TSA Saw My Junk, Missed Razor Blades, Says Adam Savage 609
An anonymous reader writes "The TSA isn't the most respected of governmental agencies right now, but at least it comes by the poor reputation honestly. The lack of standards, inconsistent application of searches and policies, and occasional rude agent all combine to make flying an unpleasant experience. It's often derided as 'security theater,' which describes the experience of Mythbuster Adam Savage before a recent flight. Savage was put through the full-body scanner, and while he joked that it made his penis feel small, no one seemed to notice the items he was carrying on his person. The video tells the rest of the story."
Re:Question (Score:4, Informative)
Wasn't too recent - May. (Score:5, Informative)
It was at w00tstock in Seattle. That was in May.
winning the war on toursim (Score:3, Informative)
Re:The "enhanced" procedures are useless (Score:3, Informative)
straitjackets for all passengers.
Uhhh??? Why is no one noticing (Score:2, Informative)
Why is no one noticing that this video and a lot of sources being reported in the news are previous events that happened 6+ months ago????
Re:TSA Security Theater (Score:3, Informative)
I flew on an international flight and transfered in LA to go to PDX. When I got home, I opened up my carry on bag and found a box cutter sitting in the front pouch. So much for security.
TSA - A Good Idea (At First) (Score:3, Informative)
Replacing hourly wage untrained rent-a-cops at security checkpoints, with employed professionals with actual management, was a good idea. Before 9/11 airport security was designed to be cheap and not impede the paying passengers. Having training, standards, etc. was a real step up.
Then things began going horribly, horribly wrong.
It is fundamentally impossible to keep every conceivable bomb or potential "weapon" off every plane. There are already gaping security holes (unscreened cargo from abroad, all those goods brought in for sale at the little airport shops, etc., etc.) that are completely unaddressed. Body cavity bombs have already been used and the naked videos and grope sessions won't detect them.
We need someone with some sense running this show. Instead we have Michael Cherthoff.
Did you see this story from the beginning of the year: http://www.infowars.com/chertoff-linked-to-body-scanner-manufacturer/ [infowars.com] ? Cherthoff, while serving as a key government official, also runs a private consulting company one of whose clients is - the body scanner manufacturer.
Again we see the government being used as a means to stuff the pockets of well-connected, while your tax sollars are sued to physically abuse you for no benefit.
Re:And let's just clarify a few things. (Score:5, Informative)
Air marshal leaves plane after dropping bullets [msn.com]
Passenger Finds Loaded Ammunition Clip on Southwest Flight [theblaze.com]
US air marshal leaves gun in airport restroom [smh.com.au]
Air Marshal Causes International Incident [cbsnews.com]
Air Marshal Accused of Rape at Gunpoint [cbsnews.com]
Marshals Fight Battle in Air and on Ground [cbsnews.com]
From that last article:
"How would you describe the management in the air marshal service?" CBS News chief investigative correspondent Armen Keteyian asked a current air marshal.
"Sexist, racist, homophobic, anti-disabled vet group, grossly incompetent," said the marshal, whose identity was concealed. "That's the general consensus among air marshals."
Nearly two dozen current or former marshals have told CBS News the agency is dominated by an "old boys club" of white, male supervisors -- mainly ex-secret service agents who, they allege, routinely discriminate, intimidate and retaliate against employees who question their actions or authority.
"This behavior has just spread like a cancer and it's out of control," the marshal said.
Well
Re:The "enhanced" procedures are useless (Score:3, Informative)
It was 2002. In that case, a lone gunman tried to shoot up the El Al ticket line, killing two and wounding four more, but was himself shot dead by El Al security.
Re:TSA Security Theater (Score:5, Informative)
Re:The "enhanced" procedures are useless (Score:5, Informative)
The idea behind a TSA isn't bad, its the execution and the continiously expanding sphere of influence that is.
Re:TSA Security Theater (Score:3, Informative)
Re:TSA Security Theater (Score:3, Informative)
I once had a pair of tweezers confiscated from me for a domestic flight.
Passed through security, walked into the airport newsagency, and was able to buy a new pair within 5 minutes.
Re:TSA Security Theater (Score:3, Informative)
The scanner only detects (sharp) edges.
Adam had his blades in a round container, you can put anything in round non-metallic containers and the scanner won't see it.
Re:TSA Security Theater (Score:3, Informative)
Re:The "enhanced" procedures are useless (Score:3, Informative)
Re:A 1960's chemistry book is more dangerous (Score:3, Informative)