Originally Posted by
exilencfc
Beacuse the random guy isn't responsible for the safety and security of anyone except himself. He isn't going to use his weapon on somebody because they are arguing with him. He doesn't have to safeguard his firearm whilst he checks through somebody's belongings.
Frankly the only thing more alarming than the TSA being openly armed (and trained appropriately) is the idea of TSOs carrying whatever weapons they can fit in a holster - and carrying them concealed into the secure area.
Normally, I am against arming people unless absolutely necessary. But given the gun situation in the US, where everyone and their moms can carry guns around wherever they want with minimal restrictions, I don't think it's fair to the TSA to place special restrictions on them. I don't consider the TSA to be a particularly trustworthy agency, but the same concealed carry standards that apply to everyone else should apply to them.
Originally Posted by
sonofzeus
Armed Feds can't enforce state laws.
DC isn't a state.
There are armed federal LEOs all over the country, not just in DC. They only enforce federal laws. Posse Comitatus prevents the military from acting as law enforcement, it does not preclude federal law enforcement.