AP: Government wants private companies to find terrorists at airports

[rumpel]

By LESLIE MILLER Associated Press Writer

(AP) - WASHINGTON-Airline passengers who buy a preapproved security pass could have their credit histories and property records examined as part of the U.S. government's plan to turn over the Registered Traveler program to private companies, federal officials say.

The Registered Traveler card would let frequent fliers go through airport security lines more quickly if they pay a fee, pass a government background check and submit 10 fingerprints, according to a federal official familiar with the program's details, which were being announced Friday. The program will begin June 20.


Transportation Security Administration chief Kip Hawley has said the program's benefits could include passengers' not having to take their shoes or coats off or removing their laptops from their cases.

The program is intended to let frequent air passengers avoid delays and to free up security screeners to focus on other travelers.

The TSA already has tested Registered Traveler at five airports beginning in the summer of 2004 through September 2005. Now it wants private companies to run the program, which was popular with frequent travelers.

http://news.corporate.findlaw.com/ap/o/51/01-20-2006/baa40019faf9a405.html

[Rex]

1. So it will be an extra fee (new, worthless commodity)

To get to the head of the line you have to pay extra, how original. :eyes: Just more 'crap capitalism' IMO. Probably the same think tank who thought up junk bonds and credit cards. Ugh.

[LSparkle]

2. One step toward having to be a "Party member" in order to work, etc.

Two-tier society -- one for the "Registered Travelers" (and their ilk) and one for the Great Unwashed (rest of us). This is scaring me more and more by the day.

[WhiteTara]

4. that thought mkes me shudder! n/t

[HuffleClaw]

10. exactly my thought

scary stuff.

[KakistocracyHater]

3. they'll use the very attractive lure of avoiding long lines

to get people under the thumb of a privately owned company that isn't regulated. That ought to set off alarm bells. Unwatched, unregulated, people in power tend to become tyrants.

[NVMojo]

5. fucking great. I will do whatever I can to not fly whenever possible.

fucking asshats.

[Tempest]

6. Wasn't it private companies who let the 9/11 hijackers board the planes?

And Bush wants to go back to that?

[StrafingMoose]

8. Shhh..

He needs some "fuel" to go in Iran you know...

:eyes:

[liveoaktx]

7. VIDEO-Cafferty File on this

With email comments

[henslee]

9. Remember George Carlin did a bit on Class Clown lp...about playing

spy when visiting the airport "There is a spy in the airport... your mission... find him.


















"

[peacebuzzard]

11. Credit check? Crew members will be in the long line

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/12/30/business/main1172258.shtml

[pinniped]

12. Providing a DNA sample will be next.

I got their DNA sample right here.