POWIP Piece of Work In Progress – Former Abode of Dan Collins

TSA Security: A Different Take

For some reason, I seem to be the only one who isn't overly concerned about the TSA search procedures.  Do I think they're perfect?  No.  Do I think they'll catch everything?  No.  Do I think there are some morons who will take it too far and frisk a 3 year old?  Obviously.  But I think those morons can be dealt with.

Over the past two years, I've flown an average of once every two months.  My last two trips, I had the pleasure of being selected to utilize the back scatter machine (my work with law enforcement and border patrol have made me somewhat familiar with this technology already).  The second time, I was wearing a knee brace under my jeans, and it triggered a pat down.  My pat down was pretty tame, compared with the stories coming out; and I certainly wouldn't want my 10 year old daughter subjected to the sort of pat down drawing the ire of so many.

Just like so many other times, though, I have to wonder just how often these enhanced pat downs are being performed.  According to the folks at the airport where the "don't touch my junk" video was recorded, they've done four since the new program started in late October.  Before passing judgment, I'd like to see just what triggered those pat downs.

Let's dispense with this whole fourth amendment nonsense, too.  You're not forced to buy a plane ticket.  I'm not aware of any law or amendment that gives us the right to be in a specific location without being searched. 

We can argue about its efficacy, however.  I really don't think it's a good idea to frisk a three year old girl; interview her parents first.  If something comes up fishy in the interview, by all means give the whole family a bit of extra attention.  I'm also on board with the idea that random searches are a waste of time. 

For the most part, I echo Ed's sentiments at Hotair.  See this post at Forbes about an intriguing theory on disbanding the TSA.  My first thought is that it would have made sense in an age when the passengers were the targets; but when the passengers are merely collateral damage on a weapon with a different target, I'm skeptical of allowing airlines to have different levels of security.

I do like going in the El Al direction, however.

Adam Wells

Living life at 84 mph and 7000 feet. All I ask is that you don't block traffic, act like a professional, and don't act all surprised when your actions have consequences. Oh, and don't complain about the refs; trust me, they don't care if your team wins or not.