Ah, the good old days; when TSA screening was just useless annoying theater. Back in late 2007, Patrick Smith describes in a New York Times blog the sheer folly of the TSA screening farce. Back then, I suggested you get a pilot’s license and avoid the hassle.
Now, TSA actions have escalated from useless theater to downright criminal. Specifically, sexual assault.
It’s proven true once again: Absolute Power Corrupts – Absolutely.
You have exactly two options when you enter the TSA “screening” area:
- Submit to the radiation and humiliation of the Naked Body Scanner. or,
- Submit to the groping hands of a TSA drone beneath your clothing to your most private areas.
Refuse? You are subject to arrest, investigation, fines, more harrassment. Just ask John Tyner.
Question TSA? As Penn Jillette of Penn & Teller fame notes in his blog, at Las Vegas airport, the TSA thugs backed each other up like any other street gang and tried to hustle him along after the crime. But he stood his ground. Bravo! I hope he stays with this travesty of the public trust and fights the TSA. Please don’t be swayed by the “VIP” treatment offer by the airport cronies.
In the meantime, what to do? Drive. Take a train. Fly your own plane. Use web meetings.
If you must fly commercial, refuse the naked body scanner. Opt Out Day is November 24. But I say Opt Out Every Time. Let’s make it as uncomfortable and inconvenient as possible for TSA.
Oh, and write to your Congress representatives. Start with Congressman John Mica, who is investigating TSA abuses.
This criminal behavior by TSA needs to stop now.
