While I do not agree with what TSA is doing, it sounds like this woman went far beyond what TSA does in their pat downs. Grabbing the agent's breast with both hands squeezing and twisting is well beyond what the TSA agents do. This woman should be charged with assault, although I disagree with calling it sexual abuse. There was nothing sexual about this beyond the fact that the part of the body that was touched is considered to be sexual. The purpose of the contact was to display displeasure with the TSA and it's screening practices/procedures, there was no sexual intent involved. Charge the woman with simple assault and leave it at that.

Like the man said you have no right to use flight as a travel priority. If you don't like it DON'T FLY, take the bus, or drive, or a train, or a boat but shut the F--- Up. Or the next time some clown trys to blow up a plane and by some chance succeeds you can volunteer to go to the victims house and console their family. While you are there you can tell them where you stand on pat downs in the airports. See how long you survive in their house.

True, it was no more a sexual assault than what T.S.A. does, T.S.A. doesn't refer to their searches as " sexual searches ", do they? It's just a search and it's just assault. I haven't gotten on a plane in 8 years and will not ever fly again because of the "rules". Nobody "has" to fly.

RLC1111 - That's very true, I can NOT fly. That's my choice. Now, you'll be flying after being groped, x-rayed, prodded and treated like cattle by an agency that has yet to catch a terrorist. The 9/11 terrorists? Before the TSA. The Shoe Bomber? TSA didn't catch him. The Underwear bomber? Nope, TSA didn't catch him either. They react to situations that get caught by others. They are not proactive, they are REACTIVE. So when the next terrorist comes along, remember.... The TSA isn't going to catch them by groping either.

Enjoy your flight. :-)

JS in SD - I totally agree with you. I have flown very recently and there was no problem with TSA and the screening process. They were quick, efficient and polite at every airport we flew into. With millions of people flying around the country I am sure there are going to be situations in which TSA agents do not handle a situation very well - its statistically bound to happen. Just as you occasionally come across rude waiters or inconsiderate service people even cruel police officers. The behavior of these rude people is not condoned and they should be reprimanded or let go depending on the situation, but..if a person assaults the rude waiter, punches the inconsiderate service person, or resists the cruel officer then there are consequences that will be meted out to that person. You cannot live in a polite society and say that someone is a hero for assaulting someone that was doing their job, even if they were doing it poorly.

If you do not want to be patted down - go through the scanner. If you can't tolerate either option, don't fly - no one is making you. There are cars, trains, and buses available. This whole thing is just another example of people who cannot live without drama in their lives trying to create a situation where they can be indignant about something.

Welcome to the USSofA

As was said --- if you don't like it, DON'T FLY !!!!! The TSA is trying to protect YOU. You always have the option of either staying at home or WALKING. No one FORCES you to fly. Grow up and get over it !!!!

I object to having my tax dollars wasted to relieve your anxiety. See a doctor, get a perscription and give me back my tax money after your fear is gone.

just don't fly anymore, brilliant idea, you people are so helpful. americans are such tools

the way airlines are going you will be soon charged to breath and if a bodily function arises that will take a credit card and two forms of id to satisfy

Besides you morons who come up with that stupid ignorant come back of "don't fly" the gestapo TSA and the fascist Vaterland Sicherheitsbuero, they intend on setting up the SAME checks at TRAIN AND BUS STATIONS TOO, the TSA has stated this.

Might as well get in line to get your internal passport, a'la Joe Stalin's Soviet wonderland, that's no doubt in the pipeline too.

for those who write, "If you don't like it, don't fly." That's fine if I'm going from Va to Ca but most of my travel is to Japan. How am I supposed to take a train or bus across the Pacific. You can't even by passage on a steamer (the old fashion way) & cargo ships don't sell berths. From the minute you drive onto airport property, you're subject to power hungry and power drunk employees (not always TSA, sometimes it's the airline or other airport personnel). Not everyone is but on almost every trip I see at least one power drunk person. Whether they're strong arming another passenger or me, there's always one. They make flying an expensive chore where as it used to be enjoyable.

I do not believe some tiny Asian woman assaulted monster size TSA employee.

Hey, everyone!

If you don't like the idea that you have a minuscule chance of your plane being bombed, DON'T FLY! :)

I believe there are ways of traveling on cargo ships the berths are limited and don't expect first class cruise ship service. Check it out with some of the classier containerized cargo companies.

To the Tea Party - Here's your chance to prove you want smaller, less intrusive government.

The TSA is a complete waste of money - to the tune of $9BILLION/year.

Tea Party members - Vote to eliminate the TSA!

If these BS tactics make you feel safer then you might as well stay home and wait to die of starvation in your panic room. You people are a joke. Osama did exactly what he said he would do disrupt our lives forever and morons like you just let it happen.

Susan-2532047

This must be one of those TSA Bot reply comments.

If you don't like it DON'T FLY, take the bus, or drive, or a train, or a boat but shut the F--- Up

A truly clever concept as we read daily that terrorist are blowing up busses, trains, cars (don't know about boats).

The logical extension is that this person wants to be screened, scanned and groped when he goes grocery shopping in his car. To keep us safe, one TSA agent for every American. What a noble goal!

If anything, this should be considered assault, not sexual abuse.... I swear, we are turning into a country that is rapidly becoming a police state, and no-one seems to give a S***. The right points their bony fingers at the left and the left points their bony finger at the right and in the mean time, our government is quietly taking all of our freedoms away. Why don't we just make it where, if you don't make at least $1,000,000.00 a year, you are not rich enough to fly, problem solved. More Power to Ms. Yukari Miyamae, I hope she wins and then sues them for harassment and suffering.

So wait, she's getting cheered for attacking a woman for just doing her job?

Yepp, that be the gist of it thar Toasty..... the TSA is the new irs, a bunch of over paid, worthless employee's.... ;-)))) incase I forgetted, Have a Great Day every body.....

I am sick you jerks who say things like

If you don't like it DON'T FLY, take the bus, or drive, or a train, or a boat but shut the F--- Up

Some of us work for a living in professions that require us to travel. Am I supposed to quit a profession that I have worked at for over 30 years.

So, no I don't like, but I cannot take a bus, or drive, or take a train, or a boat. So please shut the F--- Up, and think before you speak.

I made the "transportation error" of getting a knee replacement 2 1/2 years ago. Since then the TSA has made EVERY flight a living hell! The first time I flew with the new knee I came through Reagan in DC. The gate alarm went off when I went through. When I was wanded over and over, I finally pointed out that I had an artificial knee. I was then strip searched, and repeatedly had my shoes "sniffed" with the swabs. I was finally places on an "enhanced security" list and told that whenever I fly I should allow at least two extra hours (above the two or four already required.)

As a result, I have been rudely treated ever since. I have complained only to find out that once you are on a TSA terrorist list there is no way to appeal the decision or to have your name removed. Even my Senators said there was nothing they could do or suggest. I have been pushed and threatened, have had mu luggage torn apart and just stuffed back in so roughly that the bag would no longer close. I have had money stolen from by pocket contents as I was being distracted by a very sexual patdown.

As you get angry and read more and more, you find out that the TSA is not a security agency so much as the result of major turf wars between DC-based law enforcement agencies. Billions are spent and not a single terrorist has been caught or even prevented. And the TSA tells lie after lie.

One example of a TSA lie that you can check for yourself: The TSA claims that confiscated pocket knives are donated to the Boy Scouts and other items to similar organizations. The Boy Scouts deny this. If you look on eBay, using "TSA lots knives" as an search argument and checking "description" you will find thousands of pocket knives, carefully sorted by value as only a bureaucrat would do for sale. These knives (and perfume and embroidery scissors and numerous other items) are sold on eBay by usually the family members of TSA employees. Over 7,000 TSA employees have been fired for theft but only two have been prosecuted. When asked why this is, a TSA spokesman said that prosecutions would "undermine the credibility" of the TSA.

I live near Unclaimed Luggage, the outfit that buys all the airline and cruise ship and bus "lost" luggage. The management there tells that since scanning by the TSA came in, the value of the luggage they get has dropped significantly. They say that the TSA scanner marks luggage than contains a camera, for example. They showed me one such suitcase marked with a "C". Then a confederate slits the case at the spot marked with a box cutter and removes the camera. Sure enough the suitcase shown me has a slit next to the C. Then they take off the destination tag and substitute one for a small airport somewhere without daily service and with no baggage office where a suitcase can sit for weeks before being turned in. The bag shown me went to Hickory, NC (HKY.) Apparently part of the TSA mission is to remove all valuables from passengers' baggage.

The TSA has never successfully passed its own internal audits, with about 70% of all contraband making it past all scanners. They have, to date, even with supervisors being notified in advance, failed 100% of all internal, FBI, and airport audits. They have even missed it so badly that in a number of cases, the audit materials (tiny amounts of narcotics, explosives, etc) have made it to other countries where OTHER countries' security groups found it.

The TSA claims to do a thorough background investigation on every employee. This is FALSE. They do a 35-day National Agency Check. This is described as "a brief check of NCIC records for felony convictions in up to five places over the last five years." There is no investigation and only about 10% of felony convictions are even reported to NCIC. Laura Bush (convicted of manslaughter as a teenager, and Dick Cheney (wanted on international warrants for war crimes) could get jobs as TSA employees and play with your genitals at will.

The TSA keeps bring up Israel as their shining example of what they want to become. But what they do not tell you is that Israel has a grand total of TWO airports that accept civilian traffic in the entire country. Not the 140 MAJOR airports that we have. The Israelis once had substantial domestic air traffic between the two airports. Now they have ZERO domestic air travel. The entire industry was shut down and passengers wishing to travel between the two airports, for example to make connections, taking buses instead. It is normal for an international flight to take as long as 6-8 hours to screen and board. Passengers flying together are routinely separated. By the Israeli rules, I would always be separated from my wife onto different flights because our last names are not the same. Luggage is often separated from passengers and sent on later flights. Is this what we want?

The TSA has established itself as a "rogue" agency with no accountability, no achievable mission, making no contribution to public safety, but costing every taxpayer a ton of money. What do they get for their money? "Security theater" was how one security expert described it. My question is simple: Can we afford to have such an agency?

What a pathetic joke. I guess next round we should all grope our Gynecologist. I don't get all this false modesty as if we are all a bunch of little kids afraid to be touched in an industry where some peeps want to blow you out of the sky.

The outrage makes no sense but that is how dumbed down we seem to be presently. Hopefully the next generation is a little more logical.

It's unrealistic to claim that flying is a privilege. Actually, it's a right because most people who fly need it to do their jobs. This is NOT space travel. 100 years ago and people would be saying traveling by car was a privilege and not a right... goes to show!

Because of the advances in technology and the way the average person lives, flying is indeed a right and necessity.

I for one welcome my illusion of safety.

Everything's going to be ok, citizen, now stop asking questions and continue to pay your taxes

LOL

so how come barry obama did not put an end to this molestation of the american public long ago? in fact, he is doubling down, and just charged a congressmen with multiple crimes for pointing out the tsa security is a complete joke. the only voice of american outrage in this and many other maters is Ron Paul. do you like freedom? do you like being innocent until proven guilty? if so and you support obama, then the confusion in your life must be debilitating.

Reusable bag fan-post 1.16-- the tea party is voting to get rid of the tsa. ron pauls new bill does exactly that, the tea party movement hates the TSA, they hate the tsa for liberals, progressives, democrats, rinos, blue dogs, communists, conservatives and everyone else.

Hey Ahhcrap,

It is not your tax money that is paying for TSA. It is my money that is paying for TSA, and I am happy to do so. Your tax money is paying for air-to-air guided missiles. Feel better now?

TSA catches heat on Capitol Hill

NBC Nightly News

#43747287

TSA Puppet Theater

To all you idiots who say "If you don't like it, don't fly", the knife cuts both ways. If you're that paranoid about getting blown up on a plane, don't fly. It's astonishing that you are willing to give up your right to be "secure in your person" for a 20millionth of 1 percent chance of a terrorist attempting to detonate a bomb on a flight. That's right, the chance of having a terrorist on board an airplane is 0.00000020%. You are more likely to get struck by lightning, be in a car accident or get shot in a drive-by! What a bunch of tools! Why not just bend over and accept the coming pre-flight anal probe!

Seriously, if this is everyone's attitude about what's going on in this country in terms of paranoia then Osama did win.

duncanidaho-- right on

I wouldn't want that hag to grope me!!

Duncanidaho... amen to that. These paranoid sheeple that are brainwashed into believing the governments false sense of safety and security need to realize that what they say can, will and does apply to them as well. If we don't have to fly cause we don't like being groped, molested and being treated like the terrorists the government is supposed to be protecting us from... then guess what you overly paranoid people who believe in the governments false sense of security and who like being felt up and molested or getting bombarded with more radiation don't have to fly either. If you don't like our complaining then don't fly, if you don't like our complaining then don't visit or read these articles cause as long as the TSA is the way it is we will always be around to try and set things right..

Maybe flying isn't a right but it is a necessity to go to countries and such across the ocean... and while flying may not be a right necessarily guess what voicing your opinion or your displeasure with the false sense of security and safety that is named the TSA just happens to be a right. It's called the freedom of speech, the freedom of opinion, the freedom of expression.

bumpitybump- Flying is definitely a privilege: You have to pay for your plane ticket just as you have to pay for your car loan and insurance. You must never have had to pay for a car in your teen years or something.

Honestly, I've never come across any problems with the TSA in all my years of flying by plane. It's just another regulation and I think it's incredibly immature to even rally around this accused person whom groped a TSA agent. Two wrongs don't make a right. And the comparison to Rosa Parks is just disgusting.

What I don't like is that MSNBC doesn't even tell the whole story on this. There's nothing that mentions why she even "groped" the TSA agent in the first place. I do agree that it shouldn't even be considered sexual abuse, but it's more like assault (it's not even so much as assault either in that degree).

There's nothing that mentions why she even "groped" the TSA agent in the first place.

It's a new concept called Civil Disobiedence. New to you, but not to Rosa Parks. Try to keep up.

M. Onger, terrorists did attack a cruise ship many years ago. It was the Achille Laurel, I believe. They threw an old man in a wheelchair overboard into the ocean and threatened all of the other passengers.

They want the TSA to be P.C. instead of profiling, so incidents are going to continue to happen.

As to why this woman groped the agent, I think a story when this happened said the woman had a "pat down" the previous time she flew.

AhhCrap--- your right this brave hero is a modern rosa parks.

There is a big difference between what Rosa Parks did and this women. As far as I know Ms. Parks never assaulted anyone on the bus, and she was standing(figuratively) up a blatant discrimination policy. Anyone who equates this women to Ms. Parks is sorely mistaken and is degrading the actions of a brave individual.

There is a big difference between what Rosa Parks did and this women

Both were performing acts of Civil Disobiedence and both were successful. The only way to fight government oppression is to stand up against it. Stop cowering in fear and let them know we are not lambs to be led to slaughter. Courage comes in many forms. You need to grow a pair.

So, assaulting a women who was doing her job is your definition of growing a pair? Wow, what a person you are.

Again, this women was not performing an act of civil disobedience, she committed an assault.

, this women was not performing an act of civil disobedience, she committed an assault

Which woman are you referring to? Yukari Miyamae or the brown shirt?

"Just doing my job" is an excuse used by many criminals and not acceptable.

This invasion of civil and personal rights is exactly what you would expect from a government contractor with zero accountability. The fact that people are singled out for enhanced screening by complaining about the TSA is the earmark of the type of fascism found in totalitarian societies.

Bin Laden won. He has permanently affected all your lives, and yet you continue to hire thugs to give the illusion of safety. The TSA couldn't catch a cold, but they have become experts at bullying, sexual assault, and devouring government funds. Say no to TSA. Contact your representative and get America back!

I think the TSA is completely out of control, and I think this lady went too far with her "protest". there wasn't any need to return one stupid grope with another.

It would be nice if they would at least pick out Middle Easter people to check, but checking people who's race and age are the same as those who attacked us and we are at war with would be profiling, so we can't do that. So who else to screen? 94 year old women in diapers and 61 year old Asian women. Also children. If someone tried to pat down my my kids I think I would pat them down, really hard. From all the other comments about the cost and other's experiences, the fact they never caught anyone and continually fail their audits (10 years should be more than enough time to get it right) the TSA needs to change! I think there needs to be some form of a TSA but it has to be 180 degrees from where it is now. THEY SUCK. seems more like bullying.

My thoughts exactly fusseltier. They are throwing the book at her, to make an example of her. Push this situation 10 years in the future, and we don't even hear about it, as she is put in prison for 15 years and only her family knows, if even they know. Disgusting.

I just love the over the top, innapropriate comaprisons I find on the Vine. Yesterday some butt nugget was putting the cheating teachers in Georgia on par with Oskar Schindler, who forged documents to rescue Jews from the Nazis.

In todays episode, dear readers, we are treated to someone who finds TSA agents trying to keep us safe are equivalent to Gestapo delivering Jews to ovens. Because both were just doing theri job. A bit of an overreach, I think. Fail.

Vine is going goofy on me today. This should have posted at 2.8, not 3.2

She's no hero she was rude and spiteful.

Driving is not a right either its a priveledge, and you use state roads otherwise state troopers are illegal?

gelintor

This must be one of those TSA Bot reply comments.

Nobody has a gun to your heard to force you to fly in airplanes. Flying is a privilege and as such we are all required to put up with basic security measures to do so.

It is the privilege for the customers to patronize the establishment. With out the customer, there is no business, so in this case she is a Hero of sorts. I wish America would boycott the airlines for one solid week, every airport, every air carrier, completely. Things would change dramatically after that one week, at least for one week any ways....

Flying is a privilege and as such we are all required to put up with basic security measures to do so.

they are going well past "basic security measures" now.

what happens when a terrorist gets on a plane with a bomb stuck up his a$$? everyone need to submit to rectal exams to fly?

TSa employee: "Now bend over, and let me stick my fingers up your..."

after all, "it's for your safety..." (yeah right)

Toasty said "Nobody has a gun to your heard to force you to fly in airplanes."

Don't they? I have to fly if I want to keep my job. Did it ever occur to you that not everyone on planes is heading out on vacation. Not everyone has the option of driving or taking a train or just staying home. Some of us HAVE to fly, it is not a choice. I did not used to mind, but now...

@Robin,

That may or may not be true. But what is true is that in the basic legislation setting up the TSA, airports were given the option of "opting out" of the TSA and providing their own checking. Virtually every major airport has tried to opt out, stating that they can do a better job for much less money (often as little as 10% of what the TSA charges.) Every application to opt out is being turned down for the simple reason that if all were granted, the TSA would evaporate.

Another point about the TSA is that their security rules apply EXACTLY the same to railways and cruise ships. The last cruise I took from here was out of New Orleans. The TSA screener was asleep. I had taken an Amtrak train to New Orleans. There was a railway cop with a dog looking for drugs in New Orleans, but absolutely no one checking where I got on the train.

Hey Toasty, IMO x-ray scanners and metal detectors are my version of basic security measures. Not full on groping or body scanning. TSA is completely worthless. At my home home airport, there were more breaches of security when TSA took over than there had been in the previous 20 years when it was run by a private security firm. If someone wants to get something on board a plane to do harm, they aren't going to go through security checkpoints. They are going to bribe an employee who has access to areas that are off limits to the general public.

Okay KCB. I'm not really sure what that had to do with my post, but I appreciate the reply.

And sorry Doug, but the government isn't forcing you to fly, your employer is. Take it up with them.

No if you are all so damn scared go and check yourself into a prison where the authorities can give you 24 hour protection. We do not have to be sexually assaulted because idiots and clowns like yourselves are scared. In fact, do us all a favor and get the Fu... out of our country and go live in Cuba.

No one forces me to fly, but the government forces me to sacrifice my tax dollars to remedy your unnecessary fear of flying. See a doctor, get a prescription, and when the anxiety goes away quit stealing my tax dollars for your illusion of security.

Toasty just like the government is forcing Doug to fly they aren't forcing you to live or breathe either so I guess you should take that up with your creator right? They aren't forcing you to fly either but I bet you do even with all your paranoia. So what makes things apply to you any differently or is it you're just a little special case.

Oops isn't forcing doug to fly

Toasty McGrath

Okay KCB. I'm not really sure what that had to do with my post, but I appreciate the reply.

And sorry Doug, but the government isn't forcing you to fly, your employer is. Take it up with them

give me a break toasty, how many freedoms must we give up? how much of our privacy and dignity must we surrender? what are you going to suggest when the a$$ bombers make it through the security scanners? sooner or later, no matter WHAT we do, someone is going to get through and blow up a plane. how many billions or trillions must (other people) spend to give the illusion of safety that has never existed?

the terrorists have already bombed the "get groped and molested or don't fly" crowd into blind and sheepish submission. and are winning because of the sheep

flew to to France NO groping was done had armed military present trained dogs for explosives the military also feels this is the best way too find explosives! Dogs not groping men? women? children? My father flew to Mexico one leg amputated and has prostedic leg made him take leg off drop his pants and the most embarrassing he wears a adult pamper he was mad i feel as TSA agents need to get a dose of there own medicine also all of the elected officials

Toasty -- You're an idiot!

Sexual assault doesn't have to involve "attraction" to the sex of the person on the receiving end. Many male child molesters will molest boys, yet are not "gay." It is more the involvement of sexual organs of another person in a violent or otherwise harmful action. "Groping" is still a sexual assault, albeit in this case significantly more mild than what occurs daily across the world.

tits are not sexual organs

You mean the things women have that produce milk but have no way shape or form actually contribute to the reproduction of humanity aren't sexual?!?! But the FCC says they are and they know sex is bad for you. Just as bad as swearing!!! Violence is ok though.

I beg to differ, tata's are very sexy, and they make my organ tingle.... LMMFAO!!!!

The authorities need to prove that she received sexual gratification in order for the sexual assault to hold, otherwise its a simple misdemeanor..

Sexual assault takes many forms including attacks such as rape or attempted rape, as well as any unwanted sexual contact or threats. Usually a sexual assault occurs when someone touches any part of another person's body in a sexual way, even through clothes, without that person's consent. - As defined by the National Center for Victims of Crimes.

No need to prove any gratification.

I pretty much have boycotted airlines. I used to fly three to four times a year, now I fly maybe once a year. Too many hassles. TSA, rude passengers, rude airport employees, rude flight attendants, cramped seating, no amenities, poor boarding / un-boarding procedures.... Greyhound is actually more accommodating! Drive or bus for me.

Yeah, and if the airline industry went bankrupt (again), the government would just bail them out with out tax dollars (again). It's a lose, lose.

The TSA is coming to you at Greyhound now. It's been announced they want to set up the SAME type of checkpoints at bus and train stations.

Next it will be internal passports like the Soviets.

Between the TSA and the airlines' race to the ticket-price top, I'm all for that. Where's Joe Biden's love and support for Amtrak when we need it?

Problem is sooner or later, if we just let this go, it will be done on trains, buses and every other public place. In the name of 'safety'.

yep, the TSA and the "homeland security" are the first true beginnings of the "Police States of America"

Next, we'll have border checkpoints state to state. "Your papers, please!"

And it has to be either/or. Why?

Maybe you should avoid shopping malls, movie theaters, and all piblic places. After all, there might be a terrorist lurking there...

There hasn't been one incident interrupted by the TSA! It's all been public intervention!!! And we don't need a damn union either to watch our own asses!!!!

Rick - 742681

You are an idiot aren't you? It's sheep like you that let these Terrorist Sexual Assaulters get away with what they do...perhaps you'd feel differently if your teenage daughter was being 'felt up' by some dyke TSA 'agent' in full view of the gawking public...then again sheep like you say it has to be done for 'security'....people like you are just spineless

SOA whats with this sheep and sexual assault thing?

I fly quite a bit and was gifted to an unexpectedly touch-worthy pat down this past weekend. I was really uncomfortable and upset and wish these pat downs weren't necessary. I miss my pre-September 11th privacy. This is especially true since I'm not sure this kind of activity is actually preventative, I don't trust the integrity of my TSA agent since they're paid pennies and it really is an unpleasant and mind-numbing job and well, I don't want to get to know my TSA agent all that well.

I appreciate that we live in a different world. I wish I had more options so I could fly and feel safe with my privacy intact.

I don't want to get to know my TSA agent all that well.

I usually feel obligated to buy them dinner afterwards. Is that awkward?

Actually I would love to see two types of flights and airports. One for those who would prefer to fly with as much safety and security as we have right now and one for those who feel it is their God given right to fly without any security measures in place at all or that they are above any rules or regulations.

So the choice is between:

1. No abusive security theater, and a risk of being the victim of a terrorist attack.

...or:

2. Today's abusive security theater, and an equally high risk of being the victim of a terrorist attack.

Sounds like a pretty easy choice.

Feel free to not fly then, Robb. It's not a right, it's a privilege. And as such, it's perfectly reasonable to have to accept some basic security measures when you want to fly.

Hey Toasty,

I am fine with "basic security measures". But the TSA passed that particular point quite some time ago.

"Protection"......by feeling up children, goosing young women and grabbing a male's testicles. Yeah, the spokes"person" is from the government, and here to help us.

I'm sorry Sawyer, but flying is a privilege, not a right.

Maybe you should work on a new comeback there Toasty. You sound like a broken record. Or are you being paid by TSA to spout the same phrase repeatedly.

Toasty McGrath-actually, TRAVEL without government interference, is a RIGHT, not a priviledge.

And you're free to travel by car or foot to your heart's content, Lou.

And you're free to travel by car or foot to your heart's content

Until you take care of that nasty case of paranoia you have.

Since when is flying a priviledge, Toasty? It's interesting thinking, a way of justifying a restriction of rights. I'm surprised that conservatives use that line so much, since one would expect them to want to protect rights. Isn't that what conservatism is supposed to be about? But then deep thinking is a priviledge too, I guess.

Toasty -- You sound like a skipping record. "Flying is not a right, it's a priviledge. Flying is not a right, it's a priviledge. Flying is not a right, it's a priviledge. Flying is not a right, it's a priviledge." Get a new catch phrase.

hang the bitch!

I think the whole thing's really just stupid... The woman whom assaulted the TSA agent reminds me of one of those customers at pizza shops that verbally abuse you on the phone because you did your job. I remember some woman cried racism on me when we couldn't deliver to her area because it was clearly out of range.... or the one whom asked me to look up her workplace when it's her responsibility to have the information before-hand. It's stupid and immature.

I have nothing for or against TSA, but they're just doing their job and I'm sure it's a pretty unpleasant and thankless job (like customer service).

The only good thing about the 'Death Rays' the damn scanners is that these Terrorist Sexual Assaulters are getting cancer and other radiation related sicknesses, so hopefully they will either all die off or become sterile so their DNA will be taken out of the gene pool, scum like this has no need and no right to produce off-spring, we should be taking genes for rapists and gropers out of society....looks like the inmates are running the asylum, since it takes a criminal record for sexual deviantcy to get a job with the TSA.

Get used to it.

It is the "progressive" way

No, I'm not going to get use to it. As to the "If you don't like it, don't fly" response, a lot of people who fly don't have a choice. Time constraints, meetings, etc. are why people have to fly. That response only serves to illustrate how detached from reality the TSA is.

@ nothing new here-1200374: TSA was created under the Bush/Cheney regime so in all fairness it's not a "progressive" way, it's the "Republican's way".

Nothing New @ # 12.1 et al, It is more like the republican conservative teabagger dinos' way imo.

After all wasn't this agency set up by a republican president/ administration?

Who are the folks behind/invested in these companies or technologies? Hmmm

Who are the folks that 'encouraged' the use of such invasive technology?

Who are the folks that are being intrusive in folks reproductive organs/affairs, to where they are trying to outlaw abortions, birth control and other rights etc especially at the State level?

Who are the folks that spent most of their time in the present Congress trying to pass laws, pass bills, pertaining to reproductive issues to even defunding Planned Parenthood etc since taking control of Congress especially at the beginning of the year to now?

The so called progressives? I think not.

The only statement that folks of the republican conservative teabagger dinos ilk can fall back on is that if you don't like it just don't fly? Yet you folks who are so much into smaller govt do not mind big govt when it comes to serfdom of the rest of the masses do you, providing it makes a profit for you and your masters/backers etc.

Yes this country is becoming or already is the United Plantation of Corporate America and we have been serfed. But then on the other hand so are folks of your ilk..... you also have been serfed too. LOL

Well one thing for sure is that there are many folks that would prefer to be viewed as a progressive rather than a regressive any day.

Just listening to Bachmann and these 'new' crop of conservative teabagger folks in Congress shows what is going or gone wrong with/in this country. It seems that they do not mind or are incapable of recognizing their own ignorance, as they flex their 'power' muscles on the rest of the masses. Only Bachmann the ultimate bagger, can try to spin slavery as being a good thing..... LOL

They might as well enjoy it now because they will not be back just like the last crop of dinos/ blue dog democrats who flexed similar regressive/stagnation/conservative muscles in the last election. LOL

MR BOEHNER, MCCONNELL, CANTOR, RYAN, WHERE ARE THE JOBS YOU PROMISED?

You said if the Bush tax cuts/breaks for the rich was kept in December 2010 jobs would be created......well you got your way.....so WHERE ARE THE JOBS?

I didn't read in this article that she 'twisted'. I agree - assaulting someone who is doing their job is wrong, and blaming the agents for taking what work they can find in a bad economy is unfair. But its also wrong to fondle/grope passengers for the illusion of safety. If it worked maybe, but its very very clear that the TSA doesn't work.

"A womans breasts are just as senstive as a mans groin"

Um... you fail sex ed forever.

Breasts are not nearly that sensitive. They can get achy from hormonal weirdness and so on, but getting punched in the boob doesn't have nearly the same effect as getting punched in the balls. It doesn't put you on the floor immediately. Actually, they're quite well-padded... O_o

The TSA Agent did not make the rules so why should she be accosted and abused?

The Gestapo was just doing their job also. I haven't forgiven them either.

The flying public didn't make the rules either, so why should we sit still for being acosted and abused by the TSA before our overreaching government "ALLOWS" us to get on a plane?

I feel the same way! It's just like those Nazi soldiers, just doing their job, following orders...

You're really equating airport security guards to the Nazis? Really?

Yep, really.

Consider this quote, Toasty (really):

"Naturally the common people don't want war; neither in Russia, nor in England, nor in America, nor in Germany. That is understood. But after all, it is the leaders of the country who determine policy, and it is always a simple matter to drag the people along, whether it is a democracy, or a fascist dictatorship, or a parliament, or a communist dictatorship. Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is to tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same in any country."

Know who said that? Hermann Goering, at the Nuremburg trials.

Yep, just like Nazis.

Nobody has a gun to peoples' heads to force them to fly on a plane. Flying is a privilege, not a right, and if you don't want to accept some basic security measures, then don't expect to fly.

Stop wasting my tax dollars you coward. Grow a pair.

Toasty as many have said before me. I don't mind basic security measures but TSA has gone way beyond that and that being so I don't like being felt up or molested just cause you're a little chicken turd who wants to cower behind his mommy at the first sign of trouble. I bet you still suck your thumb to ease your paranoid little mind don't you? If you don't like seeing or reading our voiced displeasure with your false sense of security named TSA then leave. Yes 9/11 happened but guess what so did all the wars our forefathers fought so hard to win so that we could have our freedom, independence, dignity, privacy, honor... it's called @!$%# happens, you deal with it and you go on with life. You don't let your paranoia control your life or everyone elses life. I'm sorry to say but everyday you face a threat on your life just by going outside... you could get shot by some street thug, you could get hit by a car, you could get struck by lightning, you could get hit by a chunk of hail, You could get stabbed, You could just up and have a heart attack, you could randomly catch some superbug that there is no cure for yet, you could drown, etc.... so what are you gonna stop coming outside till you have your own personal TSA force following you around to appease your paranoia?????????????

My assumption, until demonstrated otherwise, is that Toasty is a TSA agent spouting the party line because he likes violating the passengers. This is not being done for security, even if it is being done in the name of security.

No matter what job you have been hired to do, you do it.

I have not yet forgiven the Gestapo yet, have you? They were just delivering the Jews as ordered.

I bet you're the child or relative of a TSA "worker." Collect your government-issue cookie.

Don't work for a fascist organization like the TSA. That simple.

Exactly, Tim. I know the economy's bad, but it's not IMPOSSIBLE to find a job that doesn't involve groping people.

JoeB, The DOT has nothing to do the TSA. TSA is part of the Dept of Homeland Security

Have to dispute the idea about TSA "families" (i.e., Gambino, Bonanno, or whatever), as it presupposes they are human. Babies do not need to be felt up like a girl at a drive in for us to be "safe." In face, doing so makes us LESS safe, albeit from within.

And as a cancer patient fighting my third battle with it and having already reached the top area of a lifetime exposure I refuse to go through the scanners and risk more radiation and developing a secondary form of cancer. Which if I were to fly (and I haven't since the goverment sponsered groping came into exsistence) leaves me the only option of having a stranger put his hands in, under and on my breasts and vaginal area. I do not allow strangers to randomly touch my vaginal or breast area so why should I allow the goverment to do it? And yeah the TSA is so good at their jobs and providing safety that not to long ago they allowed a gentleman to fly with no ticket, no valid ID and an expired boarding pass from someone else. Yup, they are really effective and its funny that only people who purchase a ticket for a commercial flight go through this, pilots don't, other staff doesn't, and people flying in private plans don't have to. Yup, there are no holes or ways to get throught their very effective security lol. And how many planes have been blown up because someone carried a 5 ounce bottle of shaving cream or shampoo or conditioner or whatever? How many plans have been taken over and flown into buildings using toenail clippers? How many terroritsts have taken over a plane using a bottle of douche? I hope the TSA is disbanded and the Patriot act repealed. The citizens of the USA have allowed fear to take over our rights, we have allowed fear to give all the power to the goverment. Who makes all the money of the TSA and the scanners and such, I bet you can find some way that they are tied to the President who made that act. Its not like that administration didn't just hand everything over to Cheney's Halliburton is it? No, that administration did no wrong and he was the most honest (WMD's in Iraq anyone?) and upright president we ever had. (serious sarcasm here in case it wasn't obvious) And because that President was so honest (I mean really his family never owned stock in EXXON and he did serve in the military and remember his saying the war was over? that same war that he started over WMD's that didn't exist) we should just follow whatever acts he put into place and allow whatever goverment agencies he created (the TSA) to do whatever they want to us because you know feeling that 6 year old up and strip searching the 75 year old is going to stop all attacks and all wrong doing in the world.

Taffinang,

While Bush 2 may have started this lets not forget to share responsibility for this mess with the current administration who has their appointee at the helm of the TSA............ Republican or Democrate don't matter we will all end up share croppers on the government farm ................. given time the TSA will be allowed to become the equivilent of Hitler's SS and or Gestopo

"Those who would serender freedom for security willsoon have, nor do they deserve either." Thomas Jefferson

................. given time the TSA will be allowed to become the equivilent of Hitler's SS and or Gestopo

I think it's funny that everyone subscribes to this idea of "the slippery slope". It may be a catchy term, but really has almost no real value in society today. I really don't see any possible way the TSA agents will some day have the power to randomly murder, torture, and abduct people at will from the security checkpoints at the airports.

in the early 1930's no one saw the SS or the Gestopo having that power their real power was not until the the late 30's and early 40's

we would like to see your papers please.................

20 years ago no one would have thought it would ever be possible that citizens of this once great country, including 6 year olds and 94 year olds, would ever be publiccly groped by government employees either. Take the time to list the freedoms that we have lost under just his administration, it is beyond belief that apprently this new generation chooses to be led like like cattle to the slaugher,

'The older, wiser generation are not so easily led, and I think it is just a matter of time before we organize and protest the loss of our cherished freedoms.

actually otsoko it's a slippery slope to allow government invasion/intrusiveness in one area and allow it in others in the name of "safety". women having their purses searched for explosives or something before they're allowed to enter wal-mart, random searches of homes when there is a reported "terrorist" in the area, etc. You think they don't want to be able to do this stuff, they have chosen interfering with other people's lives as a profession, they live for it

Those who would give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserves neither saftey or liberty...Ben Franklin

“If Tyranny and Oppression come to this land, it will be in the guise of fighting a foreign enemy” - James Madison

another thing to understand is that to the elites who have allowed our way of life to be undercut we the average or below-average are more and more simply a nuisance with our insistence to having some sort of right to a decent standard of living, which is far above what most of the people who make our products can afford. It's unsustainable, and we will become more and more a police state to keep down the riffraff and allow the good people to have their American dream over time.

Nobody's forcing a single American civilian to use airplanes.

Toasty,

You keep making stupid statements like "Nobody's forcing a single American civilian to use airplanes"

Wanna bet. Millions of us are forced to fly if we want to keep our jobs. Maybe you only fly when you go on vacations, but many of us are trying to earn a living.

But it's not the government forcing you to do it. Take it up with your employer if you don't like it.

Only applies if the TSA is effective. Which it isn't.

cykonetic virus

I don't know, it's a tough call. But at the end of the day, I would rather lose my dignity than lose my life...

What are you afraid of, dying? Everyone does one day or another. To fear the inevitable is just another form of paranoia.

The thing all of you TSA supporters fail to grasp is that the rules implemented by the TSA are all reactions to failed attempts by low-level wanna be terrorists. You, me, us, the TSA, any other government agency will not stop a well trained, dedicated terrorist who has no fear of losing their life to accomplish their goal.

What do you think the reaction will be when some deranged terrorist\mental defective decides they are going to detonate an explosive device in a crowed airport security line prior to getting to the screening station?

What do you think the reaction will be after the first internally planted explosive device is detonated in an airport?

Keep thinking the TSA is protecting you and you will be disappointed. TSA is a ruse, an agency created by Bush\Cheney to provide paranoid Americans the illusion of safety. In reality no one is ever going to be safe from a terrorist who is unafraid to die in support of his\her ideological cause, just look at the Freshman class of Republican House Representatives with respect to the upcoming debt ceiling vote!

Exactly. The TSA's OWN NUMBERS show that it misses SEVENTY PERCENT of testing attempts to get dangerous stuff thru. And how about the nice Nigerian gentleman who spent MOST OF THE LAST DECADE stowing away on flights, getting thru the TSA with OUT OF DATE BOARDING PASSES THAT DIDN"T EVEN MATCH HIS ID. He was finally caught, twice, NOT by the TSA, but by boarding gate personell who weren't sleep on the job.

And now these fascist bunglers want to EXPAND the pervue to BUS AND TRAIN STATIONS.

SayitaintSo, I (platonically) love you. :P

Please. Keep making sense. We need more people that do.

If you are worried about losing your life, don't count on the TSA:

TSA is an equal opportunity employer, yes the hire regardless of religion, so don't be surprised who is working security these days. (Quite a few of these guys with prayer mats work at the local airport. I've seen them at prayers. )

TSA fails their own internal tests 70% of the time.

Over 500 screeners have been discharged for stealing from passengers. One TSA airport theft ring operated for 8 years before it was caught by the police. (not by the TSA)

TSA agents have committed robbery, abduction, rape and drug smuggling while in uniform.

Thousands of security breaches at airports. Badges, uniforms, and security keys routinely lost.

TSA agents are very good at taking away one's digity. They provide no protection for your life.

AMEN!!