Superguy

Wrote a letter to my Congressman awhile back about the stupidity of the liquid ban if they're giving the discarded toiletries to homeless. If they're doing that, then what's the point of the ban?

Got a response from my Congressman today. Needless to say, I was not impressed. Text follows:

"Dear [Superguy]:

Thank you for your email to me regarding TSA and a proposed California state program to give discarded toiletries to the homeless. I appreciated hearing from you.

I often hear about the regulations issued last year pertaining to the amount of liquids and gels one is allowed to take on planes. As you know, you must have no greater than 3 ounce bottles of liquid, gels, or aerosols, and these must fit into a quart-sized clear plastic storage bag. According to the TSA and Department of Homeland Security, these rules were implemented in response to significant terror threats surrounding specific liquid materials found in every day luggage, such as toiletries. While admittedly there were many problems when the guidelines were first issued, these appeard to have been resolved, the public educated, and most travelers understand the current process.

While I cannot speak to the specific California state program involving donating these toiletries to the homeless, I believe that the local jurisdictions should be able to do with these materials what they choose, so long as security threats are screened. Obviously when used properly these items are not harmful, but the security regulations are put in place to protect us fromt hose who have ill intentions. Should any federal legislation come to the House floor pertaining to the use of discarded toiletry items at the airport, I will be sure to keep your thoughts in mind.

Thank you for contacting me and please do not hesitate to do so in the future with additional concerns.

Sincerely,

Wayne T. Gilchrest
Member of Congress"



I move next month, and I'll have a new Congressman. Hopefully he'll be brighter and not a member of the Party. I'm disappointed in my Comrade Congressman.

Super

DL4EVR

That letter makes no sense...the items are either dangerous or they're not...there's no gray area with this one!!

cordileran

i'm confused. i thought the supposed threat was terrorists disguising supposedly binary chemicals as shampoo, moisturizer, etc. This letter makes it seem like if you mix real toothpaste with real shampoo it goes boom.

idiot.

NoClu

I love this thread. More of us should send questions to our congressional representatives and senators.

VelvetKennedy

that response is hilarious

videomaker

Huh? That response makes zero sense.

Spiff

Your representative is a clueless disgrace. I hope he is indicted for a crime before his term expires so that he cannot collect a pension.

JakiChan

Respond back with a letter saying that you think it's wonderful that they now allow the mentally challenged to serve in Congress.

exerda

Yeah, the idiot congresscritter's response made it out as if plain items are "safe when used correctly" but "dangerous when used by bad guys."

essxjay

I'd do it, and regardless of whatever list it may put me on.

Derail the Leviathan before it's too late, Citizens!

Global_Hi_Flyer

I think Gilchrest is one of those that's begging more homeland security money for the DC area. If so, it's in his best interest for there to be substantial and imminent threats.

MrAndy1369

I know how you feel... remember my post about my family? Those days, security rules. *rolls eyes*

Pat89339

At least you received a response from your congresscritter. I haven't received a response from mine yet.

mkt

Since I recently moved, I'd like to write a letter to my "non voting representative." Do you have a sample letter you'd like to share?

Superguy

Not really ... I wrote it at work on the web page.

Pretty much I expressed my outrage that these "unsafe" items are being given to the homeless and checkpoints are turning into mandatory homeless donation centers. On the other hand, I also stated that if they're safe enough to give to the homeless (even after screening ), then they're safe enough to take on the plane.

Super