Originally Posted by
InkUnderNails
What legal liability do I incur by not telling them the truth? As a government actor, and if things should occur that place me within an investigation, would my answers to the TDC be considered "lying to a federal officer" or some such crime?
I don't know whether TSOs are considered "federal officers." ICE officers are, but they're also LEOs. Regardless, I suspect that, if you lie, you could be cited for "interfering with the screening process." What I intend to do is as follows:
1. For general, non-personal questions, e.g. "Nice weather today, isn't it?" I'll respond politely (unless the BDO is rude, in which case I will calmly protest, and escalate as necessary).
2. For personal questions, e.g. "What do you do for a living," "Who do you plan to see at your destination," etc., my response will be, "The government cannot, constitutionally, demand that I disclose this kind of private and personal information as a condition of flying on commercial aircraft. I have no intention of answering you."
If I'm threatened with DY... today, my response will be, "Please call your supervisor, the FSD and the GSC." Rinse and repeat.
If I'm told I have to answer or submit to a grope, my response will be, "Please call your supervisor, the FSD and the GSC."
If I'm threatened with referral to a LEO, my response will be, "Please call a LEO,
now. I'll wait right here."
However, if I do not answer the questions, I may imperil my ability to fly that day.
That's the risk we'll all have to take. I'm prepared to not fly and, for that matter, be arrested if that's what it comes to.
Finally, the release of my travel plans to person of unknown reliability creates a third potential liability, discussed in detail already.