The lead up...
Part 1 of my encounter with TSA. Featuring the introductions of the parties involved and the basic premise of my argument.
This is a great story. Everything is inside. Links, outside coverage, more.
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More on this story...
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This is a must read. Video #3 below is where the action starts.
It's worth reading the entire piece on Matt's blog.
My TSA Encounter - by Matt Kernan...
“You don’t need to see his identification.”
On November 21, 2010, I was allowed to enter the U.S. through an airport security checkpoint without being x-rayed or touched by a TSA officer. This post explains how.
This past Sunday, I was returning from a trip to Europe. I flew from Paris to Cincinnati, landing in Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport.
Since I had nobody waiting for me at home and no connecting flight to catch, I had some free time. I decided to test my rights.
After putting all my stuff through the x-ray, I was asked to go through the Backscatter. I politely said that I didn’t want to. The technician quipped to his colleague, “We’ve got an opt-out.” They laughed. He turned back and started to explain.
After he finished, I said, “I understand what the pat-down entails, but I wanted to let you know that I do not give you permission to touch my genitals or the surrounding area. If you do, I will consider it assault.”
He called his manager over, who again informed me of the policy. Throughout this event, this happened quite a few times. After raising my concerns regarding the policy to an officer, they often simply quoted back the policy. For the sake of brevity, I will simply say “Policy restatement.”
I said, “I am aware that it is policy, but I disagree with the policy, and I think that it is unconstitutional. As a U.S. citizen, I have the right to move freely within my country as long as I can demonstrate proof of citizenship and have demonstrated no reasonable cause to be detained.”
Policy restatement. “You have two options – the Backscatter or the pat down. It is your choice, but those are the only ways you can go through security.”
I asked if I could speak to his manager.
“I’m the supervisor here.”
“Do you have a manager?”
“Yes, but he’s very far away at the moment. And he’ll say the same thing I am.” Policy restatement.
At this point, I took out my iPhone, activated the voice recorder, and asked The Supervisor, “Per my constitutional rights, I am not allowed to be detained without reasonable cause for arrest. Now, am I free to go?”
He answered, “If you leave, we will call the APD.”
I asked, “Who is the APD?”
“The Airport Police Department.”
I said, “Actually, that’s probably a good idea. Let’s call them and your manager.”
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Part 2 of my encounter with TSA. More discussion about the logic behind "detaining."
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The main arguments...
Part 3 of my encounter with the TSA. This is where it gets very interesting - the TSA simply refuses to answer most of my questions by claiming that they are invalid.
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The walk out...
Part 4 of my encounter with TSA. This is an uncut recording of the escorted walk out. Not much here except for the beginning minute or so and the last 10 seconds. But the length gives you an example of the absurdity involved - for this long I was walking down the long hallway flanked by 13 TSA officers and 2 cops, with all sorts of strangers looking at me curiously.
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Bonus video...
Roxi Copeland - I'll Be Groped For Christmas...
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Three year-old boy being strip searched...