This isn't the first slap of negative publicity that's hit the TSA - there's been a long legacy of flaps dating back to the teacher and her dangerous bookmark, and perhaps even before then.

Given the turning tide of public opinion against the TSA and its use as the butt of jokes on late night TV and the movies, one would think TSA management sent a memo down to the field asking them to exercise good judgment when dealing with these types of situations to avoid further embarrassment to the agency.

Or - do they sit in ivory towers claiming they are accountable to no one, invincible in their authority, so it matters not what anyone thinks of them?