"TSA Agent Caught With Passenger's iPad in His Pants; Allegedly Took $50,000 in Other Goods, Cops Say"

Good headline. Lousy public policy.

Pursuant to that, this week GOP presidential candidate Ron Paul (R-Texas) has called for the outright abolition of the Transportation Security Administration, and introduced "The America Traveler Dignity Act," which

establishes that airport security screeners are not immune from any US law regarding physical contact with another person, making images of another person, or causing physical harm through the use of radiation-emitting machinery on another person.  It means they are not above laws the rest of us must obey.

Reason on the TSA here. First link via the Twitter feed of Timothy P. Carney. Take it away, Remy!

Comments

[mr simple TSA]

After careful review of the facts, we have determined that this man was following proper procedure. That is all.

[Koan]

Go Ron Paul, but . . . the TSA ain't goin anywhere but in your pants.

[sarcasmic]

It means they are not above laws the rest of us must obey.

You mean the law applies equally to both civilians and members of the government?

Haaaaaaaaaaaa hahaha ha hooooo ha ha ah

*sigh*

[P Brooks]

This noble public servant was merely trying to supplement his woefully inadequate paycheck.

[The Undead]

This poor man's act of desperation is yet more proof (as though it was needed!) that these American heros must be afforded union protection.

[Pro Libertate]

The 16th Amendment allows this.

[Rhywun]

He's doing God's work in some of most awful neighborhoods.

[P Brooks]

Real security will be achieved when the airlines are once again in charge of protecting their property and their passengers."

Huffing and puffing about "dignity" is all well and good, but what would actually rid us of the TSA would be an airline ticket tax which captures the entire cost of the TSA and puts it squarely on the people who actually fly on airplanes.

"Yes Ma'am, that is correct. Those tickets to Orlando for four are a LOT more expensive than last time, because there is a new Air Security Surtax of $14,582.00 per seat. Well, I'm sorry, too."

[Matrix]

Too bad TSA is also going after busses and trains.

[Rhywun]

Good point. I haven't flown in like 10 years. WTF am I paying for this for?

[Fist of Etiquette]

After being arrested Monday on two counts of grand theft, police say Santiago admitted to stealing computers, GPS devices, video cameras, and other electronic merchandise from luggage he was supposed to be screening.

Hey, at least the potentially dangerous electronics never made it on board any aircraft. Everything else is secondary.

[Restoras]

No doubt an isolated incident.

[Tim]

Headlines you never see:

TSA Agent explodes after stealing bomb disguised as camera.

[Phlogistan]

Jewish property will be confiscated--

I think perhaps the TSA is using the Wrong Manual.

[wef]

The guy was doing a little freelance tax collection.

Is it a wonder that thugs work for the thug state?

[Narcy]

Release the Balkobots!

[In Time of War]

"The cops are looking for people whose stuff has been stolen, although they say the chances of getting the stuff back are slim."

If an agent of the government stole it, the government damned well better move heaven and earth to recover the equipment or reimburse the victims.

It won't, of course.

[Tulpa]

The cops are not part of the same government as the TSA.

[mustard]

This actually shows another reason why we need Rapiscan screening at security checkpoints, not only to catch terrorists but thieves as well. Under the old pre-9/11 system this guy never would have been caught.

[Brandon]

Under the old pre-9/11 system this guy never would have been in a position to steal from passengers.

[P Brooks]

I suppose by "Balkobots" you mean "people who believe this elaborate, cripplingly expensive and utterly useless charade should be abandoned".

[Episiarch]

Don't respond to it. Just don't.

[Mr. FIFY]

It does have the stench of a statist, doesn't it?

[jasonfan]

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