As much as I respect Law Enforcement agencies in general and Protecting people from being hurt, I feel the TSA is becoming crazy scary and is harassing people. I found a number of videos about it. I just in general do not like to see humans within the government abuse power and these are out of bounds.
Female Passengers Say They're Being Targeted By TSA (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vehQBtgImCQ#)
Elderly Woman Has to Remove Diaper for Pat-Down (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aaurpwhKGHA#)
Miss USA molested by TSA (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6hvUWv2CsY#)
This is just a small example there are many more cases where I think TSA is getting out of hand.
Here is a link to the TSA website. Write to them, the TSA can do more about the TSA than we can do about the TSA.
http://www.tsa.gov/ (http://www.tsa.gov/)
You know what? I already have done that. This effects transgender people as well.
Transgender FTM TSA Security Experiences
Transgender FTM TSA Security Experiences (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dxJ3o6hHrqQ#)
QuoteTSA can do more about the TSA than we can do about the TSA.
I am sorry but i don't entirely agree with this. Ultimately it would be better to have an outside government agency investigate tsa problems.
[quote author=Shawn Sunshine link=topic=133369.msg1059686#msg1059686 date=1357602538
I am sorry but i don't entirely agree with this. Ultimately it would be better to have an outside government agency investigate tsa problems.
[/quote]
I rather have a few ruffled feathers than another 9/11
There is always buses and trains you know!
I think a little bit more patient and respect on the part of the traveler would and can go a long way.
In my experience it is always the vociferous disrespectful people, you those who cannot follow orders, who end up later on complaining about rough treatment. Just like when the police officer tells you to stop blowing bubbles in his face! Stop, and walk away!!!
Government agencies are not that simple peky, I am not one those people who just follow authority blindly and expect them to always be honest and kind and follow the same rules they enforce. I challenge Authority when it is needed and when someone is abusing power.
I had to deal with my life being controlled by the state as a child and teenager, I had no say so when I was forced to take medication that was not right for me. Only later as an adult was I able to prove my case and do anything about it.
I am glad we have the TSA and Homeland Security from what happened in 2001, I don't want another 9/11 either.
I only ever had 1 issue with the TSA and to be honest it was my own fault. At the time I was flying out to California for a week, on business no less. I was already post-op by the time so I was't too worried about flying but I didn't want to pack my dilators since I was still on a regular dilator schedule, so I took them as carry on. I mean they are a pretty expensive hunk of plastic and if they got lost, then who knows how long it would take/cost to get a replacement set from Montreal. Needless to say once I dropped my purse on the xray machine I suddenly remembered that I was asking for it. And ask for it I did. They were wrapped in plastic bags to keep sterile and suddenly they took me aside and asked me to remove them. Then they asked what they are for and said "they are used for people who have a sex change operation". The look on this guys face was priceless, a true kodak moment. He stepped back 5 feet away from me (maybe so he wouldn't get the TG cooties or something or maybe just to take me all in because he didn't believe me) and then thought for a moment and let me go. I mean the dilator is a solid piece of clear plastic with nothing to hide. He let me go and I flew to CA with no problems.
On the way back from LAX to New York is when I was hassled. This big black male guy doing the xrays says right out loud (and I mean loud)..."Uh oh looks like we have ourselves a professional lady here". So same routine as New York, but the TSA agents in LA were excited because they thought I was a hooker and were excited for some reason to do the search. There was thankfully 1 agent who seemed like a real honest to god professional standing about 15 feet away, because these pervs were just playing with my dilators and it was pissing me off. This one guy comes by, shoo the others off and asks me the same question, and I gave the same answer and he was way more professional and asked why I didn't check it in, I said it was because they are very expensive medical devices. He let me go. I swear because of that, there was an air marshall on the plane making sure I didn't pop out a dilator mid flight.
That's been my only post 9/11 flying experience that sucked. 10 TSA agents, one professional and 9 I wouldn't let them guard the garbage cans in a junk yard. So if you travel, pack the dilators in the suit case or better yet take it from me, get a second set :)
Perhaps learning from your experience the smart thing to do next time would be to ask for a female supervisor before you go through the machine. Explain and show her the devices.
Here is the official word from the tsa in regards to transgender folks Zumbagirl:
http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/transgender-travelers (http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/transgender-travelers)
QuoteAll carry-on baggage must go through the screening process. If a traveler has any medical equipment or prosthetics in a carry-on bag, the items will be allowed through the checkpoint after completing the screening process. Travelers may ask that bags be screened in private if a bag must be opened by an officer to resolve an alarm. Travelers should be aware that prosthetics worn under the clothing that alarm a walk through metal detector or appear as an anomaly during Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) screening may result in additional screening, to include a thorough pat-down. Travelers may request a private screening at any time during the security screening process.
There is a few other chapters there that would be helpful for your next trip.
dont get me started with this, ive seen them at road stop check points now harassing people,
they take everything way to far its all about making the popular be submissive to control..
the police are getting just as bad as well..
I've flown a bunch in the last year, and I've never had an issue with the TSA.
Never been searched once, and never had an issue with my appearance not quite lining up with my name.
Not to say ->-bleeped-<- doesn't happen, just that most of the time you'll probably be fine. :)