Originally Posted by
usafwso
A few weeks ago, I flew from LAS - SLC - JAC. Got stuck in overnight in SLC. Next morning going through security went fairly well as I opted out of the nude-o-scope telling the TSA jerk that I'll "Opt Out" of the radiation machine explaining that I'll pass on the ionized radation etc. After his reply telling me that I was "ignorant" regarding the amounts of radiation that the machine puts out per scan, I asked him what his technical qualifications/education regarding the technical aspects of these machines. He looked puzzled and motioned me through the WTMD.
Later while waiting to board my plane, I spotted two TSA types, shoveling down yogurt and then sticking their tongues out at each other apparently displaying the discoloration from the yogurt - my guess anyway, and making funny faces and other junior high school antics at each other all the while in uniform in full public view in the D concourse food court. BTW, one of the TSA morons showing his buddy how he could touch the tip of his nose with his purple tongue.
Is this the type of TSA agent(s) that is intended to protect airline safety?
I THINK NOT!
To me, there are two separate issues here.
It's a shame that TSA employees blindly trust in the safety of the TSA's dangerous toys, but not unusual. Frankly, I think people are entitled to trust their government, and it's a national disgrace that our government isn't more trustworthy. I can't see blaming the individual TSA employees for either their blind trust or our government's untrustworthiness. The proper response to their blind trust is patient courtesy, just as the proper response to your reasonable mistrust is patient courtesy. It's inappropriate that this public servant can't muster the proper attitude for you, his employer. That needs correcting.
As for being silly and playful while on break, well I can't take issue with that. Playfulness is sane. Sane is good. As long as the play is harmless, of course.