Pilot Refuses Full Body Scan, Says He's Fighting for Rights

[sabra]

Source: ABC News

Michael Roberts Could Lose Job for Refusing to Go Through Scan, Pat Down: 'It's an Outrage'

The pilot who stands to lose his job for refusing to submit to an airport full body scan said today that the scanners and full body pat-downs infringe on his rights and amount to "multiple layers of absurdity."

"It's an outrage. The Fourth Amendment is there for a reason," Michael Roberts, 35, told "Good Morning America," referring to the Constitution's amendment which protects Americans against "unreasonable searches and seizures." "It's not dispensable for the sake of security, just to make us feel better or that something's being done."


Every week for four and a half years, Roberts walked through the same security checkpoint at Memphis International Airport to fly for ExpressJet Airline. But when the airport replaced the metal detector with a full body scanner and Roberts was asked to walk through it last week, he refused. He also refused the alternative full-body pat down.

In response, the Transportation Security Administration refused to let him fly.

"Security is not optional," the TSA said in a statement. "TSA's responsibility is to keep the traveling public safe and we use a variety of security techniques to carry out this mission, including advanced imaging technology and pat downs. Crew members have access to sensitive areas of both airports and airplanes, making it necessary for all crew members to be subject to multiple layers of security. Anyone who refuses screening simply cannot be allowed to fly."

...

"I'm doing this for my children," Roberts said. "I'm concerned about the world that they're going to grow up in. I think that's more important than my job."

Read more: http://abcnews.go.com/US/pilot-refuses-full-body-scan-sees-rights-violation/story?id=11942279&page=2

[zipplewrath]

1. Did they check for the Axe that's in his cockpit?

I feel for the guy. It isn't particularly clear what they are looking for in the pilots. I'm not sure even THEY (the TSA0 know. Pilots can be certified to bring aboard guns, and there is an axe in cockpits of commercial aircraft. But they need to do a full body scan first? Looking for what?

[Boudica the Lyoness]

8. That is one hell of a good point

I don't blame him at all. If all the pilots and passengers refused a body scan they would be stopped.

[Javaman]

43. Axe Shmaxe, they want to find box cutters!

it has become theater of the absurd.

[FiveGoodMen]

72. and shampoo

[Javaman]

105. Yes! we must not forget the shampoo of death.

[madokie]

55. Make sure they don't have

a hardon or something :-)

[dflprincess]

84. Excellent point

A friend who works for an airline told us about a pilot who got caught at security with a nail clipper in his pocket (yes, he forgot). The guy was on duty, in uniform with his airline id. I guess the nearly minimum wage TSA employee was a real ass about it. And, as my friend said, did they really think he'd use a nail clipper when he has access to the crash axe?

[Hawkowl]

152. He doesn't need an axe

A pilot doesn't need an axe or any other weapon to take an airplane down in a matter of seconds. And there is no way to stop it.

As an airline pilot I applaud his behavior. It is absolutely infuriating to put up with the TSA bullshit.

[Jim__]

2. Good for him!

We really shouldn't submit to every indignity the government imposes on us because someone tells us "its the law."

[rsmith6621]

3. My Thoughts........

......Make TSA have to do a full body pat-down the next time you travel.....slow them down and overwhelm them to make a point...

[pokercat999]

127. Better yet, don't fly. Take a train if possible or drive. nt

[greiner3]

4. Michael Roberts;

Why do you hate the US? Just another terrorist in my opinion.

Funny thing is the TSA will probably put him on the 'no-fly list.'

[felix_numinous]

5. Full body scanning is ridiculous overkill

I expect them to find more drugs than weapons. This is a massive invasion of privacy and I hope more people opt out to be patted down while flying.

[davidinalameda]

6. if he doesn't like the rules

he can find another job

[L.Torsalo]

9. I assume you see

that you are a part of the problem? Don't you? Think about it. He can find another job, except as a pilot. He is fighting to protect American civil liberties and you use the old capitalist saw to cut him down. He is right. You are wrong.

[avaistheone1]

12. Just a minute.

I would like to remind you of your byline: "Having the right to do something doesn't mean it's the right thing to do."

Think about it - just because TSA thinks they have a right to essentially strip search people doesn't mean it is the right thing to do. TSA and their rules do not trump the 4th Amendment.

[davidinalameda]

50. actually it is a good thing to do

with all the nutcases and terrorist wannabes running around, I believe that increased security is needed at airports

as I said-if he doesn't want to follow the rules in place, then he should look for another job

[Name removed]

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[Name removed]

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[uncle ray]

64. ah, yes, increased security would be great.

too bad that never really happens.

what's really sad is that it's not actual terrorists that have you cowering in fear, it's the wannabes.

[Name removed]

68. Deleted message

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[Name removed]

77. Deleted message

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[tomp]

85. such a considered opinion. catching all the subtleties of the issue. nt

[ixion]

97. Those who would trade liberty for security deserve neither.

And you, sir, are one of those people.

[Dr.Phool]

107. It works!

Not one single airline captain has hijacked or blown up his airplane since this policy was implemented!

There's rules and there's workplace harassment.

The pilots should go all France on them, and tell them to stick their scanners someplace the scanners can't see.

[GoneOffShore]

125. I'm sorry but you're wrong.

We don't have "extra security" at airports - we have the TSA, which is indulging in "mission creep" every day that it exists. And the TSA provides security theatre for the Ma & Pa Kettles and Gomers who fly once a year to Disneyland or Bransom.

The biggest thing that has happened to cut the risk of terrorists hitting airplanes is passenger awareness and reinforced cockpit doors.

And air marshals - there's a big joke.

Pretty soon they'll be doing searches at bus stations. They already do spot searches at train stations.

If you want to defend the TSA, try going over to FlyerTalk and see where that gets you.

"I'm not a zek being transported to the gulag. I'm an American trying to travel in my own country."

[Javaman]

45. Sacrificing a little liberty for a little security, gets you neither.

or haven't you ever read the 4th amendment?

Sad to see such a long time DU'er such as yourself, forget our basic rights.

[RobinA]

58. It's Not Even That

Security isn't even the issue, since it's the pilot. Guy wants to crash the plane he can crash the plane. He certainly doesn't need anything that could be found on a body scan. Remember Egypt Air guy?

[GoneOffShore]

129. And there you have the answer.

[davidinalameda]

83. he doesn't have the right to pick and chose which rules he follows

anyway, I'd argue that this does not fall under the 4th amendment protections

from my understanding of the issue at hand, the pilot objected to the pat downs as well


The 35-year-old says he has an issue with the security procedure because he doesn't want to be 'harassed or molested without cause'.

Speaking to The Commercial Appeal newspaper Roberts said: 'I just kind of had to ask myself, 'Where do I stand?' I'm just not comfortable being physically manhandled by a federal agent every time I go to work'.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1322261/Pilot-walks-job-refusing-body-X-ray-scanner-airport.html?ITO=1490#ixzz1394JGDZo

sounds more like a spoiled child than some sort of civil rights protester

[Javaman]

104. Like I said, reread the 4th amendment. nt

[davidinalameda]

140. the point that people are missing

is that no one has the "right" to fly

no one has the right to employment either

as much as it sucks, his employer has the right to to demand that he pass through security and the airport, as the landlord of the employer, has the right to set rules and regulations for airport that its tenants must follow

if the employer doesn't like it, they're free to move to another airport with less stringent security measures

[Javaman]

147. I guess you don't have your own copy of the 4th Amendment, here you go...

Amendment 4 - Search and Seizure. Ratified 12/15/1791.

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

Seems pretty clear to me.

[20score]

118. Ashcroft? Is that you?

Do you have a line which you will not cross? Would a strip and cavity search be okay with you, too?

Seriously, please answer that.

[suede1]

143. +1,000

[suede1]

144. Duplicate. Oops.

[RetroLounge]

120. "sounds more like a spoiled child than some sort of civil rights protester"

a little projection, i would think, on your part.

RL

[davidinalameda]

139. personal attacks are so unattractive

[RetroLounge]

146. There's that mirror again.

:rofl:

RL

[ProudDad]

153. The 4th AMENDMENT SAYS he shouldn't have to follow that rule

of course, in the permanent war economy in the national security state of the Corporate States of Amerika...The Constitution isn't worth the hemp paper it was written on... :nuke:

You, my friend, and your attitude are a BIG part of the problem... :eyes:

I MUST reiterate since you so obviously need the lesson; as Franklin said, "They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety."

[TheWatcher]

47. "I like being a doe-eyed go-along. If you don't have anything to hide nothing hwy worrry about it?"

"I don't want the bogeyman to get me so I will gladly bend over and lick the boots of anyone and anything in the name of "keeping me safe."

"Rules are Rules so we must obey then and they are for our own good no matter how draconian they are, because men in caves want to kill us."

Pathetic.

[krabigirl]

81. wow...

[SammyWinstonJack]

114. No kidding.

:wow:

[texastoast]

87. Have round heels much?

The guv loves it.

This guy is standing up to fight something that has gone too far. People buying into the fear and exhibiting the willingness to allow their rights to be stripped are just exactly what the corporatists want.

This guy doesn't want to lay down easy. Good for him. I hope he makes a lot of progress to get sanity and balance back in the picture.

[Prometheus Bound]

106. Or try to get the silly rules changed.

Which he is doing.

[skepticscott]

126. The "rules" are idiotic

and are only for show. They have nothing whatsoever to do with keeping us safe. Do you think that a guy at the controls of the plane needs a pocket knife to cause a problem? And what about all of the people who maintain the planes, deliver the food, etc? They don't have to undergo what the pilots do...and why not? Because it isn;t visible and there is no need to make it part of the security theater.

[FormerOstrich]

161. Bingo!

I so agree with you.

TSA makes you remove your "shoes" even if they have no sole or heel such as my moccasins or flat sandals. Why does that make sense?

It is all show.

[PavePusher]

131. Or take a measured stand for freedom and liberty.

Some of us are Citizens. Some of us are Serfs.

Which group do you chose to be in?

[laureloak]

7. Many waiting in line to take his job. He knew the rules when

he took the job. Besides, what's he trying to hide?

[L.Torsalo]

10. Innocent people have plenty to hide.

It's known as PRIVACY. Is this forum filling with troglodytes?

[hlthe2b]

13. the answer to your question is undoubtedly...

yes.

[clixtox]

94. Tragically true!

The people in the USA have been dumbed down so far that they can not even ascertain the issues involved in this hero pilot's refusal to kowtow to totalitarian regulations that contravene our formerly sacred Constitution.

That this manufactured ignorance is expressed so often, without embarrassment, here on DU is quite disconcerting.

If this subservient attitude reflects the "liberal", or progressive" mentality, then they are among the "sheeple" whose mindset has been captured by the repressive elements currently controlling our country.

So sad...

[BuelahWitch]

98. And it's being indoctrinated in them early that they must comply

Thus the Playmobil Security checkpoint toy...

[stray cat]

16. So we should all have the privacy to carry guns? After all if it is illegal to look

[hlthe2b]

34. straw man arguments are disruptive...

You are showing yourself.

[PavePusher]

132. Why not?

Protected by at least four Constitutional Amendments.

What would be bad about it?

[hlthe2b]

11. I see we have a couple of RW talking point spewers on this thread...

:eyes:

Yeah, who needs civil rights. Just don't do anything that those invasive searches might turn up. And, when they go for the mandatory body cavity searches, well, you have nothing to hide, right, so just "take it." :eyes:

[stray cat]

17. Do I have a civil right to carry guns and explosives onto a plane if I don't intend to use them?

[avaistheone1]

24. Full body scanners are not effective, and are an invasion of privacy rights.

Can the damn full body scanners.

[frylock]

27. you have a civil right to use your fucking brain..

exercise it.

[Iowa]

61. +1... The idiocy being displayed by a couple on this thread is just staggering.

[Winston Wolf]

91. I'm Going To Have To...

...use that line myself. Thank you for making my day.

"You have a civil right to use your fucking brain - exercise it."

Beautifully succinct, and brutally eloquent.

[hlthe2b]

33. Metal detectors in place for years... as well as as x-ray & inspection.

You are changing the subject from full body scanners. No one is arguing against security checks. Argue ethically, kindly. Straw man arguments are so disingenuous so as to make me wonder what your motives might really be.

[Ginto]

46. Why are those methods not an invasion of privacy?

I think any exposure to unwarranted radiation is an invasion of privacy.

[hlthe2b]

67. Your baggage is the one x-rayed.

But with the full body scanners, it is YOU who gets the dose, along with the heckles of childish TSA agents seeing every detail of your body.

[Ginto]

69. How do you think metal detectors work? What about the wands they pass close to your body? nt

[hlthe2b]

70. Low-frequency electormagnetic fields

Expert Answers
Wendy Wilcox, ob-gyn

In airports, passengers walk through metal detectors, which use a low-frequency electromagnetic field to look for weapons. Anything that generates or uses electricity, such as power lines and household appliances, produces an electromagnetic field. At the low levels a metal detector emits, this exposure is considered safe for everyone, including pregnant women. (The same holds true for the wands that security personnel sometimes pass over individual passengers.)

Many people mistakenly think these metal detectors take X-rays — they don't. Luggage X-ray machines do, however. They emit the same kind of radiation as a dental X-ray and are used only on your bags and other inanimate objects going on the plane. You would have to place your hand through the curtain of a luggage screening machine while the X-ray light was on to be exposed to significant levels of radiation.

[Ginto]

71. Some call it electromagnetic radiation. nt

[hlthe2b]

73. X-rays are ionizing radiation... quite different

Ionizing Radiations

"Ionizing radiations are extremely high frequency electromagnetic waves (X-rays and gamma rays), which have enough photon energy to produce ionization (create positive and negative electrically charged atoms or parts of molecules) by breaking the atomic bonds that hold molecules in cells together."

World Health Organization: Electromagnetic Fields and Public Health

Non-Ionizing Radiations (NIR)

"Non-ionizing radiations (NIR)is a general term for that part of the electromagnetic spectrum which has photon energies too weak to break atomic bonds. They include

· ultraviolet (UV) radiation,

· visible light,

· infrared radiation,

· radiofrequency and

· microwave fields,

· extremely low frequency (ELF) fields, as well as

· static electric and magnetic fields.

Even high intensity NIR cannot cause ionization in a biological system. NIR, however, have been shown to produce other biological effects, for instance, by

· heating,

· altering chemical reactions or

· inducing electrical currents in tissues and cells."

World Health Organization: Electromagnetic Fields and Public Health

[Ginto]

74. I still don't want any unnecessary amount near my body.

That should be a given.

[hlthe2b]

75. If you are worried about EMF radiation, better toss the cell phone,

the microwave, tv, and all electrical applicances. Welcome to the 1800s... (oh, and that oil in the oil lamps, may be carcinogenic). Just sayin. It is quite different.

Having said that, the jury is out on the body scanners-- i.e., it is not totally clear that these body scanners may not be more harmful. Yet another reason, I believe their being thrust on us is just plain wrong.

[PavePusher]

134. Also, better not fly altogether.

Do you know how much additional radiation you are exposed to when you fly?

Look. It. Up.

[ProudDad]

154. And turn off the alternating current in your house

Another major source of "EMF radiation"

You could just go live in a cave and cook over a campfire...

[dflprincess]

86. What amused me (in a dark kind of way) was a report I heard on the body scanners

on the news a few months ago.

The report said the scanners are safe but "pregnant women are cautioned to avoid them".

As my dentist's office reminds me before they ask permission to take annual x-rays "the best radiation is no radiation".

[Ikonoklast]

113. A bigger straw man is still a straw man.

Keep shilling for the authoritarians, though, it makes you look foolish.

[PavePusher]

133. Why not?

The explosives would require a lot of Haz-Mat paperwork, special packaging and properly trained personnel, but hey, it's your money/expense.

[frylock]

25. this one here embraces every right-wing authoritarian talking point out there..

and that's the problem with the "big tent" mentality.

[avaistheone1]

31. [phone]

My sentiments on the big tent, exactly. : )

[readmoreoften]

95. +1

Fuck the big tent. We've let in the other side to the extent that the creators of the tent are leaving the tent.

[pokercat999]

128. Now THAT I object to. We have got to be able to withstand

the wrongheaded arguments of the misguided....or we should only read the Brothers Grimm and The Washington Times.

[Ter]

54. I thought the RW opposed these x-ray search laws

n/t

[hlthe2b]

66. Libertarians do... The Freeper types are gungho on the "SCARY"

intiatives....

[KansDem]

26. What are YOU trying to hide?

Consider this phrase from the article:

Every week for four and a half years, Roberts walked through the same security checkpoint at Memphis International Airport to fly for ExpressJet Airline. But when the airport replaced the metal detector with a full body scanner and Roberts was asked to walk through it last week, he refused. He also refused the alternative full-body pat down.

He walked through security for over four years. He didn't object. Now they want to photography his nakedness. He objects.

He "took the job" and knew the rules. They changed the rules. He thinks it violates his right to privacy.

You got a problem with that?

[laureloak]

36. Yes I have a problem. He can follow the rules or find another

employer.

[KansDem]

38. Yeah?

Let's say you walk through your employer's entrance for over four years. He watches you each time. You don't object.

Then he decides to enact a policy to feel you up each time you come to work. You're okay with that?

Oh, yeah...you can find another employer...:eyes:

[laureloak]

49. Rules change. And the employer makes the rules.

[KansDem]

51. All about "rules" and not about "rights."

Your corporate overlords would be proud of you.

on edit: And you didn't answer my question...

[Dr.Phool]

108. Baaaaa Baaaaaa

Must obey the master.

[Downwinder]

110. Everyone line up here. You will be transported to a relocation camp.

There you will be safe.

[RetroLounge]

122. and you're a fucking sheep

:puke:

RL

[GoneOffShore]

130. it's not the employer that's "making the rules" in this case.

It's the TSA.

[PavePusher]

135. Actually, isn't it the government changing the rules?

The airlines don't run the TSA, last I knew...

[Iowa]

63. How did this anti-labor, anti-civil-liberties, authoritarian-loving poster reach 1000 posts?

When I read the posts, I assumed it was a troll until I saw the 1000 posts. As someone up-thread pointed out, this is the problem with the "big-tent" mentality. You end up with your enemies living in your tent.

[BuelahWitch]

99. You can go to the Lounge and build post count pretty quickly

I don't know if that's the case, just one possibility.

[Dr.Phool]

109. And we wonder how easy it is for fascists to take over a Democracy.

Willing slaves.

[TheWatcher]

78. Another weak, soft, jellyfish fellates the Police State and tells us how it's so good and we should

lick-Boots and go along.

You people are pathetic.

When did we become such a cowardly nation willing to give up everything in the name of safety from bogeymen?

What a disgrace.

[Dr.Phool]

117. Let's hear a rousing chorus of "God Save The Queen"!!!

Because if some of the people here were around in the 1700's, we'd still be singing it. They were called Tories back then.

It's Democrats like these, that give the rest of us a bad name.

[Bragi]

164. Good question: "When did we become such a cowardly nation"

I wonder if it happened before our jobs were shipped overseas and our savings were ravished by the recession? Or was it after they foreclosed our homes, stole our pensions, and cut any remaining public services?

It's so hard to remember when it happened, but one thing I know for sure: unlike the French, you'll not find many on this side of the pond with the dignity to take to the streets as one, just to tell the government to fuck off.

More likely you'll find us alone in our pitiful basements, watching TV and wondering if the reason things are going so bad is because we just aren't smart enough, we don't work hard enough, and we don't suck up enough to the bosses.

[snort]

111. Ugh

[ProudDad]

155. Spoken like a true tool of the capitalist mentality

You are well programmed.

Congratulations... :eyes:

[Ter]

53. How do you know he knew the rules?

The policy has only been in effect the past year or two.

[RobinA]

60. He Doesn't Need

to hide anything. He's the pilot. The man with his hands and feet on the controls. It's a completely absurd invasion of his privacy. There's no over-riding public interest here.

[Frank Cannon]

100. Snacking on lead paint chips again? He's the pilot, for crying out loud.

It's not like he has to strap explosives to his chest to bring the plane down.

[JackInGreen]

116. We don't feed trolls here

go away.

[Gormy Cuss]

14. Why aren't more people objecting?

That's the part that scares me. We've turned into a country of scared lemmings.

[frylock]

28. because 911 exposed a whole lot of cowardice within our society

[SammyWinstonJack]

115. +1

"Land of the Free...Home of the Brave" :silly:

[TheWatcher]

79. We've become a nation of cowardly jelly fish interested only in false comfort and safety.

We no longer seem to give a damn about being free, the preservation of our rights, or anything that our country was founded on.

We are LOST.

Not only do we have Criminals running everything, we can't bend over backwards far or fast enough to give them everything they want, and cheer them on while they are looting, robbing, stealing, and destroying the country.

It's breathtaking.

[SkyDaddy7]

15. Why do they even bother searching pilots?

Seriously they are flying the damn plane & many of them carry firearms so I must be missing something.

[stray cat]

18. Are gun detectors at abortion clinics or schools or court houses unconstitutional

[ProdigalJunkMail]

21. pilots can carry guns...and on commercial planes

i am pretty sure there is an axe in the cockpit...why bother searching them at all???

sP

[avaistheone1]

23. Full body scanners aren't there, are they?

[frylock]

29. can gun detectors take pictures of your junk?

keep trying.

[Ginto]

48. The pictures are not the issue. The effects of radiation on your body is. nt

[tblue37]

41. He is NOT refusing to be screened--metal detectors would

spot a gun on his person; X-ray machines would spot one in his carry-on. He is objecting to the full-body scan, not to being screened.He has willing allowed himself to be screened by security for 4 years. THAT IS NOT WHAT IS AT ISSUE HERE.

[Heywood J]

82. We're not talking about metal detectors.

We're talking about strip searching or manhandling. Would you consent to having someone paw at your body or see you nude before you were allowed in the school, courthouse, or clinic?

The constitutional question is whether every person (regardless of probable cause) has to be strip searched or manhandled in order to leave/enter the continent.

[ProudDad]

156. No

it's NOT an example of "unreasonable search and seizure".

Intrusive and potentially dangerous radiation that essentially renders the subject naked is unreasonable and unnecessary...And this case may make the point clear once it reaches the federal courts... I sincerely hope so.

Just because the Empire does it doesn't make it "right"...

[harvey007]

19. Glad he stood up for his rights and ours

Only sheeple submit to airport body scanners.

Learn more about body scanners and your legal rights by listening to Alex Jones, or by reading the EPIC report and lawsuit, or by consulting your ACLU chapter:

http://www.infowars.com/listen.html
http://www.aclu.org/technology-and-liberty/body-scanners
http://epic.org/privacy/airtravel/backscatter/

[ProdigalJunkMail]

20. i make them pat me down every time i am presented with a scanner

if i find that the airport i am traveling through has those fucking things, i will do my best to stink to high heaven and be as sweaty as possible before going through so the experience is as wonderful to the TSA as it is for me.

fuck the TSA

sP

[The Green Manalishi]

30. I think I am going to use foil and glue stuck to spell out

something obscene on my chest or elsewhere.

[KansDem]

32. You just gave me an idea!

The next time I fly, I'm driving to the airport smoking a big, green, cheap cigar!

And with the windows rolled up!

[laconicsax]

22. K&R

[Turbineguy]

35. If, when I took my USNR commission

I had known that I would have been subjected to the crap we get now in order to fly, I would have told them to fuck off.

[hedgehog]

37. ""It's not dispensable for the sake of security, just to make us feel better or that something's

being done."


What would the pilot or anyone else on this thread suggest as a means of securing aircraft against terrorists?

[Gormy Cuss]

52. There is no evidence that subjecting many passengers to full body scans is any more effective than

the existing protocol of metal detectors and random additional checks. That's why the privacy violation is at issue.

As for securing the aircraft against terrorists, many other measures were added post 9/11 including reinforcing the cabin doors.

If full body scanners were truly better security, they'd have them at Ben Gurion airport. Guess what?
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/news.aspx/137184

[avaistheone1]

56. Snap

:thumbsup:

[thesquanderer]

112. The reason we have body scanners

Body scanners were implemented because the people pushing for it were making money on it.

IMO, nobody should offer an opinion about body scanners without reading this article:

http://motherjones.com/mojo/2010/01/airport-scanner-scam

[Gormy Cuss]

145. Absolutely right. n/t

[RobinA]

65. You Can't

secure the aircraft against pilots. Well, you could, but you wouldn't get very far.

[PavePusher]

136. All luggage screened for bombs.

All passengers fly naked.

Every legal adult may carry a handgun if they wish. Loaner weapons (1911's w/ 3 full magazines) available at security checkpoint, to be returned to ground crew at destination.

And yes, I'm quite serious.

[boppers]

148. Well, if they're naked, are they just gonna sit there holding the weapon and magazines?

Could they at least wear a holster?

[PavePusher]

149. I though belt & holster would be self-evident. Mea Culpa. n/t

[boppers]

150. Well, you were kind of pushing the boundaries.

:evilgrin:

[PavePusher]

151. I stand by my statements. 8>) n/t

[ProudDad]

157. If you're serious

then you're crazy :eyes:

"Every legal adult may carry a handgun if they wish. Loaner weapons (1911's w/ 3 full magazines) available at security checkpoint, to be returned to ground crew at destination."

BAT-SHIT CRAZY!!! :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes:


Back to the gungeon with you!

[PavePusher]

160. Why? Evidence, please....

P.S. I've been a military aviation mechanic for 20 years, so use "bullet holes in planes" with a degree of caution.

[im1013]

39. K&R!!!!!

:toast:

[SoapBox]

40. Full Body scanners would NOT have prevented 9/11.

Let's get real folks.

First...the scanners would not have stopped 9/11. Box cutters/knives of several inches
were ALLOWED (why, I'll never ever understand) to be taken on the aircraft. The terrorists
simply used those, "terror", multiple persons and absurd procedures for crew (at the time)
to take over the aircraft.

Second...Full body scans in Memphis? Must be a real hot-bed of terrorists there...most likely not.

He is right.

Many, many procedures in place are there to make the masses feel "ok" but are still weak. It looks
good at a security check point but there are so many weak spots all over the rest of airports.

[GoneOffShore]

141. It's the Kettles and Gomers who call for security theatre.

TSA (fill in the acronym) routinely ignores the carts that bring goods into the airport shops in the "sterile" areas. That bottle of water you buy at double the price once you pass through "Security"? No different than the one they made you throw away before "security".

[Haole Girl]

42. In a way I don't blame him

He will probably lose his job, though.

[bluesmail]

44. It's the number one reason this girl is not going anywhere on a plane. eom

[eilen]

76. No more flying for me. This is madness. nt

[derby378]

62. Good for him

About time someone stood up to the bullying of the TSA.

[Yeahyeah]

80. I can't fly anymore.If the goverment got an eyeful of my kielbasa they'd be stalking me everywhere.

[AzDar]

88. Insert Ben Franklin's "Security/Liberty" quote here--->

:patriot:

[Canuckistanian]

89. "except upon probable cause, supported by oath ..."

Funny how that part of the 4th Amendment never gets quoted.

[ProudDad]

158. Read the 4th and supporting opinions again...

An agent would have to appear before a judge naming EVERY person they wanted to scan and obtain an individual warrant for each search detailing where they are to search and what they are searching for in order to qualify under THAT part of the 4th Amendment.

That might make air travel even more of slow drag than it already is...

FAIL! :eyes:

[lynne]

90. He didn't think he'd be subjected to security measures as a pilot?

Certainly he knew better than that. If he's unhappy with the TSA security measures, possibly he should apply his flight skills elsewhere so that he doesn't have to be subjected to the scrutiny.

Personally, I think he's just trying to hide a tiny penis but that's just me.

[Winston Wolf]

93. Definitely...

...gotta be the tiny penis. Couldn't possibly be that the TSA security measures are absurd, that's just cover for his insecurities concerning his assuredly small genitalia.

[Dr.Phool]

123. What are you going to do when they start checking for tiny brains?

[RetroLounge]

124. He's the fucking PILOT!

Why would he need a weapon to bring down the plane?

The stupid here, it burns.

:eyes:

RL

[PavePusher]

137. Miss the point much?

Or are you just obsessed with genetalia?

I'll show mine if you show yours first.

[Winston Wolf]

92. A Pilot For Four Years...

...could just as easily become a terrorist overnight - happens all the time.

Thirty five years old, with children? That's all cover for the awesome plan he has to take down the United States from the inside. Better check his ass, because nothing is more threatening than a stable employee.

Besides, who needs things like "civil liberties" when big, bad, scary terrorists are out there? We're at war, and we simply can't afford such "luxuries" like basic civil rights.

Freedom of speech? Assembly? Basic rights like a speedy trial, with a jury of your peers, and freedom from unwarranted searches and seizures?

No thanks.

That shit is just too much for us right now. We're too busy being scared of terrorists to even take the time to even think about what makes us free.

(WARNING: THIS POST HAS BEEN REPORTED FOR HIGH LEVELS OF SARCASM. READ AT YOUR OWN DISCRETION.)

[ixion]

96. Accolades for Mr. Roberts

:applause:

I hope his cause gets momentum.

[activa8tr]

101. He might want to become a bus driver, then. If he wants to fly, he has to

play by the rules, and work to get them changed if he doesn't like them. That's how it works in a democracy.

In a democracy, people that engage in these civil disobedience activities must suffer the legal consequence of their actions, and should know that from the start. Certainly, as a pilot, he knew this from the start.

I respect his opinions, but that's as far as I will go in his defense.

[PavePusher]

138. He is trying to get the rules changed.

That's the whole fucking point....


Whole lotta "Whhhhhooooooooooooooosssssshhhhhhh" on this thread.

[high density]

159. The rules are insane

If somebody packs explosives up their butt and successfully blows up an aircraft, I fear to see what the government's next security requirement will be. This virtual strip search stuff is completely ridiculous and nothing more than additional corporate welfare for the makers of these lousy machines.

[Bragi]

163. You display real courage

Good to know there are people like you to defend our liberties.

:sarcasm:

[Downwinder]

102. "Sorry folks. There will be a slight delay in departure.

Your pilot today was not allowed through security. We are getting a replacement, he should get to the airport in about two hours. We thank you for choosing to fly with us. Any passengers with connecting flights, please check with the gate agent."

[Life Long Dem]

103. All well and good isn't it?

http://www.networkworld.com/community/node/65497

[scentopine]

119. The majority of Americans want strangers inspecting their genitalia before being allowed to travel..

It makes them feel safe to know that their sex organs pass the test. The majority of Democrats and Republicans are obsessed with legislating and inspecting your genitals. Meanwhile, right wing nut jobs here in USA are stockpiling bombs and ammo and threatening to attack us.

When people figure out how to fool these machines with plastic breasts and dildos, democrats and republicans will work together to demand that passengers show that their penises and vaginas actually function, and government inspectors (with a few hours of sensitivity training) will carefully fondle women's breasts, making sure there isn't any C4 stuffed in there... "Sir, your penis exam failed, we'll need you to step over here and prove to us that it turns on when we plug it in."

I am guessing that TSA spends man-years studying the terror that is hiding on your testicles- running drills on normal testicles versus ones that are hiding explosives. It's only a natural extension of our freedom.

And a compliant, brain dead citizenry will just spread their legs in blind obedience to their masters. This is how a nation continues to devolve into a feral state of being. Thank's to Obama torture is no big deal so we are properly desensitized.

It will only get worse as long as we keep voting for the "lesser of two evils". Until then there is no point complaining about it because this is EXACTLY what you get with MAINSTREAM political parties. We are supporting candidates who want to inspect your genitals because it makes you (and them) feel safe.

Meanwhile, democrats and republicans have gutted safety requirements across all industries (including wall street) causing death and disease. This is obviously because we don't have security guards inspecting bankers genitals before allowing them to rape your pension fund.

So, after you vote for genital inspections and torture and wall street CEO salaries, and BP bailouts, please don't come here and then complain about wall street and torture and CEOs and BP bailouts. You are working against many of us who are fighting this stuff with no support from mainstream democrats and republicans. In fact, they are fighting against us, trying to keep things exactly the same - a regressive trajectory (yes, republicans are more regressive than democrats, better now?).

You reap what you sow. Things will continue to get worse as we stuff trillions into our police state. That is one business that is doing just fine.

[JDPriestly]

121. Thank you, Mr. Roberts

What next? A brain scan? Will we have to have our thoughts checked before we can get on a plane?

[makemyday]

142. Be Afraid, Be very afraid

While the pilot's heart is in the right place, his approach is not going to get him any support. It is unbelievable show sheep-like the citizenry has become when confronted with demands "for security."

The growth of airport security (TSA included) dates back to George Herbert Walker Bush (#41) and his "Jobs; Jobs; Jobs" program. Screening airline passengers is an un-American, unnecessary and expensive inconvenience that has been thrust upon the traveling public.

The secretive agencies, LEOs and fear mongers have recognized airport security as a well of opportunity to expand their powers, databases and influence over the unsuspecting and frightened citizenry.

[Bragi]

162. Pretending to be happy at pat-down time irritates me

What annoys me are those people confined to airport security holding pens who smile and feign great happiness when someone examines their medications and sticks a flashlight up their arse. They act as though subservience is a sign of patriotism.

Come to think of it, times have indeed changed, and grovelling, cheerful subservience to authority *is* a sign of patriotism. It's like a "support the troops" bumper sticker.

Three cheers for pilot Roberts.