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Policy

Yes, It's Come to This

Radley Balko | 11.19.2010 11:24 AM

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Photo via the Denver Post.

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NEXT: Congressman Boehlert's Stunning Degree of Climate Change Policy Cluelessness

Radley Balko is a journalist at The Washington Post.

PolicyCivil LibertiesTSA
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  1. Kristen   15 years ago

    Anyone can easily see that the TSA agent has pervert hair, pervert glasses frames, pasty pervert skin tone and pervert facial hair.

    1. Montani Semper Liberi   15 years ago

      Yeah, I was just about to say that I think I saw this TSA agent sitting in a conversion van outside the local elementary school.

    2. NoVAHockey   15 years ago

      That's clearly Milton from Office Space

      1. fish   15 years ago

        Think he'll find that stapler?

      2. Kristen   15 years ago

        That's a fucking insult to Milton!

    3. JoshINHB   15 years ago

      Not to mention a pervert smirk wall massaging a stranger's balls.

    4. CoyoteBlue   15 years ago

      The term is "Deviant Pree-verions"

  2. skr   15 years ago

    Denver is the worst. I am pretty sure their security personnel are the biggest dicks in the country.

    1. West Texas   15 years ago

      You've never been to Lubbock. They only have about 10 flights a day and but still about 20 full time TSA agents. That means that they can take their time and be thorough, iykwim.

    2. Ebeneezer Scrooge   15 years ago

      You need to try Houston and Philadelphia, who I believe are strong contenders for the "Biggest TSA Dicks in the Country" award.

      1. AC in CA   15 years ago

        I second the Philly nomination. Surly and downright mean.

        1. Neu Mejican   15 years ago

          So, you mean they are polite by Philadelphia standards?

    3. TrickyVic   15 years ago

      ""I am pretty sure their security personnel are the biggest dicks in the country.""

      That's what the guy in the photo is trying to find out.

    4. Ted S.   15 years ago

      So they let you feel them up as part of the "enhanced pat-down"?

      1. TrickyVic   15 years ago

        Somewhere there's a claim that terrorist have big balls. So the TSA has to check.

    5. Don't Touch My Junk   15 years ago

      Atlanta. No airport anywhere is as bad as the ATL.

  3. davidstvz   15 years ago

    I've mostly lost my desire to fly anywhere. I can't wait for the next plane to get blown up... what are they going to do then, make us strip and perform body cavity searches on everyone?

    1. MB   15 years ago

      please don't give them ideas...

      1. Just Isaac   15 years ago

        Ohh, I'm sure that's on the agenda. They just need to stage a few more false-flags to get people really scared...

        1. Brandybuck   15 years ago

          9/11 was an inside false-flag job just so pasty-skinned preverts could feel up troofer junks at the airport. Insidious.

          1. cynical   15 years ago

            And you thought NAMBLA wasn't cunning. They planned this for decades.

    2. SFC B   15 years ago

      If I were the terroristic sort I'd forget about even trying to get through security. Load a carry-on bag with some explosives and shrapnel, print out my boarding pass from my home PC, walk right into the line for the scanners, and detonate it right in the middle of the crowd of people. Aside from the risk of having an officer with a bomb-sniffing dog walk by I just don't see how our current security theater would stop that. If you were to do this at, say, DFW the day before Christmas or Thanksgiving it would probably generate some serious casualty numbers.

      The inevitable liberty-crushing response from DHS and TSA would make it an even greater victory for the terrorist. I imagine the response would be no more carry-ons and that you have to check all bags at a remote site away from the airport proper. Plus more groping, examining, and even sniffing now. This would probably make air travel so unpleasant enough people stop flying that it causes one of the carriers to go bankrupt.

      1. dimley   15 years ago

        Swallow two balloons containing the components of a binary nerve gas.

        There are many ways to defeat airport security pat downs and x-rays.

        1. KWebb   15 years ago

          Like avoiding airports. I'm waiting for someone to rent a SUV and drive it through some crowded pedestrian space.

          That no one has done this is one of the big reasons I can't take the threat of terrorism in the US very seriously.

          1. Ska   15 years ago

            The Times Square douche tried but failed at bomb construction.

            It's definitely on the agenda.

          2. Mark E   15 years ago

            that was done 4 - 5 year ago at a college (in NC?).

            The driver was a member of the Religion that shall not be Named.

            1. SFC B   15 years ago

              "The driver was a member of the Religion that shall not be Named."

              Since when couldn't you name people who were members of the Church of the Tea Party. Everyone knows they're all terrorists.

          3. Tulpa   15 years ago

            I don't think al-Qaeda is a very rational group. They like to attack glitzy targets.

            You're right though -- if you want to provoke real terror, you attack people at ordinary run of the mill places. The Beltway sniper probably scared people more deeply than 9/11 did.

            1. SFC B   15 years ago

              We really are blessed that our enemies are idiots.

              Of course we're cursed that our self-declared betters in government are also idiots.

              I'm not quite to the point where I'd prefer to have to fight a competent terrorist organization on American soil, but the liberty-destroying idiocy coming out of DC brings me ever closer to that point.

            2. Tango Mike   15 years ago

              I've often thought the actual threat here was wildly overstated, too. If you want to shut down our economy, how about several attacks on crowds at the mall(s) on Black Friday. Do this in a half-dozen cities and threaten to do more, and Xmas shopping will be down 90%. It would seem simple to do if they actually had these "sleeper cells".

              1. Rrabbit   15 years ago

                I'd suspect that these days it wouldn't even take a bomb. Just a few phone calls claiming that bombs have been put in place and will go off at noon.

                1. dimley   15 years ago

                  I'd suspect that these days it wouldn't even take a bomb.

                  A threat to broadcast Keith Olbermann 24/7 on all channels would be enough to instill widespread revulsion and panic.

              2. SFC B   15 years ago

                I'd bet money that if this happened the FBI would investigate Amazon before they went after Muslims.

    3. Seamus   15 years ago

      Yep.

  4. Com'on man   15 years ago

    That shit just ain't right. It just ain't right.

  5. P Brooks   15 years ago

    Caption:

    "Hey, while you're down there, could you dump my colostomy bag for me?"

    1. Com'on man   15 years ago

      "I think it moved. I like that stash."

    2. Name Nomad   15 years ago

      Sorry for the erection...

      By the way, since I'm uncircumcised I could be hiding things in my foreskin. Would you mind giving a few pumps to make sure there's nothing in there, too?

      1. Joe M   15 years ago

        You must've missed the strip search video from a few days ago.

    3. GroundTruth   15 years ago

      "No Sir, you don't have to turn you head and cough"

      1. rather   15 years ago

        Pron titles
        An Officer and His Gentleman

      2. Ska   15 years ago

        Will definitely use that one at the airport.

  6. Warty   15 years ago

    Does the child molester there shave his forearms? Look at those pasty, pudgy, hairless things.

    1. SugarFree   15 years ago

      Diabetic neuropathy can lead to hair-loss on the extremities.

      1. Pablo   15 years ago

        Well that's nice to know. I guess the cavity searches will be tolerable if they don't have hairy digits and wrists.

  7. ola   15 years ago

    his children must be proud

  8. ?   15 years ago

    In defense of this guy who clearly gave up on his Hollywood dreams and became a TSA screener because he could only get work as police-lineup filler in movies about brooding alcoholic cops hunting '70s serial killers, that's not an "I love this old man's balls" face he's making.

    1. Invisible Finger   15 years ago

      Why the hell is this NOT a "job Americans won't do?"

  9. AlmightyJB   15 years ago

    The million dollar question is what the hell is anybody going to do about it? Or is anyone going to do anything? Travel season should be interesting. Riots would be wonderful, especially with Christmas music playing in the background. Alas, I don't think it's going to happen. Maybe we should replace the ubiquitous Christmas music this year with a recording of sheep bleating.

    1. grrizzly   15 years ago

      Not everyone is actually outraged. While I certainly disapprove this new scanning thing as a useless intrusion into my privacy by the government, I just cannot get totally outraged because I personally don't care if anyone sees me naked. Though I understand why others would feel different.

      1. GroundTruth   15 years ago

        I don't care who sees me naked, and a good grope is a good grope, but start messing with the bill of rights and the basic assumptions about the relationship of individuals and the republic, and you're gonna start pissing me off!

        1. Links   15 years ago

          please

          1. Just Isaac   15 years ago

            Thank you.

        2. Pablo   15 years ago

          100%. I don't care who sees my junk either (esp. since my cell phone was recently stolen and there were some legal but very personal pictures in it) but that is a different issue that grossly intrusive and pointless harassment.

  10. Episiarch   15 years ago

    If this shit is still going on when I have to fly next month, I am absolutely going with the pat down, and while they do it, I will say "hey, buddy, you having a good time? Because this doesn't bother me. You like touching my nuts? You want to feel my dick? Oops, I just farted."

    Fuck them. If they have to feel me up, then they are going to get the full Monty. The thing is, the backlash is extreme, and I don't think this is going to last.

    1. Kristen   15 years ago

      I like the farting idea....I'll be sure to eat a whole bunch of onion rings before I go through security in two weeks (and that will be the last time I fly until this shit stops. So, basically, that will be the last time I fly).

      1. T   15 years ago

        I personally await the brave soul who waits for the opportune time to piss his/herself when the hand hits the crotch. Somebody's got to be that brave, right?

        1. JD   15 years ago

          If you're 70+ and act sufficiently senile I bet you could bet away with it. That's bound to make a TSA goon reconsider his career choice.

    2. Ska   15 years ago

      Just tell the dude you're gay and that your erection is a testament to a job well done.

    3. Hugh Akston   15 years ago

      When he cups your junk ask him if it feels realistic, cause it better for the extra money you payed.

      1. Observer   15 years ago

        Gotta love all this fantasizing. None of you will do anything of the sort.

    4. Seamus   15 years ago

      LOL. I'm reminded of the story G. Gordon Liddy told in his memoirs, of how he was undergoing a cavity search while he was in jail, and the guard snickered at him, "I hope you don't mind me looking up your asshole, Mr. Liddy." To which Liddy replied, "No, not at all. You're the guy who makes his living looking up people's assholes, not me.")

      1. West Texas   15 years ago

        This.

  11. bad eyes   15 years ago

    I'm not really sure what I'm looking at here. Is that a Falcon Punch, a Frontal Fisting or is that guy pinching his balls to make him talk?

    1. SugarFree   15 years ago

      I think he's trying to manually wrench the guy's taint off. aka Urkobolding.

  12. Joe M   15 years ago

    Check out the fourth photo in that article. Oh yeah, they'll be putting that scan in the Spank Bank.

    1. Bingo   15 years ago

      Haha, nooo kidding.

  13. H&R Wit   15 years ago

    Speaking of icky government employees, what's the story with the DMV? Have you taken a good look at those people? I've seen more attractive women at a leper colony!

    [rim shot]

    But seriously, they're fat and ugly and have all the intelligence of a bag of hammers...just like my in-laws!

    [rim shot]

    My brother-in-law got his degree at TSA University!

    [applause]

    1. Don't Touch My Junk   15 years ago

      D-

  14. P Brooks   15 years ago

    I realize that's somebody old grandad, but my fists would be clenched like fucking sledgehammers.

    And the next photo on the roll would undoubtedly be offered into evidence at my trial for assaulting an officer.

  15. Mike M.   15 years ago

    I think that this crap is at least partially Obama's revenge on the American people for getting fed up with him in less than two years.

    It's yet another thumb in the eye of average Joe America meant to demoralize us.

  16. Virginia   15 years ago

    I really feel for that guy.

    or

    A handjerb is still a jerb.

  17. NoVAHockey   15 years ago

    I'm holding out hope that some TSA agent comes to his senses and pulls a Conrad Schumann and jumps to freedom.

  18. P Brooks   15 years ago

    Oops, I just farted.

    I used to know a guy who could pretty much puke at will; that would be entertaining.

  19. PapayaSF   15 years ago

    And is it really true that women wearing Muslim hijabs are not touched below the neck?? So our political correctness has gotten to the point that the more you look like a possible terrorist, the less likely they are to examine you closely. We truly have a bureaucracy from Bizarro world....

    1. Enjoy Every Sandwich   15 years ago

      I don't know if this story is reliable, but I did read somewhere (I apologise for not remembering where) that CAIR has gotten an assurance from the government that Muslim women in hijabs won't get the stinkfinger treatment. Maybe if you search for stories on CAIR you can find more info.

    2. Ben Rosengart   15 years ago

      Don't be ridiculous. Where did you read that?

      1. PapayaSF   15 years ago

        http://www.washingtontimes.com.....in-hijabs/

        Last week, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) issued a "travel advisory" noting that women who are patted down "should remind the TSA officer that they are only supposed to pat down the area in question, in this scenario, your head and neck. They SHOULD NOT subject you to a full-body or partial-body pat-down." It's unclear why CAIR believes TSA frisking must be Shariah-compliant. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano refused to deny that such exemptions existed when CNS News asked her about them on Monday, saying instead that "adjustments will be made where they need to be made" and that "there will be more to come" on this issue.

        1. alan   15 years ago

          I'm usually skeptical of stories like that, and file them away in the back of my head to be crossed checked later, but given Big Sis is the stupidest, most tone deaf human being on the planet, she would personally intervene to see to it that the ancient custom of favoritism is enforced according to the dictates of the most debased of elite prejudice, so I would be surprised if this bit of jackassary proved to be false.

          1. dimley   15 years ago

            Big Sis is the stupidest

            She can't be. She attended one of the "right" schools, the LSE.

        2. Tulpa   15 years ago

          That's not what they're talking about. Most people have to to take headwear off when they go through the scanner; people wearing religious headdress do not, but the head and neck get patted down after they go through the scanner.

          If a Muslim woman with a hijab refuses to go through the scanner they get the full monty just like everyone else.

          1. Azathoth   15 years ago

            That's not what CAIR's asking for--

            From CAIR's press release:

            Special recommendations for Muslim women who wear hijab:

            * If you are selected for secondary screening after you go through the metal detector and it does not go off, and "sss" is not written on your boarding pass, ask the TSA officer if the reason you are being selected is because of your head scarf.
            * In this situation, you may be asked to submit to a pat-down or to go through a full body scanner. If you are selected for the scanner, you may ask to go through a pat-down instead.
            * Before you are patted down, you should remind the TSA officer that they are only supposed to pat down the area in question, in this scenario, your head and neck. They SHOULD NOT subject you to a full-body or partial-body pat-down.
            * You may ask to be taken to a private room for the pat-down procedure.
            * Instead of the pat-down, you can always request to pat down your own scarf, including head and neck area, and have the officers perform a chemical swipe of your hands.

            Looks like CAIR's not even wanting a half-monty.

    3. The Other Kevin   15 years ago

      That was an opinion piece, and I posted a link to it yesterday. The original link was on NRO. I don't really blame CAIR. If you don't want anyone to view your clothed silhouette, you sure as hell don't want a stranger seeing you naked or feeling you up.

      If they are making exceptions for Muslim women, expect those who are already pissed off to get even more pissed off, but with an extra helping of anti-Muslim backlash.

      If they are not making exceptions, expect the Muslim community to get pissed off.

      So, win-win IMO.

      1. Joshua   15 years ago

        I think most people are mis-reading this. It looks to me like the Mooselimbs are asking that if the standard screening needs to be supplemented due to the head scarf, that only the head scarf area is patted down.

        I see no mention of avoiding the full monty if one of their dames is preselected for it.

    4. Seamus   15 years ago

      Great! The obvious solution is for everybody to show up at the airport wearing hijabs.

  20. Ramsey   15 years ago

    Here is what really pisses me off: I am fine with the little dose of radiation and increased risk of some mouth breather beating off to my nudie scan, but even when I opt for the fucking machine I am so tall they can't get all of me in there.

    So I still get the crotch grab. Fuck flying.

  21. The Groper Old Man   15 years ago

    We need government!!!!!

  22. The Groper Old Man   15 years ago

    We need the State!!!

  23. The Groper Old Man   15 years ago

    To allow us to work in what we enjoy - touching boys!!!

    God bless the TSA, the State and Government!!!

    1. BakedPenguin   15 years ago

      Next! c'mon, don't be shy.

  24. R C Dean   15 years ago

    I like the guy who dressed in shorty-shorts and a tank top. If my next flight wasn't going to be with my wife, I would seriously consider packing my clothes in my carry-on, and going through security in a Speedo.

    1. Kyle Roberts   15 years ago

      It'll be like the dress code in "The Puppet Masters."

      1. Joshua   15 years ago

        ++

  25. Citizen Nothing   15 years ago

    I avoided the scan this morning. But when I got to Concourse B and I saw they were offering flu shots I figured "Why not? The TSA's doing prostate and breast exams at security. "
    Maybe it's part of Obama care. Anybody actually read that whole thing yet?

    1. Tbone   15 years ago

      Excellent idea. Hernia check sir? Cough please.

      Lewis Black had a great line. "Should I charge them a baggage handling fee?"

      Pretty ironic that the outcry is loudest from the statist Congresscritters - since they were the gung ho fucks who unleashed the TSA beast in the 1st place.

      1. Mark Shields   15 years ago

        It had to be done. The private sector lacks the professionalism to handle important matters like security. The market has all the wrong incentives.

        [Yeah, I really heard him make those two arguments at the time (9/11 + a few days) when there was a bizarre ground swell of media and congresscritter support to nationalize airport security. That meme was on the liberal lips with the same enthusiasm they embraced 'too big to fail'. Mind blowing. Somehow, a fat ass career bureaucrat with all the job protection that goes with that has a greater incentive to be a watchdog than an airline that might just, you know, lose a plane or an airport that just might,you know, lose a customer base. Fat ass's only incentive is to be a sadist, and that is more counter productive than anything. Public sector apologist, just fucking die already.]

  26. James Anderson Merritt   15 years ago

    I haven't flown since early in the 2000s and hope never to have to fly as long as the current situation persists. I made a long road trip to Las Vegas and back, rather than deal with the TSA, and that was several years ago. Back then, my family was on the fence about which was worse: the hours of driving (although we did have a good time together on the road) or the humiliating Las Vegas airport security procedures a few years earlier. These days, there would be no contest. They would probably be happy to drive with me as far as Denver, Albuquerque, or Seattle, provided we had the extra time, rather than endure the current security procedures.

    Said simply, I do not want the government to "protect" me out of my freedom. I have already voluntarily endured a fair amount of inconvenience to retain my freedom, and I plan to keep on opting for freedom over convenience and security as necessary. The government's failure to harmonize those priorities is fully understandable and predictable, given both human nature and the nature of government, but it is one of the primary outrages of our times.

    1. GroundTruth   15 years ago

      We made the decision this AM to drive from Boston the Florida for my mom's big birthday this spring, rather than deal with this @$%^*@^!

      Sorry Delta, maybe some day when this comes to an end, but not this time!

    2. Publilius   15 years ago

      Yeah, I gave up flying after 9/11 because of the stupid security crap. In the last few years, I've driven from here in Michigan and back to Salt Lake City once, to Los Angeles once, to Florida once, and to Boston twice.

    3. Just Isaac   15 years ago

      You know, the more I think about it, the more I conclude that this is a result of Big Oil lobbying to get people to drive further instead of flying. That's the only logical explanation, right?

      1. dimley   15 years ago

        More driving ==> more cars ==> good for GM.

  27. aix42   15 years ago

    First they came for fluids, next they will come for the precious bodily fluids.

    We must deny them our essence!

  28. Pop-culture Reference   15 years ago

    He used... sarcasm. He knew all the tricks, dramatic irony, metaphor, bathos, puns, parody, litotes and... satire. He was vicious.

    1. wylie   15 years ago

      The traffic stop in Fear & Loathing? (what do i win?!)

      1. BakedPenguin   15 years ago

        Nothing. That's from Monty Python's "The Piranha Brothers"

      2. BakedPenguin   15 years ago

        around 2:40. The link to the beginning is there as well.

  29. R C Dean   15 years ago

    My plan for cabin security:

    (1) secure cockpit doors, and guns in every cockpit.

    (2) metal detectors at the entrance.

    (3) x-ray the carry-ons.

    Prohibited substances include guns, flammables/explosives, and knives over 7 inches long.

    For those who don't carry a knife onto the plane, a selection will be made available for loan, to be returned after the flight. Passengers, with the assistance of the crew, will be responsible for cabin security.

    Some half-wit jihadi gets frisky, I doubt he'll get three feet before becoming very, umm, leaky.

    1. GroundTruth   15 years ago

      Hey, I've been suggesting that for years! It won't stop a bomb, but if every man between 16 and 65 is required to carry a knife to get on board, it might also remind people that freedom is actually a "do-it-yourself" type thing!

      The bill of rights recognizes, it does not grant, rights. Those come as part of our nature (or from God, for the religious amongst us).

      1. Clich? Bandit   15 years ago

        Thank god we have another commenter willing to hit the Natural Rights points. I was getting repetitive. Good luck with MNG and Tony.

        I have flown DIA several times in the last two months and been lucky, regular magnetometer for me. But I am flying again on Wed, you know, Opt-Out Day. Already told the wife she can go to Cancun wihtout me cause they aint meeting resistnace with MY Resistance...OR I might just go batty and get naked. Havent decided yet.

        I touch you once, I touch you twice. I won't let go at ANY price

        1. TrickyVic   15 years ago

          ""I have flown DIA several times in the last two months and been lucky, regular magnetometer for me.""

          My understanding is that currently the pat downs and scans are for people who beep at the magnetometer.

          I never beep. No belt, no change, no jewelery. The only carry on I ever take is my laptop. Everything else is in my checked luggage. I try to make it as easy for myself as I can.

    2. KWebb   15 years ago

      The only thing I don't like about guns in the cockpit is that if they ever have to be used, the passengers are going to be a large part of the backstop. The walls around the cockpit doors should probably be reinforced too, but otherwise I like your idea.

      1. dimley   15 years ago

        frangible bullets

        1. JD   15 years ago

          High-quality hollowpoints and regular target practice.

    3. joshua corning   15 years ago

      Everyone has a knife on greyhound...why are planes so different?

  30. Kant feel Pietzsche   15 years ago

    I know it's been done already, but I can't help myself:

    ...but then they switched from the Swingline to the Boston stapler, but I kept my Swingline stapler because it didn't bind up as much, and I kept the staples for the Swingline stapler and it's not okay because I know my stapler is in here somewhere, and if I don't find it then I'll set the building on fire...

  31. Jumbie   15 years ago

    I didn't buy the "Air travel is not a right," argument at first, but I've reconsidered. Here's what I think:

    If you feel unsafe traveling in a world without pat downs and porno scanners, Then YOU don't fly.

    Your air travel is not a right either.

    1. Ken Shultz   15 years ago

      I'll fly wherever I want to.

      ...and complain, and complain, and complain, and moan about it.

      I'll never, never stop complaining about it.

      Never.

      1. joshua corning   15 years ago

        Careful i hear Rockefeller is working on a way to have the FCC take away the right to complain.

      2. TSA   15 years ago

        We don't like being sassed and we can make your life miserable, boy. Just watch.

      3. Ken Shultz   15 years ago

        "Your air travel is not a right either."

        By the way? It is a right.

        It's among the millions of rights I have--only a few of which are mentioned in passing in the Bill of Rights. ...it's alluded to in the Ninth Amendment actually, but even if the Ninth Amendment had never mentioned my rights and where they come from--I'd still have my right to travel by air anyway.

        My rights aren't the government's to give or take away.

        They aren't circumscribed by some anonymous commenter on Hit & Run either.

        ...and one of my most cherished rights is to call people who want to feel my balls while I'm traveling? "Dirty little whores" while they're doing it.

        And I'm never gonna stop complaining about it.

        Never.

        1. Jumbie   15 years ago

          Dude, I really don't think you read what I wrote carefully.

          1. Ken Shultz   15 years ago

            That's not the first time I've done that.

            Sorry 'bout that.

  32. Monkey's Uncle   15 years ago

    Eh, looking at it all wrong. A Southwest ticket is now cheaper than a trip to the strip club, AND I'm guaranteed a little touching.

    1. DADIODADDY   15 years ago

      Do I have to tip the TSA groppers when they're done?

    2. Ragin Cajun   15 years ago

      Would it be improper to ask to buy a bottle of champagne?

    3. Ska   15 years ago

      If you're tipping strippers that look like that guy you've already got much bigger problems than airport security.

    4. Tongue my balls   15 years ago

      You've got the right idea for a private security firm taking over security at an airport that opts out of TSA screening. Would work especially well where there are competing airports.

      1. West Texas   15 years ago

        But, from what I understand, private security has to follow TSA standards and TSA standards are what we see here. They're just not government employees.

        1. cynical   15 years ago

          I think the idea was that, if TSA weirdo pervs were replaced with moderately attractive women, all the groping could be considered a plus.

    5. TrickyVic   15 years ago

      ""A Southwest ticket is now cheaper than a trip to the strip club, AND I'm guaranteed a little touching.""

      So when you get groped, do you ask "am I charged extra for that?"

  33. Nick   15 years ago

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdJuSZoWByY

  34. Pro Libertate   15 years ago

    We've gone from "Don't tread on me" to "Don't fondle me, please." I wonder what the Founders would think of the current state of affairs?

    1. SugarFree   15 years ago

      "Treading" is just fondling with a foot.

      1. Pro Libertate   15 years ago

        Yes, but I don't think the 1776 generation would tolerate it. We, on the other hand, get off on being oppressed.

        1. SugarFree   15 years ago

          "Oh... baby... strip my rights away! Oh, girl... you always know what I'll miss the most..."

        2. JW   15 years ago

          "Don't Trample on Me?"

      2. Hugh Akston   15 years ago

        I knew you were a shill for the crush industry.

        1. alan   15 years ago

          Hmmm, that gives me an idea. Dye a gerbil orange. Hire a sexy Eastern European stripper from one of the local clubs to crush it. Make a video of it happening. Edit it to the soundtrack of REM's Orange Crush. Find Stipe on the streets of Athens, GA. You can't miss his body odor from two blocks away if you tried. Have a second guy film his reaction when you show him the crush video. Stipe's soul being crushed. He hurts, everybody else wins!

          1. sarcasmic   15 years ago

            The lady in the cube next to me just asked me what I'm laughing at.

            1. alan   15 years ago

              What did you tell her?

              Sorry I'm late responding. My days are all weirdly scheduled.

    2. Don't Touch My Junk   15 years ago

      "We've gone from "Don't tread on me" to "Don't fondle me, please." I wonder what the Founders would think of the current state of affairs?"

      THIS

      http://www.rightpundits.com/wp.....y_junk.jpg

  35. sloopyinca   15 years ago

    How long after 9/11 did flying cease to be a financial transaction between the flier and the airline, and become a "privilege" again?

    The sad thing is, it took it getting to this point before people complained en masse. We should have been bitching this bad when they told us to take off our shoes and throw away our shampoo. If we had, I'm willing to bet it never would have gotten to this.

    1. GroundTruth   15 years ago

      I was there with the ID thing... just been waiting for the rest to catch up with me.

  36. IceTrey   15 years ago

    You can't tell from that picture if he has his hand on the guys thigh or his junk.

    1. TrickyVic   15 years ago

      And that's what makes it fun.

  37. Observer   15 years ago

    You know what would be really funny? Dressing up in a sari and trying to get through the checkpoint with a can of Four Loko!

    1. St00pidGirrl069   15 years ago

      While watching a Harry Potter video? Brilliant!

  38. TSA   15 years ago

    What do we want?! A Union!
    When do we want it?! Now!

  39. Don't Touch My Junk   15 years ago

    Two Things...

    I think it's only right that TSA Screeners be required to declare their sexual orientation.

    And...

    TSA employees can vote on union representation, labor board rules:

    http://voices.washingtonpost.c....._unio.html

  40. Spiny Norman   15 years ago

    This stuff goes far enough, we'll be begging Obama for that high-speed train.

    1. Ayn R. Key   15 years ago

      Nope.

      TSA is on the trains. And busses. Just not as much yet.

  41. Joshua   15 years ago

    The guy standing up has just unwittingly become a teabagger.

  42. Anonymous Coward   15 years ago

    Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Chuck Berry.

  43. Neu Mejican   15 years ago

    Simple solution.

    Two types of planes.
    Those with this kind of security check, and those with a more lenient security check.
    Passengers get to choose which they want to fly on.

  44. lucky206   15 years ago

    I think he was my priest in Columbus.

  45. ????? ??????   13 years ago

    Thanks

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