Is there some special college where TSA people go to learn how to become exceptionally stupid? I mean, really, can anyone be that stupid and actually survive?

I was held up at ORF (Norfolk, VA) security today (about 12:15pm) because neither my Canadian DL nor my Nexus card was acceptable. They had their book of international IDs but clearly something was up, as my British Columbia driver's licence was not listed under either Columbia nor British Virgin Islands. The fact that "DOES NOT INCLUDE THE US OR CANADA" was marked plainly on the cover seemed to elude them. When it was pointed out to them, they indicated "of course, there are too many different driver's licences in Canada and the US to include in a book" (or words to that effect.)

After about 20 minutes they called someone over from the other jetty (who took another 10 minutes or so to arrive and was "just on his way home.) He had indeed seen both types of ID listed in some book, procedural manual, policy handbook, or some such. But he couldn't remember which or where. So he wasn't going to let me through either.

He then had me go through my wallet, asking if I had something like a voter registration card (right, Canadian citizen, resident in Canada) or some other ID, but it must have a photo.

I didn't think I had, but as I was flipping through various cards the CostCo card suddenly reared its ugly face (er, I mean, "my"). Strangely enough that was just fine, and I was let through security.

My driver's licence, previously used an accepted all over the US (including several prior trips to/from ORF) and my US government issued Nexus card were inadequte ID to clear security.

But the CostCo card was all I really needed.

When these people eat, is there someone standing next to them to make sure they don't stick the fork in their eye?

Or am I being presumptuous in assuming they eat with utensils?


(p.s. I have the boaring pass complete with their notations regarding DL, Nexis, and Costco. When I have a chance I'll scan and post it somewhere.)