Obviously, I have deeper issues with the TSA and the "security industry" than the fact it is inefficient and doesn't work. All taxation is theft, even if it does what it is supposed to do, and the only security that has ever worked or ever will is a fully-armed population that is willing to kill attackers.
With all that said, here's the "infographic":
Created by: OnlineCriminalJusticeDegree.com
I just read today that TSA has accumulated over $400,000 in loose change and "found" articles left in the trays after they bully and rush people through their lines. They are allowed by law to plow this money back into their operation to buy more equipment, etc.
ReplyDeleteI was actually surprised that the total isn't much higher.
They "lost" a pair of expensive sunglasses for me, and I had to spend almost an hour talking to various officials and filling out paperwork before my glasses mysteriously appeared again. No apology of course - cops/bullies never admit they make mistakes.
I once found I had a small pocketknife (actually a switchblade) in my bag, that had traveled in both directions without ever being detected. Mmm boy do I feel safer knowing the TSA is protecting me.
ReplyDeleteI have wondered, what would happen if I took my polymer pistol apart and buried the slide in my bag, or carried it in a side pocket, oriented in such a way as to present only a 1-square-inch profile to the x-ray machine/scanner...
You bet I'm posting anonymously. The thugs probably already know my IP address anyway.
About a year before the birth (or whatever) of the TSA I flew across the country and later discovered a .22 cartridge in a pocket. And the airport "security" pinheads had been very worried over a clearly fake "bullet" on my keys. And the tiny dagger hanging around my neck.
ReplyDeleteThe TSA "officers" have kinda of a scam going at airports flying to and from Alaska, Canada, and other places with lotsa bears. Those $40-$70 dollar bear repellents sprays that everyone carries out on the trail can't be carried as checked luggage and you can't mail or ship them home from the airport easily either. So large numbers of them get dumped into the trash or are "surrendered" to the TSA types who then resell them.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good opportunity for an anonymous tip about an organized crime ring selling stolen property.
ReplyDeleteI had the same experience with a very obviously 'replica' bullet on my key chain some time before 9/11. I recall that as one of the most ridiculous conversations that I've ever had. The truly funny thing was, I'd forgotten to take the pocket knife I always carry out....I noticed it when I got to my destination.
ReplyDeleteI also once flew with an (empty) 30 rd. mag. for an AK-this was back during the assault weapons ban, I'd bought a hefty supply of mags pre-ban and was selling them(this was totally legal, btw)at gun shows. Long story short, I forgot to check all the pockets of my bag before I flew, and then heard a thump when I got to my hotel.
It was exciting coming back when I knew it was there....though not the MOST exciting thing I've taken through airport security ;)
I flew fairly frequently before 9/11-a couple of times a year anyway-since the TSA has come about, I refuse to deal with it. I drive or just don't go.
I checked my bag on the way out. On the way back I carried on. I forgot I had a double-edge safety razor in it. They said that since it was a safety razor, the razor blade can be taken out and used. So they stole the blade, but luckily (and sadly surprisingly) they let me keep the razor.
ReplyDeleteI guess the mamoth size of the blade meant I could have taken over a plane? Oh and it was 1 blade, not a bunch. If I can take over a plane with that, shouldn't those completely overpriced razors (Mach3, whatever) also be "confiscated")?
"Someone I know" used to have to go to the airport and pick up freight pretty often. To do so he walked around the security scanners and went to the planes. Always armed.
ReplyDelete