Originally Posted by copwriter
Okay, you've identified abuses that took place in one law enforcement agency, out of almost 18,000 in this country. I have never claimed that every law enforcement oficer or agency in the country is perfect. There is such a thing as corruption, and there are people that are in law enforcement for the wrong reasons (the same observation could be made for almost any other occupation). But your continued use of Nazi and totalitarian state references tells me that you tend to regard all law enforcement personnel as the bad guys. I doubt that anyone who had actually experienced oppression at the hands of real "storm troopers" or "stasi" would make the same comparisons to an agency that has, as one of its more objectionable practices, a mandate that one remove one's shoes while walking through a metal detectior.
I guess you read more than I wrote. When did I use the term "STASI" towards any accredited agency (more than 18,000 in the US)? I do recall using the term when discussing TSA screeners who feel they are beholden noone or even SOP "du jour". Perhaps my error that you consider the TSA one of those 18,000 law enforcement agencies.
And if I may ask, can the Transportation Security Administration direct the state to revoke your teaching credentials on "security" grounds with no appeal except to the TSA themselves? Everytime I write I risk my FAA certificates being revoked because someone at TSA can decide it's a national security issue. So my livelyhood can be revoked and yes TSA has done that before to other people with FAA certificates. That is my example of oppression by the TSA.
But since only 600,000 people in this country have FAA certificates I guess that is a small percentage of the population affected by this TSA rule. Would you say the same of millions who have commercial drivers licenses? They also must comply with TSA deciding who can transport hazardous material or not. Of course if the TSA decides that John Smith is too much of a risk, he can appeal to the TSA of course. Where is the accountability?
Could you please point out any further errors in my post? You write well and more often then I do. But nonetheless I do would suggest more reference research (with citations) before making some of your posts.