As to the OP: the form was not supposed to be visible to the traveling public. Beyond that, the government has a form for everything. Are you really so surprised this one exists?
Originally Posted by
TSORon
.....My guess is that he asked questions first and received the same level of attitude from the passenger that is displayed in the recording.
As far as the attitude he received from the passenger? I’d have to say that he was justified in requesting a LEO.
I must ask, exactly what attitude do you think the passenger displayed? I listened to the recording a number of times, and found the passenger to be polite, calm, and courteous. I also thought he was quite reasonable in insisting on understanding his rights, and that he was quite generous in volunteering personal information once his questions about his rights were (sort of) answered.
Originally Posted by
TSORon
Look, after reviewing the recording a few times it was easy to determine that this passenger came to the checkpoint prepared for a confrontation with the TSA, and I was not in the room. Just from the tone of voice, the wordage, and the responses he gave, he was looking to stand on what he thought was his rights and take the issue as far as he could. Was he right in doing so? Yes, but he could have done it in a way that did not ensure confrontation with the TSA. There were better ways to deal with the situation, and he knew that. Both of them had better ways to deal with the situation, and neither of them used them. Both are at fault.
While I agree that Mr. Bierfeldt came to the checkpoint prepared for a confrontation, I don't think he was seeking to instigate a confrontation. I have heard nothing to indicate that he was seeking to instigate a confrontation. How, exactly, does he share blame for the incident?