Is It Wrong to Call The TSA Idiots?
 

After going through TSA screening at DEN last week, I was frustrated and called the TSA agents idiots. They called the LEO that was standing nearby. It turns out that LEO just lectured me on how I can't call TSA agents idiots. I explained to the LEO that these two agents were in fact idiots and I didnt feel safer flying with them around (or most of the other agents that are employed by TSA). I was allowed to catch my flight and not further action was taken. Did I go too far or was I right to voice my opinion?

IMO - TSO calling LEO to complain about your calling them idiots = federal, state and local violation of your rights, as protected under the First Amendment.

Clearly, I agree that they are idiots and it's okay to say so! :D



Plus, it's good that from time to time we are challenged on our most precious rights so that we are reminded that we all have a duty to stand up against those that would quietly, but surely, chip away at our rights.

Tell others!

Not to mention the 4th Amendment.

Not only were the screeners idiots, the LEO was an even bigger idiot. I'd say the LEO qualifies as an imbecile. Certainly wouldn't be the first screeners or LEO to be labeled as idiots.

I would give a week's pay to hear this LEO quote the statute that says you can't call a TSO an idiot.

But, in your situation, I would have flipped off the cop, which is completely legal.

Man I agree with you here. The TSA are idiots & morons & every thing else I can think of & have just destroyed flying. How an leo could act like that is beyond me. The leo's I know hate the TSA & dread any call from them.

I do not feel you did anything wrong by making a statement that most of the flying public would agree with.

I have asked this before, how many of the screeners would act like they do on the job in a different setting?, my guess is not many, when they put on that tin badge and smurf suit, they become creatures of a different sort.

I think you were far too kind in your assessment of the TSA.

The cop should have bought you a beer for showing such restraint.

Of course it's wrong - it's offensive to idiots :D

It's distressing to hear that a sworn orfficer acted like such a dummy. I've come to expect it of the TSA (which contains far too many cop washouts and cop wannabes) but it still disappoints me to see police officers adopt the you're at an airport post September 11 and you cannot dissent in any way or I'll lecture you with all my authoritah nonsense.

Grown adults essentially repeating by rote "September 11, September 11, September 11" as if that justifies their personality defects. Sad.

The honorable cops I know would have laughed at the idiot screeners. As this one should have. I realize that one fool shouldn't tarnish the others, but it takes untold effort to undo the harm done by bozos like this.

You're lucky he didn't pull the "interference with screening" card. Say what you want about your 1st amendment rights but they could argue that you are "harassing or intimidating" and that may be against the law.

You should register a complaint with whichever governmental body has oversight over the LEO's organization, and with DHS. You were well within your rights to voice your opinion. The officer and TSO's had no right to do what they did.

Besides, after passing though DEN a few weeks ago, I can attest to your observation. The TSO's there are, by and large, idiots.

I work at an airport and have contact with many tsa people. 90% are not idiots and if not for the fact that they make more money per hour than most airline employees, have better health care, vacation and retirement than us I can't blame them for hanging unto their jobs. Many are teachers, retired cops, retired military, professionals and students. THEY hate the DC idiots that make the rules that they have to endorse. Call and email your representative and get some of these rules changed. I thought the new administration would have done more by now.

Sorry, while much of the blame properly rests on the DC leadership of TSA (and they are largely idiots - I've dealt with them) for the insanity that is TSA, the line workers aren't off the hook. As you point out, they are more concerned about their cushy personal situation than taking steps to fix the system. And don't tell me that the line TSO can't have an impact. Back when I was on active duty, when a boot seaman had a good idea, we adopted it.

You can either lead from the front, or be a mindless drone. Unfortunately, most TSO's are the latter.