Originally Posted by
clrankin
I can't answer for the OP, but can tell you that my reaction would have been a bit less benign that that had I been in that position. As to why... my reason is simple: to send a message to the employee that they are participating in an un-American organization, and that some Americans who recognize egregious civil rights violations aren't happy with their participation.
But that is not the way to send that message. They will simply think you're crazy, and the employee will then use this as justification to abuse the next guy (i.e. what a bunch of jerks, I'm going to be a jerk back.)
I've had bartenders say "Happy Birthday" to me (well, I'm carded a lot less now) when I was getting a drink or entering, and I smiled and said thanks.
Exercise your rights by just not saying anything to the screener, or say a statement of clear protest, e.g. "You guys are treating everybody like a terrorist. You need to change xxxxxx policy."
Don't just be a jerk -- the screener won't know why. Screeners are not philosophers nor highly intelligent nor policy makers -- otherwise they wouldn't be screeners.
Look at some of the blatantly incorrect postings on this board by some screeners, and the almost child-like, simplistic retorts, emblematic of the mind-set of the TSA employee (not directed at any poster in particular, not a personal attack, and I and many others have pointed out specific examples previously).
The problem is that they feel that they are doing something worthwhile. This is the kind of person you have to change their mind by *education*, not just being a jerk.