TSA (Thousands Standing Around)

So, TSA administrator John Pistole says the “new enhanced” security measures that include patting down a person’s groin and buttocks are necessary to deter terrorist bombing threats. And he can safely point to the fact that no more airplanes have been hijacked in the United States since 9/11 as proof that his agency is working in our best interest.

But that begs the question, how many bombs has TSA found? How many people have actually been threats to the safety of air travel since 9/11? Certainly, if TSA has made arrests and obtained convictions, they should be able to provide us, the traveling public, with numbers and information as to the threats they have neutralized. Oh, yeah, now I remember, if they tell us, it will aid the terrorists.

I recall, a few years ago, being in Sky Harbor Airport in Phoenix, AZ, talking to a WWII navy vet who had just been to a ship’s reunion. He and I talked at length about the naval battles of WWII (I’m a history buff, ok) and I was interested to hear his stories. It’s time to board a CanAir Regional jet to SLC, only 12 passengers checked in. He was singled out for additional security check and told to remove his shoes. He replied, due to war injuries, he cannot remove his own shoes without assistance. TSA would not let me, or any other passenger, assist him. I asked TSA to call a supervisor; the reply was, “I AM the supervisor!” This ..conversation..went on for several minutes, until a bike cop stopped by to determine the reason for the confrontations. When it was explained to him, he simply removed the vet’s shoes and told TSA to let him pass, then assisted him in putting his shoes back on.

I was embarrassed; for our country, for the sailor. We expected these brave men to give up their lives, yet TSA could not show any courtesy to the vet. And now, we are expected to have our groins and buttocks fondled “for national security.” I fear this is out of hand.

Oh, and those millimeter scanners that do not store images? Check MSNBC for the latest updates regarding images being sent out on the WWW from a check point. I’m sorry, but until TSA is willing to show us how they have saved us from terrorists (and they may have, they just are not talking) I am going to put this agency up for the republicans to eliminate for cost cutting measures.

Fear, in and of itself, is not a position to build upon for public trust. The boogieman is out there, trust us, and we will protect you?????

Here’s a better idea: tell us what you have accomplished, give us names, numbers, and damage prevented, and let the American People decide if the cost/benefit ratio is acceptable. The American People are not dumb, they are not stupid, and they expect results for dollars spent. Show us what you have accomplished; let us judge you upon your merits.