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ExpressJet Pilot Detained by TSA After Refusing Body Image Scan

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Story of an ExpressJet pilot at KMEM on Friday who refused to go through a full body imaging device and was subsequently detained by the TSA, police, and now his employer is involved. (www.lewrockwell.com) Mais...

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n7757
Greg Anderson 0
Not suprised. This country will fall from within, not by a foriegn country.
HunterTS4
Toby Sharp 0
AGREED
dannyjack
Danny Holycross 0
This happens to me quite frequently when I am in uniform. Its quite pathetic that I have gone through more back round and security checks then most of the yahoo's that work for TSA.
2844
Leo Mayne 0
I think it is stupid that flight crews have to go through all of that security
SWEATINTHSWAMP
SWEATINTHSWAMP 0
Not sure I would want this individual in command of my flight but if his peers are sympathetic to him that I will give him a pass. Seems sort of hot head to me. I don't like TSA any more than anyone but I'm not going to make that big of a deal out of something so redundant for travelers.
gwhiz
Bill Maher 0
How much radiation are you exposed to in the cockpit at altitude. Now someone who worked at burger king last week wants to add more.
jswindells
While I agree with some of what Mr. Roberts has said, bottom line is that these are the established procedures that TSA & DHS have set forth, if he doesn't like it, he needs to petition his representatives in Congress. I don't like getting body scans anymore than the next guy, however, refusing one will not get you anywhere in the end, as evidenced by this article. Mr. Roberts should understand that the TSA lackey's and investigators, as well as airport police are following orders as well and Mr. Roberts just makes himself look arrogant. If I were his employer, I would tell him that these are the rules, don't like em', find employment in another field. IMO.
rick737
richard weiss 0
A few years back I had to come to the defense of my female FO in MCI. It seems a female TSA employee with a gender identity problem was picking out only large breasted females for secondary screening. She was using an open hand to the search their breasts. When she called on my FO I told her she wasn't going to do it. I further told her I would have the video pulled that records her actions while searching. A local cop got involved. She threatened me with arrest. I said, let's go. They eventually backed down. What have we come to in this country. Will we allow our government to grope us? If so, the USA is formally in a slow death.
SkyEye184
SkyEye184 0
Unless the flight crewmember was travelling in civilian clothes (out of uniform and off duty) It is ridiculous that a Flight Crewmember in uniform with a valid TSA approved ID Badge would be forced accept body imaging at this present stage of the security program and without a CODE RED being in affect. I am sick of seeing old folks in wheelchairs, infants and baby strollers subjected to brainless, illogical screenings. Millions of our tax dollars and personnel man hours are wasted in our present TSA program. Where is the logic? Biometrics could save millions of dollars and thousands of wasted hours by all of us. Another bureaucratic bungling.
jkirk420
jkirk420 0
Two words: CREW PASS. Standardization is badly needed. What bothers me the most is I can commute out of my home airport and go through similar resistance to Mr. Roberts, but go through another airport with CREW PASS and not have to go through any of it (which is how it should be if I'm in uniform).
procky
procky 0
He is absolutely right! The TSA is a bunch of Ill educated buffoons with guns and badges. Only two bombers have tried to make it on to a flight since 9/11, and they BOTH succeeded! The radiation and humiliation of full body scanners are dangerous and wrong and we should be able to refuse and opt for a pat-down.
This guy's experience clearly demonstrates that:
Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.
Whacker77
Robbie Sherman 0
This is a disgusting episode and it illustrates everything that is worng with the country today. Flight crew members in their uniforms should not be subjected to treatment such as this. Flight crew members go through countless background checks that are far more useful than a ridiculous full body scan given by some arrogant government worker. Ronald Reagan was right when he said the worst thing we can hear is, "I'm from the government and I'm here to help you."
rgbynet
Richard Byrne 0
The FASCIST TCA is out of control and DRUNK WITH POWER. Where does it end? This is what happens when you take little people with little minds, give 'em a badge and a gun, tell them they have almost unlimited power, then "sig" them on the public!
eeves
eeves 0
This guy is a jerkoff. Just do the scan and get on with your day.
rwf1001
Robert Fleming 0
I agree with eeves.....the guy knows the procedures at the checkpoint.....just do what they ask you to do and go on with your business....I have one question though.....there have been a few incidents of pilots being relieved of duty because they had a few too many cocktails before boarding their flights....could that be the reason this guy is so pissed? ME THINKS HE PROTESTS TOO MUCH!!
rick737
richard weiss 0
Hey eeves, since when do we check that part of the constitution about unlawful search and seizure at the door of an airport. If you think the fourth ammendment has no value, move to China.
kb9uwu
Matt Comerford 0
luckily this will all change when we vote in a few weeks! never mind, nothing will change.
dherman
Doug Herman 0
Keep in mind that the TSA and DHS were created SEVERAL elections ago. They are not a recent development.
Obwan46
Obwan46 0
I am retired from both public and private security, and have to say that the pilot even though he made a reasonable sounding request; is lining up on the wrong side of the security tape. You really can’t fight the system one on one with TSA employees at the counter. They are doing what they just learned in the last education class or what they were told by a supervisor to do. I don’t like the new security scanners for all the same reasons others have commented on in this forum as well; but fighting the rules at that place in an airport is like trying to pay with cash in the credit card line. All the flight crew members I know, and have worked, with are super folks, above average intelligence, and quite tolerant, have great common sense. However,once in a while even the best people experience a life altering event, do something crazy and as a result we all get a whole new set of rules. Additionally, when those new rules come out there is always a possible problem mis-interpretation of those rules both sides of the security tape. Too bad for the pilot, I think he was right to refuse it but he needed to proceed on thru as TSA agents requested or leave and take up the matter with his supervisor. We need the good pilot and we need him to fight for his rights but he needs to go at it differently.
Wingscrubber
Wingscrubber 0
The terrorists have won. Now we're all guilty until proven innocent, including air crew, permanently afraid for our lives. The TSA don't make me feel one tiny bit safer, and now that I have to prove my shoes won't explode and let some pervert in a closed off-room look at me or my wife with x-ray glasses just adds insult to injury. I have no faith that the TSA can actually catch a terrorist.
ajbncsu
ajbncsu 0
Well done sir. It is about time somebody in this country grows some balls and stands up for what is right, now hopefully others will follow.
jmichonski
Jeffrey Michonski 0
Probably the best post Obwan46. I have personally witnessed a TSA agent wand down a CBP Officer at FLL who had a pistol on his hip!
rick737
richard weiss 0
My favorite crazy security moment was right after 9/11. The national guard was patroling the airports with M-16's. (unloaded, of course). When a guardsman needed to go by the security check point a TSA agent made the guardsman put his M-16 on the belt to be xrayed. You just can't make this stuff up.
dwcace
Jonathan Bryan 0
The TSA needs to get their act together. A few weeks ago I was flying on business with a coworker (who is learning to become an electrician)who accidentally brought a pair of lineman's pliers and a screw driver with him. We didn't find this out until we were going through security in DTW (having flown in that morning from BOS). TSA allowed him to surrender the pliers (over 7" in length), and keep the screw driver (it was OVER 7" in length, but could be pulled apart). So essentially, they allowed him to keep a potential weapon, whereas BOS TSA never even detected the tools. There's no consistency or logic in their approach to security.
dmanuel
dmanuel 0
I could be wrong, but most of the people who express no reservations with the security techniques currently in use, appear to be infrequent flyers. However, those of us (crew or frequent flyers) who face this several times a week have a different perspective. There has to be a more expedient means to process these flyers, without reinventing the wheel, with each trip to the airport. I have heard that TSA wants the authority to make screeners into sworn officers (currently they have no power beyond that of a security guard) with arrest powers and the ability to carry weapons. I am not sure whether that will enhance security or expedite the screening process.
rwf1001
Robert Fleming 0
if pilots or frequent fliers go through the same security process regularly, then why the hell is the joker that started this forum BITCHING ABOUT the TSA RULES? COME ON!!! I sure as hell don't want a pilot who bitches about being treated "UNFAIRLY BY TSA" getting on MY FLIGHT after he skirted through security.....then take it out on me as a passenger!!!!THANKS BUT NO THANKS! Follow the rules, like EVERYone else, or you ain't flying for me! PERIOD!
CaribPilot
Al Growechee 0
I am with Eeeves and Fleming on this one. The security system is there for all of us to go through and be screened if it is to work. Any resistance to skirt the system will just provide loopholes to be exploited to our detriment. A uniform or badge does not negate the requirement for security screening.
MervT
Merv Thornton 0
Just out of curiosity... Do the TSA people and or agents etc have to go through screening every day to get on the other side of the tape line? I mean , Fair is Fair isn't it?

gwhiz
Bill Maher 0
There are two clear winners in this. One the terrorists. They have the masses searching behind every rock and tree for "possible terrorists". Second is government. They have huddled the masses and have told them we are doing this for your own good. What happened to our founding fathers princiles of questioning authority and believing in individual liberties?
N5827P
N5827P 0
I agree with the pilot. We have given up way too much already. Now our dignity?
N5827P
N5827P 0
Also, as far as Mr. Fleming goes, I hope he neither boards another airline or is allowed to have any say in any airline. How bout dem "rules?"
airclaxon1
Paul Claxon 0
It won't be long now, they will be goose stepping down our streets ! I'm serious !
wardtp
Ward Pfefferle 0
The TSA keeps honest people honest and provides employement to people that really want to be police officers but can't or do not want to make the effort to go through a real academy. They are always playing catch up and checking for things that have alraedy happened and never will again. Until everyone flies naked,hancuffed to their seats and drugged will the TSA be happy.
rwidudley
Robert Dudley 0
People willing to trade their freedom for temporary security deserve neither and will lose both. --Benjamin Franklin (paraphrased)
WillisRF
WillisRF 0
I agree with Eeves above - just do the scan and get on with your day. Do you really remember, or care, about 9/11?
qbgaryc
Gary Campbell 0
It's unfortunate that I see elderly ladies, children, pilots,and obviously seasoned travellers getting the full TSA scrutiny, but people who "appear" somewhat questionable are ignored for fear of "profiling". I say profile.....if you look like a snake you might be a snake...if it turns out you're just a big worm, no problem. There needs to be another level of security for pilots though. Maybe they enter a private screening room prior to TSA, then pass through a private line. Some of the TSA agents do seem to be full of themselves.
k1mgy
Mark Richards 0
When medical personnel refuse to take the vaccines that their own profession push on the rest of us, it says something.

When flight crew refuse to be harassed and have their basic human rights violated just to go to work, it says something.

That most Americans sit on their petard and allow it all to transpire, says something.

As a nation we are on the way out. What you hear are the last gasps of decency that once was America.
beaver5197561
andrew holt 0
The average American just doesn't care enough about his or her rights anymore that is evident in the way they line up like kids at an amusement park to ride a new ride at these scanners and there should be other ativenatives to that than what are in place right now. Crews should have a crew pass!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Outpostone
Outpostone 0
Screening of crewmembers is completely worthless. Does anyone remember the weapon that was used on 9/11? It was a body in the cockpit who was a terrorist. A pilot already has access to the cockpit and, unless he is a terrorist, is not a threat. He or she doesn't need additional weapons. All TSA has to do is verify that you are a pilot but they are obviously incapable of doing that, so they screen everybody.
beaver5197561
andrew holt 0
Btw Willis is an idiot. And as I posted above is one of the children at the amusement park line he is a sheep
secondamendment
secondamendment 0
eeves: you get in line then. That's what they want, just shut up and get in line. Well if that's how you want to live then move to another country (I suggest N. Korea for you) but we are going to put an end to this type of thinking because we are not leaving!
dmaccarter
dmaccarter 0
TSA -- Thousands Standing Around

"The whole aim of practical politics is to keep the populace alarmed (and hence clamorous to be led to safety) by menacing it with an endless series of hobgoblins, all of them imaginary."
-H. L. Mencken

In the name of security we have unleashed a batallion of Barny Fifes. Face it, travel is no fun.
chuck416
chuck416 0
I've been an airline pilot for 21 years, just over 15 years w/ my current employer, as a DC-9 captain. The security measures are a really bad joke perpetrated against a society that is more interested in American Idol, than what is happening to their freedoms that are guaranteed by the constitution. Every time I see the line-up at security, it makes me weep (internally) for what is happening to our once great country. If we were a people of integrity, we would learn WHAT the US Constitution does (LIMITS exactly what the federal government cannot do), and demand that elected represenatives/officials abide by that document. God help us from ourselves.
Chuck
beaver5197561
andrew holt 0
Btw Willis is an idiot. And as I posted above is one of the children at the amusement park line he is a sheep
chuck416
chuck416 0
I've been an airline pilot for 21 years, just over 15 years w/ my current employer, as a DC-9 captain. The security measures are a really bad joke perpetrated against a society that is more interested in American Idol, than what is happening to their freedoms that are guaranteed by the constitution. Every time I see the line-up at security, it makes me weep (internally) for what is happening to our once great country. If we were a people of integrity, we would learn WHAT the US Constitution does (LIMITS exactly what the federal government cannot do), and demand that elected represenatives/officials abide by that document. God help us from ourselves.
Chuck
August78
Andreas Stangenes 0
This new scanner is making everybody traveling by airplane get NAKED for strangers... I cant start counting how many cultures that would be taboo in. I can understand that there will be circumstances where it's the logical next step, but only if previous steps have pointed in that direction. This scanner is just a nicer way to undress everybody in the que. If you had to get physically naked in the que, would you not object? Why is it any better that you get naked on a digital screen? This is truly very invasive - so much so that I would perhaps opt not to fly if I had an option.

Dont get me wrong - I am happy that I can get on a plane and feel safe that no bombs are on board. It's been quite a while since I heard about a hijacking or bomb attack on an airplane. But I dont think you need to undress every passenger to keep it that way.
msvmaier
msvmaier 0
Personally, I could care less if everyone in the airport sees a naked image of me, assuming I get to see everyone else. It could be fun. I'm a little worried however about what the TSA autocratic morons will decide to do after a terrorist tries to blow out his rectum. You go Michael, I'm totally with you on your push-back! I want someone like you to be in the left seat of my flight if something goes wrong.
msvmaier
msvmaier 0
Personally, I could care less if everyone in the airport sees a naked image of me, assuming I get to see everyone else. It could be fun. I'm a little worried however about what the TSA autocratic morons will decide to do after a terrorist tries to blow out his rectum. You go Michael, I'm totally with you on your push-back! I want someone like you to be in the left seat of my flight if something goes wrong.
beaver5197561
andrew holt 0
Btw Willis is an idiot. And as I posted above is one of the children at the amusement park line he is a sheep
b717cpt
Doug MacLean 0
Basically, airport security only keeps honest people - honest. Anyone with intent and a knowledge of procedures can easily breach the security at any airport in the country. The TSA is merely eye candy for the traveling public.

After 45 years as a pilot and 29 years with the airlines, I agree with those above who have pointed out that pilots already have control of the aircraft - they don't require weapons to execute a terrorist act if they are so inclined, so all the security lines and weapons screening by TSA is a huge waste of time!
beaver5197561
andrew holt 0
Btw Willis is an idiot. And as I posted above is one of the children at the amusement park line he is a sheep
bobzobel
Robert Zobel 0
Sounds like a union boy trying to press a point. His cocky attitude is probably what got him into trouble in the first place.
markaz
markaz 0
It was game on at the very start when he asked the TSA do-nothing why he had to take off his shoes. It's easy to see that this guy is a hothead when that particular button is pushed, and I don't blame him. Since the day I got "zapped" in ALB and it found a single Aleve tablet in my pants pocket that I couldn't feel, no more. Those highly-skilled slackies can pat me down with their wand all they want, but I'm never going thru an AIT again. Honest to God people, how much more of an invasion of privacy is there?? And for what?
mariofer
mariofer 0
If this country is to fight terrorism effectively, we are going to have to agree that some civil liberties need to be compromised.
The Israelis found that out the hard way, several European countries did so as well and their citizens understand that in order to protected, they need to be ready to put up with some uncomfortable things.
In America in the other hand, we just seem to not have learned our lesson. Like always, we demand our government to do something, but “not on my backyard and don’t inconvenience me”.
Fellow Americans, security and convenience do not reside in the same box and compromises need to be made. The funny part is that most of the time the people that complain about security measures are the same ones who scream bloody murder when something happens.
Do I agree on the way TSA is running security? Not really, is TSA doing what really needs to be done to protect this country? probably not; but we cannot blame them completely. They need to work the way they do because they need to follow protocol so they don’t “insult” some of us. Personally, they can insult me every time I get on a plane and no matter how screwed up TSA procedures may seem to be, it is infinitely better than alternative that nearly 3,000 families experienced on September 11, 2001.
msvmaier
msvmaier 0
Ok Andrew, we get your point. Redundancy is a bit sheepish. Willis aside, since I don't know him... push-back in a democracy is essential. I like Doug's metaphor. Security is mostly eye candy.

Why exactly did it take 20+ years of highjackings and 9/11 for someone to figure out the flight deck needs to be locked in flight... and then there is the TSA blue and green threat level, please! Did some bureaucrat really think we were going back in time?

Talk about sheep. Are we really supposed to just take all of this eye candy without pushing back? Our best defense... lock the flight deck, do basic screening and most important remind people to take assertive action if they see something wrong. A locked flight deck and some really assertive passengers would have prevented 9/11 just like it stopped "shoe boy" Reid.

Our Constitutional freedoms were written when we were at war, not when we were sitting around with the Indians having Thanksgiving. We DO NOT need to give up our freedoms. We need to be assertive and proactive against terrorism... and TSA.
StarFlyr
StarFlyr 0
Perhaps ALL the pilots should refuse to do "full body scans". I don't care so much about the so-called nude peek as I do about the loss of dignity of a uniform crew member doing a perk walk stance in front of their passengers.
StarFlyr
StarFlyr 0
Perhaps ALL the pilots should refuse to do "full body scans". I don't care so much about the so-called nude peek as I do about the loss of dignity of a uniform crew member doing a perk walk stance in front of their passengers.
StarFlyr
StarFlyr 0
Perhaps ALL the pilots should refuse to do "full body scans". I don't care so much about the so-called nude peek as I do about the loss of dignity of a uniform crew member doing a perk walk stance in front of their passengers.
August78
Andreas Stangenes 0
Mario, the US is by far the strictest country in the world. Many Europeans would never put up with that level of infringement of civil rights as is the practice in the US.
kayehall
Kaye Hall 0
Crew members should have a crew pass and if a security check is necessary, they should have a separate, private area for them to pass thru.
indy2001
indy2001 0
America is the strictest country in the world?? What a ridiculous statement. NOBODY has more guaranteed freedoms than law-abiding Americans. I've traveled extensively throughout Europe, especially the UK. You can't use the restroom in Britain without a camera documenting the act!
markaz
markaz 0
Does Homeland or TSA or someone keep a scorecard of ALL actual threats that were thwarted at security checkpoints in the USA? If so, where can it be viewed?
onjuku20
onjuku20 0
I am an airline pilot. Our union president says to be careful not to make a "career" decision to prove a point. Let the union handle it. TSA is just doing their job and I believe retina scanning is being tested at certain airports to eliminate crew security checks.
skydreamer1
It just doesn't make any sense to screen the pilot (who presumably doesn't need to smuggle anything aboard to gain control of the aircraft) for exploding underwear. There are much better cockpit ejection systems.

Now if both pilots were wearing parachutes I might be worried!
Jetjohn2
John Howard 0
Any pilot who ever went thru security at MEM will understand. TSA personnel there are the most un-professional, and have the most "attitude", of any airport I have gone thru, and that is a lot of airports. Guess it hasn't changed in the last 5 years. Can't say how glad I am retired and don't have to pass thru MEM anymore.
skydreamer1
It just doesn't make any sense to screen the pilot (who presumably doesn't need to smuggle anything aboard to gain control of the aircraft) for exploding underwear. There are much better cockpit ejection systems.

Now if both pilots were wearing parachutes I might be worried!
pilotbrice
Brice Whitman 0
Robert Fleming is an idiot.
rhspilot
My vote, pushing back was the right thing to do, excessiveness, even in the name of security, is just plain unhealthy, just as it is in anything we do. I dare say that those of you who say 'live with it and accept the changes', would be happy with someone in total control of your lives. I am not one of those, I enjoy the risk/rewards of life, and I believe that a 'security cleared' crew member of any airline in this country, represents a minimal risk, and I, for one, will never think twice about climbing aboard (their) airplane. This country was founded and grew on the basis of risk taking, with minimal security, and maximum freedom. The ultimate question becomes, are we, as a population, collectively brain washed that we are incapable of being thinking, sane and rational? Rhetorical?, I hope not.
rhspilot
My vote, pushing back was the right thing to do, excessiveness, even in the name of security, is just plain unhealthy, just as it is in anything we do. I dare say that those of you who say 'live with it and accept the changes', would be happy with someone in total control of your lives. I am not one of those, I enjoy the risk/rewards of life, and I believe that a 'security cleared' crew member of any airline in this country, represents a minimal risk, and I, for one, will never think twice about climbing aboard (their) airplane. This country was founded and grew on the basis of risk taking, with minimal security, and maximum freedom. The ultimate question becomes, are we, as a population, collectively brain washed that we are incapable of being thinking, sane and rational? Rhetorical?, I hope not.
capnjim123
Jim Barker 0
Good for you. I've been retired from my airline for 16 years, and unless I have to cross an ocean, I won't go near an airport. You are so correct abour infringement of personal right. Hang in there!
AABABY
AABABY 0
If I can't get there by car, bus or train, I'm not going. By the way, it's quicker to drive to Orlando from Tampa than it is to fly. As for longer trips, See the USA in your Chevrolet.
Resistance is futile!
Steve8231
Steve Craigle 0
Where the terrorists of 9/11 left off, the TSA has picked up the ball and been running with it ever since. The administration wants us to think it can protect us from someone willing to blow themselves up, a knee-jerk reaction to 9/11 and too blatantly political to comment further on....
Not to mention the useless restrictions on we civilian pilots in the form of TFRs (also a post-9/11 phenomena); guess what?!--Every incursion into presidential TFRs or the sacrosanct airspace around D.C. has only been detected because the violator had his transponder turned on! I REALLY feel safe now--
ripper1956
re torn 0
To eeves, the Private/IFR pilot expert who does not go thru security everyday, to call you one of the "sheeple" is a compliment. These enhanced security methods were in planning long before last Christmas's event, it was just the excuse needed to expand the program. Fortunately TSA is not armed (yet)but they are badged, and that means a lot in the legal system. Change does not come until someone or many push back.
I did contact my senators for Texas and both are hiding behind the facade of national security. Voting the rascals out, realigning DHS, and cutting funds is the only way they can be stopped. Like the IRS and the plethora of administrative functionaries, I think it is out of control however. WE THE PEOPLE have allowed our politicians to strip us of most of our basic rights and that will continue until the rascals are voted out.
karlglos
Karl Glos 0
TSA stands for Transportation Stupidity Administration. Its a complete waste of billions of dollars a year.
crk112
crk112 0
Lots of good comments and lots of morons.. nobody cares about getting frisked it's the principle of the deal... the constitution says we have the right to refuse a search and with any cop on the street that is NOT probable cause for search, arrest, or detainment. Apparently that doesn't apply when we go into an airport.

This guy was RIGHT ON.

This situation is NOT ok ..our country is rapidly going to hell in a handbasket.
grandpa501
Les Eders 0
Where they by any chance wearing gestapo uniforms ???? Just wondering of course..... we are in deep trouble in this country....Mexicans can get across the border but a legal american cannot get to work ???? God help us all....
August78
Andreas Stangenes 0
@Indy2001: I have never seen a camera in EGLL restrooms. They havent put up notices warning you that you are being filmed when doing your business. If what you're saying is true then yes, it places the UK right up there with the US.

If the US has started to standardize using the most extreme security measures (ie body scanners which shows the viewer your genetalia, breasts along with all other body parts) then this is highly detrimental to civil life. If some stranger took you hostage and stripped you down to your naked skin and had a good look at you, you would feel utmost violated. This is the government doing this, and then it makes it ok?

In Norway, the home of the Nobel Peace Prize, we use the principle of the least intervention. Meaning you go through the steps of security levels untill you are cleared. We use the metal scanner and you need to remove your belt and shoes, and if that doesnt clear you, then they will check your body by hand. I'm sure they will need to strip search you if every thing else fails to confirm that you are safe. We dont start with the hiroshima bomb, and back then, the US didnt either. Seems things have changed.
beaver5197561
andrew holt 0
Well the tsa agent wont have to waste anymore money on porn lol which is really sad that our country has fallen this far down George Washington would whipped someones behind if he were still alive. Could this be sent to the supreme court for a ruling on how it over steps the limits of the Bill of Rights?
BillWoods
Bill Woods 0
I went to Viet Nam twice in the 60's with the belief that I was helping to save our freedoms. The facts are I have less than 10% of the freedoms today that I had in 1965 when I went there. This is not because of the Muslims or terrorists. It is because of the stupid, idiottic ways our government has taken control of our lives. And the way we as people have been willing to let them do it. So who is at fault? All of the people in these comments who do not understand that this young man was merely trying to make a statement that he is no longer willing to take it and will resist until things are changed. We all need to get on board and support this pilot, because the truth is: "He is fighting for all of us."
atlwatchdog
atlwatchdog 0
TSA are idiots. Period.

For those of use that fly, think about that crash axe we have access to. Kind of stupid to have our nose hair scissors taken from us when we have the big axe in the cockpit, doesn't it?

Government has gotten out of control. Clinton, Bush, Obama, the Senate and the House. Mad out of control.

Ultimately I blame the American Voter. I hate saying that, but the truth is there are a lot of mindless folk out there that will let the government do whatever they want in the interest of "safety." Well you legislate and regulate "Stuff Happens."

I support Mike in his refusal. It's too bad the American public has a "Herd Mentality." Moo Cow Moo.
AABABY
AABABY 0
Welcome to the Mad Hatter's "tea" party. Looks like Lewis Carroll (Alice in Wonderland) was ahead of his time.
August78
Andreas Stangenes 0
"Off with his head!"
kwoody
Keith Woody 0
The TSA is trying to justify it's existence. I want to get along with my day.....
AABABY
AABABY 0
Keith is late-- For a very important date. No time to say hello, good-bye, he's late, he's late, he's late.
But seriously. I wonder how much economic loss is created by all the waiting in line to be poked, prodded and scan/searched? After all many people fly for their living. It's time to toss the house of cards.
gwhiz
Bill Maher 0
The sad part of this is that when you get down to it, the pilots could control this. How? Airplanes don't fly, no need for TSA. I think some folks got together in Boston some years back and said they have had enough. Guess what? they stood together and made believers out of those who tried to take away liberties. I like many others, have had enough of Washington dictating what I do or don't do. Taking our hard earned money and giving it away to a program that does not work or has no " common sense" built into it. Dump the tea into the harbor.
rgmahoney
rgmahoney 0
Do TSA employees go thru the body scanners and/or pat-downs before they come into the secure area when reporting for duty? If so, who operates the scanner or pats down the first person on duty? I ask because whatever vetting process they go thru to pass thru into the secure area with impunity could possibly be made available to aircrew.
AABABY
AABABY 0
Let the airlines sort it out as one body. The flying public and airline employees have no power to deal with a govt. agency.
As fo me, I'm driving to the Smoky Mts and Indiana for the holidays. Guess the old Buick will get a few more miles on her. Cost isn't hat much different, and we get to stop when we please. No stale peanuts or sandwiches either.
AABABY
AABABY 0
How about John Tyner? He's on the nightly news for refusing to allow a pat down. Go John!!
AABABY
AABABY 0
Come to think of it- Does anyone have any memory of the TSA actually finding a terrorist at a checkpoint??

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