TSA AGENTS TOOK MY SON (Redux)

[crusader rabbit]

The blog was certainly emotional and stimulated a great deal of sympathetic thought.  But, apparently  it was also a big pile of BS.

Check out the link for video confirmation that the woman was never separated from her son.

http://www.tsa.gov/blog/2009/10/response-to-tsa-agents-took-my-son.html

[ratcatcher55]

Thanks for the follow up.

Like I said Too much drama from momma.

[Teresa Heilevang]

maybe.... maybe not.. The video has been edited... (shocker)      
Personally I don't trust or believe anything that the TSA says or claims to say or show.. They are by and large power-tripping thugs in phony cop uniforms with tin badges. I always feel like I am in a Nazi checkpoint station when I have to undergo all the horse shit that they make you do. In my opinion..they are just one level up from pond scum...they would probably do about anything to save their own ass..  But TSA shouldn't worry... while this story was overblown,their violation of basic human rights and complete lack of common sense in order to provide the theater of security is intact.They can still be lauded as heroes saving us from dangerous things like bottles of water and coffee purchased less than 100 yards from their scanners.

Taken off the comments... They ALL have some great input.. seems that I am not alone in my thinking.

First thought: is there no second chance to clear the WTMD? Beep, and get directed into the chute for secondary screening? That's how it appears from the video. It would be much better to allow passengers to remove items that don't clear, pass them through x-ray, and then clear the WTMD.

Next thought: when she's directed for additional screening, she doesn't have control over her carry-on. Who's responsible for those items? If she does have control of them before final clearance, that's a security breach: mixing cleared and uncleared items. If she doesn't, it's a different security breach: anyone could wander off with her stuff.

Next: there are all kinds of people wandering through, next to, right beside, etc., the passenger while she's waiting for additional screening, when she's not physically isolated nor even under constant visual supervision. If we assume the binky clip was really a big knife, she could have dumped it or passed it off while waiting.

Finally: it was cute that the blur box was superimposed while she was being wanded and patted down. I assume that was both for her privacy, and "security reasons", but again: multiple passengers were wandering through and right next to the entire procedure. There was no privacy to protect, and the security procedure was on display for everyone to see.


Well... I guess everyone now knows how much I am looking forward to crawling on a plane to go to California don't ya.. LOL ( I wanted so bad to rent a car and drive.. But Marshal said we didn't have the extra time it takes to get there)  

I hate airports anymore.. I detest the staff who work there.... I detest the humiliation that you feel as I all but disrobe and provide them with access to every piece of underwear in my suitcase.. I think that the air in the planes stink.. and basically I am happy and smiling on the outside .. but I am a hateful bitch on the inside.. until we get to where we are going. ..then I am my happy sweet adorable self.. 
So......that being said........well...........nothing.. I guess I'm done..  

[Bic]

Seconded Marshalette H.,
                                       I flew from San Antonio to Palm Springs last year and the bastards stole all of my cigars in the checked bag. No one else could possibly have done it, I made a complaint but got no response. I'm driving next time.

[Bill Stryker]

I'm with Marshalette.
Unless it is a long way over water, I no longer fly. I hate the TSA / checkpoint hassles  -- that is one job it is OK to blame on Bush. So, I drive everywhere. Of course I am retired and used to work for a car company, so I like to drive.

[Sponsor]

[david86440]

We did a 7000 driving trip this summer to see our new born grandson because my wife says she isn't putting up with the bull sh$t they put you through.

If I'm traveling alone, I still fly but it does suck.

[Steyr M40A1]

TSA should be renamed Airport Security Services and get new lettered jackets.

[ratcatcher55]

I typically fly 2 or 3 round trips a month. I'm overseas about 3 times a year.

What I dread to see is:

1) Women flying alone with young children. Everything is FUBAR and they are pissed that the husband/ boyfriend is not there to help them. Everybody is going to pay!
2) Families with young children. Everything is FUBAR and the husband / boyfriend is useless. At least the anger is more focused.
3) Class trips. 30% of the kids and 50% of the adults must be brain damaged. I need ID? I forgot it Dude. Oh that was a boarding pass?  I think I gave it to Heather, or was it Brittany?
4) Old folks who do not fly often. I understand they just don't understand the routine and try and let them know what to expect.

Terrorist are way down the list.

TSA is useless but some travelers make them seem like rocket scientists. It's the same in most other countries I go to.