Originally Posted by
baliktad
Exemptions for certain "special classes" from unwanted TSA procedures is NOT the route we want to go. This actually hurts our cause:
1) It gives credence to the notion that the TSA's activity is actually effective and should continue to exist for the unwashed masses
2) It tacitly admits that subjecting passengers to these procedures is OK, even if its a violation of civil liberties
3) It sends the message that convenience for pilots is the only important thing, regardless of what happens to passengers
Special exemptions for crew would actually weaken the case against the TSA at this point, as we would no longer be able to count on incidents like this one to bring media attention to the situation. I'm mildly terrified that the TSA will give in to the ALPA just to make their current media problems go away, while continuing to thrust these civil liberty violations on unsuspecting passengers.
I do NOT support or condone any special exemptions for any class of people going through the checkpoint, including airport vendors/staff and even members of TSA itself.
I absolutely agree. HOWEVER, most likely, in the near term if/when they do exempt crew members, I will return to work. I will continue to pursue the Fourth Amendment case for all of us as American citizens, but just like I tell all my colleagues who call me with words of support and encouragement, at some point, you gotta fight your own battles.
You have to decide for yourselves whether you're going to allow them to violate your basic rights. If I can get into the airport without being abused, I probably need to get back to work so I can keep food on my table. But I would still recommend that you stay home or drive or whatever if they're going to assault you.
See, I really don't care whether I'm flying a full load of passengers around or if it's empty back there, as long as I get paid and I don't have to deal with some government clown putting his hand on my scrotum. Will I be flying my family around on vacation? Hells no - not until this threat is contained. But I'm not going to make my wife and kids suffer what you yourselves are unwilling to suffer in order to win this battle for you.
I say all of that with the utmost respect. You're good people here, and I love you - but not too much. The best possible scenario is if we all stepped up together and shut the whole thing down before the end of the weekend, thus sending the TSA packing for good. I'm doing my part - but I'm just one lowly regional airline FO.
Originally Posted by
N965VJ
You can have an LEO present for the Genital Grope™ while in private, but I don't see that as a viable option.
I like the 'TM'. Unfortunately, some of my coworkers have insisted on having a LEO only to be told they're not entitled to have one present, "unless they're planning to cause trouble". I keep waiting for some martial arts champion to lay one of these goons out on the deck when they go for his berries. In self defense, of course.