Discussion: Constitutionality of BOS (Logan) BDO program
 

Hi folks,
If I remember correctly today is the day that the new "interrogations" are supposed to start at BOS. Done by BDOs with "college degrees" of course.

I am wondering if perhaps we can have a thread where people can post either their experiences or what they saw occurring at BOS.

I, for one, have no intention of answering any of these questions. If this means a grope or bag search then so be it. This entire charade has gotten completely out of hand. It is way past time for lawmakers to step in with some serious legislation regarding what these people can and cannot do at airports.

I am interested in knowing if when they ask questions, are any of the responses being recorded.
If so, in what manner?
Video, audio, ipad/tablet, filling in what appears to be an official form, piece of paper or whatever else is observed?

Maybe not limit this just to BOS or start a new BDO thread...
.
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I'm flying into BOS from another airport within the US, and then flying TATL out of BOS. Do you guys know if I'll encounter these new TSA procedures in BOS, or no because I'm flying international?

boston has 7 different secure areas. if you're arriving and departing on delta on a connection, you will not need to reclear security. otherwise, you're probably going to be changing terminals -- i believe all other transatlantic flights depart from terminal E, which is international and southwest.

if the new procedures are limited to terminal A as stated in the article, you would only see them if you're on a delta transatlantic, and not connecting in on delta, continental, or alaska.

Flew out the first day of the changes
 

I flew out of BOS on the first day of the changes. Since I had been there for 4 days I was aware of the changes and trying to be aware of what was going on more than normal. The only change I noticed was the person checking the boarding pass/ID made some small talk about where I was from. It was almost joking and very non-invasive. I almost felt like I wasn't on the East coast!!! Nothing else was different.

Bennie Thompson of Mississippi (Chairman of the Fatherland Security committee, with Peter King - Ranking member, no less) wrote this nastygram to Pistole on 8/15 saying, essentially that the BDO SPOT program, and the Boston cr@p is junk science of no value, and he is pi$$ed that Pi$$tole hasn't responded to him on his June letter. It's going to be getting hotter at TSA.

Serious Concerns about SPOT

Let's all do our part to keep the fires raging.^

That might not have been part of the new program.

Since it's been nearly two months since that letter and TSA is INCREASING the BDO voodoo, I think we can guess the reply Rep Thompson received. It went something like this:
-----------
Dear Bennie,

I don't need to do all that stuff you listed; I believe that the BDO program works and that's what's important. Not even Congress can stop us now! Bwaaa haaaa haaaaa haaaaa !

Sincerely,
John
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Ah, you linked to the June letter; the August one is here: http://chsdemocrats.house.gov/SiteDo...1527-35715.pdf ^

Let's see.

1. Program is initiated without thorough scientific testing.
   
2. Program is initiated without risk assessment.
   
3. There was no cost-benefit analysis.
   
4. It may involve racial profiling.
   
5. Mr. Pistole is stonewalling Congress (apparently).

Should be nationwide by January if history can be a guide.

And mere citizens wonder just why they can't get complaints answered by TSA.

I am on DL, yes. From what I understand, I'll be coming into Terminal A, and then departing out of Terminal A as well. However, on the return flight, I'll be coming into Terminal E, and then my connecting flight will be out of Terminal A. So, I think I'll be encountering them on the return flight, no?

That link's the June letter. Where's this Aug. 15th nastygram ?

Doesn't really matter - as others have posted Pistole will continue to blow him (and everyone else) off.

Heading through term A in a couple hours. I'll report back.

So NPR does a pretty pro-TSA story today on the Boston interrogations (link, while at the same time it does a story that's tilted against BART in the cellphone/free speech controversy.

The TSA story includes this gem: So apparently it's OK in NPRs mind to do everything possible to stop "illegal activity" when it relates to airports, but it's NOT OK to shut off cellphone service in BART to prevent a demonstration. Juxtaposition those two and try to figure out where NPR stands on Constitutional rights.

Bolding Mine: IMHO right in the big fat middle of a huge cluster f**k! ...or would that be circle j**k? :confused: