No Security Pat-Downs for Boehner

NY Slimes ^ | 11/19/2010 | Jeff Zeleny

[markomalley]

Representative John A. Boehner, soon to be the Speaker of the House, has pledged to fly commercial airlines back to his home district in Ohio. But that does not mean that he will be subjected to the hassles of ordinary passengers, including the controversial security pat-downs.

As he left Washington on Friday, Mr. Boehner headed across the Potomac River to Reagan National Airport, which was bustling with afternoon travelers. But there was no waiting in line for Mr. Boehner, who was escorted around the metal detectors and body scanners, and taken directly to the gate.

(snip)

And so on Friday, he did. But not without the perquisites of office, including avoiding those security pat-downs that many travelers are bracing for as holiday travel season approaches.

Michael Steel, a spokesman for the Republican leader, said in a statement that Mr. Boehner was not receiving special treatment. And a law enforcement official said that any member of Congress or administration official with a security detail is allowed to bypass security.

“The appropriate security procedures for all Congressional leaders, including Speaker Pelosi and Senator Reid, are determined by the Capitol Police working with the Transportation Security Administration,” Mr. Steel said.

[kabar]

Outrage my a$$. Why waste any time on Boehner who poses no threat whatsoever? We need more profiling, not less.

[Vendome]

Thanks for clearing that up.

I was double taking on the article and a little confused.

Senior moment over...

[kabar]

And both he and his detail should have to take the darned blue line to Reagan the same as the rest of us...and then go through the grope line like the rest of us.

My vote for the dumbest post of the year.

[taxtruth]

All the stupid slaves in America keep voting for their 2 party system slave masters.INSANITY!

[andyk]

Hehe!

[Mears]

I’m with you.

Everyone should have to be checked,including politicians,celebrities,church leaders,power brokers,and anyone else who decides to fly.

None of this “Do you know who I am?” nonsense.

[statered]

So let me get this straight. Instead of flying an air force plane by himself he flies commercial. Admirable thing to do. But somehow you think that the person third in line for the presidency should mill around the terminal waiting in line where code pinkos et al can harass him and try to make news? What kind of nitwit are you? I don't expect royalty but I do expect a small perk for this guy given the concerns to his safety. It is kind of stupid to make him go through security given who his is and the fact that he has a friggin security detail.

[ProtectOurFreedom]

On his first day as Speaker, Boehner should hold a huge, ostentatious presser to announce the permanent retirement of the Queen Bee’s 767 and its sale as surplus government property.

[tcrlaf]

Every legislator and department head in DC is eligable for the V.I.P. System, and that been no secret for a LONG time.

Let’s make something out of nothing, K?

[metmom]

Good grief.

I’ve never seen anyone so totally miss the point of a post as you.

[FrankR]

Well, he COULD do like Pelosi did and charge the American Taxpayer 28,000 dollars - one way - per week to visit home, and to fly her friends and family around.

I think third-in-line for the Presidency deserves some special security and consideration, and I don't give a damn what the NYT thinks or says...they're the American PRAVDA anyway...in bed, and under the covers with obama.

[okie01]

The appropriate security procedures for all Congressional leaders, including Speaker Pelosi and Senator Reid, are determined by the Capitol Police working with the Transportation Security Administration.

And, if I am not mistaken, I believe this policy has been in effect since...January, 2007.

[I_Like_Spam]

I believe Boehner will be 2nd in line to become POTUS. Bite-Me is first, John is second. I believe Dingy Harry is 3rd in line.
______________________

You’re incorrect, Speaker in 2nd, President Pro Temp is 3rd and Majority Leader isn’t on the line of succession at all.

[FreeReign]

Everyone should have to be checked,including politicians,celebrities,church leaders,power brokers,and anyone else who decides to fly.

I prefer we don't search anybody needlessly and we instead profile.

Anything else is political correctness.

[Gene Eric]

>> What kind of nitwit are you?

What kind of second class citizen are you?

[Aria]

I don’t mind that he has security....at least he’s flying commercial and we need him to be safe in the .....err...unfortunate...event that something happens to zero and the poor sidekick Biden.

[metmom]

Charming, isn’t he?

[taxtruth]

Yep,you are correct and it's insane to make the whole country go through it also.Americans are EQUAL under the law aren't they and there is no royalty in America or is there?Hypocrites rule in America is the way I see it.You can't get it both ways can you in a socalled free country unless someone is brainwashing you or just flat out LYING.

[Mears]

Of course that’s how I feel.Profiling is the answer.

I meant if they are going to treat me like a piece of meat then there should be no exceptions.

[brytlea]

You know, while I understand the sentiment, some things make little sense. You can be as tired of it as you want, but there are some privileges that make sense. Security for the guy who is second in line to be President makes sense. At least he’s not flying around in a private jet.