Originally Posted by FliesWay2Much
The government, however is a completely different story. They can fine you, arrest you, detain you, etc. A government employee requesting/demanding this information is under no obligation and is not the least bit accountable for the accuracy or even the legality of their request/demand.
I've been investigated and reinvestigated for special access clearances since the 1970s and have taken several polygraphs. In each instance, I knew exactly what I was getting into and had the right to stop the process at any time. Privacy Act and grievance/appeal processes were clearly explained in writing. Virtually none of this exists at an airport checkpoint. "...just because we have to have your address and phone number for this form" or "Don't worry, we just file these things away and never look at them again." as explanations given by a uniformed agent of the government just doesn't cut it, ought to be an embarassment to the TSA, and is downright insulting to the taxpayers.
Under the Privacy Act of 1974, any government official who requests personal information must be able to explain how that information is going to be used or why it is necessary to obtain that information. I agree with you that not all TSA supervisors are capable of clearly explaining this to passengers. I see this at my checkpoint as well and cringe whenver a supervisor gives a weak explanation to a passenger.