Originally Posted by
Janus
Yeah, see, I have always had a problem with that concept (and believe me, you are not the first to mention it to me). I find it hard to tell when someone starts and stops be a "government actor" (as per the currently accept definition). People are the sum of all their parts, just because someone is wearing a different hat, shouldn't mean they are any different (metaphorically, not fashionably, speaking). For instance, the use of a forum tag (like TSORon, SATTSO, etc) would that not be considered a uniform? But we know what all the TSOs on the board are not expressing the opinion of the TSA, they are representing only themselves, yet they have clear identification that they are TSO (serving the same function as a uniform).
Anyway, I know what you mean, and I really don’t want to start a debate on this. But like I said, my personal belief is simply that it one can’t split apart who someone is at home with what they are at work.
A simple explanation might be "control" or the "perception of control."
TSORon does not have any control over my actions on this board anymore so than any other poster. As such, no control (or even perception of control) and no government actor.
At a checkpoint, the TSO requires ID, requires an administrative search and a secondary if deemed necessary. And there is the perception that they can stop you from flying. In addition, the TSO can determine that any item you have is prohibited and will not be allowed into the sterile area. So when a TSO at the checkpoint calls you an idiot for wearing a shirt with language the TSO doesn't like, the potential perceived repercussions exist. As such, you will have second thoughts about whether you will wear the shirt. That is the "chilling effect."