13 November 2010

More about my TSA encounter at SAN

I've been keeping up with all of the comments, but today has been kind of hectic as you can imagine, and I don't have time to reply to them. Thank you all so much for the encouraging words and offers to help in my legal defense (should it become necessary). I'm starting to see people ask questions about my motives and some of the particulars if the incident. My original post was meant only to serve as an account of what happened should I eventually be sued. Here are some more of the particulars:

Ticket Purchase

I mentioned in my blog post that my father-in-law had purchased my ticket for travel. One commenter called me a spoiled brat for costing him so much money. If you listen to the video, you'll hear that I offered a number of times to "eat the cost" of the ticket and pay him back. In the end, American Airlines stepped up to the plate and made things right on this front.

Treatment of TSA

Some have criticized my treatment of the TSA officer who was going to be performing the pat down. I admit that the language used was not exactly what most would consider "highbrow"; however, it was not intended to be insulting to the officer. I used the word "junk" partly because I was uncomfortable using a more technical term and also as an attempt to introduce some levity to what I knew was about to become a fairly tense situation. I was actually trying to smile almost the entire time, trying to keep the situation from escalating.

"Professional courtesy"

One commenter called out my father-in-law for asking for some professional courtesy from the TSA agents. My father-in-law is one of the most stand-up guys I know. I realize that some (including myself) find it disgusting when LEO's "abuse" their power in this way, and I don't want to excuse it here. But I want to stand up for my father-in-law and say that he is a good, honest man. (I truly considered not posting this video at all because I didn't want him to be viewed in a negative light.) His goal was to get us out of there and off to visit the family and do some hunting. Once he arrived at the final destination, he called to tell me that he was proud that I stood up for what I believed to be right.

Was this a set up?

Some people have questioned whether I entered into this situation intending to set up the TSA. Let me state unequivocally that it was not my intention to set up the TSA. Remember that I checked the TSA's website prior to my departure and confirmed that SAN was not using AIT machines. When I arrived at the screening area and saw that they were using those machines, I recalled various news articles and blog posts advocating that people record these situations so that they are not taken advantage of or have their rights (further) abused. As I stated, I tried to avoid the AIT scanner machine by getting in the metal detector line. I was actually relieved when the person in front of me was pulled out of line. I would have been just fine to walk through the metal detector, delete the video, and be on my way.

--

Finally, local news has been alerted. I had one interview already, and another one is scheduled shortly. One local news outlet refused to cover the story. I got the impression from talking to the man on the phone that he thought I was some kind of right-wing or tea party nut job. He sounded a bit apologetic, but I told him, no big deal. Do the story; don't do the story. My feelings aren't hurt either way. I just want the message to get out.

Thank you all again for ALL of the support! I'll keep you posted.

418 comments:

  1. I agree there are issues with TSA... Do what you need to do.

    I would like to see some articles on what you found on the backscatter..

    "A passenger would need to be scanned using a backscatter scanner, from both the front and the back, about 200,000 times to receive the amount of radiation equal to one typical CT scan," said Dr. Andrew J. Einstein, director of cardiac CT research at Columbia University Medical Center in New York City.

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  2. As a lefty here, I still think standing up for your rights was the right thing to do! It's nothing but security theater any ways. Not to start a pro-Israeli/pro-Palestinian comment discussion, but I read an article (Wired magazine, I'm really not sure?) a while back, on the Israeli governments measures and record they have for preventing terrorist situations using many physical layers of security at airports most of which are passive/monitoring in nature, and their techniques speak for themselves, without the need to grope and fondle or see you naked.

    All the technology or intrusion of our rights in the world isn't going to stop what they are attempting to prevent. the only things that have helped truly since 9/11 are reinforced cockpit doors and passengers willingness to fight back if (and lets hope not) the situation ever comes up again.

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  3. In response to the assumption that you were a member of the "Tea Party": this is an issue that people across the political spectrum can agree on. I wholeheartedly *welcome* the Tea Party in the fight against the TSA.

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  4. In response to the first post: http://www.nationalpost.com/news/Naked+scanners+airports+dangerous+scientists/3819955/story.html

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  5. I have a flight this upcoming weekend. Should I try and refuse this as well?

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  6. "I have a flight this upcoming weekend. Should I try and refuse this as well?"

    You would be doing a service, but need to keep in mind that you may miss your flight. I would recommend recording your interactions as well.

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  7. Are you worried about the Wiretap consequences here, regardless of the TSA issues, i am concerned for you because of your apparent violation, however brave, of the CA 2-party-consent wiretap laws.

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  8. I commend your actions for refusing to submit to what is a clear violation of the fourth amendment.
    Sadly you may be in for some rough times ahead as any activist can tell you.
    Our government unfortunately does not like anyone to make waves.
    Best of luck to you!

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  9. I can't thank you enough for taking a stand on this issue. The more people that do this the better.

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  10. Bravo. As a diehard liberal, I have joked with my conservative friends that these days TSA is one of few matters upon which we can swiftly agree. Thanks for standing up for your rights, and frankly, your dignity. Personally, if selected for the additional screening procedures, I will be refusing both the body scanner as well as the opportunity to have my breasts squeezed and labia brushed by TSA employees. If it means walking right back out of the airport, so be it. My punani is never any of the TSA's domain.

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  11. You're bookmarked and many are following events. Freedom has been on a steady downhill slide for way too long. Thanks for standing up for civil rights.

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  12. A government worker DOES NOT have a right to privacy in a public area while performing his government job in front of hundreds of people.

    Record away.

    Everyone who travels via air should view these kinds of civil actions as a part of their civic and moral duty. If you choose to subject yourself to abject humiliation, make the TSA molester as uncomfortable as possible. Moan loudly. Work up a raging boner. Rip a nasty fart. Ask how much they're enjoying themselves. Anything to fuck with those TSA thugs and turn the tables. If they're going to grab my balls, I want them to feel dirty about it.

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  13. Can we have a separate airplane for idiots like you? I do not want to fly with you morons. You sound like you were an obnoxious twit the entire time, no wonder no one was helpful to you. I will agree I do not get how the TSA handles certain things, but you are a fucking a-hole. Instead of ranting with your self righteous attitude why not devote yourself with developing some perfect security procedures that will work in the real world? But I doubt you have ever had to be responsible for physical security in a free country in the real world ( but perhaps I am wrong I have no idea who you are). And I will emphasize I do not agree with the TSA, what they do but nor do I live in a world of illusion. Frankly you should fuck off

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  14. So much for civil and brief. Thanks to the OP for standing up for passenger rights. I don't have occasion to fly at this point in my life and only know what happens at airports through stories like this.

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  15. Maybe you were a nut job. Good. I salute you sir for doing what you thought was right. For standing up to the TSA. It's the nutjobs that keep our liberties sacred. Also, it's not like you made the event up.

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  16. A couple relevant links to TSA's website:

    http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/editorial_1049.shtm

    http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/specialneeds/editorial_1567.shtm

    "If you refuse to be screened at any point during the screening process, the Security Officer will deny you entry beyond the screening area. You will not be able to fly."

    "If a personal search is required you may choose to remain in the public area or go to a private area for your screening. If you refuse either option you will not be able to fly."

    They did ask if you were familiar with what was on their website. It's ironic (but par for the course w/ TSA) that after you comply with their published policies and are escorted out, they then try to threaten you with a $10K fine if don't return for a grope.

    TSA is a rogue agency that must be shut down. Private contractors were equally effective before 9/11. TSA adds nothing but theater to our security.

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  17. The Rutherford Institute is defending the pilot who refused to be groped or x-rayed. If anyone is assaulted or threatened by TSA make sure to call them or the ACLU. Call your congressional representaives and senators and tell them no to the scanners.

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  18. You've been compared to Rosa Parks. Let's all move to the front of the bus. The time is now.

    Good for you!

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  19. Congratulations on having the balls to stand up to the goon squad. Hopefully you'll be the first of many.

    Don't know if you are aware of the National Opt Out Day (apparently, you took advantage of your rights and proclaimed this day your own Opt Out Day!) - more info about Nov 24th at http://www.wewontfly.com

    Also on the horizon is December 1st - shut down the airport day. If they won't take notice on the 24th, they will on December 1st. More info at http://www.shutdowntheairports.com

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  20. If you were a terrorist you would have blown up the security line.

    I wonder if the TSA agents ever think of that.

    Imagine the underware bomber is going through the line. He decides he might get caught. Is he going to just turn around and go home or send that line up to the pearly gates?

    If the underware bomber goes home then he failed to make a statement. If he blows up the security line it might not be his original objective but it sends the same (crazed) statement.

    TSA should know before you come to the airport if you are a terrorist or not.

    The underware bombers parents turned him in several times to no avail. Pretty much everyone who has ever blown anything up was already under some level of watch.

    There should be a quick screening area outside of the airport that divides people into two categories 1) watched and 2) unwatched.

    The watched ones go through a seperate area and more screening while the unwatched go through a simpler screening.

    Unfortunately I do not have a low enough IQ to get a Government position so they will have to figure this out on there own.

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  21. CONGRATULATIONS - MANY PEOPLE ARE PROUD OF YOU!

    http://www.aclu-md.org/aPress/Press2010/Court_Opinion_092710.pdf
    STATE OF MD v. ANTHONY JOHN GRABER, III

    Quoting from City of Houston v. Hill, 482 US 451 (1987) the Court of Appeals said: "The freedom of individuals verbally to oppose or challenge police action without thereby risking arrest is one of the principle characteristics by which we distinguish a free nation from a police state."

    ... Those of us who are public officials and are entrusted with the power of the state are ultimately accountable to the public. (See State v. McCray, 267 Md. 111, 1972 at 114).

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  22. the background to the Scanners:

    Michael Chertoff forme Homeland INsecurity head has ties to the company that makes scanners
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3cAbw_wdcU

    and:
    'A passenger who boarded Northwest Airlines Flight 253 in Amsterdam with attempted plane bomber Umar Farouk Abdul Mutallab says the would-be terrorist had no passport and was aided...... by a sharp-dressed man who claimed Mutallab was a Sudanese refugee, just one of a plethora of startling inconsistencies surrounding an incident that has led to ramped up security and increased levels of harassment in airports.'http://www.infowars.com/government-allowed-plane-bomber-to-attempt-attack/

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  23. nearly nude protest in germany to shame scanners:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZSEf_4F3jk&feature=player_embedded

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  24. Very well done. Posted on www.FedUpFlyers.org.

    Can't find your contact info. I'd like to include your name with the post. If you'd be willing, please email michael@fedupflyers.org. Thanks!

    -Michael Roberts, pilot unable to report for work at ExpressJet Airlines, suing the federal government to restore our Fourth Amendment rights and freedom.

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  25. The TSA policies are outrageous, though you must know their effort is intended to keep us safe.

    Don't blame the TSA worker that maintains a professional attitude, politeness serves all parties well in the security area.

    REVOLT!!! MAKE THIS UNACCEPTABLE SITUATION GET FIXED!

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  26. The following link directs to a letter from some University of California at San Francisco faculty regarding the back scatter x-ray machines in use at airports:

    http://www.npr.org/assets/news/2010/05/17/concern.pdf

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  27. The TSA used Stimulus money to buy these full body scanner machines. What a waste of millions of dollars. How does having these machines in the airport help stimulate the economy?

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  28. I would so love to see more people use Qik or UStream to broadcast these encounters live onto the internet. Which is very possible over 3G not to mention on the airports often free wifi.

    And I'd like to see a twitter hash tag for #tsavid or #policestate.

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  29. Please report this to the ACLU at their webpage where they are collecting information on the new screenings: http://www.aclu.org/technology-and-liberty/tsa-pat-down-search-abuse

    Thank you for standing up for our Constitutionally-protected right to privacy and right to be free from unreasonable searches. The safety of the backscatter machines has not been proven, as pointed out in the letter from the UCSF professors (one of the leading health research schools in the country, by the way) and the alternative is unreasonable since, as many have pointed out, it can still be evaded with relative ease by a determined person. (And does nothing to address Bruce Schneier's point that it's trivially easy to take a small tube of metal epoxy on a flight, mix the components in the bathroom, use a folded bit of cardboard as a mould and the handle of a spoon as a handle, and make yourself a sharp metal knife.)

    This is not just about how any one person might feel annoyed or inconvenienced. I know survivors of sexual trauma who are horrified at the idea that their choices are, go through a scanner and have their nude body viewed by a stranger, or be touched on their breasts and genitals by a stranger. I know transmen and transwomen who know all too well what can happen if a screener learns that their genitals don't match their gener presentation. When you stood up to the TSA, you were standing up for them as well. Thanks.

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  30. Bravo John! Honestly, I am scared beyond belief right now to fly because of this! I am due to fly out next week with my husband and my 2 year old daughter. I could NOT imagine anyone laying a finger on my daughter in an appropriate manner!

    The TSA is VIOLATING the 4th Amendment. People need to take a stand. You sir, are a hero.

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  31. Your actions are completely appropiate and a logical reaction to the situation. kudos to you and your self-respect!

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  32. BRAVO, as for the critics, you don't have to listen to them, there will always be a critic, and who knows perhaps they were planted there anyway. I would be interested in knowing how things turn out. If they come after you for suit as they threatened you. WOW...not all American's are cowards, you have renewed my faith.

    When you ask yourself ultimately, is your trip to XYZ so important, that your willing to give up freedom of your own body? I think you asked yourself that and understood what it meant to give up your 4th amendment right. Funny people want change, but they refuse to be the change. Not many people have the guts too.

    Folks should ALWAYS KNOW your rights so you are in more control and can not allow yourself to be manipulated from them.

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  33. The fact is the TSA are using the threat and reality of RAPE to force people to choose to be irradiated and exposed to cancer causing rays so the TSA rapists can enjoy lots of porno they can masturbate to - or strangers whose gonads they can fondle.

    FACT: they dig doing this to women while their husbands are watching. The helpless rage of the husband makes them feel powerful, a real drug for the TSA people, most all of which are subhuman grotesques unemployable in any other context.

    FACT: it is rape.

    The choice the TSA subhumans hold out is the same as the choice between being shot or sodomized at gun point.

    All TSA agents must be indicted for RAPE or for aiding and abetting a rapist.

    You know what these guys at TSA do when they’re done sexually assaulting women they feel up?

    They keep the gloves they use and trade them for each other to sniff, catching scent from the women whose crotches they fondle. Yeah, they ARE that sick and twisted.

    They stand around during breaks, sniffing them and laughing. Don’t ask how I know but it is NOT heresay. This is FACT.

    Congressmen have to know this WILL happen to their wives! Their daughters! Their granddaughters. The TSA monsters are psychopathic sexual sadists.

    On the day of the protest against TOTAL SEXUAL ASSAULT on Nov 24, go through the pat down with a full bladder and bowels and let them both go the very second that the TSA maggot touches your gonads. By the 20th time this happens, they’ll get the message.

    If you can't defecate and urinate on command, you can at least shriek, 'RAPE! I AM BEING RAPED BY MY GOVERNMENT! RAPE!' over and over again until you psss out when the TSA rapist touches you.

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  34. @Paul 11/13/10 @3:43 - Did *you* lose someone on 9/11? Or are you just trolling this forum?

    The fact remains that LAW is not JUSTICE, else there could never be an unjust law.

    This may be legal, but it's not just, and injustice should be fought at all times, regardless of the source, be that source a criminal or a member / minion of the government.

    Doug in CT

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  35. @Anonymous 11/13/10 @ 3:54 pm - Okay, I haven't looked it up, but I'll take your word for that being the relevant section of the law/code.

    First of all, it's *optional* ('Code *authorizes*', not "requires").

    Second, it's for "violation of any surface transportation requirement". The *requirement* is to go thru screening, if selected, before boarding an aircraft. HE WASN'T BOARDING THE F***ING AIRCRAFT!

    So how, exactly, does this apply? Except for power-mad frightened bullies trying to force submission of another to their will using the law as a club?

    Doug in CT

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  36. @Jordan 11/13/2010 @3:54 PM - First, RTFA. He tried to find an airport without backscatter.

    Second. This isn't the first such occurrence, as others HAVE BEEN reported, and sometimes recorded. It seems when a person exercises his/her rights, TSA *policy* is to harass, intimidate, and embarass them into compliance, else the sheeple around would get the idea and refuse as well.

    I am waiting for the 'Spartacus Moment', when a whole security line, if not a whole airport full of security lines, refuses in concert. It'll have to get pretty bad first, unless this bad publicity forces the powers-that-be to back down. Those powers-that-be need to come up with a less intrusive way to fulfill their responsibilities, rather than just conduct Security Theater (a steal from someone else, there) to CYA.

    Doug in CT

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  37. @Anonymous 11/13 @ 4 pm. RTFA. Nope, he tried to find an airport where he didn't have to chance going thru the machine.

    I hope you're more thorough in your work than in reading this article. And yes, that was meant as a slam at you, idiot.

    Doug in CT

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  38. @Anonymous 11/13 4:01 pm - ...and you're an a anonymous little worm without the guts to attach your name to an opinion....

    There, we traded insults. Does 'oo feew betta nowwww...?

    Hmmm, I could be wrong....you could be too *stupid* to know how. You're still a spineless worm, but you could be a stupid spineless worm as well.

    Doug in CT

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  39. @Anonymous 11/13/10 @ 4:17 pm

    So saith the Tone Troll..."both sides were being *mean*. Now make nice!"

    This isn't kindergarten, and the people involved, as adults, presumably know ethics. A person defending their rights is not wrong merely because s/he is not meekly acquiescing.

    Doug in CT

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  40. @Anonymous @ 4:20 - ....this is getting tiresome.

    Have none of the detractors read the f***-ing article? If they have and reading comprehension is so low, I *really* fear for the country.

    John TRIED TO AVOID a backscatter machine by researching *ahead of time*. The airport he was embarking from was listed (INCORRECTLY) as not having backscatter radar machines.

    Now go back to sucking on your lollipop, and reading "My First Little Comprehension for Dummies"

    Doug in CT

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  41. Thank you for taking a stand. I hope more people will follow your lead. I have a flight on 11/18/10 and I really want to go on this trip. It is to celebrate my anniversary. I will carry a copy of the 4 amendment with me to the airport to show the TSA what it says. This is a violation of my rights. I plan on telling them that I will sue them personally.

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  42. Hi John,

    I wonder if more Americans would feel safe if they knew the TSA hired most of their minions in the heady days following 9-11, based upon credit checks only. I had a law enforcement agent tell me several years ago that there were no security checks done for the morons who are tasked with keeping the skies safer for travelers. These TSA employees are illiterate, rude and probably only one level up from being criminals themselves. Glad I dont fly anymore. Thanks for standing up to the "machine". Forego the naysayers: it's easy to criticize until one finds themselves in a similar situation like yours. Keep fighting the good fight!

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  43. @Anonymous 4:32 pm - It's the TSA's job to keep us safe, and to find a way to do it without violating the rights of citizens and those here legally, at least.

    By your standard, Rosa Parks shouldn't have kept her seat. The fact remains that she was tired, *HAD* the seat, and had no legal or ethical reason to give it up. And she was fed up with being abused.

    That last factor is the critical one, and hopefully more and more people will get fed up enough to force the TSA to become subtle and clever, rather than ham-handed and crude.

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  44. The brand of the scanners used at SAN? Rapiscan. At least they're honest.

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  45. First of all thanks for your courage (if you're anything like me, the indignation comes naturally, but it takes a bit of motivation to actually follow through and not roll over).

    Second: please add a link to this (and any further updates) at the bottom of the original blog post. I wouldn't have found this unless I went to your main blog home page to learn more about you.

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  46. @Paul 4:41 - are you really equating a doctor palpating around your body FOR YOUR OWN HEALTH with some minimum-wage knuckle-dragging drooling mouth-breather selecting an attractive member of (most often) the opposite sex for a legalized grope in the name of Security Theater?

    Man, remind me to be NOWHERE near you...

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  47. @Anonymous 4:46pm - "Also I'm pretty sure that filming airport security is a crime."

    Book, chapter, and verse? Or do you just believe you know more than the rest of us?

    It's a public place, so filming there is pretty damn hard to criminalize, regardless of what petty law officers (most aren't, I refer to those that are) try to force on you.

    Assclown

    Doug in CT

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  48. @Anonymous 4:48 pm - RTFA.

    He tried to find an airport without backscatter. Due to inaccuracies (lies? yep) on the TSA's own website, his quest to avoid a confrontation failed.

    Hey, if you're that stupid, can I have your job? I'd like to move up, and you're demonstratably incompetent.

    Doug in CT

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  49. @Paul @ 4:54 -

    Yeah, and in the Dredd Scott decision, the Supreme Court (NOT an Apellate Court), ruled that an escaped Negro slave had no civil rights, couldn't sue, was property, and had to be returned to his master/owner.

    You were saying about the sagacity of the court system? ....

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  50. @Anonymous@ 4:54

    Suspicion is not sufficient. Remember 'probably cause'? This is selective enforcement and harassment of somebody who has gotten 'uppity', to borrow a phrase from another era and struggle.

    Doug in CT

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  51. @Paul @ 5:02 pm -

    "The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore all progress depends on the unreasonable man."

    George Bernard Shaw

    So, you were saying?

    Doug in CT

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  52. @Anonymous @ 5:04pm - And Thalidomide is safe for pregnant women with morning sickness....the FDA says so!

    You were saying, again?....

    Doug in CT

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  53. @Anonymous @ 5:09

    I may just do the last of those the next time I fly. Let's see if they still think I need to be patted down while in the Emperor's new clothes!

    Doug in CT

    ( question is, will I have the balls at the time. Well, they're attached...more like will they be working )

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  54. @Paul @ 5:09 - John tried to find an airport without backscatter. Due to TSA incompetence, he received wrong information.

    This is his fault exactly *how*?

    Doug in CT

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  55. @Paul @ 5:11 - the same old tired "Doctor" canard?

    A doctor is doing it for MY health, or to check thereof. And yes, I do agree to that as part of a medical checkup; in fact, IT'S WHY I'M THERE. It would be negligent on the doctor's part not to do so.

    When a person tries to avoid something, researches to do so, and gets mousetrapped by the agency's incompetence, you call that consent? Here, let me drop some GBH into a drink for you and introduce you to some unruled rough-sex fetish sadists. Then we'll see how you feel about mousetrapped consent.

    Doug in CT

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  56. I'd like to say a heartfelt thank you for what you did at the airport. I've been reading a lot about the body scanners, and the TSA intrusive body searches and I'm horrified about them; but I'm even more horrified that some people think it's okay that their Constitutional 4th Amendment rights are being destroyed because they are told they are being kept "safe." These scanners don't see through skin. So, fundamentally, anyone can insert PETN inside their body, and it won't show up on the scanner. I intend to "opt out" if I fly; but I dread the experience of being molested by a TSA employee to prove I'm not a terrorist. This is a nightmare and Americans should fight back if they value their freedom.

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  57. @Anonymous @5:15 -

    You win 'teh Interwebz' for the day for researching an alternate appeals court ruling.

    (You also ROCK!)

    Doug in CT

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  58. @DrPizza - RTFA before you comment, please?

    John tried to avoid an airport with scanners.

    Doug in CT

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  59. @Anonymous @ 5:17 RTFA

    Doug in CT

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  60. @Anonymous @ 5:50

    as I mentioned re Paul, above: So going to a bar means that somebody can slip you some GBH and sodomize you with a splintery baseball bat?

    The author bought a ticket to fly, and tried to find a way around a machine he didn't like. TSA incompetence mousetrapped him. How is it his fault?

    Doug in CT

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  61. @Anonymous @5:54

    "Waive your 4th amendment rights"...uh, NO.

    The bill of rights wasn't a list of rights GIVEN to people, it's a list of rights INHERENT IN NATURE. Thus, they can't be waived, else contracts by mega-corporations would do that all the time (they do try, with binding arbitration, etc. Some of that is before the Supreme Court right now...look @ at the AT&T case. Don't have the docket ## off the top of my head)

    Doug in CT

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  62. The people that say "let everyone fly with dignity" will likely be the first to decry the lack of prior counter-measures if we ever have a *real* incident. There's an old adage "don't come to me with a problem unless you also have a solution". While I think it is admirable to stand up for personal freedoms, there is also the issue of group safety. All terrorist FUD and "erosion of rights" rhetoric aside, there is still a potential threat that must be addressed. You want to fly, but you don't want a physical pat-down, nor an electronic scan. There seems to be no wiggle room. What is the alternative? (Someone mentioned Israeli methods - I'd like to know more about them.)

    Bill

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  63. Was the civil suite and $10,000 fine threat part of TSA's operating procedures or just an idle threat by these agents?

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  64. I have an internet radio show and am wondering if you would be willing to come and talk about your experience. loki842@yahoo.com

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  65. Your comment "I don't look like a terrorist..."??? I have to ask you, what does a terrorist look like?
    My only remaining thought is this... would you let your friends or loved ones on a plane, knowing there was a passenger aboard that plane who refused to be screened, regardless of what they look like or their ethnic background. ...worth some thought.

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  66. @Anonymous @6:42 : RTFA.

    He tried to avoid a scanner airport. TSA incompetence prevented that.

    Doug in CT

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  67. Personally I have not had any problems with TSA employees yet, but then I have not been subjected to the new full body scans of fondling procedures yet either. I understand folk's concern about those procedures and I don't think I would react very well to such molestation.
    Bravo for thinking to turn on a recording device so that there is a public record of what happened. If nothing else, I will now be activating a recording device myself every time I go through security. Just in case.

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  68. @Anonymous @6:59pm

    Here, let me put some GBH into your drink. Now, about that silly informed consent issue? You can't say no!

    you were saying?....

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  69. @Anonymous @ 7:01

    ...and you believe it would be different under a Bush (McCain) presidency?

    You're not doing our side any favors by bringing your wingnuttery into this forum.

    Doug in CT

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  70. I'm not your lawyer and this isn't legal advice, but you have so many legal defenses to any alleged fine that I am amazed that they brought up the prospect. You were advised that they were escorting you out; the TSA website says that if you don't comply, you won't be flying, etc. Speaking generally, if a government agent advises you that you can do something or that you must do something, you have a defense if you're penalized for doing it. But I don't know to what extent this is true as a general matter in the civil law.

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  71. @Anonymous @ 7:03

    ...so invent a way of purifying water.

    Meanwhile, WTF does that have to do with the topic under discussion? Be specific, please?

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  72. I hope they prosecute you. Yes it's a little inconvenient to get patted down. Trust me, these people have no sexual interest in your junk, pal. Why don't you step out of your selfish self and put yourself in their shoes. I hope you lose sleep till they prosecute you and fine you. You deserve to be punished. All you people that think this guy is standing up for his/your rights are idiots. Wake up people !

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  73. @Anonymous @ 7:26

    and I'll bet you bleed from your rectum and it smells like s**t.

    Your point?

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  74. @Anon @ 7:32

    and 10 years ago, when you had to take off your shoes, or 5 yrs ago, when you had to carry special tiny toiletries, what's happening NOW would've been called fearmongering.

    Your point?

    They're gonna keep racheting it up until enough people (the majority) tell them to shove it.

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  75. @Anon @7:45

    Gender is mentioned because the majority, 'normative' standard in the US is to assume heterosexuality, and so a person of your own gender will be selected to examine you. It was brought up to show that the supervisors *couldn't* reasonably perform the procedure if John had assented.

    Doug in CT

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  76. @Austen @7:54 - ....and we have the 'Doctor' canard again!

    As someone mentioned upthread, there are 3 people who are reasonably allowed to touch one's genitals:
    - me
    - lover
    - medical personnel (Dr/nurse/emt) when medically indicated.

    TSA *ain't* on the list!

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  77. Thank you for standing up for your rights- you did nothing wrong and the TSA's actions were reprehensible.

    To "Dan Menderson": You are an idiot, and people like you are as much of a threat to freedom and privacy as any gang of TSA goons. Be a good little sheep and just get on that cattle car, okay?

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  78. I went to the TSA website and saw that they do have civil penalties for "alleged" violations. Some are common sense like firearms and explosives. Some are just plain dumb, leave your Visine eye drops in your pocket by accident? Fined up to $200.00. Interference with screening up to $5000.00. That sure leaves a lot to interpretation. And the winner? Entering sterile area without submitting to screening $1,000-$3,000, so once you get in line you are "screwed".... So is there a court or judge that you get to plead your case to? Bring witnesses or introduce evidence? Or does some TSA employee assess a fine then turn it over to collections. This is like a dictatorship gone mad.

    http://www.tsa.gov/assets/pdf/enforcement_sanction_guidance_policy.pdf

    I hope the TSA is disbanded, what a waste of tax dollars.

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  79. Some ideas about opting out. If they want security theater, give them theater.

    http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150091057558529

    Perhaps we should encourage video of the shows being presented and collect them somewhere.

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  80. What does a terrorist look like?

    Anyone remember Tim McVeigh? He looked like a pretty nice guy if you ask me.

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  81. You, sir, are a true American hero! Had they groped you they would have found balls of steel. Thanks for standing up against this BS.

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  82. You are the HERO of the week! I realize you may not want to lead the charge, but believe in my heart you ARE the right person. Keep the faith. Don't listen to detractors. They would have us living in a communist style police state because to them government knows best.

    What did our founders say? "Give me liberty or give me...." It is just nice to know we are not all cowards in this day and age.

    Michelle in CA

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  83. TSA workers are pathetic. 90% of them should be working at McDonalds, and they would be the type to get the order wrong, too.

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  84. Ah, hate to raise this, but as government employees, what benefits come with a TSA job?

    They do have a fairly high turn over rate and don't seem to stick with the job long. If they did, do they get pensions?

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  85. I too hope they prosecute you. I'll contribute to your defense.

    This isn't going to get better until it has gotten a lot worse. (For it to "just get better" the Government/TSA/"Big Sis" Napolitano would have to back down. Fat chance.)

    We need for things to ratchet up farther than the public will stand for, faster than the media can get us bored with it.

    Buy cheap tickets for flights you don't need to take; refuse the radiation and grope-fest and be refused TSA-brownshirts' "permission" to fly, tie up the system for everyone; get your refund on the ticket and leave. Lather, rinse, repeat.

    This is a "Rosa Parks" moment in America. We are CITIZENS, not SUBJECTS. Public "servants" are just that; SERVANTS. They all, from the President down to the lowest Delta-minus mouth-breather in the TSA, work for US! WE DO NOT WORK FOR THEM!

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  86. Liberty is never safe from tyranny. As Ben Franklin said, "Those who surrender liberty for security will find themselves with neither." Thank you for documenting this. I am flying this week, and my constitutional rights will NOT be meekly surrendered to Big Sis and her Thugs Standing Around.

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  87. @ November 14, 2010 8:56 AM who said: "My only remaining thought is this... would you let your friends or loved ones on a plane, knowing there was a passenger aboard that plane who refused to be screened, regardless of what they look like or their ethnic background. ...worth some thought."

    The methods of TSA screening have not "saved" any persons flying. There are less deaths flying then there are automobile accidents. There are more murders a year, there are more deaths for WAR!!! So please tell me how being seen naked or felt up by TSA protects me again? And why if we are really concerned for the American public safety we would not try and expend the same energy to stop the other deaths in America or to the American people? And treating those who don't succumb to be less than human or like a criminal. Folks lets not forget, these tactics are treating people as if they are GUILTY first not innocent. These practices out of the millions that have been scanned, or probed have NOT stopped any terrorist as of yet.

    Security is a false illusion. Under which your rights are robbed because you give in to the grand illusion.

    I wish people would stop living as COWARDS! - Give me Liberty or give me death!

    And as Ben Franklin said: They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety

    I would not have any problem if someone who was not screened was sitting next to my family!

    ~Anna

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  88. The scanners are portable too!

    http://blogs.forbes.com/andygreenberg/2010/08/24/full-body-scan-technology-deployed-in-street-roving-vans/

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  89. Hello, I am an editor for OpEdNews.com and would like permission to publish your story on OpEdNews. I would like to publish the first post --- the one with the account and videos of what happened between you and TSA on November 13.

    If you are willing to grant permission, please send me an email to kgosztola@hotmail.com or leave a reply to my comment. Also, let me know how you might like to be credited.

    Thanks.

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  90. Remember everyone, the TSA say its perfectly fine to photograph and record video of the security checkpoints, unless it causes a problem or interferes with security (which in this case it obviously doesn't, as the TSA doesn't even know they are being recorded)

    http://blog.tsa.gov/2009/03/can-i-take-photos-at-checkpoint-and.html

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  91. If you have a twitter account, i'd really like to follow you so I can assist in any forthcoming potential legal fees. snapek at gmail

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  92. I know this will be lost in the sea of comments - but I want to say thank you. If I have the necessity to fly anytime in the near future (before this ridiculous procedure is abolished) I plan to do exactly what you have.

    This is ridiculous - random screening is useless...if they're going to submit one person to certain procedures, everyone needs to be given the same treatment. What is the point of doing something randomly under the guise of "protecting you from terrorism".

    In reality, our government is conducting a terrorist campaign against its citizens. The concept being "don't try to be a terrorist, because we MIGHT catch you". It's completely ineffective (since anyone who is planning to hijack a plane is clearly ready to die) and it's taking away our freedoms. I wish everyone would stand up against these tyrants. It's nothing more than an abuse of power and it needs to be stopped.

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  93. Love how the leftys hate the TSA. I'm sure they'll revise this history too, but remember that Bush wanted the TSA non-unionized so that if they weren't effective they could easily be fired...instead, Pelosi and company forced a unionization of it in order for it to pass.

    So now you have a bunch of buffoons who are basically untouchable.

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  94. Bravo, sir, bravo! I would like to thank you for taking a stand on this ridiculous abuse of regulatory powers. Obviously, it's far more important that some govt contractor make huge profits at taxpayer expense than our freedoms be protected. Your father-in-law sounds like a gem, as well.

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  95. At least you didn't plan an of this. You're clownshoes. I fly 2-3 times a month. Yep...it sucks...but i'd rather deal with the bullshit on the ground than at 40,000 feet.

    While I agree that our freedom is under assault (I laugh at the "liberals" who agree with this), no one cranks about the laws (restrictions of freedom) that they agree with.

    They are gonna see your Willy if you go through the screening machine? So what? Are you really that self-conscious about the size of your manhood that you'd be ireeperably harmed? Gimme a break

    You were factually (read: legally) incorrect on many points and, sadly, no one from the TSA was smart enough to pick up on them. We'll just name one here: "Sexual assault" only applies when there is explicit, lacivious sexual intent.

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  96. Thank you, my husband recently "opted out" and found while he was waiting for his groping that 60% of the people chosen were large breasted women. We are very concerned about the radiation exposure and basic immorality of the scanners, he flies often, but we can't afford to have him do as you've done. So thank you from all of us who can't just walk away.

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  97. I'm curious what happened to the guy in front of you. At 2:50 in your first video you can hear the TSA screener say:

    "Yeah, I had a problem with the (other) passenger I was patting down, so I backed out. He was being obnoxious."

    Was he allowed to go through?

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  98. I usually get pulled out of line due to a titanium plate and screws I have in my leg. Flying back from Charlotte, NC in October I was pulled aside for a pat-down. It was up the leg to the groin, pat the groin and then down the other leg. Same in back. It hurt - enough to make my stomach ache and the guy doing the pat-downs, I'm pretty sure was queer ... which complicates the entire same-sex pat-down procedure.

    I wasn't prepared for it so it was done before I could really react. I did tell the guy it was ridiculously invasive. I won't take my family on an airplane now. I have no choice to travel for business but there's no way I'm going to stand by and watch my wife and children get molested like this.

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  99. All the TSA guys are queers that are hungry to fondle mens' genitals. Who else would take a job like that?

    And the beastly horrors they call women? Bull dykes that dream of getting their face between the legs of every single woman in the security line. You know the TSA dykes sniff their fingers when they are done diddling a female victim. Psychos.

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  100. While I am more than sympathetic to the concerns of the individual rights issues of airline passengers in this situation, I am also sympathetic to the rights and safety of other passengers and the flight crews since my wife is a Flight Attendant.

    There are many other situations where the privacy issues at stake here are automatically superseded by other reasonable concerns.

    For instance .... do you, as an unconscious accident victim, expect that a medical professional will not do anything which might possibly abuse of your sense of privacy in other situations, even to the point of your death, in order to avoid touching your “junk”?

    Although my sympathies for individual passenger rights on these issues would, in other circumstances, be completely and exclusively supportive, I am mindful of my wife’s right to have a workplace that is as safe as possible.

    Does anybody believe that their expectations of privacy in this situation trumps my wife’s expectations of a safe workplace to the point that she can not expect you to be prevented from boarding her plane with an underwear bomb on you?

    If you do believe that then you are guilty of, among other things, creating a hostile work environment for other citizens who have rights too.

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  101. Your examples are not of equivalent situations at all, and are invalid.

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  102. @Anonymous @ 11:05 pm
    "The fact of the matter is, you do have to forfeit some rights to fly"

    Really? Then why shouldn't you be able to be pulled over and strip-searched, and your car searched, by the police? You could be driving around a car bomb or be wearing an explosive vest!

    See how silly that sounds?

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  103. I commend your courage to stand up against them; too often do people have their rights taken away without even knowing...or simply because they get intimidated by the 'higher authority'. Keep it up!

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  104. Seriously, my dick is so wide that it will be misinterpreted as a cylinder of explosive. Then what? Will one of the TSA homos demand to see it and pull on it? Can I have one of the better looking TSA dykes service me? Hey, if I can get some head and observe the safety protocol, it's win-win.

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  105. Does the TSA certify that the Gate Gropers are NOT queer? I mean, the TSA is legend for hiring sex criminals and child molesters. How can it claim that all of its Gate Rapists are not loving every minute, pawing at victims genitals?

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  106. @Anonymous 8:56: Go back and read the correction by the author of the article. Or better yet here it is for you to read while eating humble pie.

    Correction:
    The following e-mail is from John Tyner:
    I thought this characterization:
    "I'm 6-foot-1, white with short brown hair," he said Saturday night. "I don't look like a terrorist."
    of our conversation was really unfair. You asked me if I looked like a terrorist and then what I looked like, in a joking manner. I'm not sure that I ever uttered the words, "I don't look like a terrorist". And the context of our conversation was never such that I meant to imply that I shouldn't have been singled out because I'm white.
    I would appreciate a correction to the story.
    In reviewing my notes, Tyner is correct. I asked him if he looked like a terrorist and he said he did not. He then gave me the description of himself, at my request.
    At no time did he raise the issues of appearance or profiling, and it was not my intention to suggest that he did.
    The text of the story has been changed to reflect this. I apologize for misrepresenting John Tyner's end of the conversation.
    -- Bob Hawkins

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  107. Think beyond the limits you are used to. Don't let adolescently naive roadblocks cause you to avoid real thought and discussion in finding real solutions.

    If you as citizens can not find a way to deal with the balance between individual rights and the rights of other individuals as a whole .... take it from a Vietnam war Veteran ....

    .... we WILL reach the point of discussing strip searches, and worse, at checkpoints entering and all thru our cities in our attempts to avoid car and vest bombs from going off literally at your front doors.

    ... Bill,
    .... USMC Veteran.

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  108. It sucks that the security measures have come to this, but is at this point necessary to ensure safe travel. Just walk through the scanner and be over with it. One time will not effect your health. Is the size of your packiage in question???

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  109. When my day comes to get in that machine ima take off all my clothes so EVERYBODY can see!

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  110. TSA loves to post comments from so called radiation experts saying the new scanners are harmless, it would take hundreds of scans to cause any damage.

    What the experts do not like to say is each person's body reacts differently to radiation. One person's harmless exposure can cause cancer in someone else. TSA refuses to talk about this, it would not support their program.

    TSA agents need more training on how to react in a professional manner with travelers. Do this yearly or after every unprofessional encounter.

    On the lighter side, I was standing in line, talking with an agent, joking, when he commented on one of his flights, he was singled out for extra inspection. No, not as a joke by his friends, system did it. All the agents involved could not believe this happened he said. Yes, they questioned their system.

    I was on a trip with several US Government co-workers, we all had tickets through our contracted travel office, we all had security clearances, some were active duty military, some were retired. As we entered the check line, every one of us was sent for additional screening. Yes, I never felt more secure in my life, what a joke TSA can be. Who is in charge?

    We need an outside agency to perform a top to bottom review of every aspect of the TSA to clean up this unprofessional mess.

    Remember, at one time cameras caught TSA agents stealing property from checked baggage. Another black eye for the TSA. Or is this still on going???

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  111. Thank you. This needs to stop. I'm a flight attendant/nurse, my husband is a pilot who is so fed up he's ready to quit after 25 years of commercial flying and 7 with the Navy. One of our flight attendants felt she was groped right after they started this nonsense, and (non-government) unions are complaining. And even if these machines are "safe," do we really trust the government to maintain them so they remain so??

    As a conservative, Constitution-loving American, I agree with most of the people commenting here--including the liberals. It seems most of us agree with and appreciate your stand. Those that don't are strange people that probably work for the TSA or something. This is not right for Americans to put up with this. Even if we were naked going through these things, don't you think the terrorists would figure out something else--like body cavities? Train dogs to stand there and sniff, and if they alert, THEN do a pat down...this is just SO wrong!

    The whole system has gotten so messed up, and it's mostly because we are so afraid of not being politically correct that we are messing with everyone that doesn't deserve it, and bending over backwards to not bother the ones that need it most (like the underwear bomber being allowed on his flight even after all the red flags went up).

    The most disturbing part of your whole ordeal was that last guy telling you they were going to charge you with leaving the area after they told you to. That is so scary and obscene. Thank you for video-taping and sharing this. Keep us posted, and let us know what you need!

    I selected "anonymous," because I don't want my email address posted here. Sorry about that.

    Nancy

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  112. I found out about your TSA encounter via yahoo. I found it interesting that you began taping even before there was a problem. I find my self wondering if you went into this looking for a fight. There is this website https://www.checkpointusa.org they purposefully go into situations to see if they are stopped by the government, and then they complain about the injustice of it all. Here is a video of one such encounter http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6uw7506xMw&feature.

    I’m not sure what to make of the whole thing. I can see why you would be upset about having to be searched. My question though is what is worse having to be searched, go through a scanning device etc. or live through another attack like September 11? The reason that we have the security we do now is to stop another attack like that from happening. I know it can be a pain to get through airport security. When you buy a plane ticket nowadays you know what type of security your going to have to go through if you don’t like it you should drive.

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  113. I really want to know, in the last 9 years - exactly how many terrorists have the TSA actually caught at these security check points?

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  114. It's irrelevant whether you walked in purposefully looking for a show-down or not. The point is, the TSA behaves as it pleases, largely because it *can*. Intimidation is wrong. Threats are wrong. The way to fix security threats is through robust, sane foreign policy, not by body-searching every citizen.

    I've learned enough from my 35 years to date that authorities can, do, and will abuse their positions, and unreasonable action IS taken, and abuses DO occur. It makes good sense to have your wits about you at all times, as far as possible; and it does make sense to record situations that could turn dodgy. Whether you are expecting that to happen or not, it is very sensible policy. And insurance!

    Good on you, sir, for Cooperative Refusal, and for sticking to your principles, and for calling them on their bluff.

    Security screening aside, it is straight up LUDICROUS to refuse you exit from the airport. For sanity's sake ... you complied with their policies, you willingly gave up your flight, you left peacefully ... and they still want to force a screening on you that you refused (hence you *leaving*)?? This is insane.

    More power to you, and I sincerely hope they don't tag you for recording/photographing in a "secure area" -- usually there are "no cameras" signs posted.

    Elizabeth A. Williams

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  115. YOU ARE A HERO JOHN!! HOORAY FOR YOU AND THANK YOU FOR ALL OF US WHO ARE WATCHING AS IF IT HAD BEEN US!! This IS sexual assault!! Do NOT dignify it with the term "pat-down"! And if we lie down and let them do this to us, what is next? "Internal Searches" in the back rooms???!!!! I think we should ALL refuse and let them take us to court! Let the lawsuits pile up! Bring reporters to the court rooms! THIS IS HEINOUS CONCENTRATION CAMP MENTALITY!

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  116. I applaud you. If enough of us say "enough," like you did, we can get rid of these outrageous "administrative" searches. Subjecting ourselves to this nonsense like unthinking sheep has got to stop.

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  117. While I wouldn't have had an issue with the pat down, I applaud you standing up for what you believe in. Please keep everyone updated on the civil suit, if they press it. That part really irritated me....

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  118. the reference to a CT scan is not terribly helpful - since a single CT scan raises your lifetime risk of thyroid cancer to 1 in 200, and of leukemias to 1 in 400. Still want to use backscatter xray?

    Those who give up liberty for security have neither. So "keeping us safe" is a load of crap.

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  119. You know, stories like these really make air travel seem unappealing. I know that *most* of the people flying on the plane don't have this kind of junk happen, but just to know that this is a likely possibility makes me not want to get on a plane--like ever.
    --
    Furry cows moo and decompress.

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  120. I had about 10 CT scans (some were errors and had to be rescanned) seven months ago and will definitely opt out of the full body x-ray scan now. About the video/ audio; recording audio without notice because it violates the federal wiretap law. So if there is a trial your audio
    recording may be unacceptable. Sorry, I'm in the video/ audio security business.

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  121. Well played sir. TSA is a complete joke, Americans are tired of the "in the name of security excuse" we all know its just theater.

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  122. Regarding the wiretap law concern, if I were his lawyer I might point out that there are signs posted at the airport that clearly state all actions are being monitored by video (at least they have them at my airport). The question would be, do the signs state *who* is doing the taping. If they do not, then a mitigating point (though not a conclusive one) would be that the officers have subjected themselves to video surveillance by being in the airport. The same implicit acceptance argument should be able to go both ways.

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  123. Some nut inserts PENT into a body cavity and another inserts the rest of the ingredients into another body cavity. What is next prostate messages for men and full OB exam for women? Get realistic. Anyone with a fake boarding pass can get through security. Have you ever seen anyone at a TSA security check point scan a boarding pass to see if it is valid?

    Security Theater.

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  124. There are many creative ways that citizens can use to bring the erosion of individual liberties since the passage of the federal laws in the wake of 9/11. The danger is in unchecked power of the executive- which this was. Seeking to prevent you from leaving the airport and threatening to sue you is exactly the kind of over-reaching that I worry about. I wish you the best. I don't think you are a nut case.
    RD, J. D.

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  125. Hmmmm. You did well, but I think you could have done the TSA one better. I would have pulled my trousers and underwear down and then asked if it was still necessary to be molested before you got on the plane. You have visually proven that you are concealing nothing.

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  126. I'd suggest contacting Jessie Ventura as well regarding this. He does a show on conspiracy theories on topics such as our country becoming a police state as well as post 9/11 attrocities against our personal liberties. I will not fly and will be content to take a train, boat or car until which time these gropings stop. I do NOT give anyone permission to touch my private areas without due process. Just because I buy an airline ticket does not mean I give up my constitutional rights.

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  127. I want to point out that I went ahead and looked at the TSA Enforcement Sacntion Guidance Policy. It's true that if you back out of both procedures (the body scanner and the pat down)you are subject to a civil suit and fine if you choose to leave the security area. After reading the whole 10 pages, I am interpreting this to mean that once you pass the TSA ID check to enter the secured area, you MUST submit to either one of these invasive procedures. If you choose to opt out of both as John did, THEY CAN SUE YOU and FINE YOU, and fine to varying degrees as it is decided by the TSA agents that you encounter. For example, one of the "aggravating and mitigating factors" in considering the amount of the fine is your perceived attitude and willingness to cooperate. Please read and make sure you are prepared. They are ready for you Security Theatre and will fine you accordingly to how well you play your part. I'm not suggesting that you comply, just informing readers.

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  128. We canceled our trip to Florida in December, may drive, but flying is now out of the question. All the best for your upcoming interviews, you did GREAT so far in all that you have done, thanks for helping to bring light to this dark situation. The TSA must be shutdown.

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  129. I'd also be careful of getting your name now on the "do not fly" list as well as other "watch lists". If people who simply support canidates for president or those who apply for a right to free assembly are being watched by "homeland security" I wouldnt be surprised if you're not being watched now (thus the reason for them taking your personal identification and verifying your home address). Be very very careful. You've done what so many of us wish we could do in regards to these illegal searches. Noone can prove these nude scanners and molesting searches have stopped one single attack on US soil. Maybe my soda can is a tiger repellant because I havent been attacked by a tiger! I see the age of strip searches and body cavity searches, as well as women being forced to expose their breasts coming so very soon its frightening. Kudos to you friend.

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  130. "They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety."
    - Benjamin Franklin, February 17, 1775

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  131. Hi John,

    The first thing that struck me was that you were heading out with Family to do some Pheasant hunting, therefore I know you're a stand up guy. IMO that is one of few American sports that we can still enjoy (now anyway).

    I commend your courage to stand up to what most have not the courage though they feel the same way. Thank you for being a man of conviction. I can relate as I to am the kind of person who will stand up for my rights reguardless if others choose to so eagerly toss them aside feeling they have no recourse against the Federal Government.

    My Father had almost 6 years of infantry combat in WWII and Korea and taught me not to ever allow anyone to tread on my rights as an american. He said that when things got tough in combat and he thought a time or two he would not see home again, he dug down deep and thought of his Wife (my mother) and his son (my eldest brother) and believed he was literally fighting for them.

    My wife and I were returning through cambridge airport to our home in Maryland last fall. My wife had put an unopened bottle of water in a small shopping bag as we had no luggage just went up for the day for some seaside lobster.

    The TSA agent saw it and called over a supervisor. He said to me Sir are you not familiar with TSA regulations to which I truthfully said no..why? thats all it took, my wife and i then got a stern lecture in front of dozens of others. I told the guy, "Look, no harm was intended, we simply placed a bottle of water in our bag to drink on the plane, were sorry and would like to get on our way". What really bothered me was how they spoke to us. At the end of it all I said to the guy, "Hey I'm one of the good guys" to which he actually said, "thats for us to determine" The whole thing really bothered me. Had my wife not been there I'm not sure what might have happened as i don't take well to others talking down to me.

    That was the last flight i took and don't plan on another anytime soon.

    I'd just like to say thanks for standing up for yourself. This whole thing has gotten nuts. I hope you get to enjoy another hunting trip sometime soon.

    Your a GREAT AMERICAN! We need more like you.

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  132. Screw this BS. It's time to start profiling. All the 9-11 terrorists were muslim.

    All Muslims are not terrorists but 99.9% if not 100% of all terrorists are muslim.

    Time to leave grandmaw, little kids alone and look at those who fit the profile.

    Who sold us this line of shit about we can't profile? Detectives do it all the time, in fact they MUST if they want to find the bad guys.

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  133. I won't fly anymore. I used to take 2-3 flights a year, but after my last experience (sending my autistic kid through the puffing machine in Charlotte while the TSA clowns threatened me over his non-compliance,) I've sworn off air travel until the citizens get our damn rights back.

    One commenter called it security theater, and even that is being generous. Why can't we get this sorted out already?

    Props to guy.

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  134. When they do the pat down, accuse them of rubbing your clit or torsing a testicle. Scream. Make them very nervous about doing this.

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  135. I tend to think all your efforts and the efforts of others will be in vain. If the public outcry becomes too loud for the mainstream media to ignore, another 'incident' will be fabricated that will allow the TSA to say 'we told you so.' Oldest trick in the book, and it works every time.

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  136. Resistance is not futile. The only way they win is if we agree to play their game in the end. They are counting on the fact that most will give inl; but if enough of us stop flying ticket prices will go up, purchases will decline and eventually the airlines (and maybe Congress) will make a fuss. We don't need to submit to this, but the airlines do need passengers in order to survive.

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  137. John,
    I work at CBS 2 Chicago in investigations. Would you be so kind as to call me or shoot me an email? I'd like to discuss this incident with you further. I'm in the office 9-5, but you can try any time.

    office- 312-899-2253
    cell- 815-701-6725
    email-lmseiler@cbs.com

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  138. I have already read that Muslim groups are protesting these scanners and want Muslims to be excluded from having to be scanned OR patted down.

    Sadly, I truly could see the liberal left agreeing to this!

    No one has mastered being stupid on purpose better then a liberal!

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  139. Follow the money and all of this will make a lot of sense or should I say $dollars. Just google who manufactured these machines and who in the government is getting rich off of this deal. Remember, we the people will vote more of them out in 2012.

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  140. "No one has mastered being stupid on purpose better then a liberal!"

    LMAO. And no one has mastered being unintentionally stupid better THAN you.

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  141. There is no way with this publicity they will bring a law suit against you. When you first asked the man in the jacket if you were free to leave and he essentially told you no, it as false imprisonment. Moreover, the fact that the agents didn't know the rules/law, the supervisor didn't know, and the website did not put you on "actual notice" that there was a scanner. They don't have a leg to stand on

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  142. Please keep in mind when viewing some of these comments, that the "government" heavily monitors social media and comments to articles such as these to try to intimidate. Sound crazy? Google: New FOIA Documents Reveal DHS Social Media Monitoring During Obama Inauguration. I can assure you, I have seen it first hand. No question at all you did the right thing and, on behalf of all liberty-loving citizens, a big thank you. Everybody should be standing up for our rights on every front ... with our representatives, airlines, even credit card companies who have thrived because of the airline miles ... start using cash. Good luck.

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  143. Which local news outlet refused to cover the story? I know the San Diego Union-Tribune (newspaper), KSWB (Fox SD affiliate), SD6 (CW SD affiliate), KFMB (CBS SD affiliate), and KGTV (ABC SD affiliate) all have stories on the incident. That leaves KUSI (independent) and KNSD (NBC-owned SD station) out of the TV media. Was it one of these two outlets that refused to run the story or another source? Thanks!

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  144. If things continue along the lines that TSA and Homeland Security are pursuing, we'll soon be at a point at which we'll have to have any teeth with fillings removed so that we don't set off the scanners. As someone who travels frequently (over 3 million miles in the last 20 years), and who has an artificial hip, I can attest to how ridiculous the US approach is to security. We *all* need to stand against this abuse. "All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing."

    Bravo to you, sir.

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  145. "...right-wing or tea party nut job"?

    You lost any shred of sympathy I may have mustered by trying to make this a partisan issue.

    Agenda much?

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  146. @Anonymous "You lost any shred of sympathy I may have mustered by trying to make this a partisan issue"

    Turns out, even partisans have civil rights.

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  147. I really appreciate that you stood up for 'we the people.' My family won't be doing any flying. There is no way that I or my family (with three children) will knowingly put ourselves into a position which requires us to be sexually molested or face legal penalties. Our family across the country agrees with our decision. Holiday visits have been canceled indefinitely.

    P.S. Your comment concerning tea party association as being something negative got me though. While I am not a member of that movement, your actions were in line with individual liberty - something that the tea party folks in these parts like a lot.

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  148. As a security professional, and one who is aware of the difficulties present in making sure flights are safe etc... I think you have shown perfectly how good intentions can go WAY overboard. I think you were quite right, a security check should not involve a compulsory "feeling up" before you get on a plane. Furthermore, you were respectful and polite the entire time, and the only time it might be construed that you were not is when you admonished the guy to basically leave your balls alone while doing his pat down. Like I said, I am a security professional, I have been through HLS training. The majority of TSA agents are imbecilic morons, as evidenced by some of the comments you endured. You submitted to all the checks they requested minus the crotch groping. I salute you, I hope your lawyer eats these bastards up. I am all for proper, reasonable and non politically correct screening. What you endured and what you were threatened with was absurd. Congrats for standing up for yourself against this nonsense.

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  149. What's to stop terrorists from shooting/blowing up everyone waiting to approach TSA's screening areas?

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  150. Just follow the money. These violations of our hard-won civil liberties have nothing to do with security. See the following Washington Post article that makes crystal clear the motivation behind this travesty.

    Group slams Chertoff on scanner promotion

    January 2, 2010

    WASHINGTON - Since the attempted bombing of a US airliner on Christmas Day, former Homeland Security secretary Michael Chertoff has given dozens of media interviews touting the need for the federal government to buy more full-body scanners for airports.

    What he has made little mention of is that the Chertoff Group, his security consulting agency, includes a client that manufactures the machines. Chertoff disclosed the relationship on a CNN program Wednesday, in response to a question.

    An airport passengers’ rights group on Thursday criticized Chertoff’s use of his former government credentials to advocate for a product that benefits his clients.

    “Mr. Chertoff should not be allowed to abuse the trust the public has placed in him as a former public servant to privately gain from the sale of full-body scanners under the pretense that the scanners would have detected this particular type of explosive,’’ said Kate Hanni, founder of FlyersRights.org, which opposes the use of the scanners.

    Chertoff’s advocacy for the technology dates to his time in the Bush administration. In 2005, Homeland Security ordered the government’s first batch of the scanners - five from California-based Rapiscan Systems. Rapiscan is one of only two companies that make full-body scanners in accordance with current contract specifications required by the federal government.

    Currently 40 body scanners are in use among 19 US airports. The number is expected to skyrocket, at least in part because of the Christmas Day incident. The Transportation Security Administration has said it will order 300 more machines.

    In the summer, TSA purchased 150 more machines from Rapiscan with $25 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds. Rapiscan was the only company that qualified for the contract because it had developed technology that performs the screening using a less-graphic body imaging system, which is also less controversial. (Since then, another company, L-3 Communications, has qualified for future contracts, but no new contracts have been awarded.)

    -- Washington Post

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  151. Here is a petition at www.flyersrights.org to stop this invasion of personal privacy -

    http://www.petitiononline.com/StopScan/petition.html

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  152. Update to Anon post from November 14, 2010 9:21 PM in regard to media coverage:

    Both KNSD (NBC-owned SD station) and KUSI (independent) ran stories on the incident tonight. Thus, including all the stations mentioned in the last post, all local San Diego TV media covered the story. Still not sure who John talked to who said they wouldn't cover it... If the person was with a TV station they must have changed their mind when they realized the story was bigger than they thought.

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  153. i belive no ones rights should be steped on when do we get ower papers and start chant my papers are in order i total agree with you and belive in the privace act and the 5th amnmement

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  154. All of you retards applauding this failure of a human being and this failure himself should all be shot at ground zero

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  155. "Tired of retards" is tired of himself! Disregard him. Kudos, Tyner, for holding firm. As for me, I've sworn off flying.

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  156. The actual guy who wanted to do a patdown and his supervisor were surprisingly polite! (not what I have seen usually)

    However, the lady asking people to take their shoes off in the beginning was extremely rude and unprofessional.

    The reason unprofessionalism and rudeness is bad is that it predisposes rebelious types to resist.

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  157. I don't have a teenage child but how are the rules applied to kids? A 17 yo can look mature but be singled out for a severe patdown? How do you explain this process to a minor going through awkward stages of adolescent puberty that they will be touched in an inappropriate area. I think that would mess someone up to undergo that as a minor.

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  158. You had it easy!

    I am a 66 yo balding, conservative-dressing, white male physician and frequent flier who 3 weeks ago refused the full-body scanning and "enhanced pat-down" at Logan airport (Boston, MA). I was detained for questioning in a small room with 5 armed TSA guards for THREE (3) hours, where I was insulted and demeaned almost non-stop. They even brought in my checked luggage and searched it - without a warrant - scattering my clothes over a steel table top. After the first 5 minutes or so, I refused to answer any further questions because I viewed it as pure intimidation. I repeatedly told them I wished to call my lawyer; they repeatedly refused telling me that I had "given up my rights when I entered the airport". Not until I was released did I learn that my wife had called our attorney and that he had been arguing with TSA officials at the terminal for the previous hour. I regret now that I had not turned on my cell phone recorder, which they soon placed out of my reach.

    These TSA abuses are REAL and they can happen to YOU and YOUR FAMILY MEMBERS!

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  159. "Are you worried about the Wiretap consequences here, regardless of the TSA issues, i am concerned for you because of your apparent violation, however brave, of the CA 2-party-consent wiretap laws."

    This might be an issue if it didn't occur in a public setting where there existed no legitimate expectation of privacy by any of the parties involved.

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  160. John (I this that's the first name you mentioned);

    My hat is off to you for tasking this where you did!

    I went over to Sweden lat '07 to early '08, and NEVER KNEW what the hell the procedure was going to be in an airport til I was inline for security. Hethrow was my worst experience! Going, it was shoes off and shed all metal, returning, shoes on, but they needed to sniff keyboard of my laptop. Every event was a mystery until you're right in the thick of it!

    On your 'Professional Courtesy' segment above: There is NO professional courtesy due TSA agents if they are not demonstrating the same!!!

    TSA did NOT demonstrate any 'courtesy' towards you, instead they elected to offer threats of a $10k civil suit.

    I say, screw them all, Janet Napolitano needs to get her head OUT OF 'where the sun don't shine'!

    We'll at least have some workable TSA procedures right after 20 jan 2013. Until then, I suspect it's a complete crapshoot!

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  161. YOU PROBABLY GOT A TINY COCK; ITS AIRPORT SECURITY, WHAT DO YOU EXPECT?

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  162. Does anyone stop to think, that perhaps NOT flying is what they want?

    I am curious, is this all for control purposes? What is the real hidden agenda here? Aside from greed an money. AFter all the scanners alone where over a $340 million dollar contract. TSA is getting paid how much of our TAX money to do this? We are paying for this. They are the terrorists. We pay to be terrorized. How nice is that.

    Refusing to FLY might not be the solution. Standing up and fighting back might be! Just imagine if everyone said NO WAY! to both the pat and the machine! Wow...that would renew my faith in humanity.

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  163. Fascinating! This puts me in mind of all those spy novels of the Cold War period, then people were concerned about the Big Brother systems of the Iron Curtain countries - now we have it in the West! As they say, Power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely.
    The bad guys have won - I stopped flying a couple of years ago and these sorts of measures will stop the rest of us as well.

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  164. I re-read this a few times.

    What a bunch of "little punk fools" you found working that day in San Diego! Lack of any sense of what they were doing there (at the airport) and WHY. The American Airlines desk had their heads screwed on and should get kudos. I will certainly fly with them. “Big Sis,” the vermin you're trying to stop are light-years ahead of you. Going thru these motions under the guise of “Security” is just that. More to the point, it is a Phony Sense of Security.

    Follow the Israeli Model. Ditto with the readily-available counsel. Apply Common Sense.

    Stephen in Hawaii.

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  165. Well done, sir.

    I was subject to the nuditron on our last trip, in a similar fashion as you - I got in a metal detector line and then was completely unexpectedly hustled over to the scanner, which I didn't even know they had. I wasn't told that I could have a pat-down instead, at all. Worse even was that my pregnant wife was hustled through the scanner as well - despite that the TSA types around couldn't give a good answer about how much radiation it would involve. (Please note also that the "200,000 backscatter scans = 1 CT" figure is meaningless - CT involves high doses of radiation.)

    We've traveled internationally and seen that airports in Asia, the UK, and Europe don't need to use these bizarre measures. Why are they being unilaterally enforced here, I must wonder? Our last vacation trip involved car travel rather than air travel - a refreshing change and one that I'm sure the airlines would be concerned about if they knew.

    I also appreciate seeing that your detractors generally don't have anything to throw but insults and ad hominems. Protip to them: it doesn't support their arguments and it certainly isn't convincing.

    Please keep us apprised of what's happening. Money is tight these days but I would certainly contribute to a legal defense fund if you needed it.

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  166. Look into the money end of these machines. That's what it's all about. Money.

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  167. A properly performed pat-down might feel invasive but is not sexual in nature.. far from it.

    The person performing the pat down must in particular cover the inner thigh area up to the pelvic bone.

    There is no way to do this without contact that will feel inappropriate to the person receiving it.

    All that said, I do not know why a hand-held metal detector would not be a sufficient check.

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  168. You premeditated this entire incident. Prison is a horrible place to be if you're averse to searches and junk touching. Here is a post from your blog, from just last month (you may want to delete it before you go to court-oh, too late, I archived it on my server):

    "TSA scanners

    The TSA was in the news quite a bit this week after an airline pilot last week decided to stand up to a TSA officer and refuse a pat down after refusing to allow them to look at his naked body with their AIT scanners. The first link there is to a CNN story which talks about how the TSA is planning to institute full body pat downs across the country. The woman who wrote the article was reduced to tears after being groped, and she is a regular traveler.

    The second link is to a story written by a woman who thinks that the best way to fight for our civil rights (with respect to illegal searches by the TSA) is to begin writing letters to corporations whose businesses will be hurt if people refuse to be groped and stop flying, altogether. At first, I didn't think this approach had any merit, but after seeing the TSA steel their resolve in the face of that pilot standing up to them, I think the corporations who control the government might be our only chance."

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  169. This was not premediated by the man because he didn't know he would be pulled out of the line for an exceptional but so-called routine search.(distressing this is called routine) However, this subject has bothered him for awhile and he was ready for them. He had determined what he would do if the situtation arose and it did. We should all do the same.

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  170. great job John...errr tyner

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  171. If we all stop traveling by air, the airlines will be losing money and go out of business. The government will have to print more money to bail them out. The country is going down the wrong path toward economic self destruction.

    Thank you for being so civil. In the name of the American public, our government is going around the world killing Muslims. For every 10 they killed, there is a chance that one of their relatives will become a terrorist against us. I hope there is a civil and legal solution to compensate you for your experience. Otherwise I hate to see that someday for every 10 people groped by TSA, there may be one who may go off the cliff and do something stupid.

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  172. Some of the most disturbing aspects is the cow like acceptance of this type of search by TSA agents. I know they are only doing what they are required to do by their bosses,but still do they really think this is OK?
    However the most disturbing part is Mr.Silva attempting to threaten this airline customer. He should lose his job for that alone. Fire him!

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  173. Totally support your efforts here. One point of contention with this post however, is that TSA agents are not LEO's, they do not have the power to arrest or detain (Which is why they typically recruit a local police officer in an event like this).

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  174. In regards to you recording the situation, I would have done the same. It is important to get a true and accurate record of what happened during this screening process in case they actually do bring a lawsuit. However, as an attorney, should anybody else reading this choose to record the encounter PLEASE check the wiretapping laws of your state before doing so. Many states have wiretapping statutes that make it a crime to record a person without their consent. There is no need to bring yourself the headache of possible criminal charges on top of whatever happens should you take the position that this blog writer took. I applaud him for standing up for what he believes in, whether it is popular or not.

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  175. Anonymous who posted November 13, 2010 7:37 PM is quite a classy person, and also a true moron.

    You have my respect Jim for standing up for us. I hope this gets the ball rolling against these TSA thugs and brings enough public pressure on out Government to change these despicable actions.

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  176. AWAY WITH THE TSA!!! IT'S TIME TO GET RID OF THESE PEOPLE WITH TOO MUCH POWER AND TOO LITTLE BRAINS.

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  177. Thank you for standing up for us all. The time is pasted for Americans to put an end to this intrusion to their lives. In 2006 My family was attempting to board a plan when a TSA employee male about 6'4 300lbs steeped between me and my 3 year old grand daughter to demand that I take my shoes off on the spot. I tried to get around him to get ah-old of my grand daughter and was met with resistance and further demands and a rush of more TSA "agents" I was dressed in shorts,Tee shirt and tennis shoes. My wife darted around the line backers forming up around me and my bad knees while I explained OK now that my grand daughter was secure if they would allow me to take a see I would comply with there order to remove my shoes. One of the agents said that will be fine much to the disgust of the original employee who insisted I comply now on the spot. The strange thing is once I took of my shoes no one examined them. It was more of an exercise in control then anything else. They just wanted to show who was in charge of that area. No one really thought that my shoes were a threat. They just wanted to make me comply with their roles in front of my family. This happened in Jacksonville, Florida. I am even afraid to post my name for fear of retribution. What does that tell you about the direction this country is going.

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  178. Why isn't the MSM picking up this story? It's good Drudge posted it.

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  179. Someday when Drudge goes offline or becomes mild mannered, we know that 1984 style democratic totalitarianism has arrived.

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  180. You are such a dumb ass. I hope you get fined the full $10,000. People like you put my safety at risk because you are spoiled, self entitled brat. Funny thing is people like you are the first people to cry out that "more should have been done" when a bad incident happens. But pompous dick heads like you prevent security from doing their jobs. Here is a thought, don't like the security procedures, don't fly.

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  181. Bravo! I applaud you standing up for your rights. For those who think you are giving the TSA a hard time, I say, The TSA are morons. Don't speak about how difficult it is to make secure in this day and age. You want perfect security, How's this for an idea...

    1. Frequent flier ID for people who have gone through background checks, similar to the background checks the TSA agents get prior to working there.
    2. Here's one. USE A DOG!!! Dogs have shown to be very very good at sniffing out drugs, explosive materials etc. I wouldn't mind if a dog sniffed my crotch, mine does it all the time!
    3. Have Pelosi conduct the pat downs herself. Have always dreamed of having those fat fingers probing my sweat sack!

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  182. The REAL reason for all this faux airport security:

    http://www.henrymakow.com/illuminati_vowed_in_1969_trave.html

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  183. You're an idiot.

    You should've been on one of the flights on 9/11 like some of my friends.

    If u think your junk is more important than your life, rent a car or take the bus.

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  184. How's this for a conspiracy theory. The real reason for them wanting us all to go through the backscatter is because it's the only way they will find the aliens among us!! Our planet has aliens among us and they are inbreading within our society in order to rebuild their own civilizations. The government has known about this for decades and now that the aliens are beginning to make significant changes to our DNA, they are trying to stop them. Soon there will be no pat down option, they will force all travelers to go through the detectors. You may think I'm crazy...but just wait and see...

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  185. Good for you. It all theatre and a generalized control measure rather than serving any real purpose.

    I wonder what would happen if someone had an orgasm when they were felt up. Would that be a crime?

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  186. Only if they spewed in the TSA agents face!

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  187. To Anonymous who posted at 6:59 - reference your #1 statement, they used to have this program. It was called "Registered Traveler". It was administered by private companies (i.e. CLEAR) and background checks were performed by TSA. It was a pilot program and TSA wouldn't make it permanent due to concerns regarding the risk of "clean-skinned" terrorists (those who didn't show up on a background check, but still had malicious intent). Bring it BACK!

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  188. I am a Tea Party "nut job" but I also agree with your actions and commend them. I hope this is not your personal feeling towards members of the Tea Party you really do not understand our concerns and how they are the same as yours.

    I hope you follow up on this and let us all know what happens. If you do in fact receive a fine I do pledge to pay 10% of your fine for your heroic stance against Tyranny.

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  189. I'm male, I asked for a female agent to pat me down because I am homophobic...they actually said OK. I had my boxers on and my penis running down my leg, and when the agent ran her hands up my inner thigh she grabbed it and asked what is this? to which my response was "my penis in your hand". She gave it a tug and said, "niiiice", I asked her for her phone number and she said "i'm tempted but could get into trouble", I said that we "already made it past 2nd base so what's the big deal"? She was blushing but she sure did spend an aweful lot of time running her hand on it. It was an enjoyable experience to be quite honest. When she rubbed my chest I asked her to pinch my nipples, she smiled and said "I like doing that"....I can't wait until my return flight, I think I'll wear sweat pants and no underwear next, and wear my t-shirt that says "TSA gave me this!" with an arrow pointing down to my crotch! hahaha..

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  190. Just a simple question....is there any proof that this invasion of privacy has prevented anything from happening?

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  191. THANK YOU JOHN (and father in-law)!!! DONT TREAD ON ME!

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  192. Amazing the amount of Liberal "My rights before anything"
    Terrorist know most Americans are prudes. You better believe they are ready to voluntarily undergo a mastectomy to replace a breast with explosives. Ready to remove their penis and scrotum to replace them with explosives. Let alone shove stuff into their cavities.
    The TSA X-ray shows these items, a pat down can and probably would miss them.
    It is your right to refuse the x-ray, it is also your right to refuse the search.

    It is the right, of the rest of us, that you be denied access to the plane if you exercise these rights.

    Maybe drunk drivers should refuse a blood alcohol tests and threaten the police who stop them for impeding their right to travel freely?
    Think about what the rights of others mean also.

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  193. Say hello to the world as CNN has picked this story up. You have my FULL SUPPORT in this matter, I am sick of our right slowly being taken away. They continue to say it is for "Our" benefit.. They don't have a word in "Our" say...

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  194. Why do some assume a TEA (Taxed Enough Already) party backing person would be leaving the negative comments? They are for Constitutionally limited government powers, less intrusion in private matters, etc. How does that NOT line up with what he did here? I applaud him sticking with his convictions, questioning the TSA's power to do whatever it SAYS it can do, and drawing attention to how ridiculous the TSA, and it's "security" measures are.

    Back in 2002, I worked for a private company that tried to facilitate the government's take over of airport screening, via screening and hiring the TSA screeners. I'll never forget one person we screened. He was a person with 30 years of military and security detail experience who was REJECTED for having TOO MUCH experience! I'll never forget his exasperated voice saying, "I only want to serve my country!" He didn't even care about the drop in pay scale. He just wanted to make a difference, using his skills. But that wasn't what the TSA wanted.

    *shakes head* I am now completely for the re-privitization of air-port screening. Truly random screening is about as helpful as playing Russian roulette, and TSA screeners are not legally allowed to profile based on factual evidence, or target people that actually seem suspicious. Panty-bomber, anyone? Pointless screening methods combined with TSA Screeners who were NOT hired for their intelligence and powers of discernment (TRUST me. I talked with literally THOUSANDS of them.) means our security is, in reality, as poor as ever.

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  195. To those who think all this actually increases their safety I say: show me the data. How many passengers that were not obviously high risk have been found that otherwise would indeed have resulted in a terrorist attack? How many who would readily pass through a metal detector have been found to be a terrorist?

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  196. Bureaucratic threats of civil fines, "I'm here to help you"..BS!

    What more do they want? You refused to go along with their intrusive checks, and that is YOUR right.

    You couldn't fly; fine.
    You were asked to leave; fine.
    They had no legal right to hold you and you stood up to them for that.

    This is what happens when you get the federal government involved in anything.

    We are not going to take it anymore.

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  197. I was subject of the new pat down on 11/2 leaving ABE (PA) going to Las Vegas, due to my having 2 knee replacements. For reference, I support airport security, am not squimish, and fly nationally and internationally a lot. This was the most humiliating and degrading experience of my life, as NO ONE should have the right to touch me in private areas. I felt truly secually assaulted. I cried to two days following the incident. On the way back from LV, after listening to concerns voiced on LV news, I opted for a private screening room, my husband with me, although I did not video tape the screening as also recommended on the TV news station. I am still wondering what recourse I have, as anyone ELSE doing this touching would be subject to criminal charges, which I wish I could pursue. They HAS to be another way other than violating people's intimate rights.

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  198. If you don't want to be scanned or searched then don't fly... simple as that. Your liberties were never violated. Flying is not a right it is a privelage. due to international events airlines have to try to protect all passengers. You want to fly play by the rules or drive or walk. Your story is ridiculous as your behavior.

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  199. Better milk this for all it's worth and stay visible b/c now several things are going to happen:

    1) Security checks are going to become even longer now, as the TSA examines every camera and cell phone to make sure they are off to avoid being exposed in this manner.

    2) Hope u have a comfortable car. You are now on the S-list (no fly) as an agitator "enemy of the state" (potential terrorist) for your "disobedience."

    Welcome to the brave new USKA.

    BTW, that SD station that refuses to cover the news should be outed as the embarrassment to journalism that they are.

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Please be relevant, civil, and brief... in that order.