TSA changes pat-down for children

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43496079/ns/travel-news/

I'll believe it when I see it. Well I guess I won't see it, since I have refused to fly since all of this started. One of you will have to let me know what you see.

This is just patronizing lip service from Pissy's Senate testimony today. He used this statement to deflect a question from Sen. Rand Paul, which Pissy never did answer. Read the thread about the Senate hearing for more info.

Yet the fact that they are even considering this just furthers the "security theater" position. In other words, it's not really about "security," otherwise each and every passenger would get the same search, regardless of age, gender, etc. It's more about, "We're gonna get away with as much as you'll let us, and when we can't, we'll make the fewest concessions that we have to."

Mike

+1

+1 here also.

I've said it before and I'll say it again. Once identifiable groups are exempted, i.e. children and air crews, not to mention all those airport workers who have little or no security, that blows out of the water (to use my favorite explosive figure of speech) all the talk about the terrorists' choosing Granny in her wheelchair.

I'm in favor of cursory security for everybody, like in a courthouse or a passport office, rather than the over-the-top behavior that is continually enhanced.

And it's not just going to be at airports, is it?

+1

It is just appalling that a government official can waltz into a Senate hearing and act like that. When is Congress going to grow a pair and cut this a-hole off?

It's obvious they are going to push, and push, and push to further their own personal agenda and budget until chastised, and then pull back, only a little.

Someone seriously needs to put this arrogant SOB in his place.

Oh, and this little gem is priceless:

Didn't that already happen?

Did he lie the last time he deigned to speak to the Senate?

And as others have said, it's not just at airports. How much will they "get away with" before the majority of people start to get mad? I'm very afraid to know what it will take.

Its too bad this headline doesn't read: "TSA eliminates pat-down, AIT, recommends to Congress it be disbanded."

That would be a real victory.

Maybe if the new kid's pat down consists of:

Turning the child upside down, holding by the ankles, and shaking till all toys are dislodged or an explosion occurs. That way they can't be accused of touching their genitals.

I won't be happy until I can be assured that my kids won't be patted down without articulated reasonable suspicion that they are indeed carrying WEI. And if there is reasonable suspicion, the patdown should be a big deal, with LEO's and child advocate types involved. If I'm truly suspected of putting my child in such a horrible situation, it should be a serious issue, not a quick grope and then off you go.

Even if they keep their hands off the private parts and out of the pants, it's still a problem for me that a stranger who I have no opportunity to vet would be putting their hands all over my kids. I wouldn't let that happen in any other situation. It's better if they stay away from the "sensitive areas," but it still grooms them for child predators.

IMO if it is inappropriate to be done on children it should be inappropriate to be done on adults.

I agree with you there. But I might be convinced to get on a plane if it's just me who is going to be abused. But with two young children, we are firmly in the no-fly camp until this stuff is dialed back.

I understand, but if we are sacrificing liberty for security we might as well have true security.

You know a magic place where all luggage, people (including pilots and FAs) are screened the same.

^ x 1,000!!