Originally Posted by justhere
Except the problem is that it's the TSA employee who is trying to prove a point most of the time, at least IMHO. Just prior to 8/11, I had on a pair of tennis shoes that were probably borderline as far as having to remove them. I had been through other airports with them and allowed to keep them on and they did not alarm the WTMD. I was in PHX at terminal 3 and came through the WTMD right as the TSA noticed I still had them on. I did not alarm but they sent me for additional screening. Fine, I thought. A quick swab of the shoes and I'm on my way. No dice. I got the full pat down, hand held, swab of the shoes, empty my pockets, etc, etc. I asked why I was getting the full treatment when I didn't alarm and the response was "because no-one else is being screened and we can do this to you".
It sounds like you ran into a power-tripper. They unfortunately are out there too. I know that experiences like that can be very demoralizing as well. Hopefully employees like that who abuse their powers get ostracized out of the employ of TSA.
I've had the unfortunate experience of working security before, and I can tell you that most of the time it is a boring, repetative and mind numbing process. The phrase 99% sheer boredom and 1% sheer terror do not even come close, especially on a 12 hour shift. Thats why I've got some empathy for the TSA employees.
But, it is disheartening to hear that you were treated like this and that they actually had the gumption to say that to you. I wish you smoother travels in the future.