Pat Downs for Disabled Kids?
If Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officials had sat down in a boardroom for the purpose of creating their worst possible public relations nightmare, they could not have matched what actually occurred on Feb. 9, 2013, at Lambert-St. Louis International Airport.
A young couple and their three children had just passed through the checkpoint to head to their gate for a flight to Orlando when a TSA agent who is now a shoe-in for the Idiots Hall of Fame decided to pull one of the children aside for additional screening. Why? Because she was in a wheelchair. The agent selected 3-year-old Lucy, who is inflicted with Spina bifida and is confined to a wheelchair.
By the time the agent had confiscated the child’s stuffed lamb, scared her with a pat down and intimidated the parents by telling them it was illegal to film what the agents were doing (it’s NOT, by the way), the child managed to utter through her tears, “I don’t wanna go to Disney World.”
TSA agents have become notorious for stealing travelers’ belongings, leering at women they consider attractive following full-body scans and harassing passengers for no particular reason, but this action really took the cake. Maybe Department of Homeland Security officials should start scanning the brains of its TSA agents!
If you want to learn more about what happened check out the Fox News Radio story here. If you’re a parent, I can pretty much guarantee that you’ll become angry while reading it.
When is the government going to realize that this kind of “security” isn’t keeping us any safer?! Have you or any of your family members or friends experienced unprofessional treatment at the hands of TSA agents? If so, let me know about it. To be fair, if you’ve been treated well by these agents, please let me know that as well. A few bad apples can spoil the bunch, but the number of stories of TSA agents bringing shame upon their agency certainly has been plentiful.
I refuse to fly after being groped and having my testicles squeezed by a TSA agent at SFO in December of 2012. He asked me to remove my shorts in front of everyone, I refused. When I confronted him on the groping, he said I had something indication on my right knee. I said haven’t you ever seen a knee implant? look at the surgical scar on my knee, and what has that got to do with swueezing my balls! I was pissed. I think he was annoyed because I was in a wheelchair and that required me to get out of my wheelchair to get into the body scanner, and they had to help me stand up. I’ve refused to fly ever since. What really makes no sense is I had just come in from one flight and was going to a connecting flight. I never left the secure area of the airport, so there was no need for me to be screened again. TSA is manned by IDIOTS!
If YOU were a suicide bomber where would you hide the bomb???
I had the misfortune of traveling through the Atlanta airport on 2002. The female TSA idiot could not understand my underwire bra was making the wand beep. She made me lift my shirt in front of John Q Public and her male coworker, who was himself embarrassed by her actions. Unbelievable! She then made my father remove his shoes (85 year old WWII veteran who can barely put his shoes on). We barely made our connecting flight after being treated abominably! I’ll Never connect in Atlanta again! Horrible experience!
I do not and will not support the TSA. IT is run by statists, manned by idiots with room temperature IQs, perverts and degenerates.
It serves no useful purpose except to terrorize the sheeple into submission; no different than the cops. They have not found one single weapon, Not ever.
They are a failure. However one thing they have succeeded in doing is to create fear and dread to those who need to fly. This is the real purpose of the TSA.
A huge waste of money that does nothing but create another welfare give away and intimidate Americans.
When are you people going to wake up and see what’s happening?
When are you people going to realize you are being lied to and deceived? Why do you still continue to believe the liars in Washington?
Why do you still continue to accept your own ENSLAVEMENT?
Maybe this is what you all deserve. I realize it’s not all your fault. We were forced into attending the government indoctrination centers called public schools which has produced a nation of people who are intellectually bereft and unable to think critically.
This is the result: A nation of sheep, being led to the slaughter by a judas goat.
Why are some of you even here? Go back to Fox Noise or CNN.
What is it that you people cannot grasp what is going on here?
Do you not see that all this is being engineered to eventually destroy America? To turn it into a full fledged police state.
I find it absolutely breath taking so many people continue to believe the lies, deceit and propaganda to the point where they have become so willing to surrender their rights, freedom and liberty.
Goodbye and good luck. You are going to need it.
Around 2005 I applied to work for the TEA and after testing me, they turned me down. I asked why and they told me that I had scored too high. They didn’t want someone that intelligent, they said. Hmmm. Says it all, doesn’t it?
TSA
This is what happens when people actually believe that 2 airplanes can melt 2 buildings in less than an hour and also a 3rd building (that was not even hit or burning) several hours later and that we should go to war against a nation that has not done anything to us or even threatened us because some people from a totally different country had (unproven) “weapons of mass destruction;” hence, we should give up all our freedoms for “safety.” Thus, the “dumbing down of America” has come home to roost. Some (not all) of us brought this on ourselves. Now all you can do is call on God. He is the Only hope you have at this point.
The last time I flew was approximately 7-8 yrs. ago when I told the impatient and IDIOT screener I had a pacemaker and needed to be hand searched. He waved me over and asked me “What’s your problem?” I showed him my ID card from the pacemaker manufacturer with my cardiologist’s name and phone number on it. I even pulled down the lapel of my shirt to show him the surgical scars (I’m on my second one) where it was implanted in my chest and where the obviously prominent lump at the implant site was. You can’t make this next part up. He then said, “I need you to remove that.” His request was so incredulous I responded with a , “Do what?!?” Again he said and this time much louder, “I need you to remove that.” After explaining to him it was surgically implanted by a cardiac surgeon and it was impossible for me to do so it was obvious by the look on his face this moron had oatmeal for brains. When I asked for a supervisor he acted like I had 40# of C4 strapped to my body. The supervisor for about ten seconds was defensive until I explained to him his subordinate had asked me twice to remove my pacemaker even after I explained to him it was surgically implanted. To his credit, the supervisor looked at this genius like he was a cheeseburger shy of a Happy Meal, and basically repeated exactly what I’d just told him. His, “Ohhhhh…” in response still didn’t have any “lights on” behind it but after the supervisor asked me point blank if I was carrying anything I shouldn’t be , he waved me through. All the while I was being looked at by the other passengers as if I was Achmed the Terrorist and I was there to “keel you!” (Thank you Jeff Dunham for that.)
Some of you scare me more than the TSA.
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We the people have to understand that WE ARE THE LAW ! WE ARE THE GOVERNMENT AND OUR ELECTED OFFICIALS WORK FOR US ! The people we have from the President down Cannot be trusted ! I am talking about the ones that really don’t know what the HELL they are doing. They have a job and thats all that matters to them! They are followers and have not accomplished or have done nothing for the people of this land ! Most of us will be cauht in the crossfire. There is no one that knows what to do ! Yes there is but he has to be given authority ! He won’t get it from OBAMA or even the people . That makes us SHEEP FOR THE SLAUGHTER ! BLACK PEOPLE MARCHED ON WASHINGTON. WHITE PEOPLE JUST SIT IT OUT LIKE A BUNCH OF WIMPS ! GOD WILL HELP THOSE WHO HELP THEMSELVES ! Listen ! At this time there is no one under you that is working with government that has REAL AUTHORITY AND IT GOES BACK BEFORE OBAMA ! THEY HAVE VIOLATED THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES ! THAT IS TREASON BECAUSE THE HIDDEN AGENDA IS TO OVERTAKE THIS NATION . KRUSHCHEVE STATED AT AN ASSEMBLY “WE WILL TAKE YOU WITHOUT A SHOT” and that is what they are doing ! This is all the work of the DEVIL ! Anti Christ people that think if they eliminate GOD, they can do anything! They are wrong and when they realize that it will be to late for them ! They will want to kill themselves but they will not be able to. They will have to stand before GOD ! Hitler and and his Hencemen, Bodyguards. Gestapos thought the same thing after killing millions. Those that believed in Jesus went to PARADISE THOSE THAT DIDN’T ? TOOK A JUMP IN THE LAKE OF FIRE ! BE THEE READY ALSO FOR IN AN HOUR WE KNOW NOT, THE LORD COMETH !
I can not wate till some tsa agent gets his ass kicked by a pissed of parent.
We the people have to understand that WE ARE THE LAW ! WE ARE THE GOVERNMENT AT THIS TIME ! The people we have from the President down Cannot be trusted ! Iam talking about the ones that really don’t know what the HELL they are doing. They have a job and thats all that matters to them! They are followers and have not accomplished or have done nothing for the people of this land ! Most of us will be cauht in the crossfire. There is no one that knows what to do ! Yes there is but he has to be given authority ! He won’t get it from OBAMA or even the people . That makes us SHEEP FOR THE SLAUGHTER ! BLACK PEOPLE MARCHED ON WASHINGTON. WHITE PEOPLE JUST SIT IT OUT LIKE A BUNCH OF WIMPS ! GOD WILL HEP THOSE WHO HELP THEMSELVES ! Listen ! At this time there is no one under you that is working with government that has REAL AUTHORITY AND IT GOES BACK BEFORE OBAMA ! tHEY HAVE VIOLATED THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES ! THAT IS TREASON BECAUSE THE HIDDEN AGENDA IS TO OVERTAKE THIS NATION . kRUSECHEVE STATED AT AN ASSEMBLY “WE WILL TAKE YOU WITHOUT A SHOT” and that is what they are doing ! This is all the work of the DEVIL ! Anti Christ people that think if they eliminate GOD, they can do anything! They are wrong and when they realize that it will be to late for them ! They will want to kill themselves but they will not be able to. They will have to stand before GOD ! Hitler and and his Hencemen, Bodyguards. Gestapos thought the same thing after killing millions. Those that believed in Jesus went to PARADISE THOSE THAT DIDN’T ? TOOK A JUMP IN THE LAKE OF FIRE !
Yes! Recently my mother escorted our niece to Philadelphia Airport. She was given a complimentary pass to take her to the gate. The agent separated them to screen my mother and sent my niece ahead, ALONE, and out of view without her. My mother protested, “But she’s a MINOR!” The lady snakily responded “Relax she won’t get lost.” And put them in completely different lines, my niece fast track, my mother sent for slow screening. When she finally caught up to her she had been alone, dumped off by security to wait on the other side.
These idiots don’t even go thru a official academy. They are nothing but rent a cop/ security. They are not a federal officer/ and not even a Agent. I am a u s retired customs officer I was flying to w.v. And got pulled aside. After going thru my carry on started to go to/ thru my wallet. I immediately informed them that I am retired federal officer. I had actually had to show my credentials. After they were aware. They stop the inspection and put my stuff back in my carry on. Yes these guys and especially the women are very aggressive and abusing their position. Idiots basically. Homeland security should remove all TSA personnel and be replaced by federal officers/ CBP who knows their official duties.
Ep… eh… dh… uh… ARE YOU FU*KING KIDDING ME!?! Huh, and I thought I was at a loss for words…
I read all of the comments and some are close to partial reality solution(s) with airport security but most have personal backwards thinking issues. The absolute/best idea by far, which by the way received little comment, was from Michael with the armored booth security solution that all travelers would be subject to enter at the security check point before boarding their flight. No traveler should have anything to be concerned about if they are not carrying any detonating device(s). Not even all the many foreign national travelers who have issues about being personally searched because of their religious ties should have any issues with this security technique. No profiling here! This sure would make me feel more at ease and safe boarding my flight knowing all travelers sitting around me passed through the booth without blowing up. More than likely nobody will blow up during the flight as well. Now, how could any traveler have an objection to this security technique? Can’t amagine any unless of course you are a terrorist.
Many people do many things for the weirdest behavior, needs, thrill, or just for the ATTENTION.
I’m 64, born & raised here but have had it! I’m totally disgusted with this up & rising “Obomunist” socialist government. I’m quite ashamed to be called an American citizen. Our constitution is trampled & ignored & no matter who’s in power (Rep or Dem) the socialist democratic party Judges supersede conservatively voted in legislation anyway. The ‘Dark Ages’ are coming. I advise ALL US citizens to arm themselves fully, as the dismantling (bringing down) of our current governmental system is inevitable. ‘Bloodshed ahead’ will be our new motto, not ‘In God we stand’.
i couldn’t say it better myself.
You may be ashamed to be an American. Why not move your ass over the border….North or South, pick one. I bet you will come to appreciate the freedom I and many others fought for and still do. I have had a reminder for the last 45 years….metal trash lodged in my spine that they are still afraid to try to remove. We paid the price so that you can make remarks about the country I love without fear of facing a firing squad. You should be ashamed of yourself!
Dale,it is not the country we the people are turning against,it is the Government that wants to control your everyday life. They seem to be planning for martial law. I have heard of the billions of rounds of hollow point bullets they have stored up. Thank you Obama & Congress. When did Gov.Agents practice with hollow points???
It’s “in God we trust” —that alone tells me you are not real!
My reply was Censored by the Powers that be so I am Unsubscribing from this site. I didn’t say.anything that was just cause to remove my post IMO. This was the last place I expected to be censored. Some.people just can’t walk the walk I guess.
Now I can see it WTF is going on?
I’m an idiot. ..please delete my rants
You aren’t the only veteran here, you should consider, as I have, of having been duped into fighting for a myth. This country is not what you have conjured in your mind, probably never has been since 1860, and especially since 1913.
We’re brainwashed.
You people standing up for the TSA make me sick. They have not found one terrorist in all these years. They are only there to make it more difficult for americans to travel, and nothing more. They just want us to get used to the government thugs pushing us around until they have complete dominance.
No offense Dan…but YOU have NO CLUE what TSA finds!
There are rooms FULL of weapons that TSA had found on people trying to get through security. I am not saying that every person caught with a weapon is a terrorist…that would be ludicrous! BUT, if the media actually reported something every time it was found, people probably wouldn’t consider flying. And if the media knew every time an officer got a pat on the back from the public…it would change your mind! BUT the media plays on what ever their agenda is for the moment. Go work there for a few months before being so judgmental without the REAL facts to back it up.
The truth is the TSA couldn’t find their butts with a searchlight!
You are merely spouting bullsh** . So keep it up little comrade.
You are the one who has no clue. People like you are nothing more than sheeple. Just go along with whatever lies and propaganda Washington tells you and never question them. Thanks to you and other like you this nation will sink into becoming another police security state. Will that make you happy? Probably will.
This nation could do with w few less idiots like you.
Well we still have a choice, put up with it or take to chance of being blown to hell by some nut case. To bad some are home grown. Don’t fly, board out of the U.S. as for myself and family, we avoid spending any money in the U.S. by by passing it. We used to holiday there, most every winter. But now we go else where.
I think this comment board has gotten out of hand! I am a disabled Vet with 2 knee replacements. I have endured many pat downs and remarks about being damaged goods. I just tell them I served did you? Move on my way. The enemy may have taken a lot away from me but I am still here and our own people try to take more but I am still here. Breath, live, move on or in other words “Suck it up on move on!”
Good for you. Go Veterans!
After having been harassed, to put it mildly, at LR, I now only fly through small airports (like Branson) that the rich people use all the time. They won’t put up with any crap. I’ve been treated fairly ever since.
Don’t carry a Teddy Bear. Your life will change.
Unfortunately the bad guys use children, women, & the elderly as “mules”. Unfortunately it makes it hard on seniors or the disabled to have to go through this. Air travel is no longer fun. I prefer the train or bus now. Or sometimes I drive, but even that is getting harder as I get older. Even trains are more difficult now as there are no baggage handlers to help with luggage.
I refuse to fly commercially. Retired orthopedic surgeon; was a USAF flight navigator for several years; was a USAF flight surgeon for several years. Love to fly; love to travel; I last flew when I had to take off shoes, dismantle laptop, empty pockets. Have never allowed the groping…; so, I don’t fly. Drive a lot and have enjoyed a few long train trips.
Unfortunately, it has been reported that terroists do use children, toys, elderly, handicapped, medical equipment for their schemes. As for the fact that the toy had already been x-rayed, there could have been a substance within the toy that prevented a good clear x-ray picture. Did you women who have had breast aumentation know that x-rays cannot see through those breast implants? So, what is the use of x-raying for cancer? Unfortunately for America, the New World Order is not a thing of the future, it is already here and came upon us while we were enjoying our freedoms. Although it was announced frequently ever so subtly by former presidents and politicians and taught in our schools in subdued ways. The president we now have who has been groomed for this time in history, even announced while campaigning that he wanted to FUNDAMENTALLY TRANSFORM AMERICA. He is being true to his promise with executive orders and unwanted “good for the people” programs, bypassing the rights guaranteed by our Constitution. And he is doing it bravely because he is surrounded in his cabinet and in Washington with believers in socialist communist NWO. This information can be researched. The person who commented about his oath of obedience for the military, Constitution, and President, also stated we could bring about change through vote, and impeachment, I ask, Where are the right people to vote for, if all candidates now have the same mindset? Who dares follow through with impeachment? Who is going to dare Washington to change unless citizens band together? Who dares banding together without being called a terrorist or causing civil unrest or even civil war? America does not have the mindset to resist in a way that will bring about change of this NWO wave. All they know to do now is talk about it and think they can ride it out. And they will ride it out until there is no where to go.
Beulah, I really hate to be the one to tell you this but it doesn’t matter who you vote for to run this current government. If you ever read the Bible, in the Gospel of Mathew, Satan tempted Jesus by offering Him ALL the Kingdoms of this world if Jesus would worship him (Satan). I don’t know if you believe this or not but Satan is in control of ALL the governments EXCEPT the coming Kingdom of Heaven. Here is to hoping more people wake up to this before its to late.
KEEP YOUR POWDER DRY AND YOUR BARREL CLEAN !!!
Excellent post. At least 50% of American voters are the “useful idiot”. Of the other 50% who are intelligent, informed voters, probably 60% of them fail to vote.
While much of what has been said is true-some action is necessary but much of what these bumbling agents do is done with rudeness, inconsideration, and outright uncivil behavior. So instead of addressing the abuse that’s in progress nothing is done to change it-the justification is-It’s all necessary, we’re catching bandits, terrorists.
A toy in the wrong hands may be a problem but one that has been x-rayed certainly is not and it’s return should have been carefully orchestrated-give it to the parents and be nice.
I made the mistake of wearing a bra with an underwire when leaving DFW, Dallas. I was examined in an open area. Rather embarrassing. As I left the checkpoint I was a pregnant woman being checked to make sure she was really pg and not wearing a pillow. The were poking her all the way around her belly and doing it in the open. On the return flight I wore a sports bra.
TSA does have a crummy job; because of overly ‘politically correct’ rules they operate under. And, to compound it, they DO a crummy job.
I’ve had medication stolen from locked bags (the piece of paper they put in after opening a locked bag, gives you a telephone number and email address to call; no one ever calls or emails you back) and my carry on BOTH. When they search a bag they may steal from you. The problem is compounded because the agency isn’t accountable. And, don’t even bother to write your Congress person. They can do you any good either. We need to move to the system the Israelis use, operated by private companies, and everyone watched by camera any time they open a bag. Closely watched…
I’ve wondered why they search young kids and the very old over and over. Ignoring women in burkas or head scarves; men in robes. Wouldn’t want to upset any one who was ‘different’ I guess…
RETIERD AVIATION TECH AND FLIGHT ENDINEER. THEY SHOULD BE MORE WORRIED ABOUT WHOS ON THE OUTSIDE, ON THE TARMAT. WHEN WORKING THE INTERNATIONAL GATES AT LAX, I CAUGHT OVER A DOZEN PERSON’S WITH OUT ID. ONE GUY HAD GOTTEN ON BY GOING THROUGH THE AIRWAY DOOR TO THE OUTSIDE WHERE THE AIRCRAFT WHERE. TSA ARE NOTHING BUT UNEDUCATED IN HOW TO RUN A SECURE CHECK POINT. 911? SOMEONE GOT INTO THE AIRCRAFT AND SWITCHED OUT THE COLISSION AVODANCE COMPUTER. SO THE AIRCRAFT WOULD NOT OVER RIDE THE PILOT.
Bill……As much as this disturbs me to say this, The muslim’s are a “privileged class”
My wife and i were returning from Egypt. My phone was in suitcase on the baggage ramp. open my bag-no phone. Called it -I could hear it ringing in the back-Oh, here it comes on the baggage belt-MUST HAVE FALLEN OUT, yeah, out of some punk thief’s pocket.
I am sick and tired of having to jump through hoops just to ride on a plane. I realize that security should be up there with safety and convenience; but, it is getting ridiculous for what the general public has to go through just to board a plane.
I don’t mind the metal detectors or screening carry-on luggage; but lets fix the real problems. Your carry- on shouldn’t be your luggage just because you want to beat the rush at luggage claim area. The Airlines shouldn’t charge you for your luggage period. I don’t care if they need the money or need to increase their revenues this should be a inclusive to purchasing your ticket.
Just because of a one idiot tried to use his shoes as a bomb, a one in a billion incidence, I shouldn’t have to take off my shoes. What about the guy that turned his underwear into a bomb; should I drop my drawers to show the TSA that my tighty- whities are kosher? Of course not, although several people have felt the same way as I do and put a show on for the TSA by giving them the full Monty. Like the TSA really cares. They would just laugh at the dummies that try to make their point.
The limit on fluid ounces for personal hygiene products is outrageous as well as some of the items you are not allow to carry on board like nail clippers etcetera.
When you combine this small list of inconveniences, along with the low IQ of the TSA agents or their lack of understanding their jobs; it makes flying a royal pain in the (neck).
The TSA puts out a list that you can get on-line. There is a list of things that they can do and what they can not do. They even provide a phone number if you require special help. For example, a woman just sued and won in Federal Court a case where the TSA failed to allow her to carry breast milk on board the plane. It was on their list stating that she was allowed to carry on the plane. However, the TSA told her to x-ray it or dump it out. She refused. She had with her the list from the TSA which states that she is allowed to carry her breast milk onboard the plane. But some mental midget had a case of, “I’m larger and in charge!”refused this woman to carry the item on the plane. She therefore missed her plane. Now the TSA, after agreeing to the settlement, has promised to re-educate its employees. Do you really thing this is going to happen? Neither do I. I feel that any and all law suits must also include the offending employee(s), so that they too can be held accountable and share in the fine or punitive actions. When confronted with legal action maybe they will exercise common sense to a higher degree than they have been doing.
So my question is this, When you hire hourly employees, give them little training, and give them the full authority of the Federal, State, and local government, who is going to be in control much less in charge of these mental midgets? One of the first things the government should have is someone with common sense working for them at each and every airport at every security section. Next, all airports must have the same system in place. I mean if I can go to any McDonalds, anywhere, and get the same hamburger, then why can’t I go to any airport and expect the same TSA system in place? I’ve gone through Los Angeles, Cleveland, New York and Atlanta Airports each one is different. Should any problem or question occur, then a TSA supervisor should be close by to render his or her decision, without humiliating or putting the passenger in custody in full view of other passengers.
Finally, if the matter can not be resolved then the passenger should be given a recourse to address their situation, in writing along with the name of the TSA agent(s) involved. After all, TSA agents are public servants and need to be reminded that they are responsible for customer service was well as the safety of all passengers. Should the TSA agent be found at fault; then they should be responsible to ensure that the passenger makes their flight or make arrangements to get them on the next flight, even if they have to put them up for the night.
The nail clipper comment got me right where it hurts. Don’t you know how dangerous those implements of harm can be? I have an ingrown toenail hurting like awful from making the unprofessional cut with clippers.
In the wrong hands who knows how painful this could be? Pilot-crash this plane- if not I’ll cut your left one to the quick–
This is completely predictable trajectory of unfolding terminal American tragedy given outright stupidity of average Americans, combined with communist/ globalist brainwashing.
People continue voting for anti-American scum runnning for public offices. Best handy example: joke Al Franken of Minneapolis, working closely with all openly anti-American causes (radical Islam and gay activists; Coincidentally personalized by close Frankens’ ally, Keith Ellison. Sworn into Congress on Koran (!) and is the head of state GLBT comission: get it? “Muslim and pro-gay!”). This is only possible in society that is no longer able to tell which way is down… Globalists are laughing their filthy guts out.
I thought that it is common knowledge that our votes actually don’t count. No matter what the people vote, does not count, the elections and voting machines are rigged.
Oh, c’mon! The elections &/or machines are NOT rigged! The people do not go to the polls as they should. 30% of registered voters vote. If you want good elections, DO something useful, don’t just grouse about it. Our gov’t. stinks, because the citizens can’t be bothered to THINK…and the politicians tKe full advantage of that. “The people get the government they deserve.”
You must not be from Chicago.
We were on our way to Stockholm, Sweden and I was delighted to see a sign that stated that if a person is 75 years or older, they would not have to remove shoes or light jacket. The TSA person ordered me to take off my shoes and jacket. I smiled and said: I don’t have to because I’m 75! He obviously didn’t like my happy face and said “Take off that jacket, it doesn’t look light to me.” I told him my jacket was very light and he said: I don’t care, take it off and while you’re at it, take off your shoes.
Here we are, spending a fortune on an international flight and we are abused by arrogant TSA officers who have to show their self-importance by bullying old people.
I realize people have jobs or emergencies that require them to fly to various places, but it would be great if we all boycotted air travel. Things would change then.
Well, I have to say that I have flown across as well as out of the country a number of times, am over 75,so no longer have to remove my shoes .(Are older people somehow unable to put explosives in their shoes?) further, I have thus far never been treated in any way than fairly, courteously and in a friendly manner. Although some years ago, I did have to surrender a set of nail clippers. The agent apologized for the inconvenience.
I was wearing double leg braces at the time of the incident. At the screening site I told the TSA agent that I was wearing a metal brace on each leg which would probably set off their alarm. It would be far better to be screened with their wand on an individual basis so as to not disrupt the flow for the other passengers through the screening area. They told me to go through their automated monitor anyway. I did and it set off the alarm. They pulled me aside and wanted to know what type of metal was on my person that would set off the alarm. I told them it was my leg braces, Duh! [I probably should not have added the “Duh!”] They then proceeded to tell me to drop my pants, remove my leg braces and walk about 10 feet. I did as they requested in full view of everyone in the screening area. Trying to walk without my braces I fell over about every 1-2 feet. They would allow no one to help me, although plenty tried. After finally crawling to the other side I was allowed to put my leg braces back on. I overheard a comment from one of the agents to another “Well, I guess he really needed them [the braces] after all.” That was a humiliating experience for me and kept me from traveling by air for about two years, until I no longer needed the braces to walk.
That’s a horrifying story, Ed. No one should have to go through that.
I have US Global Entry and TSA PRE CHECK, so I get treated reasonably upon entry. Departure is another story. I try to avoid the USA when traveling internationally.
retired expatriate MD
I last flew in 2005 and I said that would be the last time when they started talking metal detectors. I have a wonderful bionic knee and the last time the wife and I flew to Vegas. They made me take off my shoes and then had to have my Canadian crutches go through the x-ray, then they used the wand and patted me down. I felt like an absolute criminal. I will never fly commercial airlines ever again. I figure I can drive to Reno in 10 hours and I don’t need to wait in line for 2 hours each way and I sure don’t have to put up with the TSA
was flying from KCMO to CA had lay over in CO I have to use a cane have broken back 4 times was changing planes in CO TSA came up to me and did not ask for cane just took it to scan it if not for wife I would have fallen down
Leroy
Petty complaint-You’re lucky they did not ask you to dance on one leg to see if you had drugs taped to the good leg and then push you over to test your balance-alcohol test.
I was in Dulles when a young boy with a cane- broken leg, in wheel chair was made to stand up-on one leg, cane being examined-searched his chair and made him go through scanner-on one leg. They did give him his cane to get to the scanner, took it away while he went through-hop hop.
Parents should be ashamed of themselves for subjecting their children to flight. The know BEFORE they get on a plane what can happen to their children. It is no one’s fault but the parent for not protecting this child. No matter how hard you try to put the blame on TSA, you just have not faced the fact that the we live under a tyrannical regime. YOU are the one who can protect your children. I would NEVER subject my child to such treatment. In fact, I stopped flying altogether when TSA was created. There is no excuse for blaming the TSA for this. Parents are whiners. They don’t DO anything about it. They are not brave like the Egyptians to take their government back and they refuse to see that THEY alone (banded together) are the answer to stopping all the madness. Shame on the parents for subjecting their children to this criminal act.
Besides, if you insist on flying, go to Canada and fly out from THERE. You can drive to Canada and get a plane out to your final destination. A friend of mine does this each time she wants to fly. Canada is not a tyrannical state as is the US… yet.
I can vouch for that! Last Canada day I flew from Toronto to Ottawa and back. Each time took less than 5 minutes at security. The fellow in front of me had an unopened bottle of water. The security agent looked at it and handed it back to the passenger.
in canada we fly in or borders with no intimadation your goverment and its problems have built your own demize i carry gun licences only because only canadians with no criminal intent have them unlike u ho have no control over your problem hopefully as a canadian u dont shoot urselfs
Looks like Canada’s schools aren’t doing any better at educating their children than we are. Much better at persecuting free speech, though, thanks to their anti “hate speech” laws which prohibit anyone from saying anything that the fake Jews (Revelation 2:9 & 3:9) of B’nai Brith have insinuated into the Canadian legal system.
Your comments are as stupid as the actions of the TSA person !! You can fly from any airport in the USA and May or may not get treated this way, but anyone that does should sue the agency and person responseable for actions like that !!!
Linda
You must have been dropped at birth – repeatedly.
Nothing else to say about your comments other then I am glad you are no longer flying and our paths will never cross.
Please seek the out appropriate mental health resource nearest you and make an appointment ASAP.
POOR OLE RING IN THE NOSE tim or is it HEAD IN THE SAND, perhaps you’re BOTH!! you are definitely part of the problem in the U.S. WE”RE rapidly turning into a dictatorship run by corrupt tyrants!
you accuse Linda of being dropped at birth, WEEEELL, I suspect you were hatched in a pasture on a dreary dark day! Sorry, better luck next time! I still fly, but certainly look forward to not meeting you someday!!!!!
After watching this video Frank (Little Lucy- February 2013 at Lambert-St. Louis International Airport ) I have to disagree with you. You won’t find another American with stronger beliefs and commitments to our freedom and Constitutional rights, than me. I also have 3 children, 2 which were beautiful little girls and I travel frequently. I applaud the TSA in this situation as they performed their miserable task to try and protect all people in their air travels. I would never have a problem with authorities searching my child if they were doing it truly with the interest of airport security and I would only allow it with myself or my wife overseeing the action. If Lucy’s Mom would have spent more time coddling her child, reassuring Lucy that all was ok, not displaying her ‘legal’ convictions in this manner, videoing it and frightening her, It probably wouldn’t have been as traumatic. I see a spoiled little child, a Lawyers wife ( one of our biggest problems in this country) looking to extort through ‘drama’ a free flight to Disney! I look at they way the TSA conducted themselves and am proud of them for their action. Do I think Lucy is a terrorist? No. But if they were to pull the same little (Iranian) girl aside while allowing others to pass freely, I do have a problem with that! That is racial profiling, that is un-constitutional, that is when I see how bad this country has become and needs ‘push-back’. Anyone following any links from this site already knows that most politicians, high-ranking gov’t officials, banks, insurance companies and lawyers are the problem why this country is rapidly changing for the worse. The only way we can get this country back to its promise of liberty and freedom is to re-establish large enough groups of American believers to bond together and have a voice. Heck there is plenty of legitimate issues that really need our negative attention, but not this video. Frank, some of your push to sell our ‘FIGHT’ is getting sketchy and starting to make me believe we have different interests. Get back on tract and post with your heart and not your pocket. You may be turning into one of them without even realizing it!
Hey LibertyMan, I’m still shaking my head at your comment about applaudung TSA. Are you insane? It’s a fact that they do not have ANYONES best interest in mind but theirs. You call yourself a patriot? Wow!!! You’ve got alot of nerve. You need to do your homework.
Confronting an Iranian is an ethnic not religious or racial problem. Nor is it profiling, a word that has now attached itself to extremist propaganda. It’s hard to distinguish an Iranian from any number of other ethnic identities but someone all wrapped like getting ready to be buried in a shroud sure would trigger any number of unfavorable instances.
You cannot scan the brains of those who have none.
This is why I travel ground to Canada to fly overseas and drive everywhere I go in the USSA.
You have no brains?
I had heard the following in the past and think someone needs to get on this ;)
Developing an airport security device that eliminates the privacy concerns that come with full-body scanners. It’s an armored booth you step into that will not X-ray you, but will detonate any explosive device you may have on your person. This as a win-win situation for everyone, with none of this crap about racial profiling. It will also eliminate the costs of long and expensive trials. You’re in the airport terminal and you hear a muffled explosion. Shortly thereafter, an announcement: “Attention to all standby passengers, We would like to announce a seat available on flight 670 to Chicago.”
Really search the 3 year old in the wheelchair nevermind 23 year old dark skinned man carrying the koran. Yep makes me feel all cozy inside. I remember flying when all we did was buy a ticket and get on the plane. Now we need to do pat downs on children and you are ok with this. Just a hint china has open resident visa status any day perhaps you should consider taking them up on it. But here this is a bridge to damn far. When do we go back to common since?
@Jon- Maybe you should read what Liberty Man had to say. I think people like you need to take that china offer before anyone else.
And as for that young man carrying the Koran, we had plenty of them years and years before 9/11 and Bush/Cheney lying to the country and getting us into a war that put us on the path to financial ruin.
But that’s not what this story is about. Does the TSA have problems YES, but then they are tasked with doing a very unthankful job, all while being underfunded to a point where the line personnel in most areas are over-worked and still underpaid.
It’s what the 99% have to go through to fly in this country but the 1% doesn’t, and that includes the politicians so why should they care about fixing it?
This country was founded on freedom of religion and that includes those that follow the Muslim faith. And just because they do, does not make them a terrorist, unfortunately it is the idiots like you in this country that believe this way that continue to try and spread fear which makes the TSA’s job harder. I gave up part of myself serving this great country, and would do it again in a heart beat. Just not sure I would do it for people like you – the hatemongers.
Really like the booth idea
mike i agree with you 100% that would be the best way and no long trials and very little clean -up
I quit flying when this crap started and won’t ever fly gain till the CRAP STOPS! Semper Fi.
Hear! Hear! I did the same. I travel beyond US borders, both north and south via car. If I want to fly to Paris, I can take a plane from Canada. I suggest you do the same if you are inclined to fly. It solves a LOT of problems and kicks the US in the teeth (figuratively). The US is a tyrannical regime at the moment. You have to protect yourself from it.
Amen brother. Just don’t fly, …and semper fi!
Maybe we can avoid all this dark painful treatment by vicariously traveling without leaving our recliners-go read National Geographic. No It’s about people instituting practices that have little or no value.
Welcome to the new United States Socialist Republic of America.
I used to be an otr driver. My employer flew me home for a school reunion, and the circumstances were such that I had one way ticket each way; and on the way home had 4 flights. I had the xtra check at every change.
chiefken….you are correct that terrorists will use their women and children to obtain their goals….but last time I checked western women and children are nothing like arab/middle eastern women and kids…..sothe hell with political correctness, if they are going to fly american airliners then they too must go thru the rigors of being searched….otherwise, they can find another way to get wherever they are headed….I mean if me (retired air force) or my daughter have to go thru pat downs, then foreign nationals traveling on my aircraft should not be exempt from the same treatment….and we all know that muslims do not have the same regards to the sanctity of human life that we do….to them, if you are living and breathing, you are a viable target to them….to us, women and children are off limits, UNLESS they have a weapon ready to use on us….then as the spec forces like to say, let God sort ’em out!!!
You missed my point. My point is to get rid of political correctness and go to profiling like Israel does. It works better and keeps us more safe without the hassle of searches. Don’t blame TSA – blame your leftists progressive leaders and those who elected them!
Hear! Hear! Have flown in & out of Israel numerous times. They do it right and I trust El Al implicitly, both on the ground & in the air. You don’t hear about them being either shot down or hi-jacked. And where enemies are concerned, they don’t mess around. They take care of it thoroughly and immediately. I really respect those guys.
high school dropouts working tsa let that tin badge go to their head…tsa should be disbanded and turned over to real security companies manned by retired military police, retired law enforcement that will use COMMON SENSE AND EXPERIENCE in passenger screening….and then incidents like this wont happen, but the arabs and other middle easterners currently not being checked for fear of profiling will be checked like all others,
they all want 100 dollars an hour and benifits and paid vacation and three weeks vacation after working a week
Amendment IV
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
——
It’s not a convenience, it’s the right of an American citizen. For anybody to consider that RIGHT to be an (in)convenience, then they are Un-American. There are far better ways to protect America than to grant the government expanding powers of authority. That leads to tyranny.
We are too caught up in this political communist….excuse me…..correct bull puckey, that we refuse to profile by law (it’s discrimination). The two easiest ways of preventing terrorists from getting on a plane? Profile and put a pig on every plane coming into America.
And my oath of enlistment as a United States Marine was to “support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic,” first and foremost. “That I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same.” second. “and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me” third.
If the politicians have a problem holding true to their sworn oaths to uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States, then they must be removed from office by vote or recall or impeachment.
And why aren’t you seeing the fact that the muslims, in Burkhas, get a free pass! Who is that person in the sand nigger tent? We’ll never know because you don’t want to OFFEND the effin muzzies!
But we can harrass the American people, women, men, children, service members in uniform invalids, the wheelchair bound , but not the sand niggers!
Reject all muslims from air lines unless they renounce their faith
Look! I am so tire of Muslim bashing. Fanatics of any religious persuasion are criminals and need to be dealt with as harshly as the law allows. Fanatical Muslims abound these days, but it’s because they are essentially criminal, not because they are Muslim. Islam is not a set of monstrous beliefs. It is a path to God as is Judaism and Christianity. Allah is simply the Arabic word for. “The God”. Hate the terrorists, if you must, but stop bad-mouthing the 100s of Muslims I know who just want to live in peace like the rest of us.
How did we get to this sorry state of affairs?
That is the trillion dollar question, the answer to which may shock the vast majority of people who “believe” in this system of ours.
STUPIDITY! Semper Fi.
We won’t miss you, Mr. Don “annoyed” Walton
I forgot a magazine (the thing that holds the bullets in a gun) in my carry on. They inspected my bag (fine), asked me what kind of gun the magazine fits, told me his wife as the same gun, slipped my magazine in his pocket. I have written a report to TSA concerning this incident. Reply: I shouldn’t have had it with me. (my bad). Cost to replace: $50.
These are some of the reasons I quit flying anywhere in the US. Get in your car and drive. See some of America. Get a GPS and get off the freeways, drive the state highways and see some history, some scenery, have some good meals and sometimes save a few dollars. You might enjoy the trip more than the destination. Try old Route 66 if going toward California or Chicago. Great things to see and do along the way with
no hassles. Did you know that most of these small towns have a history museum along the way, usually free. Try listening to a book on CD while traveling. If you get stuck in any traffic – just exit the freeway in any direction and let the GPS find you a new route. Works Great! I look forward to getting in the car and starting a new trip.
I agree totally.
ChiefKen I totally agree with you.
Don Watson, if the TSA had been in the
UK in 1988 when the air flight from Scotland was blown out of the air
over Lockerbie killing all hundreds of the passengers and even eleven
people on the ground, that tragic loss of life may have been avoided.
I’ll bet that every one of the dead would gladly trade a little time,
inconvenience, and self-imposed embarrassment to have a chance for a
different outcome. Stay Safe??? in the UK???, but you won’t be
inconvenienced or embarrassed.
I have flown for years, on
business, using a cane, crutches, and/or a wheelchair, and gladly allowed
sufficient time to be properly scanned, for I certainly want all others
traveling on my plane to be well searched by any appropriate method. If
one is in that big a hurry, leave the day before or take an earlier
flight.
To all the ones that are outraged and believe that no act
of terrorism has been adverted, it only takes common sense to believe
that without thorough checks, many fanatic terrorists would have walked
on planes with a carry-on substance to detonate or a weapon to hijack
and crash a plane so that they can satisfy whatever belief has been
brainwashed into their head by others or self-imposed themselves
against the USA.
You are so wrong as the flight never originated from there ,and the bomb was already onboard.
Your statement implies that the so-called “fanatic terrorists” actually exist and are out there just waiting and hoping for the opportunity to sneak one by the steely-jawed front line of the TSA. In fact, virtually all of the incidents trotted out to support these draconian transportation policies are either false-flag operations involving dupes or copycats egged on by security agents. Come on – confiscating a stuffed lamb that you’ve already x-rayed from an ill child in a wheelchair? Lying to her parents about filming the incident? Chortling about naked women seen through their full-body scanners? These people are sadists, pure and simple, and are brought out of the woodwork by the possibility of carrying a gun and shoving people around. They are the nucleus of the FEMA camp guards who will be needed shortly to man all the camps.
There are plenty of sociopaths out there ready and willing to harm other people for their own amusement, and they are far more likely to be found among the TSA officers than among the passengers. When you can show me one terrorist bombing carried out by a little girl in a wheelchair carrying a stuffed lamb, I’ll give your point of view some credence. If you buy into the “Boo-ga-boo! The terrorists are out there and about to pounce on you!” argument put forth by those whose basic aim is to push the onrushing police state, then God help us all!
Sorry, you’re wrong on this. The TSA has prevented terrorist using stuffed toys with bombs. The news never reported it. In Philadelphia, there were preventions. The TSA doesn’t always tell everyone what’s happening. Have you ever talked to a TSA agent? And, there have been other preventions with women (Black Widows – the muslim female terrorist) in foreign airports that use the search methods the TSA uses. Check out Englands, France’s, Germany’s sites on terrorism prevention!
lively1….in a way I agree AND disagree with you there….the lockerbie incident as I recall did not originate in the passenger compartment, BUT from the baggage compartment ….correct me if I am wrong, but I thought I read somewhere that there was a device in some checked baggage that was set to go off after the aircraft attained a specific altitude and the only way that device would know it was at the prescribed altitude was to be inside an UNPRESSURIZED area, and that is the cargo hold of the plane…so the checking of passengers headed to the gates would not locate something like that device since the baggage is left at the ticket counter and the passengers proceed on with ticket in hand to the screeners for personal screening…
Never before have I heard such ill-thought out lunacy from all of you. As a thirty year service member (who’s now retired) I’ve flown all over the world on many airlines. I too had to put up with searches while still in uniform. It’s a horrible thing the terrorists have done to our nation and our daily lives. THEY have brought this action that we must now search even the invalid, the old, and infirm to find materials that could be used to kill and maim. The terrorist have succeeded in putting fear into all of us. If you want to stop the searches you must be willing to accept that the terrorists will use women and children to get there weapons onto our buses, airlines, and other modes of transportation as they already do in the middle east! Are you willing to give up yours’ and the safety of others for convenience? Why haven’t any of you researched that terrorists are already using muslim women, old and infirm, and children to test us? That they are using the methods to test the TSA and that they so far haven’t succeeded? And you morons who accuse the TSA members of being of low IQ I would suggest are of low IQ and have no standard of logical thought processing with both long and short range consequences to choices. IT’S THE TERRORISTS YOU SHOULD BLAME! If you really wanted to reduce the searches then you must let the TSA profile (as Israeli airlines do) and get off the racial/gender/age issues. You should be writing your congressmen and women to change the law concerning profiling. Profiling works!!!! Because of the sensitivity to “profiling” the TSA must select randomly or all must be selected for search. Moreover, if you watch the full video tapes you get a different story that the news media doesn’t always want you to hear. Yes, there have been abuses and the TSA people have been severely dealt with – but air travel is still safer! Think about how you would stop the terrorist or identify the terrorists and then implement your methods. Then think if you’re willing to travel that way. Don’t keep blaming the TSA and judging lest you be judged with the same level of judgment. Judge your elected officials and send them your thoughts and fixes! And to the UK taunt, I just returned from your UK processing at Heathrow and experienced far worse searches and racism towards women from a UK official – bad on you for your judgment of our country!!!
Returning from Thailand-had to get up early, wait, ride a bus to airport-driver late, finally get aboard Airplane, -fly 3 hours to Tokyo, then 17 hours to LA. Baggage checked to DCA (Dulles) but dropped off in LA-Go to baggage to pick up luggage, 3 hours to next flight. We Wait-wait wait-No luggage, no one determining why not, and other flights baggage piling up from two later flights. We don’t know why -finally someone does the unimaginable-calls a supervisor, he’s on the next level, comes down– BEES-had made a nest in a crate-had to exterminate them -2 hours later baggage starts coming -with 2 other flights of baggage. Pass baggage on top. Leaving baggage area- ID check out-why are you so late? Beeeeees. The flying kind. What? One more check and delay. Go to security check out with bags already checked to DCA destination-no all bags come into USA go through security here first. Getting close to departure time-TSA changes check-in lines; separate me from my 74-year-old wife with luggage that should have gone to Dulles. She gets out of line to approach some one-anyone to see if we can’t get some sort of expedited treatment- approaches the back of the booths-GET BACK-GET BACK- GET BACK—A TSA agent screams, he’s about to tackle my wife and bring this non Muslim, senior female citizen terrorist down to the ground. Those terrorists everywhere you know. Forced back into line with no discussion, reason, or help, she goes to the back of the line since others have gone ahead of her.
Finally get through security, she is body checked-after all, she is a potential National Security threat approaching to ask a question-how dare she? They delay me as well and I’m anxious to see if she is Ok, I forget my luggage-walk off with her and soon discover-Where is your luggage? Oh my, it’s back at the check out line- go back and it’s still on the belt-and the TSA agent smarts off to another standing by-Dumb-ass serves him right. By now I had been up 23 hours a 75-year-old senior citizen with all the stress you can handle traveling. By that time battling bees and smashed luggage plus stupidity and arrogance galore by unhelpful smart asses. . Needless to say we were late for our flight. When we attempted to reschedule the airline threatened to surcharge us until we finally made the representative contact the baggage department, Well, wait over there while we find him. The supervisor who ordered the bee kill and caused the delay was already home, and it went on for hours-well, you people will have to wait–we’ve already waited for 4 hours in this airport. We had been up without sleep about 30 plus hours. And now our baggage has already left without us-TO ATLANTA! Finally, the bee problem was confirmed, the attendant did not like to have made a mistake by delaying us earlier now scheduled us for another 3-hour delay. Finally home, after another 7-hour flight and hour trip home, our luggage was delivered to the house the next day after arrival.
My wife and I both remembered in Tokyo a father was carrying a little baby, a bottle bag and such but forgot the baby blanket at check-in counter. While we were all going down an elevator a young female attendant came running to the escalator-Mister, you forgot your blanket. I remembered the TSA agent in LA. That arrogance was a polar opposite of the baby blanket incident. It’s the TSA agents here in the USA-they have an ATTITUDE that is taught.
Don’t you feel safer????? Bull crap!! Ten plus years of this harassment and waste of billions of dollars for what?? They have not stopped one incident of terrorism. I’m with you Bubba, I won’t go anywhere I can’t drive.
Stop flying! That will fix the problem of the TSA invading your privacy. That’s what I did. Nothing better than driving across this beautiful country of ours.
My personal belief is that a lot of TSA employees have a very low IQ. This little bit of power corrupts them and they start doing bizarre things to break the monotony of what is the lowest form of harassment our government has come up with yet. Do they do this to muslims wearing those reiduclous outfits? Ever notice the employees on the ramp at an airport? Ever notice that they look like they just got here from the middle east?
Who gets the last laugh? Wake up americans!! we have turned in to passive pavlovian dogs!
Thank god I live in the UK and stories like this just confirm for me that I NEVER WISH TO TRAVEL TO THE USA, AS I WOULD MOST LIKELY END UP IN PRISON AS THE TSA PEOPLE WOULD MAKE ME SO ANNOYED ON SIGHT THAT I COULD NOT AVOID SHOWING MY FEELINGS. AND THAT MIGH END UP WITH MY ARREST.
SO IT’S NO VISIT TO THE US FOR ME
I’ve been flying within and out of the USA for years, and have NOT YET experienced even the least discourtesy from the TSA. Some people would complain if you hanged them with a NEW rope. C’mon visit us here! We’re not so bad.