Bag It (Airport Security)

New York Times ^ | August 18, 2004 | JAMES BOVARD

[OESY]

This a disappointing article because it does not deal comprehensively with the problem. It is more of a whine-fest since it does not delve into viable solutions such as arming pilots, biometric identification of (prescreened) passengers, more effective profiling, etc.

[Conspiracy Guy]

Why isn't the headline, "TSA Dismal Failure, Bush to Blame"?

[Conspiracy Guy]

Just a hit piece.

[Cboldt]

Just another form of "government theft." Heheheh.

But in seriousness, thieves, cheats, liars and con-men are able to get positions of influence and power. That's the way it is, and will always be. I don't fault the TSA for having the same problem that EVERY organization has.

[Piquaboy]

That is our tax dollars hard at work. We need to hire more of these people. Look at all the fuel we would save by cutting down on the weight the aircraft have to carry.

[Chewbacca]

That is why I still put a padlock on my checked bag.
I want them to at least work to steal something.

[Fudd]

When the TSA first put its "don't-lock-the-bag" policy into effect, I tried finding out from the TSA what measures were in place to prevent people from stealing from unlocked bags. The TSA declined to answer.

[wideawake]

If these scum are so ready to rip passengers off, no one can tell me they cannot be bribed by terrorists.

[greasepaint]

If you need camera equipement, make friends
with someone who works at an airline.

[Cold Heart]

"Just a hit piece" Yup, last paragraph, Bush.
I hadn't looked at the news source before I read the article but thought New York Times as soon as I read the last paragraph. Mickey Moore journalism.

[FrogMom]

I guess I'm one of the torrent. When traveling from BWI to PHX, I picked up my suitcase and noticed that the zipper was not closed. An inventory when I got home revealed the only thing gone was a DVD I'd bought for FrogDad while on my business trip.

A call to the airport resulted in a, "Sorry 'bout that, it must have come open through handling" response.

Next time I traveled I secured the bags with bright orange cable ties. If they were going to get into them, they weren't going to be able to tell me it was an accident!

[Conspiracy Guy]

My headline in reply # 3 would have saved a lot of words for the author.

[tnlibertarian]

The T.S.A. denies that a nationwide theft problem exists, and stresses that the vast majority of its 45,000 employees have not been accused of wrongdoing.

Hey, that's cool. That means we don't have a terrorist problem, either, because the vast majority of airliners didn't fly into buildings on September 11.

[Bob Mc]

At our airport the TSA make you remove the lock and leave the bag for them to search. They won't even let you remain present while they search.

So, I don't carry anything valuable ever. I have it shipped ahead FedEx.

[Dr. Scarpetta]

In June 2003, the agency admitted that it had failed to screen its own screeners and fired more than 1,200 employees after they failed criminal background checks or other internal investigations.

You're right. This is a disappointing article.

[Dr. Scarpetta]

I don't carry anything valuable ever. I have it shipped ahead FedEx.

I'm going to take your advice.

[LongsforReagan]

I fly 100k miles a year. Many of the TSA employees couldnt be hired to be cashiers at 7-11. One more example of government success.

In fairness, it varies widely from state to state. I would say the red states tend to a better job. What a surprise!!

TSA- Thousands Standing Around.

[null and void]

Worth repeating:

If these scum are so ready to rip passengers off, no one can tell me they cannot be bribed by terrorists.

[waverna]

"Clark Kent Ervin, the inspector general of the Department of Homeland Security..."

OH COME ON!!!