Here's the trick. You have to find a way to make it seem that the TSA is doing the inconveniencing, not you.

I see your point, whirledtraveler. A truly tiny group could make that point (the TSA is responsible for these delays) by each member leaving a harmless unattended package in a major airport terminal, as we were discussing in another thread. The TSA would overreact as usual and shut down the air transport system for several hours. But that wouldn't be really a protest. That would be another Nathan-Heatwole-type amateur demonstration of the lack of real security provided by the current overwrought "all for show" screening procedure.

Anyway, I think the American public already knows these procedures don't ensure our safety. What they're sleeping about is that these procedures endanger our liberty. Soon the only method of transport available to those who don't want to endure searches of their private parts and the attendant risk of sexual abuse will be walking. I covered in another thread the fact that TSA has designs on controlling not just air travel, but rail and ground transport (read: cars) as well. "and when finally they came for me, there was no one left to speak for me."

People, please understand that for GradGirl, this has become not merely an issue of inconvenience, but a highly personal (far too personal, IMO) problem. If any of you had been subjected to what she described (and perhaps a few have) I think your reaction would be similar.

And yes, this is about far more than personal inconvenience or even violation of our persons. It is about the direction this country will take in the future on matters of liberty, the Bill of Rights and security. Thanks to the zealots, the security issue is here to stay, and the debate will rage on over issues like these (as it should).

Teacher49: Just to clarify ... I wasn't equating the issues of Gandhi or ML King with the TSA. My post was in response to Analise who said she loathed any civil disobedience, especially if it inconvenienced others.

Actually, the different Airport Police would shut down the airports, calling bomb squads and emergency service units. This would put these officers at risk by responding to the hoax.

The inconvenience would be on the passengers and your protest may backfire.

The delays are because TSA HQ and congress won't staff the airports properly. The screening process would be there whether TSA or privates are doing the screening.

Understood! I was more trying to participate in the general discussion of what were "righteous" demonstrations and the difficult issue of where lines might be drawn.

GradGirl: I suggest that in this instance as constant, steady pressure on your representatives, petition drives, attempts to educate through public relations etc. may be the way to go. Going to a newspaper with your most recent experience, gathering stats on the cost and lost productivity associated with delays. Trying to find out if ANY credible terrorist threat has been uncovered or stymied. It's a lot of work, unfortunately but I can't think of a way to overturn this stupid system easily.

Utterly over the top screening is supported by most people. They are frightened, IMO, unreasonably so. To make a scene at the screening stations will amplify that fear rather than quell it.

Letiole .... I do like your "nude-in" on general principles, though! Let's figure out another better place!!!

Just know that a guy was arrested in England a few weeks ago for leaving a package at an airport. By the account it seemed accidental as well.

Teacher49 wrote:
Yes, on general principles. :)

Actually, I do think a protest of this nature - either going nude or stripping to bras and speedos as has been discussed in the women's forum - could be the most attention getting and the least disruptive to passengers. It could even be done out on the airport sidewalk and protestors could carry signs a la PETA's saying "I'd rather go nude than wear fur." No catchy phrases come to mind right now, but I'm sure we could think of something. As any nude people would be promptly covered and hauled off for indecent exposure, clothed folks could be out handing out fliers explaning why the TSA screenings aren't protecting us. Doing it outside the terminals is easy as airports do give permits. The restrictions are generally that groups cannot congregate in areas that would block entrances.

Even just handing out fliers outlining the problems (no nudity involved) would be somewhat effective and would still make local newscasts. I arranged a similar demonstration once for air traffic controllers (post-strike). It led the local evening news.

Forcing each TSA agent to spend lengthy periods of time with each passenger would be the wrong way to do it and would definitely backfire.

So take a freakin' hike :rolleyes:

Does this sound familiar? Known by a number of names Aphenphosmphobia, Haphephobia, and Fear of Being Touched being the most common, the problem often significantly impacts the quality of life. It can cause panic attacks and keep people apart from loved ones and business associates. Symptoms typically include shortness of breath, rapid breathing, irregular heartbeat, sweating, nausea, and overall feelings of dread, although everyone experiences fear of being touched in their own way and may have different symptoms. I think that GGs issue is far deeper.

You make GG's and other TSA watchers' cases for then so well!

Keep on posting these examples of arrogant dismissal of people's rights to privacy and dignity. You confirm that there is at least one more dim clod working for TSA who thinks it's OK to prod people's genitals and that she is not merely crying wolf.

People like you can undo the conscientious work of a 100 respectful and courteous screeners.

The scary thing is that you would never know if you met me or not

Likewise. But meither possiblity scares me particularly. If I meet you and you are civil, that's what you would get from me. If I meet you and you are abusive, you would get a complaint in your file ...

but ...

What's your point? That the persona you put up here is so common among screeners that such indifference to peoples' rights is rampant? That it is a false persona that you are putting up here and you are just riling people up for the fun of it? Or something else?