Opt-Out
Have Americans finally had their fill of the heavy-handed tactics of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA)? Are parents en route to Disney World fed up with having their three-year olds brought to tears by manhandling TSA employees? Will senior citizens stop consenting to be prodded and poked while seated in a wheelchair from which movement may be quite painful? Are adult air passengers finally ready to declare, “enough is enough?”
TSA has greatly increased the number of full-body scanners at airports across the country, and instituted a program of aggressively hand- searching passengers who decline the full-body x-rays. Whether these indignities finally will prompt the travelling public to rebel, however, remains to be seen.
After all, for every traveler who realizes that a full body scan or physical body search conducted after they already passed a weapons and explosives detection device, adds little if anything to their safety, there are others who shrug that, “if it makes us safer, well, that’s the price we have to pay.” And for every citizen who understands that the Fourth Amendment prohibits the government from conducting an intrusive search of one’s persons and possessions without any suspicion they’ve done anything wrong, there’s another who accedes to such searches, because they “have nothing to hide.”
Recent polls indicate an air passenger rebellion is brewing; and none too soon. As a nation, are we ready to reaffirm our heritage and cast off the yoke of fear that has gripped us since September 11, 2011? Do we become once again a nation of laws – in which the Bill of Rights still has meaning – or have we succumbed to the federal browbeaters who assert that whatever intrusions they assert are necessary for them to protect us, are permissible? Are we willing to ask the tough questions?
Unfortunately, in TSA World anyone — pilot, flight attendant or passenger – who presses the government employees to articulate a justification for such intrusive technological or manual searches based on nothing more than chance or vindictiveness, risks ejection from the airport and even threats of civil lawsuit or arrest. Such official government intimidation often discourages people from properly questioning what is being done to them; but it should not.
The Fourth Amendment’s prohibition on unreasonable searches and seizures serves as a fundamental check on government power. If a person has already passed successfully through a weapons detector before boarding a commercial airliner, the government has no right to then demand that they submit to a further and even more invasive search for no articulable reason.
Horror stories of run-ins between TSA employees and average, law-abiding American citizens are becoming more common place. Top government officials, rather than trying to work constructively with the public, are digging in their heels and playing hardball. Just ask a young man from San Diego named John Tyner.
While recently attempting to fly out of San Diego International Airport, Tyner was directed to a full-body scanner. He declined, citing health and privacy concerns. Tyner was allowed to go through a metal detector, and what he thought would be a routine pat-down. Upon realizing this “pat-down” would require the TSA officer to touch his groin, Tyner politely declined. For his effrontery, Tyner is now the subject of a federal criminal investigation and threatened with a civil suit and $11,000 fine.
November 24th has been declared “National Opt-Out Day.” This tactic may help draw attention to TSA abuses; but, reining in this rogue agency will take much more. Lawsuits challenging TSA x-ray and body searches are pending and deserve our support. Airport authorities should be reminded they can in fact opt out of having TSA in charge of their screening. And, perhaps most important, the incoming chairmen of the House oversight and transportation committees should make TSA the subject of the first investigations they conduct in January 2011.
-by Bob Barr, The Barr Code
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113 comments Add your comment
D Ross
November 22nd, 2010
6:25 am
Even the Nazi’s didn’t pull this silly stuff at their railroad stations. Is America going insane, or are they sissy’s?
Matt
November 22nd, 2010
6:25 am
No one forces you to fly. Opt-out by taking the train or driving. It’s funny, the technology to make weapons gets more sophisticated, and the methods of hiding weapons gets better, those who may want to do harm look like everyone else, but folks don’t want to be harassed when checked to make sure they’re not going to hurt others? Hmmm…I want everything safe, but don’t both me while you do it? Time to understand the 4th Amendment was made in a day before plastic, before shoe bombs….we’re ALL SUSPECTS now.
BlahBlahBlah
November 22nd, 2010
6:29 am
If all the airports went to private security, the 4th Amendment argument would vanish.
What happened ?
November 22nd, 2010
6:38 am
Obama the former Constitutional Law professor promised to review all Executive Orders that were unconstitutional and repeal them….I’m still waiting and in the meantime he appears to be overseeing and advocating a bunch of new requirements that violate our rights – unfortunately the dumbed-down sheeple that make up the majority of Americans don’t realize how oppressive the long term ramifications will be – this is just the tip of the iceberg
Tim
November 22nd, 2010
6:41 am
Matt: Some employers DO force people to fly. If your job requires that you fly, then you’re going to have to choose between being groped and nuked. Have you ever even set foot in an aircraft?
Lynn43
November 22nd, 2010
6:47 am
If these “illegal” pat downs were done in any other setting, the “pattor” could be charged with sexual abuse and put on a sex offender list for life. What they are doing is no different.
tough
November 22nd, 2010
6:48 am
I am diamond status on delta, which means I have the terrible achievement of flying far, far too much. I have to insist that the TSA do their job – keeping dangerous materials off my flights.
If that requires checking junk, packages, or cabooses – so be it. I get much worse from the doctor every year during my physical examinations.
Keep the airways safe and free from incidents. thank you TSA
Joel Edge
November 22nd, 2010
6:57 am
“reining in this rogue agency will take much more”
The airline industry is already beginning to decline. Paying these kind of fares for the comfort of a Greyhound bus. Not likely. If you people want to be groped by the government to boot…..go for it.
Bill O Rights
November 22nd, 2010
6:58 am
http://www.google.com/#sclient=psy&hl=en&safe=off&q=kurt+haskell+underwear+bomber&aq=1&aqi=g5&aql=&oq=Kurt+Haskell&gs_rfai=&pbx=1&fp=d46a99aa0316a90b
GOOGLE KURT HASKELL
Haskell was an eyewitness to the Underwear Bomber episode and reports that the U/B was “escorted” onto the plane by an “Handler” Furthermore, the U/B did NOT EVEN HAVE A PASSPORT!!! How and why did they allow someone to board an International flight to America without a passport?
There is something very wrong going on with this entire issue.
The TSA has been lying to us repeatedly.
They told us that the agent would “slide their hand up the inside of the thigh until it meets resistence” No actually, many agents are placing their open hands directly on the entire genital area! There are even credible reports of MALE agents doing this to FEMALE passengers, both adult and minors.
The TSA is telling us that the X-RAY machines are safe. However, many very credible medical professionals are telling us the exact opposite.
The TSA is telling us that the GENITAL SEARCH SEXUAL ASSAULT is not punishment for refusing the X-RAY Porno-scanners. THIS IS AN OBVIOUS LIE!
Perhaps one of the most obvious reasons that the TSA is doing all of this is because Michael Chertoff, the former head of Homeland Security is making MILLIONS as these devices are being deployed around the country.
One last thing. If a terrorist is willing to blow him or herself up in a suicide bombing event, what would stop them from placing the C-4 or Semtex in a body cavity to gain access to the plane?
Will the TSA begin body cavity searches next?
FarmerRob
November 22nd, 2010
6:59 am
BlahBlahBlah
“If all the airports went to private security, the 4th Amendment argument would vanish.”
Yes, and so would most of TSA.
I feel fortunate that there is no place I need to go bad enough to subject myself to such degradation. I would be very concerned about the cumulative exposure to radiation if I were a regular traveler. I would be more concerned about controlling my anger and outrage if I had to submit to sexual assault as a precondition to traveling about in my own country.
The really sad thing here is TSA’s refusal to follow the one most successful model on airline security in the world–that being Israel. Rather than checking your sneakers or confiscating your nail clippers they observe people and interview them. Hard brisk questioning yields results.
Relying on technology rather than human observation, reasoning and deduction is foolish and less productive. And of course another drain on the taxpayers.
DeborahinAthens
November 22nd, 2010
7:01 am
After 9/11, when the Bush administration implemented these unlawful searches, along with the passing of the Patriot Act, I would call in to the Neal Boortz show questionning the legality and constitutionality of them. He hung up on me. I have an artificial knee and for years I have been subjected to invasive patdowns, so I couldn’t understand why, all of a sudden, we’re getting this righteous indignation from the right wing talk show pundits. Lo and behold, I read an article about the FL Congressman who is pushing this “grass roots” movement. Believe it or not, he received a lot of money (as did others) from a private firm that is trying to snag the contract for airport security from the TSA. Follow the money, dummies. Either you, the right wing electorate are being manipulated by corporate America, or you are suddenly “outraged” for other reasons. Which is it?
Willis
November 22nd, 2010
7:03 am
Let one plane blow up in the sky killing all on board because of a successful terrorist and the fuss will be all about how the government was lax with security precautions. The TSA was created under the regime of Bush/Cheney who cared zilch about the 4th amendment as long as it suited their political purposes. Calm down, take a deep breath, and be thankful we haven’t had another 9/11, yet.
Ragnar Danneskjöld
November 22nd, 2010
7:05 am
No rational human affirms that only the government should be responsible for air safety. If we abolished TSA, and empowered each airline to do anything they thought necessary for safety, including a full exemption from any theoretical cause of action for discrimination, we would be safe and significantly less inconvenienced. To really screw things up, you have to get the government involved.
Northern Songs LTD
November 22nd, 2010
7:10 am
One word: Profile.
Karl Marx
November 22nd, 2010
7:17 am
Easy, 1. Don’t fly. 2. Raise heck with your congressman. I’m not going to fly until this is changed. All you poor guys who have to fly for business use the internet and save a ton of money to boot.
DLS
November 22nd, 2010
7:24 am
Don’t you people remember 911? These Monsters are EVIL, they want ALL OF US DEAD. If you are too PRISSY to be checked for everyones safety, then maybe you should Walk, drive a take a bus or a train, that way those of us who are smart enough to see the reality of this world can still fly with a sence of safety. Use your head, not your ___ to think. These Tea Party idiots think they can get thier way by thowing tantrums, just look at 11/2/10, America was scammed. THANK YOU TSA, DON’T FOLD TO IGNORANCE.
Barr Fan
November 22nd, 2010
7:24 am
If I had some level of confidence that TSA was actually doing anything to keep us safe, I MIGHT feel a little better about this. As it stands now, not only are they abusive but incompetent as well.
For now, don’t fly unless you absolutely must. If you must fly and are pulled out of line for the enhanced search, insist on the pat down and, most importantly, insist that it be done in full view of God and everybody.
Deirdre
November 22nd, 2010
7:25 am
No one forces you to fly That’s an incredibly lame argument, Matt and you know it.
Of course some people have to fly…it’s their jobs! And what’s your next argument? Get a new job????? In 9.5% unemployment????????
And it is really those people who MUST fly who are in danger from the radiation of the machines or the groping of a strangers’ hands.
This does NOT make us safer! This makes us SHEEP!
Deirdre
November 22nd, 2010
7:26 am
DLS Those monsters are evil Yes they are but we’re not searching THEM!
JPC
November 22nd, 2010
7:26 am
I’m not sure why this argument about going to private screeners is being pushed.
According to the current rules, if an airport changes to private screeners, they are still under TSA supervision and must still do exactly the same things that the TSA does. That means porno-scanners and pat-downs.
The only real solutions are: (1) airlines operating under Part 135 from private airfields, which permits them to do away with screening altogether, and (2) changing the laws so the TSA no longer has oversight, or the nature of their oversight is changed.
I wonder if the people who are pushing so hard for privatizing screeners have these security companies in their back pockets…
Tweets that mention Opt-Out | The Barr Code -- Topsy.com
November 22nd, 2010
7:32 am
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Bob Barr, iamamro and Joshua Ian, Trakgalvis. Trakgalvis said: Opt-Out http://goo.gl/eSSAR Have Americans finally had their fill of the heavy-handed tactics of the Transportation Security Administration? [...]
Peter
November 22nd, 2010
7:33 am
There is a typo in this article. September 11, 2011 – And to blah 3x – If the 4th amendment were not needed to protect us from a government entity i.e. the TSA we would still be protected by existing privacy laws and laws regarding sexual molestation. A private firm is accountable to not only lawsuits but also local law enforcement.
However, I’m not a 100% percent on this. If the int’l airports are federal jurisdiction can zone 3 for example arrest someone who is technically on federal land?
Lynn43
November 22nd, 2010
7:34 am
Karl, I “have” to fly to another country soon for a necessary event. I am a cancer patient in the middle of radiation with marks all over my body for the placement of the radiation. I’m almost 70 years old and scared to death of what these sex offenders might to do me. Not going is not an option, so what am I to do?
Martin, Phoenix, AZ
November 22nd, 2010
7:36 am
There is no logic to the TSA pat-down. Consider this. Two people go through security. One is a terrorist who has a powder explosive sewn into his underwear. The second is a person like me, who has a metallic knee implant and NO other metal on his body, having taken off shoes, belt, etc. The terrorist goes through the metal detector and does not set off an alarm and therefore can head directly to his plane. The second person’s knee implant sets off the metal detector and is now subjected to a pat-down to detect, amongst other things, powder explosive substances. How is this logical? We should consider having the TSA director patted-down for signs of intelligence.
Trapped in a Red state
November 22nd, 2010
7:50 am
Some reasonable degree of profiling would make too much sense, I guess.
Barney Frank
November 22nd, 2010
8:01 am
Bob Barr = pickle smoocher. Lame article.
Interested observer
November 22nd, 2010
8:01 am
What? We still have a Constitution?
Another
November 22nd, 2010
8:04 am
Barr’s argument is junk, but in the interest of antiquity, I shall explain why, so that the ditto heads, who plague this blog with sel- aggrandizing narratives that explore nothing and advance only the discussion they’ve heard on the roundtables, will know that their minds are what makes them the very little people who alone pay all the taxes.
the naughty habit of hijacking planes was an sixties-era aeronautical phenomena. Every other day , it seemed, some cowardly kook would demand that the plane he had boarded fall out of the sky where he wanted it to. Curiously, it was always Cuba. ( Castro denied any involvement in both the hijackings and the Kennedy thing. The CIA still believes him.)
To hijack a plane, one needs a real or perceived bomb. Most passengers are easily-frightened when it comes to dyin’, so a hijacker needed only to show some chicken wire and a roll of toilet paper painted silver, and voila: Le Bomb.
So, it’s not so much that a passenger’s fears justify the fondling of their tingling, engorged naughty parts, as it is that the perception of safety and control can keep our economy growing. We need to fly to grow. We need to feel that our children can board and then disembark an airplane all in one piece complaining only of the movie selection or the flight attendant’s stink eye.
Our founding fathers dreamed of flight, and certainly lesser men, (probably loyalists or royalists) have dreamed of hijacking some flying contraption that as yet was nonexistent. Pirates hijacked ships for ten thousand years. Outlaws hijacked trains for, say, oh, I don’t know, probably five thousand years. Hijacking is in our DNA, man.
So when I read an argument about the constitutional limits of counter-intelligence like the one Bob Barr just laid, I feel a duty to expose the cracks, the feathers and the parallels to children’s fairy tales.
If a circumcision is required to remove any doubt about an innocent passenger, then let the taxpayers fund an airport Mohel, and let the constitutional lawyers signal the sudden, infamously-deliberate assault on our rights by crying, “Torah, Torah, Torah”.
Ex Marine
November 22nd, 2010
8:06 am
I once fought for the freedom of all Americans, seems I lost.
Forest
November 22nd, 2010
8:06 am
The organizers of this movement are just trying to push everyone else to the body pat line so they can just walk through the scanner and make their flight
touchy feely people
November 22nd, 2010
8:12 am
It’s been said that people fear what they don’t understand and that’s absolutely the truth with the full body scanners. Of those people citing fear of radiation, have any of you actually read a study about the effects of these machines? Do you know what a terahertz is, much less understand biological physics? Probably not. There is in fact little to no credible evidence that these machines are harmful to humans. Furthermore, this article goes out of its way to say the body scanners are unnecessary as people have already passed a “weapons and explosives detection device”.. you mean a metal detector? The shoe bomber, the underwear bomber and countless others have passed their home made weapons through a metal detector without issue. If these body scanners would have been used additionally, those individuals likely wouldn’t have made it to the tarmac. This entire article is written by a scared, misinformed author. If you think your personal liberties are worth more than your life, by all means don’t fly. I for one wouldn’t mind extra space on the aircraft because people like you chose not to submit to safety searches.
Ted Striker
November 22nd, 2010
8:15 am
The word “terrorism” is now used a lot like the word “commie” was used by McCarthy to justify his infringements on american freedoms through scare tactics.
Barney Frank
November 22nd, 2010
8:15 am
Another = self-obsessed, tedious neurotic
Disgruntled passenger
November 22nd, 2010
8:26 am
One of the definitions of sexual assault is unwanted touching or groping, and yet in order to board an airliner perfectly innocent citizens are subjected to this assault. Certainly we don’t want a repeat of 9/11 but TSA has gone crazy with its powers. This political correctness is a bunch of crap-we need to go after the people who are the threat. How politically correct is it to pat down every senior citizen who has a pacemaker, or a hip or knee replacement or anyone who is in a wheelchair and yet this is being done. Our 4th amendment rights have been taken away from us and it’s time we started fighting back. START AGRESSIVE SCREENING ON THOSE WHO WOULD DO US HARM AND LEAVE THE REST OF US ALONE.
BlackGeorgian
November 22nd, 2010
8:26 am
I haven’t been felt up yet, but next time I fly, I hope I get groped by a fine TSA agent. And I’ll have but one thing to say to him:
Touch me, tease me
Feel me and caress me
Hold on tight and don’t let go
Baby, I’m about to explode…
miguel
November 22nd, 2010
8:29 am
@Matt, how can you be a suspect to a crime that hasn’t been comitted yet? and what about innocent until proven guilty? there are still rules here in America. one would hope.
if you wanna play suspect – fine by me, but not your statement isn’t even remotely true. but it’s that sort of thinking that will keep the American Public under the Government’s thumb.
bruce
November 22nd, 2010
8:31 am
I love to be patted down. It’s the only reason I fly.
Vince
November 22nd, 2010
8:32 am
Truly, I fail to see the problem with the scanners or the searches. I am a fairly modest person, but you can do whatever you want if you can assure me no one will get onto my plane carrying a bomb or weapon.
PinkoNeoConLibertarian
November 22nd, 2010
8:34 am
@ touchy feely people:
With this comment “If you think your personal liberties are worth more than your life, by all means don’t fly.”, you sir or madam, have just insulted every single person who has served, fought and died for those very personal liberties that you take so lightly. And I’m sure that you consider yourself a proud and patriotic American.
I wipe you from my shoes as I do any other form of excrement I have the misfortune of stepping in.
Wilfredo giron
November 22nd, 2010
8:34 am
What is going on with this opt out if they don’t like the dray or pat done drive where you are going if anything should go down the people held responsible is the security at the airport beginning with a sarcastic way he is getting ratings on e web maybe that is what he wanted maybe he is launching a web site and the best way to get up the rankings the old fashion way Print
I think whist he did was uncalled for he should just red the bus or drive to his destinations since he feels this way about it
nelson
November 22nd, 2010
8:40 am
No one should try to hide or be offended by intrusive searches. It is a new openess in the U.S. It is only through complete transparency that Democracy will succeed. I am surprised that many see this as a violation of their 4th Amendment right to privacy.
Pat Downs and xray screening would put an end to “identity theft.” No two bodies are the same. It could make a whole new meaning when the question is asked, “show me some identification”.
I hear all the time about falsified identification, this will put an end to all that. Every little dimple and wart will be your new ID.
michael
November 22nd, 2010
8:40 am
I frequently fly commercially for work and I’m also a private pilot. I don’t particularly like getting scanned or patted down but what people need to remember is that flying is not an “right” provided to us by the Founders in the Constitution – it is a priviledge. The airspace above most of our airports and above 18,000 feet (where most commercial airliners operate)is controlled by the FAA. And like it or not, if you want to use that space (or ride in a plane that uses that space) then you need to know that you are subjecting yourself to rules and regulations – and the potentially changing security measures required to gain access to that controlled space. And for those of you who think that driving a car will make you more “free” of intrusive search, you are mistaken. Sure, there is no one to “pat you down” as you leave your garage, but don’t forget that you are subject to random police road blocks where police have the right to ask for your information, where you are going, etc. And if you try to avoid that roadblock – rest assured that you will likely see blue lights in your mirror as you make the u-turn.
Deirdre
November 22nd, 2010
8:46 am
Isn’t it frickin hilarious that the same people who were screaming about individual liberties under the Bush administration now find illegal search and seizure not only acceptable but necessary?
Wilfredo…explain to me how I drive to Germany for business.
You know, this may be hard to believe but 1000’s of people fly everyday for reasons that have nothing to do with “pleasure”. For example, my neighbor flew to Los Angeles every month for cancer treatment. What was she supposed to do…drive?
Deirdre
November 22nd, 2010
8:48 am
Repeating!!!!!! The TSA is NOT patting down the very people who should be patted down!!!!!!! So how does this keep us safer?????
justmy2cents
November 22nd, 2010
8:52 am
@touchyfeely-
So all a bomber has to do is reject the scanner, and get patted down with c4 up his poop chute, and he has successfully passed through security and can still blow up your plane. OR, board a flight at an airport that does not have these scanners and take a connection through a major airport…you are successfully in a secure area without “advanced” security measures.
Not EVERYONE gets the advanced screening machines or pat downs, many still go JUST through a metal detector. So security is not being ensured for anyone on ANY plane. So, if you get the warm fuzzies because a few random people are being groped, you are a fool.
carlosgvv
November 22nd, 2010
8:57 am
When the next 9/11 happens, and it will, the resulting new security mesures will make the current ones seems like the good old days.
Duane
November 22nd, 2010
9:10 am
If there is justification for such searches and said justification is not concerned with placement in line. I have seen, searched, and eliminated terrorists for this country, so I do not feel I should be treated like one for no reason. If my appearance or demeanor provides justification that would be valid, but I should not have my rights violated while wearing a combat uniform of this country. The people mentioning ground trans as an alternative are wrong, I am usually flying on official duty with orders. That means I have a higher federal rating and security clearance. Btw, whoever spit on me when I was going back to Iraq at hartsfield can suck it.
ButtHead
November 22nd, 2010
9:52 am
11/24 should be save your gas day for the TSA. Everyone eat beans and let the TSA have the gas..
David Patton
November 22nd, 2010
9:53 am
Amazing how the Israelis have NO scanners but have 100% success rate in their screening of airline passengers. They simply have a security officer ask each passenger a few simple questions re their travel plans and itinerary. Anyone who can’t look them in the eye and answer their questions withour getting nervous gets frisked and their luggage searched. Everyone else gets on the plane without problems. All it requires is an intelligent person to do the screening. Oh, wait–that rules out the TSA employees.
Drunk at the Barr
November 22nd, 2010
9:55 am
Barr once again, you present a problem without a solution. Where’s the solution? National Opt-Day?
ButtHead
November 22nd, 2010
9:58 am
David Patton,
Since your comment makes 100% sense then the TSA will ignore it. If I must be pat down I should get to chose my patter, I want a blonde 38DD…
Nope, not this time
November 22nd, 2010
10:07 am
Matt .. We have a problem here and if you want to deny this then so be it. While every American is treated like a terriorist, the Federal government is giving Meranda rights to real terriorists and giving them rights that Americans have. We are being abused and the terriorists are being found not guilty. People better start to wake up before our country if filled with terrior. Its not the Americans who are blowing us up. Treating the common traveler worse then a terriorist who claims victory? Give me a break.
I now more then ever am very interested in seeing this so called birth certificate of our grand Obama. Does it exist. Cost him Millions of dollars to defend it! I want to see it, and now before its to late. That and his college transcripts. I think its well past time. When our government stands over each and every american but caters to terriorists of other nations, WE HAVE A GREAT BIG PROBLEM. Time to stand up people.
dubya
November 22nd, 2010
10:25 am
it’s time to discriminate….only muslims are terrorists….pat them down. not us whites.
Tweets that mention Opt-Out | The Barr Code -- Topsy.com
November 22nd, 2010
10:34 am
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by George V. Hulme and PrivacyDigest, Dissent Doe. Dissent Doe said: Bob Barr's column, "Opt Out:" http://bit.ly/blKjnM #TSA #fourthamendment #privacy #n [...]
unjustified accusations
November 22nd, 2010
10:34 am
I’ve seen the pat-downs of others, as they are generallly done in full view of others.
If anyone were TRULY being assaulted sexually – dontcha think there would be a ton of witnesses? There’s no crime here – just an inconvenience.
Quit crying and get on the daggum plane
Real Athens
November 22nd, 2010
10:35 am
Nope:
The TSA was created by George W. Bush as part of the Department of Homeland Security — the largest reorganization of the U.S. government since the New Deal. Place blame or credit where it is due. Jesus, man — enough with the birth certificate nonsense. Pull your head out of your a#$.
Yesterday Kyle proposed some sort of National Traveler ID card based biometric scanning to whit I replied:
“Regarding biometric airport screening at airports, you create a second-class citizen/traveler (class warfare) of those who cannot afford such a card. Physiological Biometric characteristics include, but are not limited to fingerprint, face recognition, DNA, palm print, hand geometric and iris recognition –which has largely replaced retina ID. Do you want this information collected by a private agency and filed by the U.S. government in order to allow you to travel freely and swiftly between cities of the U.S.?
Many countries, including the United States, already trade biometric data. The United States has bi-lateral agreements to share biometric data with about 25 countries. Every time a foreign leader has visited Washington during the last few years, the State Department has made sure they sign such an agreement. Governments are unlikely to disclose full capabilities of biometric deployments. As a result, many in the civilian community are worried about how biometric data is used. Unfortunately, full disclosure may not be forthcoming to the civilian community.
I believe that this type of ID is in direct violation of the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. I can be granted swift/unobstructed passage inside the sovereign borders of the United States if I pay a fee to a PRIVATE company (with no governmental regulation or oversight) and give up a fingerprint or DNA? Even though I have no history of ever having been engaged in criminal activity?
This is not the United Sates I wish to live in. Do you?
David Patton:
You are exactly right. The interview I had was with a Delta employee as I approached the check-in line. It went exactly as you described. Very intense, yet still polite. In addition — having just returned from Europe and traveled through the airports of Brussels and Frankfurt — I propose a different approach. How about using specially-trained para-military, military and special operative personnel to monitor the day to day functions of airports. Have you ever witnessed the security employed around the Eiffel Tower? Compare that to the average employee of the TSA.
Give our military a task they can get behind; literally protecting our country instead of fighting an energy war under the guise of chasing a ghost in Afghanistan. A military presence at airports is security that will work, will protect personal freedoms and most people will not complain about.
rights are trampled?
November 22nd, 2010
10:36 am
if you refuse a scan or search – I don’t want you on MY flight
Suckers@yahoo.com
November 22nd, 2010
10:39 am
The real issue is the TSA’s dedication to the illusion of being politically correct. Common sense is taken out of the equation so an unpopular minority group (Muslims) can’t scream discrimination, so everyone else is made to suffer. The terrorists have already won because they’ve taken away our way of life pre 9/11.
MLM
November 22nd, 2010
10:48 am
Anyone who thinks these scans will prevent future terrorism naively overlooks that the TSA is reactive, not proactive. The next terrorist will simply carry a bomb in a different way – like inside a body cavity. Then the TSA will respond by doing cavity searches and the terrorists will come up with another strategy like arming private planes. The best solution is to follow the Israeli model – to talk with passengers and screen them accordingly. And to have bomb sniffing dogs which can smell well hidden bombs and drugs. But dogs and screening do not put money into corporate pockets. These backscanners are very lucrative business.
mrs. w
November 22nd, 2010
10:48 am
This is like the whole class being punished for the actions of a few. We need to revert to profiling in this area and political correctness be damned.
Deirdre
November 22nd, 2010
10:54 am
Example. Billy sets off a stink bomb in his classroom. Teacher decides that the whole class should be punished for Billy’s act. Stupid.
Example: A bully tells a kid “If you don’t want to get beat up then don’t walk on this side of the street.”
The US gov’t, in an effort not to appear racially motivated, has turned into an over-zealous teacher(searching everyone) and a neighborhood bully(”if you don’t like it, don’t fly”)
Seriously?
Richard
November 22nd, 2010
11:06 am
Do people really fear for their lives when they get on a plane? Have I been the only person in the last decade not scared to death that my plane would crash?
For those of you who have been terrified of terrorists the last 10 years, why have you been getting on planes in the first place?
You people should try not being consumed by fear. It’s a great stress relief.
Matti
November 22nd, 2010
11:16 am
Richard,
I’m always scared the plane will crash, but that’s because I don’t trust planes, pilots, or mechanics, not because I’m eskeered of somebody putting a firecraker in his shoes or an incendiary device in his briefs. Suckers is right. The terr’ists have already won, because any time one idiot does something, our whole way of life has to change. Like, really? As if x-raying our shoes and flip flops and making us toss the V-8 Splash we just opened to keep our blood sugar from crashing is somehow going to make us “safe?” No wonder the bad guys think we’re morons.
Twitted by mikedevinelaw
November 22nd, 2010
11:31 am
[...] This post was Twitted by mikedevinelaw [...]
king of mean
November 22nd, 2010
11:35 am
i agree with Northern Songs – PROFILE!!!
Opt-Out | The Barr Code | Slinking Toward Retirement
November 22nd, 2010
11:44 am
[...] Opt-Out | The Barr Code. [...]
Dr. Pangloss
November 22nd, 2010
11:54 am
None of this compares to some of the gross guy stuff I’ve had done by women doctors.
I’ll take the scanner until they come up with something better.
Steve
November 22nd, 2010
11:59 am
The Israeli’s don’t do this, and look how secure their airports are . . .
1911A1
November 22nd, 2010
12:18 pm
Everyone remember, the TSA was never anything more than a federal jobs program. Write your congress person and insist that TSA be de-funded. Let’s shut it down!
Gregg
November 22nd, 2010
1:15 pm
Let me ask the question! If this were a Muslim man in full drab that refused to be searched how many people would take his side. What happened to all the 9-11 we will never forget posters. Have we forgotten that we are still at war. We have people dying for our freedoms and we complain about being searched to board a flight. I agree that the pilots should not have to go through this each and everytime. As for regular travelers I feel better knowing that everybody was searched. If a Plane were to explode over America, all this rethoric will disappear in a hearbeat. If you want to fly shut up and get searched if not drive.
Gregg
November 22nd, 2010
1:21 pm
@ Suckers your comment is idiotic at best! You make it seem as though Whites and Blacks do not carry out terroristic ideas or plots. It’s not just “Muslims” that want to do us harm. Why not pull over every White man driving a U-Haul truck ala Timiothy McVeigh or every Black man driving a nice car because he has to be a drug dealer. profiling is stupid and allows people to show their true racisim.
PC BS
November 22nd, 2010
1:35 pm
If the TSA didn’t have its hands tied by the PC crowd in Washington (The Transportation Dept), increased security measures would be used against those that better “fit the description” of the ever growing cases of airborne terrorism, rather than scanning and patting down Grandma, etc. “Profiling” is exactly what police/investigators due (correctly) when they search for criminals. Just use some common sense. Maximize your resource use (computers, scanners, no fly lists, etc.) against those more likely to commit such crimes.
55
November 22nd, 2010
1:42 pm
Heavy handed tactics?
Health concerns?
Rogue Agency?
Prepare the fainting couches as the neo-con drama queens play up their hatred for all things Uncle Sam related.
The only ones that would be hurt by this misguided stupidity is the airlines and other working Americans.
And yes by all means, lets bring back Argenbright Security!!
I know you “forgetful” “conservatives” have forgotten what a deadly debacle they were…
Grump
November 22nd, 2010
1:45 pm
When I purchase a ticket, my contract is with the airline – get me from point A to point B for x dollars and y amount of hassle. If the hassle factor or the cost factor go up, my ticket purchases go down. Right now, my ticket purchases are at zero. I won’t even consider flying if I can drive it in 12 hours – the hassle factor is too high.
Maybe if the airlines are hit in the pocketbook, they’ll do something about these TSA Nazis. If not, I’ll have some nice drives, the air will get a little dirtier and I won’t be strip searched by some $1.25/hour TSA doofus.
The Liberty Papers »Blog Archive » TSA updates from people who opposed the TSA before opposing the TSA was cool
November 22nd, 2010
1:50 pm
[...] Barr was prophetic, then adds that folks should opt out: Well, surprise, surprise — the government is not telling us the [...]
Cutty
November 22nd, 2010
1:52 pm
Went through Hartsfield and DFW last week, no problems. just chickenhawks looking for a reason to squawk about Obama. then when a plane blows up, they’ll be squawk about no security. where was Barr when the TSA had us stripping down to our boxers the last 8 years?
j
November 22nd, 2010
1:52 pm
why are you folks always bitching about something.
don’t like it don’t fly. better yet hire your own private security firm. why aren’t private firms doing this job?
JAS
November 22nd, 2010
1:52 pm
This whole thing is a fabrication of the conservative party and particularly our friends Rush, Hannity, Coulter, and Beck. Remember, Conservatives want to keep you scared of EVERYTHING!
I traveled this weekend and both me and my wife had a fully body scan. NO. BIG. DEAL. It was quick, painless, and the only person that saw my overweight figure in alien shades of blue, black, purple, and grey was some agent in a room I couldn’t see (and who couldn’t see me) communicating with the agent in front of me via earpiece. It was over in 10 seconds and we were on our way.
55
November 22nd, 2010
2:17 pm
Bring back Argenbright Security!
They’ll have criminals scanning ya.
They’ll leave all sorts of gates unlocked and unattended.
And they’ll allow people to bring weapons on airplanes every day.
But hey! That’s the “free market” at it’s finest!
Suckers
November 22nd, 2010
2:22 pm
You’re right, Gregg, it IS completely racist to assume that Muslims are the only terrorists on planes. On the other hand, experience has shown time and time again their radical sect actually ARE the terrorists of the sky. You can go on living in your fantasy world where everyone is treated equally and nobody is more prone to violence than anyone else, but it’s that kind of thinking that jeopardizes the security of the masses. Wake up and smell the stank.
EJ Moosa
November 22nd, 2010
2:27 pm
The old United States would have found a better way.
The new United States says get used to it.
Nope
November 22nd, 2010
2:45 pm
It’s important to note that former Homeland Security Chief Michael Chertoff owns a company called the Chertoff Group who represents the company making the new scanners. Gee, I wonder why we have them in airports all over the country now? Also of note — our elected officials are allowed to circumvent any sort of security check at any airport… This is form the NYT.
“As he left Washington on Friday, Mr. Boehner headed across the Potomac River to Ronald Reagan National Airport, which was bustling with afternoon travelers. There was no waiting for Mr. Boehner, who was escorted around the identification-checking agents, the metal detectors and the body scanners, and whisked directly to the gate.”
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/20/us/politics/20boehner.html?_r=2&hpw
ATF
November 22nd, 2010
2:47 pm
So, when a plane explodes everyone will blame TSA for doing a bad job. And Obama.
If it makes it safer for my children to fly home for Christmas, you can all just get in line and get xrayed or patted-down. Your embarrassment means diddly-squat to me compared to the lives that could be saved.
Cekker
November 22nd, 2010
2:48 pm
Hmmm…so our choices are:
– Get scanned
– Get groped
– Get blown into a million bits somewhere over Akron
This is a dilemma!
JonnyQuest
November 22nd, 2010
3:30 pm
Many Americans expecially from the RIGHT found the Patriot Act to be just fine. Have the gov read our emails, sneak and peek in to our homes, read our mail etc is ok… BUT if they want to insure we are safe upon entering an aircraft then that is bad. A small price to pay for being at war with terrorists’ that want to kill us and would like to use aircraft to do so.
I am Jonny Quest. Myself and my bodygaurd Race Bannon say, “Bring It On”.
BillyNumerous
November 22nd, 2010
3:31 pm
I love how half the people on here are probably 300 lbs and think that someone actually desires to touch them.
killerj
November 22nd, 2010
3:44 pm
Feds Can,t even stop drug trafficking on a plane much less stop someone from blowing it up,wake up people somethings not right with this administration.Go Tea Party.
Richard
November 22nd, 2010
4:03 pm
ATF,
Go watch a TSA agent rub your child’s genitals.
furious_styles
November 22nd, 2010
4:14 pm
@killerj. “This” administration did not usher in the TSA. You should bring yourself up to date before posting online. Posting online is for grownups.
DLS
November 22nd, 2010
5:50 pm
1911A1 , Are you a Terrorist, you sure sound like one.
Deb
November 22nd, 2010
6:19 pm
I am a frequent flyer for 11 years – I have followed everything I have been asked to do by the TSA but this crosses the line. They need to take all these procedures and aim them by racially profiling the groups that commited these acts. Not people in wheel chairs, people with knee replacements or three year old children. We are not the criminals here. I opt out!
FredW
November 22nd, 2010
6:43 pm
A great way to protest while complying would be to sing the National Anthem while being groped.
Opt-out of scanner, comply with grope, after the grope has started in public, start singing!
I think this would be great way to draw the attention of other waiting passengers and force them to think of what is happening in our “free” country.
What news this would be if passengers are arrested/detained singing the National Anthem!
jconservative
November 22nd, 2010
6:55 pm
Bottom line, or rather the TWO bottom lines:
1A – people want to feel safe while they fly.
1B – People do not want to be searched/probed to see if they have a bomb on their person as they board an airplane.
People want to crucify the TSA for trying to make sure they are safe when they fly.
If a plane is blown up then TSA will be crucified by the public for not preventing the murder of US citizens.
Bottom line – require all passengers who board a plane to sign a statement giving the US government power of attorney in case of an act of terrorism against that flight.
It is not necessary to fly on an airplane. It is a luxury. If one does not like the TSA treatment, then drive or take the train. Or just do not make the trip.
Don
November 22nd, 2010
7:00 pm
For all of you who proudly proclaim it’s for safety, ask your self these questions.
Who searches the TSA employees and make sure they don’t carry an explosive thru their own security to hand off to someone on the other side?
Who searches the people handling your bags and luggage?
Who searches the food handling people that deliver food to the planes?
Who searches the ones that fuel the plane?
Who searches the mechanics?
Who searches those that service the interior of the plane before and after flights?
The list of those that are not searched goes on and on and on.
When they decide to do body cavity searches, are you going to proudly bend over?
Dirty Dawg
November 22nd, 2010
7:46 pm
Hey Bob…posted this over there with your buddy Kyle, but thought you’d likely be the one that will actually do something with it. Namely, that there’s some sort of national analysis out that ranks the most dangerous cities in the country, and Atlanta’s not on it – at least we aren’t listed in the top fifteen. Damn, there must be something wrong with that survey…obviously they didn’t call you folks out in Cobb and the other counties surrounding the City. I’m sure you guys can find the ‘flaws’ in their methodology.
Redneck Convert (R--and proud of it)
November 22nd, 2010
8:07 pm
Buck-nekkid. That’s the answer. If you ain’t afraid to take all your clothes off to fly, you got nothing to hide. Let them search the big ones with folds of fat, but leave the rest of us alone. Just don’t touch my pile-on cyst. It’s kind of tender. Just make sure I’m safe. I’ll give up all of my freedom and kiss your butt, just as long as I’m safe.
Windy Huey
November 23rd, 2010
2:42 am
Really really greatarticle. You’re a really smart writer. I couldn’t find any word on this topic anywhere. Thank you so much for help.
aCitizen
November 23rd, 2010
6:32 am
I am amazed that no one on this page has mentioned principles of modesty and decency in line with reverence and respect for the persons of each of us. We are in a sad time.
Ragnar Danneskjöld
November 23rd, 2010
6:54 am
Now, thanks to Drudge, we know why this trouble is inflicted on Americans:
Naked Body Scanner Manufacturer’s CEO Obama’s Guest on Trip to India
Submitted by yogmama on Thu, 11/18/2010 – 01:15
in Daily Paul Liberty Forum
“OSI Systems is the owner of Rapiscan Systems which manufactures the Secure 1000, one of the most commonly used backscatter x-ray machines. And, no it is not the Deepak Chopra you’re thinking of.
Ragnar Danneskjöld
November 23rd, 2010
6:54 am
OSI Systems Chief Executive Officer Joins US Presidential Visit to India
HAWTHORNE, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– OSI Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: OSIS), a vertically-integrated provider of specialized electronic products for critical applications in the Security and Healthcare industries, today announced that Deepak Chopra, Chairman and CEO, was selected to accompany US President, Barack Obama, to Mumbai and attended the US India Business Entrepreneurship meeting, which was held by the US India Business Council (US IBC). The goal of the meeting was to promote further trade between US and India….”
dailypaul.com/node/149723
Ragnar Danneskjöld
November 23rd, 2010
7:15 am
Check out Sowell’s essay today – makes the comments on this topic on this blog sound like Milquetoast.
jewishworldreview.com/cols/sowell112310.php3
Bruce Majors
November 23rd, 2010
7:46 am
TSA stands for Taxpaying Serf Attitude Adjustment.
Though that phrase is mine and I have been saying the purpose is to instill a culture of regimentation, since the screening, among other things, does not either image or probe internal body cavities where explosives could be hidden, and is hence either incompetent, or just for show, or to regiment us.
Evidence of the latter is that the screening did not begin last year after the Underwear Bomber. It started, as Rush Limbaugh observed, this year after the Tea Party electoral revolt.
http://tsaresistance.blogspot.com
Lee
November 23rd, 2010
8:50 am
In my job, I occasionally get to visit our nuclear power plants. To enter the “restricted” zone in one of these facilities, you must go through a machine that is a combination metal detector and explosives detector. This machine looks like a traditional metal detector, but it blows air over your body and then analyzes the air for explosive molecules. It takes slightly longer than a traditional metal detector, maybe 10 seconds.
So, the technology is there to screen 100% of the passengers for metal AND explosives. A screening process that would be non-invasive. Why they chose to use these full-body scanners is anybody’s guess. Leave it to the government to screw up a simple task such as security screening.
There are also hand-held “sniffers” that can detect various chemical elements as well as the metal detecting wand.
In the past, I used to fly a fair amount of regional flights on my job. Now, I take a car if the trip is no more than 8 hours. Tens of thousands of dollars in lost revenue for the airlines (just from me) because they have made the hassle of air travel exceed the convenience.
Mike
November 23rd, 2010
10:01 am
Have Americans finally had their fill of the heavy-handed tactics I don’t think so . How long have you been waring the Americans about this Bob? The TSA is NOT patting down the very people who should be patted down so it like pot-luck . Stop the show and get some thing that may work not this.
Ex Marine
November 23rd, 2010
10:45 am
By the time all our freedom is gone there will be no one left that remembers what they were.
Rockerbabe
November 23rd, 2010
10:56 am
TSA reports that only about 3% of the flying public gets a pat down and that is because they refuse a scan or the scan revealed something out of the ordinary. Most folks go through the scanners.
No one has a right to fly. No one is forcing passengers to take a plane or pay the cost of a ticket. One can drive, take a bus or the train or walk if needed. There are options.
All I can say is. . .when the next plane gets blowed up, maybe all the crybabies will sober up.
Hmmm
November 23rd, 2010
12:22 pm
What about securing our border to the South? Ever think that there are folks that are able to get across that way and can cause havoc? What about employing the screening procedures of the Israelis? Oh, wait that would be profiling. Let’s grope grandma and force those who have prosthetic breasts or wear bladder bags to be humiliated. Yeah, that sounds like a better idea. And what about some of the folks that are TSA screeners? Like the one who was arrested for kidnapping and raping a woman? Yes, I want to be safe, but I feel this is one more advance of the government to take our liberties away. I’ll just drive.
Boo Hoo
November 23rd, 2010
12:41 pm
Well I really don’t want to blow up on an airpline. Do you Bob???
Think People
November 23rd, 2010
3:20 pm
“Well I really don’t want to blow up on an airpline.”
Well, fortunately for you then, the chances of anyone blowing up on an airplane are infinitessimally small. Airport security plays a part in that good fortune, but it has always been a very rare event because there are only so many people willing to carry it out. Once they do, by definition, they must be replaced.
As for racial profiling, it is not for PC reasons that it is a bad idea. It is a bad idea because it doesn’t work. The Arab in Muslim garb is the safest guy on the plane, as only a moron would call attention to himself like that if he has a bomb. The minute you exclude groups from screening, you open up an opportunity for a terrorist to get a device on a plane.
Behavioral profiling, on the other hand does work since it isn’t exclusive to a group. A nervous, twitchy passenger is a nervous, twitchy passenger regardless of race, religion, etc. The fact that anyone could be searched can be a factor in making a terrorist show his/her hand with nervousness, etc.
I and others called this current debacle back when we had to remove our shoes. Lo and behold comes the underwear bomber and the liquids crap. We have been pretty safe, not because of draconian government security measures, but because observant flight attendants and passengers caught the perpetrators doing weird things with their shoes and underpants. It would be much more effective to have trained detectives on most or all flights, but the cynic in me says, “that won’t sell many scanners”.
ackack
November 23rd, 2010
7:37 pm
If one plane were blown up in the US this year by terrorists, it would be the FIRST one, ever
However did we manage to get by without strip searches and groin grabs before now?
the mehlman rings twice
November 24th, 2010
7:00 am
You anti-Obama wack jobs are causing this. After reading some of the hateful material out there, I’m worried that a birther with a terminal illness will strap on an explosive and blow a jet clear out of the sky just to try to embarrass him.
whatmeworry
November 25th, 2010
7:23 am
If you trust the TSA to make you safe then you deserve what you get. Where are the bomb dogs, where are the people trained to detect suspicious behavior, where are the people qualified to carry automatic weapons? They don’t exist. Instead we have minimun wage goons who are churned and burned. Instead some people are getting rich selling machines.
Virgen Seago
November 27th, 2010
9:28 am
You have always beencandid, even when it wasn’t what your readers wanted to read.