Originally Posted by
badrhino
As part of my job, I have to fly around 100K per year. Like any frequent flyer with a pulse, I detest all aspects of security theater. I always opt out of the WBI screening and choose the pat down. I have been subject to a wide range of pat downs, and they all suck.
My protests thus far have consisted of 1) letters to TSA, my representatives, and airline management and 2) direct, minor verbal disparagement of individual TSOs (e.g., "This is all a big joke." "Are you enjoying this as much as I am?" "Are you proud to tell people what you do all day?").
I have to fly out of BOS next week, and I am wondering what I can do to escalate my level of protest while still making my flights. I always arrive fairly early, so a 20-30 minute 'penalty box' delay is not a problem, but I don't want to get arrested.
Idea One: Dress in sweat pants, a t-shirt, and a Speedo. If selected for WBI, ditch the pants and shirt, and get my pat down in a Speedo and socks.
Idea Two: From the moment the pat down starts, sing. I'm saying sing in a conversational+ level voice that is not exactly disruptive, but is loud enough to be clearly seen as a protest. I'm thinking Journey's "Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin'" or John Mellencamp's "Hurt So Good."
Questions:
Can I get into trouble for either of these actions (i.e., is it legal)?
Does anyone have better ideas for appropriate songs?
Does anyone have any other ideas for escalated protest methods?
I like the speedo and socks idea. We had a media group try something like that today at DEN. You are free to do just about anything as long as it does not distract the officer or create a disturbance.. If it does, you could be charged with interfering with screening and get a civil penalty. I have had people say disparaging things and also stand there flipping off the world with both hands. I think it is a protected first amendment right to that. Have fun just know when to call it good.