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...but he doesn't know how to fill out forms properly, it took him 3 times and he's a federal agent...

Fitz, I really want to see those forms, somehow.

Because right about now I've got a picture in my head of Marge Simpson's two sisters.

You know how they can make life difficult for form filler-outs, if they want to?

Ok, I hate to weigh in on an already robust discussion, cause everyone involved is doing a great job. I would like to know however, what the agent's background is. How long has he been with the service, what his previous duties were and how long has he been on presidential protection? In other words, if he was promoted after 9/11 is it not possible that the president thought it important that an American of Arab descent be seen on one of the most sensitive and trustworthy duties in the service? He seemed at best immature and unprofessional, so perhaps he just wasn't ready for the job? maybe there was a profiling going on already, but not the kind you think?

It's just a question which if answered could change my view of the situation.

regards

The report said at least one of those forms wasn't signed - that does not suggest a difficult form.

As an SS agent it seems likely that this guy had seen the forms before and by all rights should have been able to fill them out in his sleep.

The station chief or another third party called for confirmation but not to the number the agent gave - because he could not confirm it to be an SS office.

The agent got up and left the plane when it was delayed, leaving carry on luggage behind and that luggage included a book in arabic or concerning islam which another passenger and stewardess noted during his absence.

How comfy might you feel sitting next to an abandoned black bag and a copy of "Islam for morons"?
How long before you started to hear it ticking?
How then would you react (as the stew) when you discovered the guy's mandatory paperwork was not kosher?

Finally, aircraft captains share the responsibility and authority of a ship's captain - they get to make the decision when passengers become a problem. Versus - anyone who goes armed into society at society's behest has an obligation to do so with proper respect for the society and not with the arrogance that so often accompanies a badge.