Reader Ryan writes:
Mine is one of consistent harassment. I have Lymphedema, basically, part of my lower lymphatic system broke down after a bout w/MRSA. So whenever my body senses an infection below my waist and it puts my lymph nodes to work, instead of the vascular system properly distributing the fluid it all dumps in a specific area. Generally this causes massive swelling in the leg, I’m sure you’ve seen pictures, the swelling is extreme. Well, in my case, the swelling is in my groin area and it is substantial.
Now that you have a picture of my condition, imagine what the TSA thinks I’m smuggling through EVERY TIME I PASS THROUGH THE CHECKPOINT! Well, at least since these scanners. I’ve been told, the scanners are random, that any one person wouldn’t go through more than 2 out of 5 times statistically. I go through it every time. Then, I have to go through the pat down procedure publicly, concentrating on my junk, every time. Most of the time after the gropping, I get the pleasure of going to a back room to drop my pants and show off my goods. Yay me.
It’s humiliating to say the least and an inconvenience that has caused me to miss a flight on more than one occasion.
The last time was the last time. It was back in August, I was going to visit my Dad. I stood in the same line that they separate people from as if being separated to go to a Work Camp, pulled from line. When they told me to, I said no. They were taken aback and after a moment told me it wasn’t a request. I asked what I had asked the 1st time I was submitted to the scanner, “Will I have to submit to the scanner every time I fly?” The answer was no, it was random. I then asked why every time, in every Airport that had the scanners I was submitted to it more than 10 times? The answer I got, “Sir, you’re holding up the line, don’t be difficult!” It wasn’t polite, it was a controlled yell, as if chastising me. I just said no again. I wasn’t offered the pat down, which didn’t matter, I would’ve declined that as well.
Long story short, I got my ticket refunded, after some convincing at the ticket desk that this was through no fault of my own. I called my Father, told him my trip was canceled and vowed to not fly again as long as I would be violated. I’m good with road trips.
15 Responses to Guest Post: I’m a Constant Target
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I’m very sorry to hear your story. It’s unfortunate, and it seems like the weaker among us are being weeded out leaving only the strong & the terrorists, who seem to get lost in the noise. We’re on the way towards travel being a privilege & under control of the govt as far as who can & who can’t. I fully expect bus & train to follow the path of air travel before too long. Who’s to say that private vehicles or state border crossings aren’t next? After that, how would you be able to tell the difference between the USA and the USSR?
As far as your situation, is there any provision to some kinda note from a doctor stating your condition in the hopes of mitigating such intense scrutiny? I’m afraid your pleas for leniency will otherwise fall on deaf ears, as you have seen. The more you object, the more they will be included to look more closely at you.
[...] forbid this could be you someday. Mine is one of consistent harassment. I have Lymphedema, basically, part of my lower lymphatic [...]
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Punk Johnny Cash, SinnerBOFH, Jenn Zeller and others. Jenn Zeller said: Guest Post: I’m a Constant Target | We Won't Fly https://t.co/6cEAWfc via @georgedonnelly #TSA [...]
It’s bad enough to be saddled with a permanent, debilitating disease. Add knowing that you will always be humiliated by strangers and there’s nothing you can do about it.
We drive everywhere now, too. Maybe we’ll wave at a rest stop.
Ryan,
I’m so sorry this happens to you every time you fly. Their conduct is reprehensible to say the least. For them to even suggest that you drop your pants is disgusting! Were they made aware of your medical condition? If there were, and ignored or disbelieved it, then they should not be working there, as they are NOT medical personnel. There is no way for them to know or understand what your condition is, or why things may seem a little too large. That’s a doctor’s job to know.
All I can say now is enjoy your drives. They are far more relaxing than air travel anyway. You get to stop when you want, and even get to do some sight-seeing.
Happy travels!
What the TSA has wrong, in terms of its basic approach, is the idea that ANYONE might be a terrorist. We can’t tell! So, we can’t make any decisions about what happens to someone in line, except to give them more “attention”.
This is exactly the way police officers, including those inclined toward brutality, conduct traffic and other stops. Step one: I’m the stern, nice guy and you better cooperate. Step two: I’m the stern guy who is irritated at you for not cooperating immediately, raising any questions, showing any signs of what I consider disrespect. Step three: Your under arrest (or being clubbed or something similar). The charge? Anything I say you did that doesn’t conform to any law we can find.
The TSA developed a bad system under G.W. Bush and company and they are sticking to it. There is no discretion on the part of the people on the “front lines” of security. They are the lowest paid, they have the least training and the greatest responsibilities. The system is set up, carefully, as a “dumb” system so that basically untrained people at the lowest level can’t do anything but what they are drilled in.
This type of system is used to justify the very high salaries of those at the top levels and to perpetuate their hold on their power. This type of top down operation is typical of American business generally these days, which is one reason that so many millions are unhappy in their jobs: they are being managed to death.
None of this is going to change as long as Pistole (what a name) is in his job or unless Obama or someone in the White House forces a chance. It is completely clear, from a recent article in the WashPost, that Homeland Security is building the framework for what easily could be a police state in the name of protecting us from a few hundred terrorists and those who copy them.
Doug Terry
I also suffer from personal “package irregularities.” My sympathies.
My bumper sticker says: “Can’t see London, Can’t see France, Unless we see your underpants!” – TSA. Jerks. Drug testing for a job is humiliating, but at least it’s private and doesn’t involve groping by strangers.
TSA already is implementing procedures at bus stations in Florida. California has had inspection stops for fruits and vegetables on major freeways at the state border for decades. All this can and probably will be expanded. I’ve heard from former Soviet emigres that the U.S. now resembles the country they left in the 70′s more than the one (this one) that they came to.
One thing I just don’t understand…with America’s nuclear weapons, tear gas, police, tankers, why are we so darned *paranoid* about terrorists?
Why is it all of a sudden that we are hearing about/seeing terrorist attacks, clustered after the 911 events, when we never heard of such a thing prior in America? Isn’t that a sign of it all being orchestrated, right there?
Perhaps security is not even what the TSA is interested in. Food for thought.
Obama will never enforce change except the type we are seeing. Check the Congressional voting record: He voted for the police state (Patriot Act) twice, not just once.
There is hope. The Rutherford Institute is suing the TSA. Please check out their blog and support this worthy cause. https://www.rutherford.org/
Also, contact your reps to let them know how you feel about the naked scanners and the groping.
John Mica, the new person in charge of transportation has vowed to put the TSA monster back in its cage. Please go to his web site and give him your support.
https://mica.house.gov/
(1) Don’t hold your breath on a lawsuit. The state controls the courts and they don’t tend to rule against themselves much or in significant ways. They can also take a long time.
(2) Mica may well be leading a charge against the TSA in order to open up opportunities for crony capitalist buddies to replace TSA workers with contracted security guards, who will still take orders from the TSA. I’m skeptical.
Hi George,
I also share your skepticism. I agree the courts look after the Gov.’s interests.
What are your thoughts in Ron Paul’s “American Traveler Dignity Act”? He is about the only rep who is stepping up to the plate.
This TSA thuggery needs to become a campaign issue – make those running for office state on whose side they are on, the TSA or the people.
By the way, I will donate to the billboard campaign.
I don’t think any legislative proposal will really help much.
TSA says all people with disabilities are getting pat downs now. I have a neurological disability, and I will no longer fly. I refuse to let myself be groped, and I won’t expose myself or my guide dog to the radiation.
TSA openly discriminates against people with disabilities, it’s terrible.