Many people do not like change. I am one. My previous entries at MSP (35 -40 over the last decade) were always of a similar experience - questions were asked, answers given, luggage collected, TSA screening done and that's the end of it. Not even on the occasion when I left MSP 3 days before 9/11 and returned from SA 2 weeks later, did the experience at MSP change. So firstly, I was caught off-guard by the "change" in attitude towards me.

Secondly, I felt very uncomfortable standing next to the luggage belt for more than 10 minutes without my passport. The agent literally just ran away with my identification document without any explanation and disappeared down a corridor. I was not left at his station or at a desk where they examine luggage. And no explanation or apology when he came back.

Thirdly, when he came back, he was rude. He told me to "go to that table". I did.
His reply "No, other side". I was never asked in a courteous way. I was ordered abruptly. Every question he asked was answered truthfully yet it seemed he was not satisfied because the same question was worded just a little differently and then asked again. Resulting in exactly the same answer that I had given before. It seemed he wanted me to give a different answer to the same question. After about 10 minutes of going through my carry-on, he said "Close it". Not "you may close up now" or "I am done, you may close your bag" or some other civilized response. There is a difference in being ordered to do something as opposed to being given permission or requested to do something. If you look at my original post, paragraph 4, you will see I used the word "told" as well. I did not write "he asked me to go with him".

Now I fully understand that he has the right to question and examine, but can that not be done in a more civilized way?. Read the placard in the entry hall where they spell out their promise to travelers. I do not think he lived up to it as he was rude, had an aggressive attitude and acted more like an army sergeant in the military barracks by issuing orders rather than communicating with the traveler. I do not expect him to be sweet as honey and I appreciate his job is not a walk in the park either, but I do not believe I did anything to arouse suspicion. But obviously I did and I don't know what it was. And that is upsetting as well. If I am selected for a random secondary check, I expect it to be courteous.

In my 4th question you can see that I am asking opinions about whether I am too sensitive. Should I just "suck it up" ? Is this fairly common to be "ordered" to have a secondary search, to be left alone nowhere specific, without your travel documents for 10 minutes without any explanation, and then be cross-examined in a rude way?

Perhaps we were just two bulls who's body language and personal space clashed . However, I am not a big man, over 50 yrs and speak slowly and clearly. He on the other hand, produces a very large shadow, has body art running up the back of both arms from the elbows to under the uniform sleeve, looked around 30yrs old and barks orders as a form of communication.

BTW, I never questioned him about anything that he asked or did.