Don't mess with the TSA, they'll get even.

[bagrman]

Seems a CNN reporter did a bit on the TSA and now he can't get on a plane without being sent to the counter and no one seems to know why.

Full Story
http://rawstory.com/news/2008/CNN_reporter_wants_off_terror_watch_0716.html

[liberal N proud]

1. There are many TSA agents who are flush with the power they have

They enjoy throwing their weight around.

I had one agent told me while standing in line that the 3oz items in the quart baggie were not acceptable because the baggie had writing on it.
I knew better than argue so, I simple threw it in the trash can that was few feet away. This woman got in my face like she was a drill Sergent and started reading me the riot act about not making the rules and she was just trying to keep us safe.
I had said nothing and complied with the rules. She was just trying to provoke me. I didn't let her, I simply stared straight ahead while she puffed up her feathers.

I knew that if I opened my mouth they would have gone through everything I had.

[snappyturtle]

3. You have patience. I probably would be in the gulag. I know I would

have had to ask the drill sargeant what she was protecting me from? Of course, I think this whole terrorist bs is just that.

[Trillo]

7. "Many", or some?

"There are many TSA agents who are flush with the power they have
They enjoy throwing their weight around."

If this was a news reporter that did a story on the TSA, it seems doubtful the difficulty was caused by a low-ranking counter agent who deals face-to-face with travelers day in and out. My guess is someone a bit higher up. Perhaps the very top.

The curious thing is the higher one goes, the (much) fewer there are. So I guess I disagree with your characterization of "many". Some? Sure.

[leftofthedial]

2. they are like nazi prison guards

same mentality.

[ixion]

5. exactly... and air ports are like concentration camps now

which is why I hate going to them these days, even though I used to enjoy flying.

[damntexdem]

9. Hear, hear! The airlines have something to do with it; but TSA much more.

I fly as little as possible; but it is sometimes essential, so I grit my teeth and try to survive it.

[NightWatcher]

4. this is what happens when you question your masters

you WILL shut up and take your shoes off.
you WILL shut up and turn off your Gameboy.
you WILL shut up and turn in your nail clippers.

it has nothing to do with security. it has everything to do with control- not the means of control to keep us safe, but the end of terror to control us.

[DinahMoeHum]

6. TSA = Tough Shit Asshole

:evilfrown:

[damntexdem]

8. Oh my, who to believe? Hmmm?

;-)

[uppityperson]

10. I had issues with one once about hearing aid batteries

These are little flat batteries, like watch batteries but abut 1/4 inch across. I had bought a new package of them, 4 in individual bubble bits on a piece of cardboard, labled "Hearing Aid Batteries". New. Unopened. I found putting them through the scanner makes them die fast, so I asked if I could hand carry them through (which I do now). They looked and told me no, that they had to be scanned. I showed them my aids, where the batteries went, asked if I could take them out of the package since that way they'd be sure nothing was hidden in the cardboard wrapper, they still no, and the guy gave me A Look. The look that says "do what I say or I'm going to have you arrested."

Being very polite, I asked if I could speak to a supervisor since it was obvious I was taking up too much of his time, and was handed off to one who was a decent guy. He volunteered to scan them for me. I explained again. He presented me with some options. I could have them scanned and throw them in the trash since they'd be dead. I could simply throw them in the trash without scanning them. I asked if I could take them out of the cardboard since then there would be nothing to hide, simply batteries. He said they still had to be scanned. I asked what they expected to find, that they were, perhaps, batteries? He finally figured out what the problem was, hand examined them, and advised me to carry them on me next time, as well as write TSA and request a policy change.