We flew back from Charlotte on the 27th and I could have posted in detail the results of the TSA’s increased security measures. If so, would I have some hack, douchebag, rent-a-cop from the TSA knocking on my door?
I would’ve if I’d been a travel-blogger given the less-than-secret memo and then posted it.
“They came to the door and immediately were asking, ‘Who gave you this document?, Why did you publish the document?’ and ‘I don’t think you know how much trouble you’re in.’ It was very much a hardball tactic,” [Frischling] says.
Frischling would later say that the TSA agents were polite and professional and he understood that they had a job to do. So, I imagine, were the agents of the SS. I would have no more given those swine any cooperation then I could fly to the moon.
The directive was not a classified document. It was sent in the clear to literally thousands of people outside of government. To make this a cause to punish a leaker is ludicrous and points to the real reason…the TSA (and others) fucked up, it’s ultimate leader (Janet Incompitano) fucked up on the issue and on national television and The Anointed One played several rounds of golf before deciding to weigh in and assuage the nation’s fears.
Let’s review this: after a serious incident the TSA ramps up inspections at airports. Rampant speculation and confusion descends on the traveling community and two professional travel writers post a non-classified directive to clarify for thier readership what they can expect. For that the Sicherheitsdienst TSA comes down on them like agents of Herr Himler and .
And yes, the Nazi comparison is deliberate. I am a former officer of the United States Army and was involved in security matters…I know the impact and punishments for revealing classified information. None of the reaction of the TSA is appropriate for a non-classified document.
It is consistent with an agency that is out of control and is using it’s officers to intimidate those who disagree or call to light any perceived failings of that organization. And that rot spreads all the way to the top.
I could tell you in detail what these new measures are…I went through them. My three year old son was patted down. I have no grief with that part of the increased security protocols. My problem is sending goons to a journalist’s house. My problem is the amount of time and manpower spent harassing these men.
My problem is that Janet Incompitano and her band of thugs are doing the above while al-Qaeda is sending spies through our screening process to look for weaknesses. (Have no dounbt that they have already done so).My problem is that as an agency they are sending out subpoena duces tecum (bring it or be punished) with no court oversight under provisions of the Patriot Act.
I have been ambivalent about The Patriot Act until now. That thing should be ended since it allows thugs from the TSA…no matter how nice…to threaten legitimate journalists over unclassified matters.