Writing,poetry,photography, animals,nature,politics and the vagaries of a wandering mind.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
AIRPORT SECURITY CHECK INVASIVE - A MORAL ISSUE
Janet - (Big Sis) - there are those of who still remember the meaning of this word, and we're going to teach it to our children and our grandchildren.
Maybe you should look up the meaning. Never mind, I'll do it.
Um, Janet. Do you have any?
GOP REP TO DEMOCRAT: THIS IS WHY THE PEOPLE THREW YOU OUT!
CANCUN CLIMATE CHANGE SUMMIT - SCIENTISTS CALL FOR RATIONING IN DEVELOPED WORLD
And the US Senate passed the Health and Food Freedom Act yesterday, which included Lieberman on the hot mic saying everything is RIGGED.
Hot damn!
Are you putting the pieces together?
The UN wants rationing in our developed world. Big Agra, who wants to feed you gm food was behind the Health and Food Freedom Act - it sounded so NICE. But it destroys family farms, it destroys your ability to buy eggs from your neighbor, or tomatoes.
This is food nazism.
This is another blow to liberty and freedom.
And that damnable bill passed with a nearly unanimous vote. They are idiots. They need a reminder for YOU!
GOOGLE AND YOUTUBE BLACKLIST PRISONPLANET.COM AND ALEX JONES
You didn't believe the net could be censored at whim, did you?
How does it feel?
That you can't get the truth?
That you can't put your finger on information you want?
There are other search engines, including Dogpile, startpage.com and ixquick.
Start using them.
SEN. LIEBERMAN TO SEN. HUTCHINSON - CAUGHT ON OPEN MIC - 'IT'S RIGGED, IT'S RIGGED, IT'S ALL RIGGED!"
Monday, November 29, 2010
Sunday, November 28, 2010
ENDGAME LEGISLATION - LAME DUCK SESSION
Lame duck politicians should have only one responsibility. Clean out their offices and leave.
We shot them down with the vote against them. Immediately after they should have their cell phones, internet, messengers, removed and their mouths duct-taped. Lock them in their offices
and let them stew in their own juices.
Then we eat them by rendering completely harmless and disallow them voting privileges on legislation.
COLORADO LAWYER FILES INJUNCTION AGAINST JANET NAPOLITANO AND TSA
Check out the other items on Prison Planet today. Remember - Alex is live today. Please listen in and PLEASE watch INVISIBLE EMPIRE, POSTED HERE LAST NIGHT. IT IS THE MOST CHILLING, MOST EDUCATIONAL FILM BERMAS AND JONES HAVE EVER MADE.
You will know after you watch it, who is responsible, and what you must do to survive.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO VOLUNTEER FOR A NO KILL RESCUE IN BAY COUNTY? FRIENDS OF BAY COUNTY ANIMAL RESCUE NEEDS SOME HELP
I watched this rescue grow from Sarah's dream.
The rescue has grown, and she needs some foster homes and some of your time to help at adoption events. That's so much fun when an animal and a potential owner come together and have that connection. You can see it.
Please explore this website. FOBCAR has a lot to offer.
But in order to thrive, to make the extra effort for an animal in need, FOBCAR needs you.
Please get in touch with the rescue - you will be glad you did.
Come on. It's the Christmas season. Offer the animals the gift of your time.
It will literally give you a case of the warm fuzzies.
WILLIE NELSON GETS BUSTED FOR POT - WHO REALLY CARES?
SO WHAT?
HE WASN'T DRIVING.
HE WASN'T SELLING.
IF HE WAS SMOKING, HE WAS DOING IT PRIVATELY.
GO WILLIE!
SEND YOUR MERCURY FILLED LIGHTBULBS TO WASHINGTON
See how they run?
See how they run?
Hazmat!
Why are these in your home?
HERE'S A WONDERFUL THANKSGIVING STORY FROM MONTANA - MAKES A HEART AS WARM AS THE BLIZZARD IS COLD!
And this is why I love Montana, too. You just know your neighbors are going to help you - even if you don't know them.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO OUR COUNTRY? HERE ARE THE ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS IN: INVISIBLE EMPIRE
I hope all of you - every one of my readers - will take about two hours and watch this feature length film and then send it around the world virally.
I sat down two hours ago and was captured immediately. All your questions - right down to the TSA and DHS, will be explained, and you will come away changed. You will KNOW!
You will understand who the enemies of our country are. And you will be shocked.
Watch with an open mind that will explode all the myths we've been suckered into believing.
Please.
Please.
Please watch this film and thank you to Jason Bermas and Alex Jones for making it.
THE FBI SETS UP THE CHRISTMAS TREE BOMB PLOT IN PORTLAND
And why am I not surprised. There are going to be more and more of these as our government attempts to frighten us so we will do anything for their protection.
Go fearless into your life.
Fight for freedom and liberty.
And if you are so moved, read the 23rd Psalm again.
BIG SIS (JANET NAPOLITANO), STREET SCANNERS TARGET OF FOIA REQUEST
Oh....This should really make you feel safe.
HAD ENOUGH YET?
TSA RADIATION - DR. WILLIAM CAMPBELL DOUGLASS II, MD
Pilots could thwart body scanners
The biggest "threat" to airport security isn't a terrorist -- it's a pilot!
Michael Roberts, who had been flying for ExpressJet out of Memphis for more than four years, told the TSA where to stick it when federal agents at the airport demanded that he go through an invasive full-body scanner before reporting for work.
I've been warning you about these things: They use radioactive blasts to create nude images of everyone who hopes to fly. Despite government claims to the contrary, they're anything but safe -- especially for frequent travelers such as pilots.
Naturally, Roberts was sent home for his unpatriotic act and the airline needed to find another pilot that day -- but he may have ignited a movement. The head of the Allied Pilots Association is recommending that all other pilots do a Michael Roberts impression when they're asked for a body scan.
I'd recommend you do the same -- but that'll probably just tick off the TSA agents and subject you to some highly aggressive fondling and groping in the name of "safety."
In other words, your best option is keeping your feet on the ground.
Radioactively yours,
William Campbell Douglass II, M.D.
ANOTHER MUSLIM ATTACK IN PORTLAND, OR FOILED - CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION
Hey, Janet - you didn't catch this one. Oh, and did you notice he's a muslim? Hope you're reading this.
It wasn't a girl with nipple rings, wasn't a grandmother with artificial knees, wasn't a woman with a panty liner, or a 3 year-old boy.
IT WAS A MUSLIM, JANET. DID YOU HEAR THAT?
Your cheap thrill pat downs aren't working.
BERNADETTE DOHRN EXPOSES THE REAL TERRORISTS
Friend of Barry Soetoro's. She's always looking over his shoulder - after all, once a terrorist, always a terrorist, spreading terror from high places is just convenient.
Friday, November 26, 2010
HOW NOT TO HAVE YOUR RECORDING DEVICE CONFISCATED BY TSA
I may be wrong, but I attended a hearing here in Florida where he was arrested for recording a public servant while in his office in audio.
He was acquitted.
That is because when on duty, a public servant has no right to privacy.
Keep this in mind and check with your local statutes.
DID HILLARY START THE ATTACKS BY NORTH KOREA
The US Government: Dumb, Dumber, Dumbest.
RED ALERT FOR YOUR CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS: TSA CONFISCATING CAMERAS!
HAVE YOU HAVE F*****G ENOUGH OF THIS YET???
PANTY LINER PROMPTS TSA TO GROPE SEXUAL ASSAULT VICTIM
Is it going to come to women to take a stand? It has to. We are being sexually assaulted, and IT'S NOT ALL RIGHT!
Men are not coming to our aid.
This is a disgusting, obscene attack not only on our entire citizenry - but on your children, and on you.
We need to join a movement against this conditioning to subservience to the perceived "master".
WE WOMEN ARE STRONGER THAN ANYONE!
Thursday, November 25, 2010
A GENERAL THANKSGIVING PROCLAMATION BY PRESIDENT GEORGE WASHINGTON
A General Thanksgiving Proclamation by the President of the United States of America
Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and
Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me “to recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness”:
Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the Beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed; for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted; for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and, in general, for the great and various favors which He has been pleased to confer upon us.
And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations, and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions; to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our national government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have shown kindness to us), and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally, to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best.
Given under my hand, at the city of New York,
the 3d day of October, AD 1789George Washington
OBAMA'S VERSION OF NAZISM
http://www.porcelainunicorn.com/
On this Thanksgiving Day, we give thanks we can bind into a cohesive citizenry and fight corruption in politics, starting at the White House, in HSA, in TSA, and every citizen surveillance branch of any government.
I will never submit to a corrupt, gestapo government. I will not be scanned or willingly go into an x-ray chamber.
I give thanks for my spirit, my courage and my belief in the Constitution and the freedom and liberty we as Americans all were given because we were born Americans.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
AGENDA 21 AND A VERY IMPORTANT WEBSITE CALLED FREEDOM ADVOCATES...YOU NEED TO READ THESE PAMPHLETS...
a socialist/marxist/communist system brought to you by the UN and ICE
Agenda 21 destroys private property rights - our birthright as free citizens with a Constitution and laws that are being eroded.
http://www.freedomadvocates.org/images/pdf/ICLEI%20Basic%20Steps%20to%20Exposure.pdf
RON PAUL: KOREAN CONFLICT MAY BE ORCHESTRATED CRISIS TO BOOST THE DOLLAR - AND I DON'T DOUBT IT ONE BIT.
Obama's popularity is at 39 per cent. The Supreme Court will be looking into his eligibility.
Janet Napolitano and her robodrones including Pistole, are tightening the noose on the innocent American citizen to condition us for the FEMA camps, that need to be filled.
And I've been saying all along that there will be an incident.
This may be "the" incident.
Obama, the shining example of a belly slithering weakling, who has no clue even that you salute the flag of your country, the bend-over and kiss the feet of royalty, who cannot prepare five words without a teleprompter, who smears his filthy marxist/socialist/communist/ agenda over our Constitution and probably has it stamped on White House toilet paper, can't afford to lose that position.
You wait. The one world globalist/bankers will not allow the US to function freely. That's why Napolitano and Pistole are using the psyops of humiliation and abuse and conditioning us to be servants to the New World Order.
DEEP THROAT, THE WHITE HOUSE INSIDER SAYS OBAMA NOT A DEMOCRAT, MAYBE NOT AN AMERICAN
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
OBAMA'S TSA GOONS VS. BUSH'S NSA SNOOPING
The two worst presidents the United States ever had.
And don't forget who formed Homeland Security in their quest for totalitarian government and global one world government.
Monday, November 22, 2010
HERE'S THE TRAILER FOR MY NEW CHRISTMAS BOOK FOR GRIEVING CHILDREN (AND ADULTS)
it will help heal them. But if someone has experienced a recent loss, maybe this will help uplift them, too. It's up on Amazon today, and when you read it, please leave me a review. It is still being processed for Kindle and Nook readers. So watch for it. It comes in audio and ebook form as well.
Writing books is all about those who enjoy the words we can't hold back. I hope you enjoy mine.
I rant and I rave and I stamp my feet here, but I'm a marshmallow. And when I stood in the bookstores, I couldn't find a book like this for children. So Sam, the Grouchy As Usual Bear was born and so was little Katy Morris. And now it's a reality.
The UN CLIMATE CHANGE SUMMIT IN CANCUN, MX
Somewhere buried in these documents (under the Document tab on the sidebar), resides the plan to move people from high carbon dioxide areas into relocation areas for "sustainability".
The green Nazis are coming for us on another front; the TSA and the United Totalitarian State of America is the other front.
Try to listen to Alex Jones on Prison Planet, NOW.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
RAPE, NUDITY, THE NAZI S AND MURDER - THAT'S WHAT'S HAPPENING - DON'T BE IN DENIAL
THE LATEST ON THE TSA HUMILIATION AND DEGRADATION OF THE AMERICAN CITIZEN - PUT THESE TWO SITES UP ON YOUR TOOL BAR AND READ THEM THROUGH THE DAY !
http://www.drudgereport.com/
American citizens aren't slaves to the government. Fight back in any way you think is necessary. We are being targeted - terrorism is being used against it.
Listen to Alex Jones NOW.
Food tyranny is on the way - no canning, no pickles, no sharing the bounty of a garden, no small farms. No gardens.
Net censorship is on the way. Fox News, MSNBC and bloggers are targeted.
FACE THE DANGER (OUR GOVERNMENT), STAND TALL AND DIG IN.
Here's a joke for you: What kind of a man knowingly surrenders...
Punch line: an American man.
WHEN DID THE GOVERNMENT HAVE THE RIGHT TO VIOLATE SOVEREIGN CITIZENS?
WHAT GAVE THEM THE RIGHT?
WE HAVE A TERRORIST GOVERNMENT!
TIME TO SPEAK TO THE LOCAL SHERIFF OR YOUR LOCAL DA.
WE NEED TO KNOW WHERE HE STANDS ON THIS ISSUE IN EVERY COUNTY YOU'RE IN.
http://youareproperty.blogspot.com/2010/11/tsa-to-america-shut-your-mouth-and.html
WATCH THE TSA PERVERTS STRIP SEARCH A 12 YEAR OLD BOY - THERE'S SO MUCH MORE ON DRUDGE.
AND HILLARY CLINTON REFUSES TO BE PATTED DOWN. STORY ON WWW.DRUDGEREPORT.COM
http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/slideshow/photo//101120/480/urn_publicid_ap_org_d6991613a1ab4e8593936a4904da5290/
THE LIBERAL SOLUTION TO TERROR HAS FAILED - SULTAN KNISH
OBAMA GIVES GUN CONTROL ADVOCATE TRAVER FROM CHICAGO TO HEAD ATF.
Good morning.
I'm sorry to have to start your morning by frying your brain.
We have the Senate happily passing net neutrality - the first stages, anyway, we now have an extra tax burden in the form of college education funding for illegal aliens, TSA putting the screws to us by the hour (I haven't even looked at Drudge or Alex Jones' Prison Planet) yet.
Crap.
Buy my book, Sam, the Grouchy As Usual Bear. You'll at least have 15 minutes of gentle, emotional and uplifting reading.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
SAM, THE GROUCHY AS USUAL BEAR - THE TRAILER IS UP ON YOUTUBE...
Slowly (but not that slowly) Sam, The Grouchy As Usual Bear inches toward Amazon (it can take up to two weeks) and Kindle. It is available now at:
http://irishstoryplayhouse.com/IrishBookStore.html
If you know someone, particularly a child, experiencing loss this holiday season, this book may help them through it. There's always "time for hugs".
10 WAYS TO OUTFOX COPS THAT ARE ABUSING THEIR POWERS TO TRICK YOU
and IF YOU DON'T KNOW YOUR RIGHTS, YOU DON'T HAVE ANY!
PERRY: TAKE TSA PATTERS AND PUT THEM ON A MEXICAN BORDER SECURITY DETAIL
THIS IS A SOLUTION, JANET. DO SOMETHING MEANINGFUL TO THE COUNTRY AND DO YOUR JOB.
Friday, November 19, 2010
GEITHNER WARNS REPUBLICANS AGAINST POLITICIZING THE FED...
Now see? Obama's little Czar is having a tantrum. Crush him like a bug under your heels, Conservatives...
REPRESENTATIVE CONSIDERS DITCHING TSA
With private screeners, will there be a private room somewhere?
I'd rather strip in public while reading the Fourth Amendment at the top of my lungs.
Hey - DON'T FLY ON NOVEMBER 24. IF YOU DO, OPT OUT!
GO TEAM AMERICA!
Thursday, November 18, 2010
WHAT HAPPENED TO THE FAMILY DOCTOR?
I sent this to my family physician's assistant and he urged me to post this, saying "if only people knew about this..."
So here it is, and now you know.
And you won't have a family doctor under Obamacare.
A NEW AMERICAN HERO: MAN ARRESTED AFTER PUNCHING INDIANAPOLIS TSA SCREENER
My kind of guy. That's what should be done every time. I'm listening to the prosecutor of San Mateo County in CA who will be prosecuting TSA/HSA employees. Good for him, too! You got problems with TSA in San Mateo (Oakland and San Francisco)? Call the cops and make a complaint. You have someone on your side. Incoming DA, Steve Wagstaff. I thank you.
Appearing in the Panama City News Herald is an article on the plans for the autonomous local airport board to install the x-ray scanners. Our Sheriff here in Bay County will not have anything to do with TSA. Out of his jurisdiction. Baloney. Wagstaff had a meeting with his sheriffs and they have been told what the parameters are for sexual battery. Police and Sheriff deputies will be in the airport to observe and to take complaints against TSA.
The law is the law. I cannot fondle genitals, either mine, yours or someone else's without being arrested, imprisoned and labeled a sex offender for life. This is sexual abuse. Wagstaff is saying any of his law enforcement can come in and slap the cuffs on any TSA offender of your rights. Bay County, FL and Florida in general, take heed.
TSA AND PILOTS WEIGH BIOMETRIC SYSTEM FOR AIRPORT SCREENING
CLOSE THE DAMN BORDERS!
MY FRIEND MIKE'S THOUGHTS ON TRAVEL, TSA, TYNER AND THOUGHTS ABOUT THE MOON
"Pop" is a photographer friend who is an ex-pat.
Our problem with TSA is more troubling than you think. It's reaching around the world.
That translates into money...the funds that international travelers will spend in our country.
Money is the bottom line. Ask Chertoff, Alfonse D'Amato and George Soros, key players behind herding us into x-ray machines that are not shielded, meant to degrade and dehumanize us and irradiate us.
Are there any international radiation stickers on these machines? Service stickers? Instructions? Certified safe?
Did you know you are irradiated within ten feet of these machines? Frequent flyers, beware. Pregnant women, children? Yes.
OPT OUT OR DON'T FLY.
TSA'S BLUE GLOVES -
THEY ARE NEVER CHANGED, OR CHANGED SO LITTLE THAT CONTACT WITH YOUR SKIN OR GENITALS COULD CAUSE YOU TO CONTRACT A DISEASE.
Like an STD.
Like scabies.
Or infection if you have an open wound.
RON PAUL INTRODUCES THE AIR TRAVELER DIGNITY ACT
Call your Congressman to co-sponsor or support this bill.
Toll-free to the Congressional Switchboard 877-851-6437
REP. RON PAUL UNLEASHES ON TSA: ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!
GREAT VIDEO FROM THE MAN WHO SHOULD HAVE BEEN OUR PRESIDENT IN 2008!
DHS SOURCE: TSA INFURIATED WITH COVERAGE OF NATIONWIDE BACKLASH
OH, REALLY?
WELL, MY GUT TELLS ME THAT THERE WILL BE ANOTHER POTENTIAL BOMBER CAUGHT, OR A OR EVEN SOMETHING WORSE. MAYBE AN AMERICAN MOM WITH A GRUDGE. WHO KNOWS. THERE WILL BE A FALSE FLAG SHORTLY SO THEY CAN CONTROL AND REMOVE ALL OUR RIGHTS IF YOU TRAVEL...ON ANY PUBLIS CONVEYANCE. ESPECIALLY PLANES.
THOSE OF YOU WHO DOUBT - REMEMBER, THE CROTCH BOMBER WAS ESCORTED ONTO THE PLANE. HE WAS A PLANT. GO BACK AND DO SOME RESEARCH ON THE CASE. THIS WAS A FALSE FLAG.
I'M GOING TO VENTURE TO SAY THAT THE LAST FIASCO CARGO BOMB WAS AN ATTEMPT TO OPEN THE DOOR TO THE ENHANCED PAT DOWNS.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
DOES THE US NEED 'ISRAELIFICATION' OF AIRPORT SECURITY?
YES, WE DO!
DOWN WITH THE TSA AND SEXUAL MOLESTATION. DOWN WITH JANET NAPOLITANO.
UP WITH THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION!
THIS ISSUE OF INFORMATION CLEARING HOUSE IS A MUST READ. A VERY IMPORTANT ISSUE. I'VE CHOSEN A COUPLE OF ITEMS...
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By Erin Chase
November 17, 2010 "Lew Rockwell" -- - I have an incident to share that occurred late Friday afternoon, November 12, 2010, around 5:15 in the Dayton International Airport.
I realize the publishing this publicly on the internet puts me into a delicate situation, given that I am a high profile blogger and author. This is a difficult incident to share, but it needs to be said...Because I will not be a silent victim. I will share the facts of the incident in as a matter of fact manner as I can.
I checked into my flight and had a boarding pass printed that included “plus infant.” My baby and I were flying from Dayton, OH, to San Antonio, TX, so I could run in the San Antonio Half Marathon. I was taking my baby along because he is still breastfeeding for part of the day.
I entered the security line, removed the special formula that I had with me for the baby, as well as my quart size baggie with my other liquids. I went through the x-ray machine and metal detector, carrying the baby, with no incident.
Because I was traveling with baby formula, I knew to expect that they would test it with the paper circles for explosives. The TSA agent took all of my belongings over to the table in the center of the explosive screening tables. She asked me, “Are you aware of the NEW policies for carrying liquids through security that were instated 4 years ago?” (capitalized to show the emphasis that she placed on that word.)
I replied, “Yes, I fly with him every several weeks.”
She scanned the formula, then turned to me and said, “Remove your shoes and stand on that black mat for a patdown.”
I said, “OK, what do I do with the baby?”
“You cannot be holding him.” (I am traveling alone.)
So I placed him into his stroller. She instructed me, “Spread your feet apart and hold your arms out to the side.” I obliged.
She patted my left arm, my right arm, my upper back and my lower back. She then said, “I need to reach in and feel along the inside of your waistband.”
Reprinted with permission from OurLittleChatterboxes.com.
Get Your Hands Off Me, TSA!
These airport so-called security measures amount to state-sponsored sexual harassment
By Jennifer Abel
November 17, 2010 "The Guardian" - - Listen to this: "My freely chosen bedmates and doctors are the only ones allowed to see my naked body or touch my genitalia." For a sane person in a sane country that's the ultimate in "no shit, Sherlock" statement. But not where I live.
Not the United States of America. Not since 11 September 2001, when the government reacted to an attack on its citizens by lashing out against the very citizenry it claims to protect. No bureaucracy better embodies that reactionary principle than the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), whose contempt for American citizens has grown so great that they now require we submit to government agents either photographing our, to them, visibly naked bodies or groping us in molestation-style patdowns if we ever want to fly again.
I'm sick of the craven cliches TSA apologists have cited these past nine years:
"They protect us from terrorists."
No, they impose pointlessly superstitious security theatre, trample Americans' constitutional rights and make foreigners feel sorry for us. TSA protected nobody with its infamous "bathroom bans" after last year's Christmas terror attempt; rules like "keep your lap empty and your hands visible at all times" only demonstrated the agency's willingness to treat ordinary citizens like serial killers in supermax prison.
"You gave up your rights when you bought an airline ticket."
I never gave up any rights. The government stole them while cowards egged them on.
"TSA agents are just doing their jobs."
A lousy apologia and historically ignorant to boot; the civilised world established at Nuremberg that "just following orders" cuts no ice. And my fellow Americans are realising "it'll stop terrorists" cuts none either, at least not to justify low-grade sexual harassment as standard behaviour for government agents.
It's not hyperbole to call the enhanced patdown a low-grade sexual assault; if you don't believe me, go find some woman's boobs or man's balls, start cupping and squeezing them according to new TSA standards, and count how many offences you're charged with. Last month, an agent openly admitted that the purpose of the aggressive new patdowns was to intimidate people into choosing the nude scanners instead.
And Homeland Security director Janet Napolitano justified this Hobson's choice – and abandoned all pretence of being a "servant" accountable to the public – in an insufferably arrogant column she wrote for USA Today, burying outright lies beneath eye-glazing bureaucratic prose. "The imaging technology that we use cannot store, export, print or transmit images," she claimed – though this was proven untrue almost as soon as the scanners were put in use; last August, US marshals admitted to storing 35,000 images collected from one single courthouse – some of which have now been obtained by the website Gizmodo under a freedom of information request.
"Rigorous privacy safeguards are also in place to protect the travelling public."
You can't claim privacy points when ordering people to let you either see them naked or feel them up.
"The vast majority of travellers say they prefer this technology to alternative screening measures."
No, the vast majority realise Napolitano's gone too far this time, and the backlash has finally begun. November 24 – the eve of the Thanksgiving holiday, and one of the busiest flying days of the year – is National Opt-Out Day, whose organiser Brian Sodegren calls for all Americans to refuse the nude scanners and insist the patdown be done in full public view, so everyone can see how law-abiding travelers are treated in the Land of the Free. Sodegren points out the obvious:
"You should never have to explain to your children, 'Remember that no stranger can touch or see your private area, unless it's a government employee, then it's OK.'"
Similarly, the group We Won't Fly calls for my fellow Americans to "Jam TSA checkpoints by opting out until they remove the porno-scanners!"
I've flown only three times since the inception of the TSA, and only when I couldn't avoid it: two business trips and a funeral I couldn't drive to. But I won't fly on vacation; and last winter, when I thought I'd need to cross the Atlantic, I made reservations in Canada – a 450-mile drive to the airport, but worth it to avoid the TSA.
I'm not alone. Industry leaders reportedly met with Napolitano to express their concerns; as one executive with the US Travel Association fretted, "We have received hundreds of e-mails and phone calls from travelers vowing to stop flying."
Airline executives are rich. Maybe they've got the clout to stop TSA bullying. Napolitano clearly doesn't care if ordinary Americans quit flying altogether; at Ronald Reagan National Airport, she openly offered "travel by other means" as the only option for people who won't submit to the new TSA probes.
That's what we've been reduced to in America: security measures lifted from bad porn plots, and hoping this latest outrage inconveniences enough rich guys with political connections to get it repealed.