type of thing will continue to happen as long as the feds are in charge of airport security. Common sense and good judgement are not attributes that are encouraged in this type of bureaucracy. Rather, bullying and a "just following orders" mentality are promoted. More training will not improve how agents - on average - treat disabled people.

Dr. David Mandy: Special Needs Son Harassed by TSA at Detroit Metropolitan Airport: MyFoxPHOENIX.com

Since this happened on the way to Disney World, now is a good time to remember the letters that another father wrote to the company.

via LewRockwell.com

'Submit, conform, we are in charge.'

Great little essay from an opt-outer.

Grope and a pat-down, or opt out of both?

Seems like some airports may be getting bogged down with all of the "work" of constantly invading passengers' rights, so security is very uneven. If you go through the scanner, as I've previously reported, you may also get a grope if an "anomaly" is detected (such as a scar, chewing gum wrapper, or just a blur). However, if you opt out of the scanner, the agents may be too busy groping other passengers to grope you, too, so you may be "allowed" to just walk through the metal detector and be on your way.

I'm sure this is all part of the intentional, multi-layered, unpredictable approach, though.

(NOTE: The signage at Sea-Tac to which the author refers ("Signs posted at security checkpoints now say that those opting out "may" be subjected to a physical pat-down.") is standard bureaucratic, butt-covering fare. When I was trying to become a California resident, the instructions were very vague with a lot of "may include"'s. Of course, after you applied, you'd find out that everything on the list was mandatory.)

A reader warns us

Sally in the comments wrote:

They are getting more aggressive on the pat downs... I blogged about it here.

Thanks, Sally!

Fugitives in their own country

This woman had to unpin her money from her bra strap (where she keeps it since she is too disabled to rely on a purse or pocket) after the "anomaly" was picked up by a naked scanner, causing here to feel like a "fugitive" and also to reveal more skin than is reasonable. I gasped aloud later in this interview when the woman said that she always has to remove her neck brace (!) when going through security. Scroll down for comments from the young woman who filmed this and put it on YouTube this weekend.

El Paso, Texas. - I didn't know this lady, but I ended up going with her her to the bathroom and helping her get her money pinned back on her bra. To get her money back to where she wanted it, she had to take off both shirts and lower her bra straps. I know TSA had to see quite a bit of her.

I had told her earlier that she looked pretty and she said she had felt pretty when she left the house, but after the pat down she didn't feel pretty anymore.

This elderly lady was made to remove her neck brace, get out of her wheelchair, go into a private room and partially disrobe after a body scan. She said she got two pat downs.

El Paso TSA makes everyone go through the body scanners.

H/T Bill Fisher

Taking gifts from children

An article at LewRockwell.com explains.

Extra pat-downs

I missed this story from March: A woman at LaGuardia airport claims she cleared security, but was given an invasive pat-down anyway.

This is not at all surprising, but we must keep publicizing these abuses if only to point out the obvious and inevitable.