61-year-old Colorado woman arrested for sexually assaulting TSA agent

[XanaDUer]

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/2011/07/16/2011-07-16_61yearold_colorado_woman_arrested_for_sexually_assaulting_tsa_agent_at_phoenix_a.html

61-year-old Colorado woman arrested for sexually assaulting TSA agent at Phoenix Airport

Some may call it sweet revenge, but a 61-year-old woman is in hot water after she allegedly groped a TSA agent.

Officials said Yukari Mihamae was flying from Phoenix's Sky Harbor Airport to Colorado when she put her hands on a TSA agent Barbara O'Toole's breast and squeezed and twisted with both hands.

[pnwmom]

1. IF she did this, they should press charges. Hopefully

there were other passengers who witnessed exactly what happened.

[LisaL]

2. Oh really? Why is it o'key for TSA to pat people down, but

not the other way around?

[pnwmom]

3. TSA people are trained to do pat-downs. I would object if they

were grabbing women's breasts to squeeze and twist them with both hands, as this woman supposedly did.

[Veronica.Franco]

14. some of the TSA people jerk you around ...

It happened to me and I'm in the middle of prosecuting them ... More people should treat TSA the way they are treating us ... wake up ... someof them are monsters who enjoy abusing their authority ...

[pnwmom]

26. You are suing them? What did they do?

I don't know anyone personally who ever felt abused by a TSA agent, but I'm sure it can and does happen. People in positions of authority can abuse it and, when they do, they should be held accountable.

[Hippo_Tron]

54. The people who actually do the pat-downs don't set policy and work for little more than minimum wage

And I'm sure there are some sickos who do abuse their authority, but why take it out on the rest of them?

[awoke_in_2003]

56. ah, trained molesters...

I feel safer already

[tammywammy]

18. Never once in a pat down have my breasts been squeezed and twisted. n/t

[jberryhill]

22. I want to know how to get in on this deal

Just out of curiousity, I checked my USAirways account for all the flights I've taken since this thing blew up in November of last year:

12/2/2010 PHL MIA 1155 O 1,013
12/11/2010 MIA PHL 0794 O 1,013
1/30/2011 PHL LAX 0797 O 2,401
2/4/2011 LAX PHL 0710 W 2,401
2/8/2011 PHL SFO 0969 L 2,521
2/13/2011 SFO PHL 1466 L 2,521
3/10/2011 PHL SFO 0969 L 2,521
3/20/2011 SFO PHL 1466 L 2,521
4/10/2011 PHL FLL 0555 O 992
4/14/2011 FLL PHL 0952 O 992
4/23/2011 PHL PLS 1659 O 1,259
4/30/2011 PLS PHL 1658 N 1,259
5/3/2011 PHL LAX 0797 L 2,401
5/4/2011 LAX PHL 1448 O 2,401
6/17/2011 PHL ORD 0257 S 678
6/17/2011 ORD HKG 0895 S 7,787
6/18/2011 HKG SIN 0895 S 1,596
6/24/2011 ORD PHL 3610 S 678
6/24/2011 SIN HKG 0896 S 1,596
6/24/2011 HKG ORD 0896 S 7,787
7/4/2011 PHL SFO 0965 O 2,521
7/9/2011 SFO PHL 1492 O 2,521

I've taken 22 commercial flights since that time, and not a single time has anyone from the TSA wanted to touch me.

Out of those 22, I had my carry-on manually checked and re-scanned two times, and I have been through a body scanner three times (two at LAX and one at SFO)

On the last PHL-SFO flight, there was a pregnant woman in line behind me who was concerned about the scanner. I told her that if she was selected for scanning, then she had the option of a manual pat down.

When I left the security area, I stopped and watched, with my cell phone camera ready, to capture the gruesome event.

A female TSA agent patted her down for all of about 10 seconds, didn't touch anything noteworthy, and she was on her way.

I've spent a buttload of time in airport security lines, and I keep hoping to catch a glimpse of the action, but I always seem to be there at the wrong time.

And no this isn't a "it's just me" report. I end up watching a LOT of people go through those lines while waiting. Old people, young people, handicapped people.. all kinds. I don't know why it never happens to anyone when I'm around.

[pnwmom]

27. The last time I went through a scanner, the TSA agent very politely

asked me to pull my pendant necklace around to the back; and afterwards also explained the reason: so she only had to pat me down between my shoulders.

I've never had a bad experience either, but I'm sure with the millions of trips that have taken place since the procedures have been put into place, there have been some negative experiences.

You might be interested in this recent action by the High Court in Israel with regard to their airport racial profiling.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x1504809

[jberryhill]

21. Ah, the "two wrongs make a right" department

So, LisaL, it is okay with you if I sexually assault a woman wearing a TSA uniform.

Is that correct?

[sabrina 1]

I think we should all do it.

Make it an orgy!

We are now told that sexual assault is legal. The Texas leg. tried to make sexual assault by the TSA illegal and did pass a bill to that effect, but the Fed govt threatened not to let their planes fly if they arrested abusive TSA agents. Basically the Fed. Govt says sexual assault at the airport is just fine.

[Forkboy]

17. When I form my own country I want you as my head of security.

[sabrina 1]

4. What goes around comes around?

Now, can we have them arrested for sexually assaulting us?

:rofl:

[LisaL]

5. I wish.

[pnwmom]

6. You would have grounds for pressing charges if

a TSA agent grabbed your breasts with both hands and squeezed and twisted -- as this woman allegedly did.

[LisaL]

7. Maybe you should read up on what some people are

describing in complains to aclu.

[pnwmom]

8. If this happened to them, they should file complaints

or press charges.

[NJCher]

16. do tell

Is this at their web site?


Cher

[jberryhill]

23. Who verifies these complaints at the ACLU site, btw

[sabrina 1]

10. I have grounds for pressing charges if any stranger

touches me where I do not want to be touched.

Can't believe how easy it was for Bush to turn this country into a police state and to actually have people argue in favor of being molested at the airport by blue shirts who are complete strangers now, because a Dem is in the WH.

This would have had liberals screaming at the top of their lungs, and did btw although Bush didn't go this far, when Bush was president.

[pnwmom]

12. When you buy a ticket you consent to security procedures,

including pat down searches where you don't want to be touched.

Would you prefer racial, religious, and "behavioral" profiling instead, as in Israel?

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x1504809

[sabrina 1]

15. No one agrees to have their Constitutional and Civic rights

violated simply by buying a ticket to conduct a perfectly legal activity. That is pure BS and an argument I hoped never to see on a democratic board defending these oppressive and totally unnecessary Bush era Constitutional violations. Actually they are worse than what Bush was trying. No one CAN do that.

The Texas Leg. has ruled that the activities of the TSA agents at airports are illegal. Other states are moving to do the same. Congress now has a bill before it to limit the TSA's ability to violate people's rights. All have bi-partisan support.

These abuses will end. It's sad to see you on the wrong side of history on this. I have never seen an issue move so fast through so many legislative bodies around the country or so many law suits filed so fast after these gross policies were foisted, unconstitutionally, on the American people.

I'm sure throughout history, in fact I know, governments tried to impose oppressive rules on their populations. And all too often got some support for them enabling them to take the next steps. And in the end, by the time people realized, it was too late to stop them.

I am very proud of all the American and of both political party members who have come together to make sure we stop this in its tracks and do not go down a path that we will later look back at and wonder 'how this happen'. Some of us have learned from history.

You are simply wrong. This is one issue that will be resolved because rather than 'get used to it', the outrage only grows the more people encounter these abuses. I am happy to be on the right side of history rather than later on, have to try to explain to future generations why we did nothing to stop the abuses, before it was too late.

[pnwmom]

25. The ticket constitutes a contract so, yes, you do consent.

The Texas legislature can't overrule the Federal government. What a joke.

If the TSA abuses its authority then it should be held accountable. However, conducting regulated pat downs in order to make attacks more difficult for terrorists is not abusing its authority.

[sabrina 1]

29. Show me a law that says that when you buy a ticket you five up

your constitutional rights.

Those 'pat-downs' have caused 11 states legislatures and Congress to begin the process of making them illegal. Just because some bureaucrat makes rules, DOES NOT MAKE THEM legal. They have not been tested legally YET, but the will be. Because the public AND members of BOTH parties are outraged by this abuse of power.

Using terrorists is an old, old way to abuse power, for profit in this case. I feel very sorry for anyone who has allowed themselves to fall for this. But I am very happy to know that the American people are working to put a stop to it.

[pnwmom]

30. Read the fine print on your ticket. You agree to what it says

by purchasing the ticket.

When the Federal government decides to make the pat-downs illegal, or the Courts make a final decision against them -- then they will be illegal. Until then, they aren't.

Just because you dislike them doesn't make them illegal.

[Vasmosn]

38. Dang....!

Every time I get ready to reply to someone, you beat me to it! But I'd like to add two things to the conversation as well...1)there is no way that someone should be allowed to sexually assault someone who is just doing their job. If you have a problem it should be taken up with the people that MAKE the policy, not the ones who implement it, often, probably usually, against their will. 2)Just because people disagree with groping the TSA agents doesn't mean that we LIKE what the TSA does. Nor does it mean that we're quiet on the issue because the president is a Democrat. I don't like the policy but I honestly can't figure out how to eliminate it completely. I'm sure the TSA agents don't like it but which of them wants to be the one that allowed a bomb on a plane because they DIDN'T do their job?

[pnwmom]

40. I agree with you, the TSA agents

are just trying to do their jobs. Anger should be directed elsewhere. And not just at the TSA. I'm sure the airlines themselves want the screening. Maybe we should all be mad at them, too?

I wish they'd replace all the x-ray scanners with the type that uses radio waves. But I'm not in favor of Israeli-style profiling.

[SDuderstadt]

57. For example...

read rules 35 and 40 of Delta Airlines Contract of Carriage. They set it out pretty explicitly.

[SoDesuKa]

28. Texas!

I'm surprised and pleased that anti-TSA legislation is coming out of Texas, of all places. The news from there is usual pretty dismal, such as Gov. Perry's convening a day of Christian prayer for God's intervention. This time, Texas is impressing the rest of us for its clear-headed response to right wing nuttery.



Common sense grows wild in Texas.

[pnwmom]

31. Why be surprised? Texas is full of Libertarians who are enjoying

using this issue against Obama.

[sabrina 1]

33. The Texas Bill that passed the House was a bi-partisan

bill that passed with 100% of the vote. Are those Democrats 'using this issue against Obama'? Is EVERYTHING about Obama to you? Is that what this is all about? Because when Bush was trying this garbage every single Democrat I know was up in arms and it was not even this bad, although it started out with him trying. WE, DEMOCRATS, stopped him. Were you in support of these abuses when Bush was doing it?? If so, then I guess at least you are being consistent.

Obama is one American. He's a politician, he'll be fine. I am not worried about him or his family, we took care of them for life by electing him to the presidency.

I am worried about all the other people who are in need, who are being abused by authoritarians every day they try to engage in perfectly legal activities because of the fear-mongering for profit, started during the Bush administration, which we hoped would end with a Democrat in office.

[pnwmom]

42. Which airline do you think would willingly go without the "security theater"?

But no airline is forcing you to fly on it.

The only change I'd make would be getting rid of the x-ray scanners and replace them with the radio-wave type.

[SwampG8r]

55. you would still have to go through security

to get to the boarding gate whether an airline chose to do without the theater or not
i would use dogs and remove the scanners
as far as i know the scanners have found little of importance while a good dog can find even a trace of actual real threats
but dogs dont cow the public or desensitize us to government intrusions into our rights and they dont make millions for your political pals

[JoeyT]

34. And well they should.

Many people that are supporting the TSA are ONLY supporting them because of the letter after the president's name.
If Bush were still president the same people that think the TSA is ok would be screaming bloody murder.

You know those Republicans that get upset at everything Obama proposes, even though they support it when it isn't him proposing it? Yeah. That.

[TheKentuckian]

37. and here the support of this bullshit really is. A lame prop up of a politician

no different than the pukes by the millions abandoning all principles to defend "their guy".

The old "my President right or wrong" ramped up to a Nixonian inspired "if MY President does it, then it can't be wrong".

[pnwmom]

41. Which airline doesn't want terrorists kept off its airplanes?

Why are you blaming Obama for the measures that were taken after planes went down and airlines were sued for not having security measures?

[TheKentuckian]

43. You made the conversation about Libertarians attacking Obama

I'm not a terrorist, there is not a reason in the world to suspect me of such, not a court in the country that would give a warrant to search me or my property and so their is no reason I should be subjected to a strip search (virtual or otherwise) or groped to prove to anyone I am not.

I'm fairly certain that no airline wants a terrorist onboard but I'm not sure what that has to do with the argument. It really is immaterial who the President is, you made it about Obama which led me to believe this is a "my President cannot be wrong" argument, which is crazy nonsense. He is flesh, he will be wrong. Hell, he can be right and execute the wrong way.

[pnwmom]

49. I'm reacting to the many posters who have blamed Obama.

I can't believe you haven't seen the posts, which have been in any thread about TSA screening.

No court has ever ruled that there is anything illegal about the screenings, which are taking place on private property with consent of the traveler. No one has to fly on a privately owned jet or go through the screening procedures.

[sabrina 1]

47. When Bush initiated these policies and Democrats and Civil

Liberty orgs opposed them, were you in favor of them then, did you support Bush's claims that they were Constitutional? It was Democrats who overwhelmingly opposed these tactics fyi. Your claim that this is a new issue for 'Libertarians' is false. This is and always was an issue that most Democrats were united on.

What is stunning to see after the six years of Democrats' opposition to these policies attempted by Bush, is that now it appears that what Democrats viewed as unconstitutional under Bush, some Democrats are now claiming that the same policies that, in fact, go even further than Bush dared BECAUSE of the opposition from the left, have suddenly become acceptable.

What was your position on these tactics when Bush was president?

[pnwmom]

50. I've answered this question for you several times already, sabrina.

I've never liked the x-ray scanners, even under Bush; but I haven't objected to the safer scanner or to the pat-downs. I don't think Bush or Obama had much of a choice, after the events of 9/11. I still don't.

And I've never thought that profiling was an acceptable substitute.

[sabrina 1]

51. And most Democrats disagreed with that position.

They DO have a choice and if you had been involved in the issue over the past six years where these scanners were the focus of the opposition of almost everyone who values Constitutional rights, mostly Democrats, you would know that. And they were successful in stopping them until Bush sneaked a few in in 2007.

But the fight continues, and will, until they are removed. EPIC just won a ruling in the DC court that placing these scanners in airports has violated Federal Law which requires the TSA to ask for 'public commentary' before making any new rules regarding the public's right to travel.

It's a small victory but a recognition of the fact that the TSA doesn't get to 'make law'. We'll see how they handle that ruling. But as I have been for the past several years, I will be following the issue.

These scanners and the pat-downs which were a Machievellian way to force people to choose them since most people were opting out of uswing them, will continue to produce public outrage and it is a shame that all the workd done on behalf of the rights of the American people, has suffered such a set-back under a Democratic administration.

[pnwmom]

52. So? Aren't Democrats allowed to have different opinions?

Last time I checked, we were.

[woo me with science]

39. Yeah, it's all about Obama.

We know. :sarcasm:

[KurtNYC]

20. this was tit for tat n/t

[aquart]

9. What had the TSA agent been doing?

[jimmyflint]

11. We should be able to grope TSA

In the same manner they grope us, all in the interest of safety. In this post 911 era we simply can't be too safe no matter how thoroughly we search each other.

[XanaDUer]

36. +1

nt.

[Sen. Walter Sobchak]

13. I wouldn't want to be stuck prosecuting this case

It reminds me of something that happened at JFK where an old woman was being hassled about the underwire in her bra, so she just whipped them out and handed the TSA dude her bra.

[Lucian]

19. Karma can be a bitch sometimes.

The TSA should stop groping us.

I love sweet revenge.

[grahamhgreen]

24. TSA: feeling up your kids so the can lock up grannies!

[indurancevile]

32. it's the new york daily news by way of fox. why should i believe it has anything to do with reality

[WinkyDink]

35. The Daily News is not the NY Post, FYI.

[lunatica]

44. I wonder why this sort of thing doesn't happen more often

Some people really object to having their bodies touched, even on areas that aren't private. I've known quite a few.

[MissDeeds]

45. Of course what she did might be questionable

and perhaps she was in 'the wrong' but a part of me wants to say "you go girl!" My sister in law, who is 58, was forced to endure a "thorough" pat down the other day. She was mortified, traumatized, and will not soon put the whole experience behind her. I know the TSA is for the most part following procedures, but what the hell? Where do we draw the line between 'doing our jobs' and 'violating your rights'?

[LisaL]

46. I do not understand why TSA patting people down without

probable cause or even reasonable suspicion is legal to begin with.

[SDuderstadt]

48. Educate yourself...

read case law on security checkpoints.

[Supply Side Jesus]

53. moran

what an idiot