Airport Security - A perfect solution

[bnc]

Most of the descriptions from people who have passed through TSA checkpoints are probably not 10 yr old daughter appropriate, but if your 10 yr old daughter happens to go to an airport she won't be exempt.

If you opt out of the scanner, the TSA agents yell “opt out! We have an opt out!” and then subject you to the new “enhanced” pat down. This involves the TSA using the palm side of their hands to grope the entire body, including the squeezing and twisting of genitals (male and female). While the TSA claims that this is necessary for security, it is readily acknowledged that these pat downs and scanners would not have caught the underwear bomber last Christmas.
A demonstration of the new techniques (the mild portions of it anyways):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hrq86qV2x2s
http://www.wthitv.com/dpps/news/nationa ... gr_3634607

Make a mental list of people whom you would allow to touch you in such a manner. I’m guessing minimum-wage TSA thug is not on it; probably only you, your spouse, and in some situations your doctor.

These pat downs are being done to frighten and humiliate you into going through the scanner. Granted, going through the scanner does not mean that you won’t be subjected to the pat down anyways (or humiliation). FYI, one of the suppliers of these strip search scanners is a company called Rapiscan Systems, which is a client of the Chertoff Group, the security company of Michael Chertoff – former secretary of Homeland Security, who publicly supports the use of the new scanners.
http://www.onlinecollegemoms.com/2010/1 ... vant-my-a/

More here, with some firsthand reports: http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=227489

If you are singled out for additional screening and ask about what the TSA is going to do, you might not like the results (and I’m sure everyone observing will be motivated to behave):
http://wewontfly.com/question-tsa-risk

At first, the TSA claimed that the images would not and could not be stored, but the US Marshals admit to having already stored thousands of images (for out safety, I’m sure):
http://news.cnet.com/8301-31921_3-20012583-281.html

While the new pat downs are invasive, the TSA admits that those who opt out, rather than just being selected for additional screening (something setting off the metal detector or looking suspicious in the naked scanner), get harsher treatment as punishment for not going through the scanners.
http://www.consumertraveler.com/today/t ... travelers/

Here, a female rape victim recounts her experience being patted down:
http://pncminnesota.wordpress.com/2010/ ... -pat-down/

A mother traveling alone with a special needs baby is sexually assaulted:
http://www.ourlittlechatterboxes.com/20 ... sault.html

A pilot brings his teen daughter on a trip, TSA agents inform each other “heads up, got a cutie for you”:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/travel-s ... e-you.html


A journalist recalls the TSA agent specifically telling him that his testicles will be groped:
http://www.theatlantic.com/national/arc ... nce/65390/

Of course, the TSA agents are of the highest moral character:
http://www.bostonherald.com/news/region ... id=1238602
http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/201 ... -probation
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2010/05/06/ts ... genitalia/
http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local ... 58482.html
http://jonathanturley.org/2010/05/19/ts ... heckpoint/
http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/23136823/detail.html
http://consumerist.com/2007/10/tsa-brea ... rrest.html

Here in Houston, they’ll stick their fingers in your underwear:
http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?secti ... id=7780727

Children are not exempt from pat downs and scanners, even though the naked scanners violate child pornography laws in the UK and therefore minors there do not have to go through them:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2TCHSGvN ... r_embedded (the reporter is an idiot though)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VN6pJ7nP1yA


Here is a site that consolidates a lot of the new information out there:
http://wewontfly.com/
The blog tab has a lot of the latest accounts of pat downs, like this from a flight attendant “The agent went up my right leg first and then met my vagina with full force….the same on the other leg with the same result. She then used both of her hands to feel my breasts and squeezing them. At this point I was in shock.”

The Flyertalk message board has plenty of anecdotes and breaking news:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/travel-s ... urity-222/

Google news page with TSA results:
http://news.google.com/news/section?pz= ... ct=clu_top


For the sake of argument let’s ignore the fact that this is being carried out by federal workers. You don’t have to fly, but you may choose to do so. Similarly, you don’t have to engage in sexual conduct, but you may do so with other consenting adults. So, adults clearly can consent to having themselves imaged in the nude and/or patted down. If you don’t like it, don’t fly. (let’s ignore Constitutional and Natural Rights issues for sake of argument, for now)

However, children do not have the choice between flight and other forms of transportation; they must do what their parents wish. While a parent can make a child fly, a parent does not have the right to force a child into sexual conduct. Most court cases determine that even if a minor claims to consent, a minor is not legally capable of consenting and the adult is still charged with rape/sexual assault/etc. with a minor. Therefore, no matter what choices a parent makes regarding flying and the various circumstances of the new searches, it cannot possibly be legal for adult TSA agents, of any sex, to image or touch children in the ways that they are currently doing.

The fact this is being carried out by the government is infinitely worse not only because the government is supposed to uphold our rights rather than strip us of them (and everything else, apparently), not only because this is being done with our tax money, but because when the government assaults us the only legal and peaceful means of retribution are through the government’s own court system. Good luck with that.

Okay, “so I won’t fly anymore”. Neither will I, but that is really only the beginning. What happens when there is an incident at the mall, sporting event, grocery store, courthouse, school, hospital, work? These scanners will begin to show up in places that are not as voluntary to attend as the airport. They are already being used in courthouses, and don’t be surprised when they start showing up at schools (it’s for the children’s safety!). Schools that the government requires children to attend – no opt out there.

You might not even be able to “opt-out” in your own home:
http://www.as-e.com/zbv/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iABPKd0vFxQ


Really what this is about is to beat down the people of this country into a submissive, obedient pulp. If they can’t get the vast majority of people to tolerate having themselves imaged nude and sexually assaulted, and watch the same happen to their loved ones (including children), and not take any action, not complain, and even agree to it since “it is for our own good” what won’t the government be able to do to us? Would we complain of higher taxes? Corruption? Loss of second amendment rights? (mostly gone) Loss of 1st amendment rights? 4th amendment? (long gone)


That looks familiar…

[Purplehood]

Ask Janet how many Terrorists have gotten through El Al security in the last few decades.

[PUCKER]

You can seat 4 little people or 3 normal sized people in a Cessna 172. So, if you're flying 3 adults, that's only $200 per person, which is identical to flying commercial airlines in price. If you're all skinny (less than 140 lbs), then you may fly 4 adults, so it's even cheaper as $600 divided 4 ways is $150 per person for a round trip flight to Austin from Dallas.

Bottom line: get a private pilot's license. '

I like the way you think...but I've done enough time in a 172 to know that my big ole butt and my instructor's meant we couldn't fly with full tanks! At least not per the flight school's insurance. Sure, I've been one of 4 people in a 172....it just took more runway to take off...but we flew! The kicker with private planes....the weather REALLY owns you. Meaning, you're down in Austin, well, if the weather is bad, you might be there for awhile, especially if you are VFR only. Not knocking you at all...please don't take it that way! I've only got 10 hours of log book, decided to go another way (cabin cruiser) after repeatedly being "grounded" (instructor didn't feel it was worth it due to really windy conditions, bad weather and/or the rental/training planes didn't match up with our schedules). Contemplated buying a plane, decided to go boating instead! I still think of getting back into flying, someday! Especially with the way TSA is (not) behaving...

[SlickTX]

The TSA is so wrong-headed in its approach. Their approach: trust no one and verify everyone.

My approach: Trust everyone by issuing pistols as part of the boarding process and collect them at arrival.

[Bennies]

I fly for the airlines and TSA is way out of control. I urge everyone to stop flying until the government stops this madness. I only fly because i must.I have not been forced through the machines or pat down yet but i probably will not comply just to get to work. I will not sacrifice my dignity for my job. I hope this hurts the airlines in the wallet so bad they stand up and revolt against TSA with the rest of the citizens. I have see one stupid new policy after another come down the tubes from TSA over the years that airlines must comply with. i don't know why they put up with it. I am so glad to see Americans finally taking a stand! PLEASE STOP FLYING!!!!! here is a web site started by a fellow pilot. His story is on the site I believe.
http://fedupflyers.org/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Edit: I failed to mention I am looking for a new line of work because all of this nonsense.

[Beiruty]

I guess on next fly i will wear a speedo and refuse pat down, will i get a pass?@

[pbwalker]

Just eat the worst cheese you can find, and when they are down there patting you down, pass gas.

Then again, with the way the TSA is, you'd be charged with assault...

[chartreuse]

Part of the problem is that when this nonsense first started, the airlines were enthusiastic supporters - because they saw all the ID checking as a way to stop folks reselling or gifting non-refundable tickets, thus boosting their revenue.

Now, having supped with the man downstairs, they are beginning to realise that their spoon was nowhere near long enough.

[bnc]

Bennies, I applaud you for putting your money where your mouth is. Sacrificing a job for principles is difficult enough, let alone in a crumbling economy. I hate to see decent people regulated, legislated, and bullied out of their professions.

I'm sure it is no surprise that I have already opted out of flying all together. Most of the time it won't be a big deal, but I do have family on the other side of the country. Looking on the bright side, I might have some nice road trips in the future.

I'm hoping the opt out day on Nov. 24, where passengers will refuse the naked scanners and demand the pat down, will delay flights all over the country.

[PUCKER]

I guess on next fly i will wear a speedo and refuse pat down, will i get a pass?@

I've seriously considered this, no, not a joke. I know some folks in Germany did this (or more/less, depending on which way you look at it!). If enough folks started doing this, I suppose they'd get the message, but I think the "refusal day" is a much better idea (at least for everyone else's eyeballs! ).

I "dress to fly" so I can literally fly through security (shorts that don't need a belt, hawaiian-style shirt, flip flops, wedding ring, watch and glasses that do not set off the metal detector), only one small briefcase with my wallet and phone put in it right before security (no laptop either). I'd rather not put the extra wear and tear on my business clothes anyway, plus a little hot most of the time too. It's quick and easy. I tend to wear shorts even in the middle of winter. With my job there's NO way that I could get out of flying. I've crossed the Atlantic by plane and by boat...guess which one's faster?

[drjoker]

One day, I hope to get my PP Lic. I am sure I will be put under the microscope and questioned a lot, as I am foreign born. That is fine with me. My cousin a leading physician has already got his. So why not myself? Of course, he makes like 10X income that what I do.

Coincidently, I was researching personal helicopter as means of transportation (Cost, running cost, etc.).

BTW, Does full body scanner work? Can they see stuff in body cavities? Very scary!

Getting the sport pilot license is only $200/hr x 40hrs = $8,000. You don't have to spend all that money buying a plane or chopper. You may rent one for just $150 per hour. No "microscope" involved. You just need paperwork, less than what's needed for your CHL. As I've mentioned, if you plane pool and share the cost with your passengers, it will cost the same as or less than commercial flights, depending on how much you weigh. Unless you're obese, it should cost no more than commercial airline flights. A Cessna 172 carries approximately 560 pounds. So, if you're fat, fly with little people and split the cost based on head count, not tonnage. If you weigh 500 lbs, then just fly commercial and get the evacuation aisle seat. That would be your cheapest option. Bottom line is, if you're not massively obese, flying a private plane is equal to or less than flying commercial airlines in price.

[Beiruty]

Any good trainnig school referal for north Dallas? i may be interested in both fixed wing and rotor
thanks

[Kythas]

I was interested in researching this aircraft:


http://www.innovator.mosquito.net.nz/mbbs2/specs.asp" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Cost is like purchasing a luxury car. 1 seat and 60 miles range, it is just a start.

How do you pull this thing up to a gas pump?

[Beiruty]

You need 5 Gals good for 1 hr flight of 60 miles. Bring your own can.

[G26ster]

You need 5 Gals good for 1 hr flight of 60 miles. Bring your own can.

Burns 4.5 GPH. Where do you carry the can?