exactly!

If we get rid of patdowns, how will the TSA fool us paranoid ignorant Americans into thinking that we're safer after we let them touch our jiggly bits? The smoke-and-mirrors dog-and-pony show must go on! Countless dollars are at stake!

Because we are too stupid to ask questions to determine who might be a threat. In response to profiling: if a rattlesnake bites you, chances are that rattlesnakes bite.

Because Terrorists would NEVER use little kids to carry bombs right?

Why yes. It happened here in the states...hmmm, when was that???

What part of this don't you get: "Pistole has said the agency is working on a modified pat-down for kids. He says terrorists outside the U.S. have used children as young as 10 as suicide bombers." If you think these animals wont blow up their own children to further their genocidal objectives, then you will be DEAD wrong...

I'm sick of the whole 'anybody can be the enemy' belief that was common during the red scare. When are we going to tell the govt to F*** OFF on persisting to create fear in us?

We all know that if a terrorist does plan to attack us, the TSA will let him/her do the dirty deed for the TSA's job security and for them to have another excuse to have yet more power over us.

This groping and fondling is the result of the suffocating intrusiveness of political correctness. Well, that and the emotional gratification the gropers derive from such activities.

I think when filling out their job application there is a box to check if they’re listed in the sexual offender database. If checked, they are considered to not need any training and are immediately hired.

For those that think this is a stretch, consider that if they did what they do anywhere else, they would be arrested.

When was the last time the TSA foiled a terrorist plot due to their strict screenings?

TSA has now been inendated with pediphiles looking for a quick feel.. There are several being investigated and fired for inappropriate touching.. How about this, if you run your hands all over anyone, let a lone a kid its inappropriate touching regardless. They need to be shut down. The complaints are piling up and the evidence of the issue is not coming to light. They are sweeping these cases under the rug. How long do we have to tolerate this ineffective and worthless method of screening before enough of us actually do something to put a stop to it?

The association of pedophiles of America, are very upset, they are considering filing suit, since they can not any longer get their Joly's off by feeling up young children!

Not all all shocked at the intelligence of the don't search kids. Yes, I am sure you are right. Lets do that and then lets send a fax to all terrorist factions that we will not search them. Bonehead!!

Wonder what all you guys will say when the terrorist uses a child in the U.S. to bomb us?

Do you check under your bed every night for "terrorists"? Do you check your closet before you cry yourself to sleep?

How about the scaredy cats take a car if THEY are so afraid, and let the non scared board a plane like we used to? That way your fears won't infect the children.

Gotta go.... someone dropped a bag on the street, got to call the bomb squad.

I'm sure if we look less into the children so then they can stuff a kid full of explosives and blow up a plane full of people.. Use your heads a bit, or has everyone forgotten about 9/11 already? These people despise us for whatever reason and will not stop at anything to hurt us.

All you sick MF's would be the first to blame the gov't and TSA if anything else happened. You're the first to say that we can't profile middle eastern people, although they are the people doing the bombing!

Yeah getting rid of pat down all together hmm... then when everyone gets blown up because some sick parent decide to hide a bomb on their child, you'llbe wishing they patted down that child. They can't get rid of patt downs all together, frankly i don't blame them. Unfortunately as the old saying goes one bad apple ruin it's for everyone.



I think the main response here would have to be with a one word answer. Naïve. Let me first start off by saying that the article specifically states that terrorists use kids as low as 10 years old. It does not matter if your young ones are innocent. To airport security, you all look the same. As for you adults, shame on you for saying "no more pat down". I can easily paint a picture for you if there was no more pat down; a picture so horrible, where all conceivable hope to get up in the morning is lost in the fear of terrorism. The sad thing is, you can't seem to see the reality of the situation. When the day comes that enough of you complain about the situation, that in turn, the airport changes their policy; I hope then you can explain to the friends and family of lost ones, why it is important to keep your kids from getting a "pat-down". I think the right to live trumps all.

Why do we publish what we are and aren't going to do. Let's just send the terrorist a memo or email and tell them who and when people will be checked at airport check points. That will be more convenient for passengers and put the individual rights at ease.

They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin

Did anyone else see the story of the little girl in Pakistan forced to wear a suicide vest? Some people don't care about using children, as long as they accomplish their goal. I have no problem with patdowns.

Hey, Four Points, I was going to say that! So those folks who support the screening don't deserve any freedoms since they're so quick to step on the freedoms of others. In a sense, the terrorists have won by making us so afraid that we're willing to pat down children. Remember that they do not like our freedoms and our way of life, and if they cannot destroy us their secondary goal is to change our way by making us give up our freedoms out of fear of another terrorist attack.

@Steve2570999, as an African-American man if I were to accept what you just said, then would it be OK for me to think of all White Americans as being racist, based on the actions of an ignorant few?

It's pretty simple if you don't want to follow the rules you don't get on the plane. Sounds good to me. It makes room for the rest of us that actually use our brains.

you are not going to get Thu a scanner if you are wearing a suicide vest.

TSA changes pat-down procedures for young kids

What to? Poke and Grope.

They never should be groping and feeling up any American, and I am 100% in agreement for profiling. The majority of terrorists are middle eastern people, not Americans, and if the Muslims are upset about being profiled, then maybe they should learn to take the rags off their heads to try and cover up their identity.

You come to America, you live by our laws and rules, not force your own countries bs laws and beliefs onto the American people.

You guys realize that pat-downs should be the last thing to happen, not the first or second. Walk thru a metal detector... a chemical sniffer... have someone that can read body language (believe it or not, you can be trained to do it and someone about to do something REAL bad is usually easy to pick out if you're looking for it.)... how about a bomb sniffing dog? There are so many options that can be used in an airport before this need to invade someone's personal space.

Let's face it, the terrorists have won. The bulk of the nation is terrorized. We are looking over our shoulders and if you have brown skin... doesn't matter where you're from... eyes are not leaving you because there is a good chance that you have a bomb somewhere. All they have to do is let "slip" a possible plot to blow something up and watch us scramble around. It must be a real funny thing to watch from their perspective. A few statements can cause a country as large and powerful like us to cower at the mere mention of something happening.

Mike... you obviously don't understand the quote that 4 points rattled off. In a nutshell, it sez if you are willing to give up some of your freedom for the illusion of safety, that you don't deserve to live in a country that is totally free. Ben would cry if he came back today. One other thing, this need for you to segregate us. Sorry, Mike... I'm an American... just an American... nothing before it... nothing after it. Have you been to Africa? If not, where do you get off putting it in front of American? I don't care if it is PC or not... it is BS. You are either just an American... or you're not. It is all how you see yourself and want yourself to be labeled.

You pansy a$$ people that are "scared of the terrorist", that reside on the other side of the world and have no armies are a pathetic excuse for an American. "Oh, government please protect me from those evil terrorist", please pat down my children and instill that it is alright to get molested in public view. Truly pathetic.

@Kinkomaster

Mike can call himself whatever he wants! This is America, land of free speech. I for one am an American, born and raised here as were my parents. My grandfather came here when he was 19 through Ellis Island from Hungary so he could become an American. When asked I say I am of Italian, Hungarian, Bohemian, Scotch, Irish and German ancestry and proud of it.

Kreepy-Krawler: I do not like the statement you made: "The majority of terrorists are middle eastern people, not Americans, and if the Muslims are upset about being profiled, then maybe they should learn to take the rags off their heads to try and cover up their identity."

I am kind of caught in the middle of this because my mom is American, they have one side, and my dad is Lebanese, (middle eastern, not muslim) and they have the other side. The so called "rags" they wear on their heads are based on tradition not an identity cover up. I understand that some muslims do wear the "rags" on their head to cover up their identity, but most are just following traditions. I know there are people in the world that will harm us, but just because you see a muslim wearing a so called "rag" on their head does not mean you can just assume that they are terrorists.

These words were written by a Lebanese-American 12 year old.

Obviously some of you don't have small children. I have a son who is 3 and a daughter who is 9. How do I explain to them that it's wrong for people to touch them in their private areas...But it's OK for a TSA employee. I don't care if it is a same sex person as my child, it isn't right! It's bad enough that both my 16 year old daughter and my 12 year old daughter have to go through this. Yes, we could go through the scanner, and that's humiliating in itself! They have no rights to look at scans of my children, and I don't want to ru the risk of some nasty pedophile getting his jollies from any kid!

We're traveling in August, I sincerely hope they figure something out by then. What's the lesser of the two evils here?

Well, Lynn, from 1 American to another, it is nice to meet someone proud to just be from their country and not staple race onto the front of it like a crutch. It is kinda funny how he pointed out that he was black and then say that all whites are racist based on a few. The funny thing about free speech is that it is a double edged blade. Some have it... some don't. Mike can say words that you can't... does that sound like free speech? Here is the funny thing... he could use a slur on you and get away with it, but it couldn't work the other way around... not without everyone coming down on you. The illusion of free speech is a wonderful thing.

Oh, heaven forbid you make a fuss while they are doing there thing. Then they might make an example out of you, and turn everything around by saying that you were verbally abusing the airport staff. Isn't that fun how that works? Everyone realizes that words hit like bullets, right? You gotta be nice to the TSA guys as they get to second base...

Fear of terrorism is irrational:

– You are 17,600 times more likely to die from heart disease than from a terrorist attack

– You are 12,571 times more likely to die from cancer than from a terrorist attack

– You are 11,000 times more likely to die in an airplane accident than from a terrorist plot involving an airplane

– You are 1048 times more likely to die from a car accident than from a terrorist attack

–You are 404 times more likely to die in a fall than from a terrorist attack

– You are 87 times more likely to drown than die in a terrorist attack

– You are 13 times more likely to die in a railway accident than from a terrorist attack

–You are 12 times more likely to die from accidental suffocation in bed than from a terrorist attack

–You are 9 times more likely to choke to death on your own vomit than die in a terrorist attack

–You are 8 times more likely to be killed by a police officer than by a terrorist

–You are 8 times more likely to die from accidental electrocution than from a terrorist attack

– You are 6 times more likely to die from hot weather than from a terrorist attack

Tell that to the families of those that have been lost in terriorist attacks. They thought when they got up that morning they were safe too!!!

Terry,

If you are very scared and need a Government hand to hold, be my guest. Enjoy you pat down.

What the hell do facts have to do with FEAR!!! The Gov't needs a Bogey Man to justify all the Spending - away with those pesky details!!!

Lots of people wake up thinking they are safe. And that's why they do potentially dangerous things every morning like showering and driving to work. But then again I'm not one to question my safety everyday when I have the luxury of not living somewhere where bullets or bombs are part of my everyday routine. Bad things happen to people everyday. All we can do is take reasonable precautions and then hope for the best.

Right, jaikw. I agree with you... But unconstitutional searches are NOT a "reasonable precaution".

In fact, they're ILLEGAL precautions because they infringe on our 4th amendment rights.

Why don't we just spend our energies in finding out why muslim extremists hate us?? There has to be a reason. It's not that they are jealous of our freedoms, I know that. So, let's get out of Israel, let's leave them to defend themselves, they are more than capable. Let's stop getting invovled with middle east politics and truly support a democratic process down there and if they prefer a theocracy, well let's allow it if that's what their people want. Let's tell all our petroleum companies to get out, either we drill out our own oil or find other energy sources.

Easy, now the extremist won't have an excuse to hate us and we could finally live and travel in peace and not move this world into another world war based on greed.

Problem solved!

what_the_81: Are you kidding? They hate us because we do not share their beliefs. The Koran tells Muslims that anyone who will not convert should be killed, as instructed by Mohammed. Read the Koran; anyone who is "Muslim" hates us by definition, not just the extremists. The Koran instructs Muslims to deceive their enemies by any means necessary in the name of Allah. So, even the non-radical Muslims are wolves in sheep's clothing. You may hear Muslims say they want "peace." Their definition of "peace" is a world where only Muslims exist. They want Americans to think that only radicals believe these things...and the crazy thing is that most of us are naive enough to fall for that. The scariest thought is that most Americans might think like you.

h

What-the-81: Gee, if all the middle eastern countries want a theocracy, why are so many of them up in arms against their current governments? Also, remember, we have to protect oil interests since we buy oil from these same countries. You want to see the U.S. come to an almost complete standstill -- just stop the oil importing from the middle east. Watch how fast the gas prices go up when the speculators on the stockmarket go batty with their buys and sells!! It's unfortunate, but we can't get out of alot of the stuff going on in the middle east because it affects us in many ways. We don't like it, but we're kinda stuck with it until we figure out how to live without their oil. If you want to see a REAL standstill in the U.S., try thinking about China stopping ALL shipments of their products to the U.S. -- Wal-Mart would go out of business in a day or so!!! It's sad that we have to depend on other countries so much to survive when we used to just depend on ourselves.

@ThanksForNothing

No, they hate us because we invaded their countries 50-some-odd years ago in the Cold War. Remember 1980, when bin Laden himself repulsed a Russian attack? He was keeping people who were trying to change his country. I hate to support the man who killed thousands of people, but the point is he was trying to keep foreigners out. They are just retaliating because we're in their lands without them wanting or needing us there. We'r just a greedy parasite to them. If we leave them alone, chances are they'll stop attacking and leave us alone as well.

Exactly Anonymous

Anonymous-196: That makes no sense. If "we leave them alone", you really think they will stop suicide bombing us and miss their chances at 72 virgins in heaven? Muslim terrorism did not begin as a result of the Cold War; it has been around since the birth of Islam. Mohammed himself killed hundreds of Jews with his own hands. The epitome if any Muslim is one who strives to be like Mohammed. These issues go back further than the Cold War.

Perhaps you don't remember the other September 11th in 1683 at the battle of Vienna. This marked the end of the Ottoman Empire expansion, and thus Muslim expansion. 9/11 symbolized just the opposite: what Muslims believe to be the rise of Islam. They are banking on the ignorance of Americans and hoping that we believe exactly what you are saying.

Ummmm... Anonymous... you do realize that WE gave bin Laden the weapons that they used to fight the Russians, right? They didn't make those in the Afghani Weapons Factory, or bought them from Acme Weapons. No... they hate us because we support Israel. We give Israel the most advanced weapons in the region. How would you look at the country that was supplying your enemy? Would you do things to make their lives miserable? Maybe things to stop giving Israel weapons to kill Muslims?

If you want to look at history... look at all of the history.

Sorry... newsvine errored me... several times. :(

deleted

Oh... to newsvine... error code: bubblegum

Exactly!!!!!

Fear of terrorism is irrational:

– You are 17,600 times more likely to die from heart disease than from a terrorist attack

– You are 12,571 times more likely to die from cancer than from a terrorist attack

– You are 11,000 times more likely to die in an airplane accident than from a terrorist plot involving an airplane

– You are 1048 times more likely to die from a car accident than from a terrorist attack

–You are 404 times more likely to die in a fall than from a terrorist attack

– You are 87 times more likely to drown than die in a terrorist attack

– You are 13 times more likely to die in a railway accident than from a terrorist attack

–You are 12 times more likely to die from accidental suffocation in bed than from a terrorist attack

–You are 9 times more likely to choke to death on your own vomit than die in a terrorist attack

–You are 8 times more likely to be killed by a police officer than by a terrorist

–You are 8 times more likely to die from accidental electrocution than from a terrorist attack

– You are 6 times more likely to die from hot weather than from a terrorist attack

You know, Matt... I love stats! What are the chances of dying from a car accident, where you fall off an overpass and land upside down on some train tracks as a train comes along. It slams into you, knocking you out into a small lake where you drown while having a heart attack. (I was gonna toss in drowning on vomit, but I thought that was overkill. :D ).

You also had to run thru every thread posting this? Nothing more creative or did you blow your wad on this?

Matt-2018825:

When you put it that way, fear of terrorism does sound irrational, as are most fears. Assuming your numbers are correct...what are the statistics of today as compared to 50 years ago? I'm willing to bet that the "odds" of dying by terrorist attack have increased significantly. Chances are I will probably live the rest of my life and never experience a terrorist attack. But, it HAS become more of a problem, and it's a problem that deserves attention.

This IS today's odds. Terrorism in America is a fantasy (unless it's carried out by our own government)... Just like 9/11. Grow up, and grow a pair.

Matt:

I said compared to the odds of 50 years ago. Read what I said before you comment back. And are you really telling ME to grow up when you attached the same post to every single thread? I think we know where you stand; you think terrorism is a joke and all you have to back that up are bullsh!t statistics.

Matt: Thanks for the laugh!!!

Matt, please continue to post that until the fear mongering ends. Thank you for your diligence.

"I think we know where you stand; you think terrorism is a joke and all you have to back that up are bullsh!t statistics."

Yep... What do you have to back up YOUR position? The 9/11 commission? Now THAT's funny.

See... when you go out in public you assume certain risks. It's your job to deal with those risks... Not my job to surrender my Constitutional rights because YOU are afraid.

Get it?

Absolutely agree!

They even groped inside my 16 month old grandson's diaper. His dad who was carrying him was in military uniform at the time. Made me sick.

You should be ashamed of yourself for allowing this. you have a voice. Stand up and say "No More". that's how it's going to stop. not complaining about it on a forum or whatnot. Both of you and all that allow this to go on. Boycot the airlines. whatever it takes.

my wife was pregnant and someone patted down the fetus while she was still inside her.

All joking aside, the TSA is another waste of money which doesn't do any service to society. I don't feel any safer around them and all they do is annoy us, when is this going to stop?

bloggit

Here's a suggestion - if you don't like it, then keep your brats off the plane. We wont miss them, I promise.

F *** off!!! Some people have well behaved kids and want to travel with them to other countries. They have every right to and I hope the kids sit behind you banging your seat and pulling your hair the whole way. If you're so big on big brother watching your every move, get the hell out here!!!! North Korea sounds like your place.

Start your own airline Bloggit and ban kids from it, see how many cities want you to fly to them. Families travel by plane to save time and money and should not be treated like crimials

No one should be treated as a criminal unless there is reasonable articulable suspision that they are. That's the standard of freedom we're supposed to have. Instead we allow this worthless POS organization to terrorize us!

If i fly my kids fly !!! so get over it !!

If you don't like the security, then drive to where you're going or don't go! A "stick-your-head-in-the-sand" technique will not protect you. There is paranoia, and there is common sense. There are many who feel that the security is well warranted!

Bloggit

Kids have just as much right as you to be on an airplane! GET OVER IT! So here's a suggestion for YOU...if YOU don't like it, then keep YOURSELF off the plane!!! We wont miss YOU, I promise.

lk734505

They even groped inside my 16 month old grandson's diaper. His dad who was carrying him was in military uniform at the time. Made me sick.

It's a shame that the diaper wasn't "loaded". That would have served them right.

Okay, which one of you with kids allowed your child to kick my seat the WHOLE FLIGHT, and you did nothing about it? No offense, but sometimes I have to agree with bloggit. If you are going to travel with your children, keep them in check so I can enjoy my flight in comfort!

I love the use of the word "groped". I'm sure it was chosen for the shock factor, not because that was actually true. Did they stick their hands in his diaper for just inside the top of the front & back? If they stuck their hands fully in, I'd say groped. If not, then pick a less inflammatory word.

Hey if you can't follow the rules.. I guess you won't be on the plane. Sounds good to me.

So if you are only to be treated like a criminal if they have reason to treat you like a criminal... what happens to a person with a clean record highered by terrorist to help out? I agree that TSA may go over board on occasion... i have flown over 15 times since 2001... and i have never had an issue as long as i dont b!tch and complain like all the trashy snobby stick up sh!t holes on here do. You only make it worse for yourself by giving attitude to the Airport employees. You make it difficult for them,,, they are gonna make it difficult for you.

Just because a child has NOT been used yet for terrorism in the US... you all make it sound like you WANT it to happen. If you pack right and follow the rules from the beginning... then there will be no issues when at the airport. I have 3 nieces and nephews... we have flown all together many times... and never once did we have ANY problems or issues with TSA, airport security or ANYONE for that matter. We packed properly, stored things where they need to be. Labeled items. We even brough insulin on board and had no issue passing that by TSA or anyone becasue it was wrapped properly with Dr. info and everything.

People love to complain and nag about everything becasue THEY know that THEY are not committing a crime... or planning on committing a crime. How do YOU know that the person next to you isnt? 80 yo woman.... 10 yo child. Whether they planned it personally... or are being forced/blackmailed to do something. They can be and look like the most innocent person ever until its too late... people or hurt or dead. And all we can say is, "But she looked so sweet and innocent. I would have NEVER guessed she would be involved in that!"

I understand that if we know we are innocent, then it feel like a violation of our privacy to be patted down so personally and watch our kids undergo the same treatment. Kids are 99.9% of the time the most innocent party.

To agree with most of the people posting on here... lets get rid of patting down. Lets just move to the X-ray and other radioactive forms of body pics and graphing. You wont feel so personally violated.. though now your chances or cancer and other illnesses just increased exponentially. Oh and i bet your plane ticket will still go up in price because being advanced American's as we are... we will need the newest and best equipement for the job. So be ready to spend on full body x-ray machines instead of some middle aged man or woman being paid not much above minimum wage who may accidentally grope or brush up on your inner thigh for 2 seconds.

Thanks,

One of my best friends lost his squad mate in Vietnam when patting down a 5-yr-old child. He was checking a suspicious family of three, and the parents had the child wired with a bomb.

In America, we can't imagine such things. Our enemy and, unfortunately, a lot of the free world, doesn't share our love of life and our belief that some things are simply too sacred (such as the life of a child) to sacrifice in a war.

Terrorists are the enemy here, not airport personnel. Granted, common sense needs to be used more often, but our screeners need to check all possible sources of danger.

Get pissed of at the foreign murderers, not at the Americans who are risking their lives to protect you. (Who gets blown up during a patdown, after all?).

I couldn't agree more lonewarder, you said it!!

Hey lonewarder,

Our enemy and, unfortunately, a lot of the free world, doesn't share our love of life and our belief that some things are simply too sacred (such as the life of a child) to sacrifice in a war.

What about all the children being bombed in iraq, libya, vietnam, etc.. they dont count do they?

What?! You are talking about 'Nam?! Really? You do realize that the Vietcong was probably within sight of the child. It isn't like the kids were setting up the "shoe shine box bombs", nor their parents... the Vietcong were the ones with the explosives. The Vietcong were the one that would take a family hostage and unless you did something... would kill the family. That family of 3 that you are using as an example. I'll put money on it that the 'Cong had a few of their children hostage. I don't care what culture that you're speaking about, but if you think that a mother could easily strap a bomb to their child and send them out to die... you're a fool. No normal/ sane mother would willing do that.

You know what, Lonewarder, if something happens, this is how it will go down. They will get someone in the TSA to come over to their side. Seeing how they are paid barely anything, a promise of a good chunk of change should work with someone. Then a suicide bomber would just go thru their line and when it comes to the pat down... well, they won't find anything... allowing the bomber on the plane with the bomb.

You have a better chance of THAT happening than a 5 year old wired up to blow at a pat down... *sigh*

@ Kinkomaster... unless you are reading the minds of every mother in the world... and every caregiver to children who have NO mother or father and simply live in a building with a person incharge (as many do in other countries), then i guess you are not living in reality. You chose to stay in your own little safe world of "everyone is good because i am good".

I want to see your face when it finally happens. And again, all we Americans will say is, "But he/she was so sweet. I would never have expected him or her to be involved in that." Looks are some of the most decieving tricks. And children, yes CHILDREN are taught to lie and decieve adults. Children in other countries are raised and taught to be use their natural, still childish faces to decieve others and board planes, buses, public areas; and then blow things up. They do it inthe name of who they are taught to believe in. Or they do it being decieved themselves that their family (if any) will be compensated greatly.

What ever the reasons... just becasue you and your kids are not criminals... doesn't mean others are not. Open your eyes to more than your tiny town. There is a whole world around us.

you assume that all mothers are normal and sane. what about the ones that drown their kids because the voices in their heads told them to?

Oh Really... you have a hard time reading, don't you? Wait... it's obvious, you only deal in obsolutes. If you actually read what I wrote and understood EVERYTHING, I said, "No normal/ sane mother would be willing to do that." You obviously didn't understand that part. You see... I NEVER deal in absolutes... NEVER. It appears that you do, so let's look your rantings over, huh?

Where are these armies of child bomber stories? Name a few places where some toddler loaded up a vest with some C4 and hopped a plane/ bus, and lit it up. I've obviously missed these stories, so if you could give a couple examples of the vast number of trained lying kids that have done this. Wait a minute. What if they ran out and blew the bomb up in the backyard then came in and lied that they did it. They are trained to deceive, after all.

As for me being surprised when it finally happens... I seriously doubt you'll get a surprised look from me. I'll be more surprised that the kid got past all the paranoid people to get on the plane in the first place. You don't have to worry about my eyes being open... they are quite aware of the world around me.

So let's treat everyone, children included, as criminals pre emptively? I know, let's just put everyone in prison camps. That way, we can be "safe". Do you realize how stupid you sound? People like you so willing to give up your rights do not deserve them. Open your eyes and look at all that is happening; right in front of you. Stop watching American Idol and stary paying attention!

Some of us parents are damn good at keeping our kids in check. We're flying down to see my family. Haven't seen them in 5 years, my father has never met my son, and Dad isn't doing well medically. This is probably the last time we will see him alive. So guess what? Instead of DRIVING from Alaska to California, we're flying. Driving isn't always an option. With work and all, I only get a week off. (Oh, that's right! I have 5 kids and WORK for a living!) Driving down would take us about a week. So Bloggit and anyone else who has a problem with kids flying, just a heads up, 4 of my kids and I will be on a plane soon.

Fear of terrorism is irrational:

– You are 17,600 times more likely to die from heart disease than from a terrorist attack

– You are 12,571 times more likely to die from cancer than from a terrorist attack

– You are 11,000 times more likely to die in an airplane accident than from a terrorist plot involving an airplane

– You are 1048 times more likely to die from a car accident than from a terrorist attack

–You are 404 times more likely to die in a fall than from a terrorist attack

– You are 87 times more likely to drown than die in a terrorist attack

– You are 13 times more likely to die in a railway accident than from a terrorist attack

–You are 12 times more likely to die from accidental suffocation in bed than from a terrorist attack

–You are 9 times more likely to choke to death on your own vomit than die in a terrorist attack

–You are 8 times more likely to be killed by a police officer than by a terrorist

–You are 8 times more likely to die from accidental electrocution than from a terrorist attack

– You are 6 times more likely to die from hot weather than from a terrorist attack

Mom...Feisty, quick question. Do you train your kids to lie and deceive, so they can sneak bombs on board things? According to Brandi, I shouldn't assume that anyone is normal. How about voices... do you hear any extra voices in your head? Maybe telling you that there are some stupid fkn people on this board?

The "Kids with bombs" argument is IRRELEVANT!!!!

The 4th amendment to the Constitution is more important than your fear, your family or your safety.

See... when you go out in public you assume certain risks. It's your job to deal with those risks... Not my job to surrender my Constitutional rights because YOU are afraid.

Get it?

More muslims are becoming truck drivers, i.e. 18 wheelers. Hmmmm. I wonder why.

More muslims are becoming truck drivers, i.e. 18 wheelers. Hmmmm. I wonder why

hhmm, more muslims in the US are buying homes and raising familes, hhhmmm, I wonder why???

Because we wrongly won't allow profiling.

Arthur66 is exactly right. The TSA drill at the airports is no more than an exercise by Big Brother to whip the frightened sheeple into line in an effort to get them to accept The New World Order (read: fascism) run by the corporations. "Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety". (Franklin or Jefferson...nobody is sure). So why did Chertoff, former head of Homeland Security, just happen to unveil his "Rapisan" (gate-rape machine) about a week after the "underwear bomber struck? Fortuitous timing?

I agree; but it's not the corporations. It is the power behind the US Government, regardless of which political party (facade) is in power. These powers could feasibly plan and carry out a 'terrorist incident' and then pass a law or laws to suit their ends, and reduce the freedoms of our citizens.

Isn't is strange how Osama Bin Laden could (supposedly!) outfox the American, multi-trillion dollar defense system on 9/11/2001, but ten years hence he is located in a very spartan, technologically inferior hideout, unable to detect a few marines when they are on his heels? Sounds outragous to thinking people.

To all that oppose the pat down measures: what, exactly, do you propose we do about people who use little ones to hide explosives? This is not some far-fetched theory, it has actually happened before. We, as a nation, have to stop being so damn nice and sensitive; it is not as if the screeners are trying to get a sick thrill, they are trying to keep us from getting blown out of the sky.

The difference is Franklin or Jefferson didn't have to deal with suicide bombers. They might have had a different opinion if they had to worry about modern day problems.

I was wondering how many terrorists has the TSA caught so far? What does 2 billion dollars a year buy?

Of course it is. Keep people afraid, that way they submit. Where does it all end? Nowhere good, unless we all stand up.

The risk of being killed by a terrorist attack is lower than being struck by lightning... I mean really, this fear mongering has to end sometime. The TSA is out of control with their Gestapo tactics patting down children. Fear is the ONLY factor that makes "terrorism" such a high priority and leads to children being molested in airports but ironically is also the reason terrorism works and why terrorists continue to try to terrorize us. If we simply fired the TSA and did basic profiling we would be safer in the long run. The first time a terrorist attack happens and Americans don't sh$t themselves we have won...

Fear of terrorism is irrational:

– You are 17,600 times more likely to die from heart disease than from a terrorist attack

– You are 12,571 times more likely to die from cancer than from a terrorist attack

– You are 11,000 times more likely to die in an airplane accident than from a terrorist plot involving an airplane

– You are 1048 times more likely to die from a car accident than from a terrorist attack

–You are 404 times more likely to die in a fall than from a terrorist attack

– You are 87 times more likely to drown than die in a terrorist attack

– You are 13 times more likely to die in a railway accident than from a terrorist attack

–You are 12 times more likely to die from accidental suffocation in bed than from a terrorist attack

–You are 9 times more likely to choke to death on your own vomit than die in a terrorist attack

–You are 8 times more likely to be killed by a police officer than by a terrorist

–You are 8 times more likely to die from accidental electrocution than from a terrorist attack

– You are 6 times more likely to die from hot weather than from a terrorist attack

Matt those number are in fact up to date. But! The people you are trying to get to are affraid. they want government to do everything for them. they don't believe in the constitution they don't believe in freedom they want to be controled. Some people have no concept of what freedom is. The principals inwhich this country was founded is simply beond them. What little do they know: Its not the governments job to protect the individual. it the government's job to protect individual rights. Another concept lost to ignorance.

Reach out to the poeple that can be reached the people who can't let them fall on there own.

Thank you Bonez.

I think you are too generous. I would imprison them for what they do to their fellow countrymen.

People in this country have more from the illegals coming acroos the border. With all the drugs and gang activity. Terrorize honsest folks. Just to prove ( they think ) they are bad when they are just PUNKS!!!

Fear of terrorism is irrational:

– You are 17,600 times more likely to die from heart disease than from a terrorist attack

– You are 12,571 times more likely to die from cancer than from a terrorist attack

– You are 11,000 times more likely to die in an airplane accident than from a terrorist plot involving an airplane

– You are 1048 times more likely to die from a car accident than from a terrorist attack

–You are 404 times more likely to die in a fall than from a terrorist attack

– You are 87 times more likely to drown than die in a terrorist attack

– You are 13 times more likely to die in a railway accident than from a terrorist attack

–You are 12 times more likely to die from accidental suffocation in bed than from a terrorist attack

–You are 9 times more likely to choke to death on your own vomit than die in a terrorist attack

–You are 8 times more likely to be killed by a police officer than by a terrorist

–You are 8 times more likely to die from accidental electrocution than from a terrorist attack

– You are 6 times more likely to die from hot weather than from a terrorist attack

What crime is that; carrying a fingernail file and some shampoo?

The crime is blowing stuff up, but I am sorry a kid that got fidgetty in a machine is common, every try to get your kid to stay still while getting an x-ray? That is not a crime and neither flying. the are taking away our freedom in the name of safety but at the same time fail their own internal tests and aduits. how does this make us safer

I agree that the TSA system is broken but flying on an airplane is a privilege not a freedom.

Bertfw: I agree totally....they took my husband's cologne away from him just because it was in a bottle that usually holds more than they allow....it didn't matter to them that the actual bottle had less than a 1/2 inch of liquid (and you could clearly see the amount), they went by the size of the bottle and not the amount in it. It really pissed me off because this was a rather expensive cologne that he had gotten as a gift! The use of common sense is not something the TSA is aware of!! They took the cologne and threw it away....I often wonder which of the TSA agents ended up taking it home!!

Kapten,

So when do the car searches start for every state since it is a privilege to drive? We have more car bombs in the last 15 years then we have had anything else, not mention more stuff gets transported by cars than anythings else. Using the logic of the TSA all cars need to be searched before coming into a state and then before entering into a city

It's coming.

Fear of terrorism is irrational:

– You are 17,600 times more likely to die from heart disease than from a terrorist attack

– You are 12,571 times more likely to die from cancer than from a terrorist attack

– You are 11,000 times more likely to die in an airplane accident than from a terrorist plot involving an airplane

– You are 1048 times more likely to die from a car accident than from a terrorist attack

–You are 404 times more likely to die in a fall than from a terrorist attack

– You are 87 times more likely to drown than die in a terrorist attack

– You are 13 times more likely to die in a railway accident than from a terrorist attack

–You are 12 times more likely to die from accidental suffocation in bed than from a terrorist attack

–You are 9 times more likely to choke to death on your own vomit than die in a terrorist attack

–You are 8 times more likely to be killed by a police officer than by a terrorist

–You are 8 times more likely to die from accidental electrocution than from a terrorist attack

– You are 6 times more likely to die from hot weather than from a terrorist attack

didi, I'm sorry they threw away your husband's pricey cologne. But, if you're aware of these rules, make sure to check anything in your suitcase that you don't need. I almost had to toss away a HUGE bottle of contact solution because I forgot to check it and luckily they were cool about it but if you're not willing to take the risk, make sure to pack it away.

Actually, contact solution falls under medical supplies and is not subject to the 3oz rules. This is per the TSA website. So, basically they were following their own rules, but trying to say that they were "cutting you some slack". But that is really the problem, they make exceptions so there is no real hard and fast rules. If you make an exception at the wrong time or to the wrong person, then are we really secure?

LOL You really think the TSA is keeping you secure? The TSA should be eliminated!

They have no right to search anyone as they are nothing more than ex Mc Donalds workers on power trips.

If you are that scared, stay home!

Yes, but every time a passenger brings a suspicious person to the attention of the flight crew and the flight crew attempts to act on the tip, there's a law suit by the suspected terrorist claiming that his civil rights were violated and that the airline and its other passengers are racists. So, we need an authorized agency to take the heat.

So what, let idiots sue who says they're going to win.

You need an agency that is going to do two things

1. RESPECT PEOPLE

2. QUIT VIOLATING PEOPLES CIVIL RIGHTS, AND COMMITTING LEGALIZED CRIME BY MOLESTING AND SCANNING THEM.

Then maybe you'd have an agency in there that knows how the hell to do their jobs, THE RIGHT WAY WITHOUT HARASSING THE HELL OUT OF PEOPLE.

McJ, you are right that the TSA didn't catch the shoe bomber or the underwear bomber. Gee. Maybe it's because neither of them went thru a TSA checkpoint!!! I believe the underwear bomber boarded the plane in Holland and the shoe bomber in England.

Fear of terrorism is irrational:

– You are 17,600 times more likely to die from heart disease than from a terrorist attack

– You are 12,571 times more likely to die from cancer than from a terrorist attack

– You are 11,000 times more likely to die in an airplane accident than from a terrorist plot involving an airplane

– You are 1048 times more likely to die from a car accident than from a terrorist attack

–You are 404 times more likely to die in a fall than from a terrorist attack

– You are 87 times more likely to drown than die in a terrorist attack

– You are 13 times more likely to die in a railway accident than from a terrorist attack

–You are 12 times more likely to die from accidental suffocation in bed than from a terrorist attack

–You are 9 times more likely to choke to death on your own vomit than die in a terrorist attack

–You are 8 times more likely to be killed by a police officer than by a terrorist

–You are 8 times more likely to die from accidental electrocution than from a terrorist attack

– You are 6 times more likely to die from hot weather than from a terrorist attack

he was scorted on the plane by a us agent...fact! he didnt even have to show id or visa!

You realize, right, that the TSA didn't just arise on its own willpower and take over U.S. airports? WE, as a nation, demanded this protection.

I do. That's the hardest part of it, and your remark is dead on. We are responsible for this. We must take responsibility for this situation now.

Miker we didn't demand this protection. The Freaken Corporations and the freaken politicians did?There was money to be made here.

Nobody asked to be assaulted and Molested, for no real reason.Last I checked that was against the Law.Only the Ass Holes in charge don't know that, they think it's no holds barred

@ Chicago Student,

Actually, this is a continuation of the process that began back in the 60's when some people hijacked airlines to Cuba. The gov't's response was to ban law abiding citizens from carrying firearms on airplanes, and in return, the Fed gave us Air Marshalls to keep us safe.

We know how well that worked

Now law abiding citizens can't even carry on a 4 ounce bottle of shampoo in carry on baggage, and we get patted down or body scanned before we get on the planes.

Let's go back to the days when we could arm and protect ourselves - "We the People" did a much better job of it than the government bureaucrats and functionaries do, and it would be centuries before accidental deaths that might result matched the number that died on 9/11 - under "government protection".

TSA, Homeland Security, and the rest are more than an expensive, and ultimately ineffective sham used to separate you from your basic human and Constitutional rights under the guise of protecting you from "them" - "them" being redefined and updated as necessary to keep you cowed and living in fear.

Amen brother the wild wild west. bring it back!

Miker - weren't we as a nation duped by a certain Presidential individual that we were unpatriotic if we didn't bend to his intrusive wishes?

Miker, only cowards and idiots demanded this 'protection'.

This arguement is exhausting...Im pretty sure I remember right after 9-11 people screaming at our government for not having enough safety at the airports. Then with the shoe bomber again people were outraged they could get that far....so eachtime there is an attempt people complain its not strict enough, then when the threat has been forgotten and turned into a joke of late night then we all complain that the saftey measures we asked for are too stringent. Make up your minds, or have you all forgot that TSA is just American citizens doing a job they were hired to do. Do I go to the car factory and scream at them that the car they are building are polluting the air. If you have a problem then visit the website and make a complaint. Write your congressman...but the next time a plane crashes into a building your family member is in..sit down and shut your mouth because you asked for it. Civil liberties!!! Ha you all make me sick...your liberties are Life Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness! Be happy you live in a country where you can complain about everysingle thing that your government does, that you can blame and curse the leader of your country without the fear of retribution.

HAHAHA, "curse your leader without fear of retribution"? Did you really say that? Please, read up on Valerie Plame. You may want to reconsider.

.

Jenne: You hit the nail on the head. Bunch of Monday morning quarterbacks in here claiming that nobody wanted this, or only cowards and idiots wanted it, or it was foisted on us by some corporation. . . blah, blah, blah.

Ten years ago, anybody who even thought they might be getting on an airplane ever in the future or might be in a building that might be hit by an airplane was screaming for more security. Now they have it. And, as you suggest, if they don't want it or don't like it, they need to contact someone who can do something about it.

Some corrections.

1) People wanted protection from hijacking. They forced the airlines to spend money to harden cockpit doors.

2) No one asked the government to violate the constitution. The TSA strip searches you (no matter how convenient for you to let people see your children naked...which is what pedophiles go to jail for) - which police cannot do unless you are under arrest or a prisoner - or they coerce you into a sexual assault before you can get on a plane.

3) The only 2 airline passenger attempted bombings ON EVERY GLOBAL FLIGHT SINCE 1997 were FAILURES. If you look at the record of airline passengers boarding in the US, it has been over 43 years since an airline passenger tried to set off a bomb. If you are too cowardly to get on a plane - like you tell me - I will tell you that you don't have to fly.

You can get more facts from the INFORMATION KIT at freedomtotravelusa.org . Leave out the www.

@Fight the TSA:

All that about finding bombs may be true, although your opinion about being sexually violated is just that - an opinion. The bottom line, though, is this.

None of the three planes that crashed on 9/11/01 had bombs on them. They WERE bombs - or, actually, manned missiles. They became missiles when they were highjacked by a small number of individuals carrying BOX CUTTERS.

So, all your talk about finding bombs or preventing bombs is off-topic. The American public at large and the flying public specifically demanded that the government and airlines ensure that nobody boarding a commercial scheduled airline flight in the U.S. had access to anything that could be used as a weapon to highjack the airplane.

All the bomb stuff came later - when we actually caught people with materials that they appeared to plan to use to make bombs in-flight. As terrorists adapted to existing security measures, additional security measures were added.

Tell you what, if you get rid of the TSA I will personally kick the $#%t out of anyone who tries to take over a plane with a box cutter. Do you know what a box cutter is? A handle with a cutting blade which is less than an inch long. OOOOh scary. I have a hard time believing that some people could take over a plane with these. I mean; trying this sounds like a good way to get beat up.

I agree with you is ridicules, I think we are going too far, I understand that safety is a big concern, however lets really focus in the real problems and the real criminals and stop humiliating our children and start earning back some dignity. What a shame…… Our government and the TSA fails to properly train their security people and justify their mistake by treated everyone line criminals. What happen to all those billion of dollars spend in security systems and technology…. I guess someone is not doing their job, or spending the monies the taxpayers pay in the right way….

Jenne & Mike, Thanks for being a level head in the mix....When people say children shouldn't be searched because parents would never use their children to smuggle something obviously have never heard of the drug dealers hiding their stash in the 1 month old's diaper when the cops come calling or the woman holding a baby that is actually a suicide bomber out to kill our men & women in combat.

Maybe the reason the TSA have not found any "bombers" is because the potential "bombers" know they are going to be searched and are not flying.

And I say if all this searching prevents another 9-11, I say search away.

Drive an automobile. There will be NO pat-downs, no waiting, and you can blame everything on yourself. Your precious little bundles of joy will not have someone touching them!

@Dav1bg: That's very easy for us to say now. I said it when it came out that all the highjackers had were boxcutters. Thanks for the explanation, but having been a mechanic, storeroom manager, and all-around handyman for well over 30 years I know damn good and well what a boxcutter is.

I also know that prior to 9/11/2001, highjackings virtually always ended in the plane being diverted to some destination specified by the highjackers. There would ensue some negotiations and ultimately the passengers would be released and flown to their original destinations, albeit somewhat late. The planes were not typically (OK - NEVER) flown into buildings, killing everyone on board. So, on 9/11/2001, knowing what was then known, there was really no reason for anyone to attempt to be Billy Baddass the Hero. Now things are different. Which is why we have a TSA and metal detectors and pat-downs and all sorts of things that nobody was thinking about on 9/10/2001.

Fear of terrorism is irrational:

– You are 17,600 times more likely to die from heart disease than from a terrorist attack

– You are 12,571 times more likely to die from cancer than from a terrorist attack

– You are 11,000 times more likely to die in an airplane accident than from a terrorist plot involving an airplane

– You are 1048 times more likely to die from a car accident than from a terrorist attack

–You are 404 times more likely to die in a fall than from a terrorist attack

– You are 87 times more likely to drown than die in a terrorist attack

– You are 13 times more likely to die in a railway accident than from a terrorist attack

–You are 12 times more likely to die from accidental suffocation in bed than from a terrorist attack

–You are 9 times more likely to choke to death on your own vomit than die in a terrorist attack

–You are 8 times more likely to be killed by a police officer than by a terrorist

–You are 8 times more likely to die from accidental electrocution than from a terrorist attack

– You are 6 times more likely to die from hot weather than from a terrorist attack

I'll also add that if you allow your child to be pat down, you are a sick, sick individual, and it would be fitting if your child grows up to despise the miserable coward you are.

Thank Bush and Chaney for the Gestapo TSA.

no the media wanted more security. I saw very few people saying they wanted more. If memory serves me right.

Matt, you are really good at copy and paste. Seems to be our only thing you have to say. Try telling the family and friends of those that died on 9-11 of your statistics, they may have a different view of the chances you say we face.

But in your statistics did you take into account the thousands that died on 9-11. What about the 1st responders who have succumbed to illness since the attacks. You could also add all the family members of the victims and those that lived in NYC and were displaced from their homes and/or jobs afterwards. They are all certainly victims of a terrorist attack.

If you or your children don't want to be searched don't fly or get arrested.

I don't have any need to fly, but if I did I would have no objection to having my children go through a pat-down. The TSA has some similarities with doctors- they're just doing their job to keep people safe and healthy. Do you object when you go to the doctor for a check-up?

And I very much agree with those that said terrorism is so rare BECAUSE we have all the security measures in place. They know they can't get on our planes and kill hundreds or thousands of people again.

Docs go years of training and of course are taught how to do touch a person without it seeming to be fondling. And we give the Docs permission and there are plenty of people that refused to be touched and do not get arrested at the Docs office.

TSA agents represent the goverment and therefore should fall under the bill of rights but homeland security created the TSA in such a way to skirt that though.

Terrorists know that they can insert explosives into body cavities and get on airplanes. They do it in shopping areas in Afghanistan. Are you prepared to subject your little darlings to body cavity searches "just to be safe"?

The TSA is peddling a false sense of safety and most people are buying into that at a whopping cost of $2 billion per year. I think they should take that wasted expense and go get the bad guys and leave American citizens alone.

Actual the TSA has body cavity specialist on hand at the major international airports according to their last budget.............

I've heard too much about body cavity searchs from you. You bring that up constantly as a major point.

It is a major point, if they were truley providing safety and not just a false sense of security they would be through and investigate every angle. Instead they have decided to just go through the motions and make you think you are safe. You are no safer on an airplane than if you were walking down the street unmolested. Those that believe the TSA is providing safety are severely deluded. Keys,pens,pencils and even a rolled up magazine can become a weapon. A cellphone can cause an airplane's navigational equipment to malfunction and crash the plane. All those items are common on airplanes. TSA is a farce, and a very expensive farce.

Buying a ticket gives TSA permission to check you. You can always turn around and go home if you don't want to be touched. And yes, you will be arrested if you go to the doctor's office, refuse to be examined, but still insist on getting a prescription.

A pat-down is a big difference from a cavity search.

So buying a tickect means you give up your bill of rights rights in paticular the 4th one?

And no you will not be arrested if you refuse doc to pat you down. they do not have to pat you down but are allowed to use xray or a MRI before giving a script. Again what you are you going to do when you are required to be patted down before entering another state by car/bus/train? It is coming in the name of safety

A pat-down is a big difference from a cavity search.

That is what I said. A pat down insures nothing. You drank the koolaid. If they were really providing safety, they would provide safety. Instead you bought a $2 billion illusion.

The people who say, "If you don't want to be searched, don't fly" are not only ignorant of their own Constitutional rights, but also ignorant of the fact that TSA is EXPANDING beyond the airport to schools, post offices, banks, and even highway checkpoints.

So change your phrase to, "If you don't want to be searched, don't leave your home."

Does that still work for you, sheep?

Familiarize yourself with the importance of your own rights, and turn off the TV. Fools.

you deserve to lose your rights with a comment like that.

Lighten up Francis.

Those two pieces of CRAP need to be thrown in prison.

These comments show why we will never be able to get rid of the TSA: so long as party politics come into play, we will lack the collective ability needed to change the law.

Very rarely do I take the government's side in one of these rants but has it occurred to those of you so precious that you just can't abide some stranger getting in your face that

• Commercial common carrier air transportation is usually an option of choice; one no one has the right to it. Those who opt for it, well, join the herd.
• If you can't stand this 'intrusion', go Amtrak or Greyhound, rent a plane or drive. This security is at worst an undignified pain in the butt. And up to now, it has done the job.
• It is just as fair to state no one has been caught trying to stow something nefarious on a plane by these precautions simply because the undignified intrusions are well publicized and forced on everyone as it is to rant the TSA people have yet to catch someone.

Fear of terrorism is irrational:

– You are 17,600 times more likely to die from heart disease than from a terrorist attack

– You are 12,571 times more likely to die from cancer than from a terrorist attack

– You are 11,000 times more likely to die in an airplane accident than from a terrorist plot involving an airplane

– You are 1048 times more likely to die from a car accident than from a terrorist attack

–You are 404 times more likely to die in a fall than from a terrorist attack

– You are 87 times more likely to drown than die in a terrorist attack

– You are 13 times more likely to die in a railway accident than from a terrorist attack

–You are 12 times more likely to die from accidental suffocation in bed than from a terrorist attack

–You are 9 times more likely to choke to death on your own vomit than die in a terrorist attack

–You are 8 times more likely to be killed by a police officer than by a terrorist

–You are 8 times more likely to die from accidental electrocution than from a terrorist attack

– You are 6 times more likely to die from hot weather than from a terrorist attack

In order of importance, this is why the TSA exists:

1)To find an excuse to pay a few friends of our ruling elite a lot of money - they now have 'management' positions in the TSA.

2)To makes us feel under attack in order for us to submit to the will of the government.

3)Pat us down and screen our luggage to give us the impression they are doing something to prevent a terrorist attack.

Cameron you watch televison too much.You need to get a hobby.

You're comment is truly beyond hope. Guns and knives are found via the metal detector. Nothing more is needed. As for explosives.....any terrorist can jam one up his bum any time he feels like it and get through all current screening. You are just promoting religious rituals we go through at the airport to make ourselves feel better without doing one God damn thing regarding safety.

Why is that van parked outside your house, Cameron Ford?? Those guys aren't watching birds.....

Cameron,

Your ignorance is sad. We live in a Constitutional Republic meaning the scared majority can not take the rights of the minority.

Quit watching FOX and MSNBC and due some real research.

Good thing Barry is dead, He would be pissed

I thought Obama also said that in 2011.

Every president has said that since war and fear was profitable.

Your odds of getting skin cancer from the body scanners is twice what being in an air based terror attack is (pre-TSA security, too).

More to the point: your cowardice and inability to determine the validity of a threat do not come before my freedoms. If you are too scared, no one is making you fly, you may walk.

Young student

you will probably go in your pants if you ever experience an unpleasant situation on a plane. Someday you might even learn to obey the rules and appreciate the rules to make you safe. I do not understand how you even got into college, and why brag. I am sure my IQ is much higher then yours, and I already have 2 degrees from major universities.

If you do not like it leave this country and go to an Arab country which started all of the problems with flying.

Exactly how many children have been used as suicide bombers in the U.S. again?

Nosferatu

due to the great work by homeland security, none. Now how answer this question how many children have been used in the middle east by the terrorists against Israel and other countries such as Iraq and in Europe. Open your eyes and begin to see the real world.

Ron.....the government can never promise you safety, and nothing the TSA does can detect terrorists who stick things up their bum, which we can assume all will do from now on. You just appreciate a set of religious rituals we go through at the airport because they make you feel safer.

Indeed, if you have any argument to make, make it about the TSA, instead of going on about how we should all just trust you because you are so intelligent. Being smart does not give you a free pass to make a claim without defending it. In fact, you have a greater burden to spell your case out for everyone's benefit.

Ron, ok, exactly how many were used PRIOR to the SS, I mean TSA?

Young student

were you ever in the armed forces, I was during 1969 - 1971 in Vietnam, I know what war is like. The government is here to protect us from the enemies of this country. Join the armed forces protect this country then you might have a reason to complain. You should thank God for people like me and others who were willing to give their life for this great country and we must protect it at any costs. Before 9-11 who many planes were crashed into buildings in this country. Do something before you complain young person.

Ron-2402090

Though we do thank you for your service, but that still doesn't make you immune from defending your claims. You don't have to serve in the military to appreciate the rights we have.

Ron, your comments only show that someone with a laptop, Google and a credit card can buy their way to two college degrees.

To believe that TSA is in charge of my safety when I travel is putting way too much faith in an agency that couldn't find their collective ass with both hands and a road map.

You want security at an airport? Make it a military post and give those trained in counter-terrorism and EOD the authority to ask the right questions.

Gone would be the gratuitous groping of little Jimmy...and we would have a much better chance of actually being safe, instead of merely being cast as extras in Security Theater.

Ricky

the one of the things you forgot is that you must be smart and bright to pass entrance exams. I guess you are jealous that other people went to college while you dropped out of school. I will let you clean my house and have the garbage I discard so you can have something new in your life. You should also be jealous as to the wealth and good life that I created after college. Cry baby.

Aw, Ronny...such hurtful rhetoric from someone so wise as to have fought in Vietnam, attained two degrees from institutions of higher learning, and amassed such wealth and good fortune in their life after college that you would bestow upon me your garbage.

You, sir, are obviously the most important man alive.

I cower in your presence.

Funny, I would think after serving in Vietnam - a war whose soldiers are denigrated even to this day - that you, of all people, would recognize that freedom has a great price to it.

Blindly turning our hard-fought rights and freedoms over to a government agency that promises us security and delivers theatrics is not freedom.

Oh, and one more thing. If you think you're going to impress me with the fact that you fought in a war, erroneously think you're more intelligent than I, and that I'm not wealthy and successful in my life, you're not.

You're just another bellowing wind-bag up here who's too afraid to stand up for your own liberties. God, I hope you weren't a Marine...what a disgrace you've become.

Ricky

I also drink dos eques beer and gray goose. If you were down wind from me I would pass gas so you have have can get some fresh wind. you will never achieve what I have so be jealous. I was in the army drafted and when the call came I went and served my country with pride, not like you who would run away. I cherish my freedom at all costs, and will do whatever it takes to protect this country. I am also a very liberal person, who does not want various rights taken away. There is no right to board an airplane so get it into your small peanut brain that if you do not play by the rules you must suffer the consequence.

baa baa, you are part of the problem. Follow the heard, sheeple

one black sheep

You should learn to spell herd if you are going to use that word. here are some other words that describe you, moron, idiot and a hole.

maybe you would like a guy to pat you down and get your jollies off.

Your bickering makes you seem like children...

Ron,

Perhaps someone that doesn't know how to use capitalization and correct punctuation--yet who claims to be vastly superior in intellect, richer, and an overall more impressive person--shouldn't have the gall to tell someone else to learn how to spell. Just saying.

The fact of the matter is this: there are ways to protect us beyond the measures the TSA has implemented. The next step will be allowing police officers to stop anyone at any time while driving, no matter what town we live in, no matter what we look like, what type of vehicle we drive....or how rich and 'intelligent' we seem to be....under the guise of protecting everyone from drive-by shootings. After all, driving is a privilege and not a right.

And then after that, the next step will be stopping everyone on the street to check them for drugs or weapons, because, after all, we are fighting a war on drugs, and we are losing that one. So why not just make anyone out walking empty his pockets so we can make sure there are no drug dealers walking our sidewalks?

And then after that, we can start allowing police officers to enter our homes at any time to check and make sure no one is smoking, drinking, watching television shows that might degrade our minds, or having any type of fun that could be dangerous?

These things might sound extreme or exaggerated; however, there has to be some line that we will not cross. There are other methods to protect us, and the government did not have to implement these particular methods as the SOLE means of protecting travelers. They could have done something else and been just as, or even more, effective. American citizens are supposed to be 'innocent until PROVEN guilty' and free from certain harrassments by the government. Right or privilege does not matter when there is a fundamental, underlying and previously stated right to freedom from unwarranted search and siezure. Warranted means they have REASONABLE belief that YOU could be committing a crime. Simply walking into an airport does NOT grant them that reasonable belief any more than simply driving down the road grants a police officer a reasonable belief that you are out to commit a drive-by shooting.

But how can you expect individuals that will scream for animals rights, illegal immigrant's rights, and so many other people's rights would understand that the freedom from these invasions is a RIGHT, even if flying is not?

Getting personal? Either security at the airports is a good idea and customers should just grin and bear or its a bad idea and an intrusion. Who knows? How do we find out? Let's pick an airline and drop the TSA scrutiny for that airline. Let it be one big enough that these limousine libertarians can use it to go everywhere, like say, United/Continental. And let's sit back and watch what happens. But those who chose this setup because it makes them free again should understand any plane in their liberty system will get summarily shot down if any issues develop.

Fear of terrorism is irrational:

– You are 17,600 times more likely to die from heart disease than from a terrorist attack

– You are 12,571 times more likely to die from cancer than from a terrorist attack

– You are 11,000 times more likely to die in an airplane accident than from a terrorist plot involving an airplane

– You are 1048 times more likely to die from a car accident than from a terrorist attack

–You are 404 times more likely to die in a fall than from a terrorist attack

– You are 87 times more likely to drown than die in a terrorist attack

– You are 13 times more likely to die in a railway accident than from a terrorist attack

–You are 12 times more likely to die from accidental suffocation in bed than from a terrorist attack

–You are 9 times more likely to choke to death on your own vomit than die in a terrorist attack

–You are 8 times more likely to be killed by a police officer than by a terrorist

–You are 8 times more likely to die from accidental electrocution than from a terrorist attack

– You are 6 times more likely to die from hot weather than from a terrorist attack

Our Constitution Rights are being slowly but surely taken away, and this guy called "Ron 240", claims that he fought for this country. What did you fight for. You are just stepping all over the Constitution by accepting the TSA illegal pat downs, especially on children. Wakeup!

Some terrorists have been known to insert explosives into their anus or tape them under their scrotum. Are you willing to submit your children to cavity searches to board an airplane just to insure the safety of all passengers? That is the next step.

Vaginal and Rectal exams to all before you're cleared to fly!

Roberta...you must be traveling soon and opted for the pre-flight lobotomy.

you first

Any terrorist can stick explosives up his bum and walk through security today. Since we can assume all terrorists can figure out that they can hide things in their rectums, we know the number of attacks with the TSA is the same as without. Nothing the TSA does prevents attacks. Nothing. In fact, because of the 2 in 30 million chance of getting skin cancer from the body scanners, the TSA costs lives.

You are right Student,

If you can stick a dildo up your butt you can stick a piece of explosive up there. I just want to see you light it.

Sounds like you have a beef with the parent/infant part of flight.......but this is about the TSA, not your grudge. Just so you know, you have a 2 in 30 million chance of getting skin cancer every time you go through the body scanners......if you do it every day....well.......

I think I will drive, thank you.

Actually quite the opposite...I play with the kids every chance I get as they are fun...I do high fives with them hand out wings, the whole nine yards...parents even thank me for getting their kids undercontrol sometimes, (why they can't is beyond me). I am just saying that it is traumatic for "SOME" as they have become scared of everything because of mom and dads coddling...so it WOULD be traumatic. There is a difference in the kids being scared or cautious when alone and if mom or dad are right there with them. We also have to consider...it IS the TSA's job to do this....I am sure they are not trying to make it hard on the child. As far as the "molestation" aspect goes, facts show that MOST pedophiles are friends or family members!

"I was just doing my job" never has been, and never will be an acceptable excuse to carry out crimes, least of which is sexual assault. Can you honestly imagine a museum 200 years from now that doesn't vilify the TSA agents? Do you really think the sign will say "Thank God we had these men and women to search us and make sure we were safe; to get us through a difficult time which, by the way, never ended."

Also, you should still think about your own safety regarding the skin cancer.

I am a mother of a 10 year old girl and a 13 year old boy. I am okay with pat downs. What I am not okay with is telling the young children that they are going to touch "private parts" with the back part of the hand. We teach our children that NO MATTER WHAT, you are not ever to be touched there. For them to think its appropriate is a joke. My children fly out at the end of July to visit grandparents. If they even think that they are going to touch my childrens private parts, the TSA guard will leave in handcuffs. Abuse by a person in position of trust. it is not the job of TSA to touch my childs private parts. Its unfortunate, but it's the truth. All these people think it's okay, until its their child. When their daughter is starting puberty maybe then they will understand. Private parts of a child should remain private. TSA needs more class.

There is a difference between a person patting down a 6 year old looking for bombs and other items of concern and a person patting down a 6 year old because they like to feel up little kids.

They will stay away from your child..All you have to do is stay away from an airplane...

How about this Steve.... How about you stay away from my 4th amendment rights?

See... When you go out in public, you assume certain risks... That's life. However, your fear of those risks does not give you the right to infringe on the Constitution.

This IS still a free country.... For now.

They're all on a power trip, and their all Whackos!

Time to throw the GARBAGE OUT!

I agree w/this is NOT working, however, as frustrating as it is terrorist's use children for everything f/drug smuggling to... you name it. I have seen babies used for transporting illegal/hazardour/ explosives by these people, so it doesn't matter what age a person is, they can be used. As far as the government using fear, I agree, the tsa employees needing training, I agree, a lot of them have no common sense, no courtesy etc

If a terrorist wanted to attack us - we thru homland security - created targets nationwide at airports check points ( the lines waiting to get your junk checked). keeping this one fact in mind....where is the threat?