A possible terrorist threat is in the news today, and many of you are likely wondering what’s going on behind the scenes.
TSA recently briefed air carriers and foreign partners on intelligence involving concealed explosives. Unfortunately, intelligence has continued to indicate an interest in terrorists targeting aviation. Due to the global technological advancements in security, they are pursuing different ways to go undetected while concealing explosives.
Passengers flying from international locations to U.S. destinations may notice additional security measures in place. These measures are designed to be unpredictable and may differ from location to location. What kind of screening might passengers notice? Increased interaction with passengers, pat-downs, canines, and the use of different technologies such as explosive trace detection.
Because TSA does not conduct aviation security screening overseas, our air carrier and foreign government partners play a critical role in identifying and reporting suspicious activities and raising the awareness of U.S. counterterrorism officials. Airports with direct flights to the United States must ensure they meet International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) security standards as well as any additional measures required by TSA. As always, we urge federal, state and local law enforcement as well as the private sector to remain vigilant.
Domestically, TSA employs a layered approach to ensure the security of the traveling public from curb to cockpit and the Nation's transportation system. These layers include intelligence gathering and analysis, deployment of cutting edge technology, random canine team searches at airports, federal air marshals, federal flight deck officers and more security measures both visible and invisible to the public. Each one of these layers alone is capable of stopping a terrorist attack. In combination their security value is multiplied, creating a strong, formidable system.
Blogger Bob
TSA Blog Team
99 comments:
None of the layers can detect a bomb inside a person. In fact, nothing short of an MRI could detect this.
So which is it? Are you going to be ineffective (21 layers, none of which can detect or stop the problem) or are you going to require everyone go through MRIs?
I don't fear Al Qaeda.
I fear being sexually assaulted. I fear being irradiated and get cancer.
I fear the TSA.
So far, the only people to terrorize me at an airport have been wearing Blue Shirts and Blue Gloves.
Other than the terrorist being shifty eyed and laughing maniacally, there is little hope of stopping someone with a bomb inside of them.
AIT machines dont pick it up, pat downs cant get to it, no bomb residue if they wait enough days. You literally have no plan for stopping this attack. 21 layers arent useful if none of them can get to the problem
And any plan that increases security will just cause more and more social outrages.
You cant have it both ways. Scare the public into accepting manditory MRIs or accept that you cannot stop a determined terrorist.
What form will these additional security measures take? X ray scans? Strip searches? Chloroforming passengers for the duration of the flight?
Good luck with that. I question whether this story is even true. Just more TSA FUD? Will we all get abdominal x-rays at the airport? Will you be hiring state licensed radiologists this go-round? Unlicensed and inadequately-trained TSA employees have been suffering from overexposure even with the lower power scanning x-ray equipment. Will you just be checking for bodily fluid leakage from recent incisions and from postnatal women?
My seventh-grade class read Orwell's Animal Farm. Our teacher explained that Orwell had written it to warn future generations not to lie down and take it when their governments took away their rights. We thought she was being ridiculous because we lived in America! Land of the free and all that!
Then came the TSA. Any of this sound familiar?...
Two of the Seven Commandments:
1. Whatever goes upon two legs is an enemy.
3. No animal shall wear clothes.
"Napoleon is always right."
"Ah, that is different!" said Boxer. "If Comrade Napoleon says it, it must be right."
I feel like Blogger Bob secretly thinks his posts are nonsense, and allowing all our disgruntled comments is the only way he gets to express the fact that he agrees with us. If that's the case, Bob, you're an OK guy.
I'm not just being a brat here; everyone's wondering, I'm legitimately asking, and there's nowhere else to get an answer (speculative or otherwise) from the horse's mouth. Is the TSA planning to implement endoscopy, anal probe, or gynecological-exam procedures now that terrorists apparently aren't too shy to swallow bombs, sew them into their skin, or stick them where the sun don't shine? Or will we have to go through actual X-ray machines and pretend we won't get cancer?
So what's going to be the next great gadget to join the lineup at security checkpoints? A robotic rectum checker?
Everything the TSA does, it does to instill fear in travelers, in hopes that some of it will rub off on some passer-by with a bomb in his pants. Or so terrorists will think, "Oh no, they're virtually strip-searching people now! There's no way I could ever possibly get around that! I might as well give up my crazy plot!"
Everyone in America gets that that's your purpose. But that tactic is never going to work on terrorists. You can't scare someone into submission when their objective is to blow themselves up. So there's no reason you should continue sexually abusing law-abiding citizens. Enhanced pat downs do constitute sexual abuse, even if your policies define them otherwise. A rose by any other name and all that.
I'm getting married soon and I will NOT raise my future children in a country where government officials can do these things to them "for the greater good." I never thought our leaders would condone something so vile.
International extra screening for flights to the US is a joke, and really pointless since it is done after you already went through a regular screening point. They half-heartedly look into your bag until they find some trace of liquid. If you have a TSA-approved baggie on top of everything, they won´t look any further. If you have a water bottle purchased in the airport they will throw it out and abort any further search.
Add to that a half-hearted pat down (usually conducted while you are wearing a backpack, therefore ignoring your whole back!) and you are on your way.
And they never, ever, ask you to remove your shoes (as they shouldn´t).
Oh Great! I have a Total Shoulder Replacement. What is that? Its a stem with ball and a socket to replace my damaged shoulder. It has titanium (A LOT) stem down into my arm in the bone, and into the shoulder. It looks like an L--and sets off metal detectors at any and all airports. I also have a titanium cage around my lower lumbar spine. I get pat downs every time I travel, and have to get to the airport at least 2 hours early to make sure I get to my flight. NOW..how long will it take? I no longer can take the chance on the backscatter scanner--I am at my radiation MAX. Heaven help myself and family during the next trip we take.
So, increased security for implants and such. Which I have. Also I travel with a service animal. Any suggestions on how I now get thru TSA security without major delays? Will security take longer than the two hours I presently have to plan? Its also an issue as airlines only allow animals in the cabin on a reseervation basis-so should I miss a flight, its not just get the next one--its back to the counter --back thru security--you get the picture. So surely there is an easy way for the disabled be treated like everyone else. Lets just say that DRIVING across the USA is not really an option..
Thanks TSA for all the good work you do. Many people dislike TSA, these people dislike most everything they come in contact with. I travel alot throughout the country and abroad never had a problem with ANYTHING TSA has done. All the TSA haters are just that "haters", they hate everything.
Shouldn't TSA out of the 'abundance of caution' standard it uses to justify the show inspection, the liquid band and the MMW and Backscatter X-Ray screenings now start subjecting passengers to either cavity searches or medical x-rays to find the 1 person in a billion who might actually have explosives in their body?
Actually, we see what you guys are really doing. This is about distracting from all the bad press and attempting to justify the pornoscanners. You guys already did this with the coffeecups last time (though i imagine that, like the liquid ban, came with some healthy kickbacks from the airport food service industries too)
Ugh, what a crock.
I do enjoy your circular logic -- citing all those media reports about the threats out there, though the media reports are merely reporting the TSA saying there are imaginary threats out there.
My guess is the "intelligence" is a bunch of TSA agents brainstorming ideas that might make the public scared again.
Is this all because of pending budget needs? A need to deflect attention from media reports of TSA agents stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from the public's luggage? Failing to check thousands of bags in Hawaii and then learning there still is not threat? Agents dying from cancer from those dangerous X-ray machines?
No big surprise - if you look back through the comments in this blog this has been discussed several times.
The TSA must really think the American people are stupid. Your disgraced organizations that humiliates law-abiding American taxpayers decides to release a story that is designed to scare average Americans after the TSA has suffered from weeks of bad press. Your approach is obvious and re-enforces the fact the TSA should not be trusted.
Unfortunately, your organization is now like the boy who cried wolf, when a real threat arises, no one will believe you. The TSA has no one to blame but yourselves.
increased use of explosive trace detection, which is fairly unintrusive and (as far as you've told us) quite effective, would be quite welcome!
this threat simply highlights the invasiveness and ineffectiveness of the whole body scanners.
Tin-Foil Hat alert! This is going to sound like a conspiracy. It's not, its just my opinion, but if you are so inclined I thought it would be nice to warn you to get yourself ready.
From the linked article:
"The Department of Homeland Security ... official said on condition of anonymity."
So someone in DHS started reading the comments on this blog, realized what we figured out about two minutes after the scanners hit the proverbial ground in that the scanners aren't going to detect a load of petn up someone's arse, and then 'leaked' to the media that Terrorists might do just that.
While I don't doubt the possible threat, it does make me wonder why someone in the DHS went to the media with information that will just support the TSA, which is part of the DHS. Couldn't that same Anonymous DHS Official just sent a memo down the hall to someone in the TSA? Why 'leak' it to the media unless the goal is to put evidence out in the media for the TSA to link to as justification for the next level of whatever the TSA does next to trample on our Rights as US Citizens.
This, to me, seems like the tail wagging the dog.
If this is a threat pertaining to a flight from overseas to the US (subsequently meaning more screening for those passengers), why are the screenings increasing here in the US for passengers originating travel in the US? I think this threat you perceive has more to do with keeping fear in the publics' eyes instead of an actual bonafide threat.
Where's all the comments today about , what do you think the terrorists will stick bombs in their bodies..All the brilliant peop0le out there who for the past nine years have slammed the TSA for being over zealous. C'mon where are the people..I guess this type of news might enlighten you a little that there is nothing that a terrorist won't do...oh yeah I am sure profiling will stop an implanted bomb...even the Saudis didn't profile the individual who trked to blow up a Saudi prince by implanting a bomb..those Saudis are the top of the food chain when it comes to security, but they didn't get it either...so please keep your mouths shut from now on..I have an idea what if the TSA ceased providing security for 90 days at all airports...no x-ray, no pat down, no profiling..that will show us all just how many of you would take the chance..after reading this news, I am guessing not many...Rest easy my friends
You do know that a body bomb cannot take down an aircraft. This has been tested already. The body absorbs the majority of the blast. Too bad your AIT scanners cant detect metals or explosives either. As many have said before you should have spent the money dogs. Speaking of - nice way to wag the dog.
I sincerely pity large chested women flying in from abroad, who will now obviously be more harassed than we are already.
"Unfortunately, intelligence has continued to indicate an interest in terrorists targeting aviation."
Please provide details here - like *which* intelligence group is providing you information that makes this threat any more likely than the speculations of 10 year ago.
We trust the media about as much as the TSA.
FUD! Absolute drivel and propaganda.
The TSA has had so much bad press the last few weeks that they're trying to psychologically scare people into compliance. Don't buy it America, the TSA and DHS is crying wolf and trying to justify their existance. This is utter JUNK.
Shame on you TSA to think that we'd actually buy this FUD.
How to predict a new "aviation threat": Whenever the TSA budget is threatened, a new "aviation threat" will be detected.
Must be budget time..
Goes to check
Yep, budget time.
I'm psychic!
Or you guys are just really predictable...
Your article is about potential explosive devices concealed beneath the skin. I have asked this question many times and have been ignored every time: how does the TSA resolve medical/cosmetic implants beneath the skin?
The obvious answer is you just assume that all such implants are explosives and treat innocent passengers as terrorists and subject them to the most humiliating and degrading searches. Short of the TSA cutting medical/cosmetic implants out from under the skin I cannot see how you can resolve such 'anomalies'.
You raised this issue in your article so this is a reasonable question. Will you answer it?
Here's the problem, TSA. You are NOT staying ahead of the latest security threats. In fact, you seem to be one step BEHIND the terrorists at all times.
So now we've spent all this money on these body scanners and they will do NOTHING to detect the latest terrorist tactic.
And this was a terrorist concern that you KNEW was out there. Bombs concealed in people's bodies have been discussed in the comment section of this blog for MONTHS. It's one of the reasons people have been arguing AGAINST these body scanning devices. They are not an effective deterrent to terrorism.
So what are you going to do now? Your rep says you are going to emply the "use of enhanced tools and technologies." What new horror are you going to unleash on the traveling public now? You like to imply that you can protect us from terrorists. Who's going to protect us from you?
Well, I know what I'm going to do. 1) I'm going to once again write my elected officials and ask them to take 100% of our taxpayer money away from the TSA and give it to organizations that are working to identify and apprehend terrorists LONG before they even get close to their targets. And 2) I'm going to vote for Ron Paul who has promised to take steps to reign in the TSA.
Wow, I'm so glad that TSA spent MILLIONS of dollars of taxpayer money on body scanning machines that are completely useless in stopping the latest terrorist tactic. What a brilliant use of our money. GREAT JOB TSA!
Implants? For real?
Ok, a few years ago there was a news story about someone successfully pulling off a terrorist plot with a bomb inserted up his rectum. It happened in Saudi Arabia.
If you want to come up with a rationale for your intensifying searches, try using a real news story, not a plot from a bad science fiction movie.
"A possible terrorist threat is in the news today, and many of you are likely wondering what’s going on behind the scenes."
So Bob, could you give us some detailed info on the next stage?
You know, like what size Tampax will be ok, when we're supposed to remove suppositories or sanitary pads.. helpful stuff like that, to keep us up to date in the fight against terrorism? Thanks ever so much, and God bless the United States of Orwell.
Each one of these layers alone is capable of stopping a terrorist attack. In combination their security value is multiplied, creating a strong, formidable system.
You mean any one of those layers is capable of stopping people like this guy here? Good job, guys...you're doing terrific!
2003 mortality data from the Center for Disease Control:
-- You are 17,600 times more likely to die from heart disease than from a terrorist attack
-- You are 12,571 times more likely to die from cancer than from a terrorist attack
-- You are 11,000 times more likely to die in an airplane accident than from a terrorist plot involving an airplane
-- You are 1048 times more likely to die from a car accident than from a terrorist attack
--You are 404 times more likely to die in a fall than from a terrorist attack
-- You are 87 times more likely to drown than die in a terrorist attack
-- You are 13 times more likely to die in a railway accident than from a terrorist attack
--You are 12 times more likely to die from accidental suffocation in bed than from a terrorist attack
--You are 9 times more likely to choke to death on your own vomit than die in a terrorist attack
--You are 8 times more likely to be killed by a police officer than by a terrorist
--You are 8 times more likely to die from accidental electrocution than from a terrorist attack
-- You are 6 times more likely to die from hot weather than from a terrorist attack
I assume we have cavity searches to look forward to in the near future?
This is pure TSA propaganda.
So what are you guys going to do to protect me from getting my computer stolen from a TSA agent?
Something tells me I'm going to be asked to walk through an even bigger x-ray machine, while a TSA agent is selling my belongings on the internet and another agent is running his fingers through my wife's hair.
"many of you are likely wondering what’s going on behind the scenes."
Well, Yes. And wondering how many more agents are more concerned about selling stolen ipods in ebay than busying themselves as one of your many efficient, professional and necessary layers of security.
Of course, the only answer to this new threat that also fits with the oft repeated justifications for groping and porno scanners is to require travellers to fully disrobe as they go through security.
Anything short of that is pretty conclusive that your current arguments are simply used out of convenience, and not out of any tangible security principle.
*facepalm* Really Bob? Really? This isn't even good damage control. There is no threat, this is disinformation to help justify your jobs. Propaganda TSA: "Halp! Halp! The Terrorists are coming! The Terrorists are coming!"
Nice try Bob, we know the terrorists aren't coming, and even if they were, the TSA would be useless in trying to catch them because y'all are too busy searching my grannies diapers and feeling up my 6 year old niece, or rubbing down my bare arms and legs. My plane is still more likely to crash due to pilot error or mechanical failure.
GET YOUR NASTY BLUE GLOVES OUT OF MY BRA!!
Why is this news? We've known body cavity or implant bombs are a possibility for years. The airlines knew it too. Duh!
Nothing has changed except for the TSA's reaction to the possibility.... a reaction designed to induce and ignite fear amongst the traveling public.
Makes you stop and ask yourself: Who is the real terrorist here?
Hmmmmm........?
Why is this news? We've known body cavity or implant bombs are a possibility for years. The airlines knew it too. Duh!
Nothing has changed except for the TSA's reaction to this possibility.... a reaction designed to induce and ignite fear amongst the flying public.
Makes you stop and ask yourself: who is the real terrorist here? Hmmmmm........?
The problem here is really one of being realistic. It isn't possible to stop all possible risks without simply eliminating the activity that is threatened. That is true whether the problem is terrorists on airplanes or drunks driving cars. The simple fact is that the TSA is a massive over-reaction to a minor threat.
The number of people killed by terrorist attacks on airplanes WORLD WIDE is significantly less that the number of people killed in the U.S. in automobiles. Were we to over react to the threat of drunk or simply bad drivers to the same degree that we do with regard to the risk of airborne terrorism, we would make cars effectively useless. Yet for some reason the American public finds it acceptable to create an agency that is only seen as effective if it stops 100% of airborne terror attacks. In pursuit of that goal we experience, at great cost, largely ineffective but highly intrusive encroachment on civil liberties.
The answr is for the public to find the courage to accept the risk.
FRACUS wrote: even the Saudis didn't profile the individual who trked to blow up a Saudi prince by implanting a bomb..those Saudis are the top of the food chain when it comes to security, but they didn't get it either...so please keep your mouths shut from now on..
The Saudi prince survived, despite standing right next to the bomber.
One question: Why does your cowardice trump my liberty?
[[what if the TSA ceased providing security for 90 days at all airports...no x-ray, no pat down, no profiling..that will show us all just how many of you would take the chance]]
Well, "Fracus", TSA doesn't profile. But if they stopped all the rest of their pointless nonsense, I'd make a point to fly everywhere I could.
In the words of a boring and homerish White Sox television announcer, "You can put it on the bo-o-oard... YES!"
Ya know, if TSA hadn't tossed a few hundred million dollars worth of Puffers (ETP) in the trash so TSA could line the pockets of Chertoff and friends we might not have to worry about this threat.
But NO, TSA is all about corruption and graft.
Good Show TSA!
"Where's all the comments today about , what do you think the terrorists will stick bombs in their bodies..All the brilliant peop0le out there who for the past nine years have slammed the TSA for being over zealous. C'mon where are the people."
Hi! This info by all accounts is over one year old. Handed to the DHS by Mi5. Question is why is the DHS reacting to this now?
Secondly us brilliant people have never said we want no security. We have said we need effective security. Effective security means metal detectors to detect metal, canines and trace detection systems to detect explosives, common sense, and more old fashioned police work. Effective security means screening ALL airport personnel and 100% of passenger cargo.
As pointed out many many times the AIT scanners cannot detect explosives or metal. The amount of money wasted on these machines is criminal. The GAO reported their testers walked through AIT scanners with handguns undetected. Something a basic metal detector can do.
Body bombs themselves also have dubious effectiveness as most of the blast is absorbed by the body. Person carrying the bomb also has little time to deliver it. You could easily spot someone fresh from surgery. This is very old news... Why now? Deflection from the real issues.
http://www.newsweek.com/blogs/declassified/2010/01/04/exclusive-intelligence-agencies-reported-last-fall-on-threat-of-bombs-hidden-under-clothing.html
FRACUS said...".I have an idea what if the TSA ceased providing security for 90 days at all airports...no x-ray, no pat down, no profiling..that will show us all just how many of you would take the chance."
Sign me up! When does the 90 days start? I want to get to the airport before the crowd gets there so I can get a good seat.
Anonymous said..." All the TSA haters are just that "haters", they hate everything."
No, I don't hate everything. I just hate people like you who support what the TSA is doing even when evidence to the contrary is presented. I hate people like you who think it is my responsibility to join you in giving up one set of my Rights as a US Citizen just to exercise another set of Rights. I hate that I am treated like I am a criminal who simply hasn't been caught yet for no reason other than a desire to fly from here to another part of the country. I hate that I have to comment here as Anonymous because I fear if the TSA were so inclined I would find myself on the No-Fly list simply because I spoke out against the TSA. A list, I might add, that I would have almost no chance of ever getting myself removed from and which is a huge violation of Legal Due Process here in America. I hate that I have to keep explaining these very concepts to people like the TSA, and you, while you blissfully accept everything that is happening because the TSA said it was for your safety. I hate that people like Pistole and Napalatino (sp?), and people like you, think you know what is best for people like me, but never ask my opinion. I hate people like everyone listed above and more who ask for my opinion, after the fact, and then tell me I'm wrong because my opinion is different from what you decided was good for me.
And while that may seem like a lot of hate, I don't find it to be so. I am happy guy. I have a job I like, a wife I love, a dog, a cat, a home although I do not have a white picket fence because that is trite these days. About the only thing in life that isn't good for me is the fact that my government scares the crap out of me by installing a National Police Force under the guide of DHS and TSA. It is supposed to be the other way around, the Government is supposed to fear me as a Tax Paying Citizen with voting powers.
So, long story short.... (too late) I don't hate everything I come in contact with. Just idiots like you.
Of course this threat always existed. If people have a fear that someone will surgically implant an explosive device on their person to bring down an aircraft then they should not fly. (Or leave their house for that matter.)
That this "finding" is even coming up makes me suspect that an expensive, humiliating and unAmerican "solution" will soon be announced by DHS/TSA. No bureaucracy ever announced a "problem" without having a budget busting, odious "solution" ready to foist on taxpayers.
So, Bob ... how can I tell the difference between someone performing an "unpredictable" security procedure and someone performing an approved procedure improperly?
Stop with the crazy stuff and secure the baggage handling area already!
http://edition.cnn.com/2011/TRAVEL/07/07/florida.tsa.employee.theft/
If TSA employees can steal from the luggage, they can be putting things in. This is the biggest hole in security right now, not liquids, not implanted suicide bombs. It's also a benefit for passengers if we can check valuables without worrying they will be stolen unlike most of the other security theater.
Anonymous said...
Thanks TSA for all the good work you do. Many people dislike TSA, these people dislike most everything they come in contact with. I travel alot throughout the country and abroad never had a problem with ANYTHING TSA has done. All the TSA haters are just that "haters", they hate everything.
July 7, 2011 7:29 AM
Anonymous, I couldn't agree more! While everyone's certainly entitled to their opinion, there's a fine line between expressing your opinions and becoming fanatical about it!
They might as well argue too that the world isn't round!
One thing's for sure: The TSA's doing an exceptional job and they're here to stay!!!
I really dont understand the point of airport security.
The odds of dying on a plane because of terrorists are microscopic compared to the odds of dying by things like health or driving. Why not freak out about those things instead. We could invest billions of dollars into heart research and cancer research and automated driving (google cars!), instead of this irrelevent nonsense.
In fact, bees kill more people than terrorists a year. If we apply the same logic we should definitely spray cities with poison to kill all the bees. And to stay one step ahead of bees, we can burn down all the trees in the world so they have no place to build a nest.
[[what if the TSA ceased providing security for 90 days at all airports...no x-ray, no pat down, no profiling..that will show us all just how many of you would take the chance]]
I'd be the first one to book a ticket for a nice tropical vacation somewhere. I'd pay extra to travel without interference from the TSA! I've stopped flying because of them, and I really want to go on vacation. But going on vaction isn't as important as standing up for my RIGHTS as a citizen of this country. So, while the TSA insists on forcing much unwanted advances on my body... I refuse to spend my money on transportation. It's bad enough that I'm already paying them through my taxes.
lol!! you guys at the tsa kill me! let let us know when ya catch that terrorist with the c4 sown into his butt!! lol!! you guy are the biggest jokesters! i bet some people really believe this bs though.
You do know that a body bomb cannot take down an aircraft. This has been tested already. The body absorbs the majority of the blast
Um, what can be inserted can be expelled. Insert, walk through 'security', go to bathroom, remove what you inserted, hand to friend, repeat. Once you have enough, get on plane.
...What? I'm talking about 3.3 ounce tubes of toothpaste, of course.
anon said:
"I'd be the first one to book a ticket for a nice tropical vacation somewhere. I'd pay extra to travel without interference from the TSA! I've stopped flying because of them, and I really want to go on vacation. But going on vaction isn't as important as standing up for my RIGHTS as a citizen of this country. So, while the TSA insists on forcing much unwanted advances on my body... I refuse to spend my money on transportation. It's bad enough that I'm already paying them through my taxes."
so stop paying taxes, that way you will force them out! about as sane as the people that say that they will cripple the airline industry by not flying because of the tsa. just doesnt make sense.
anon said:
"In fact, bees kill more people than terrorists a year. If we apply the same logic we should definitely spray cities with poison to kill all the bees. And to stay one step ahead of bees, we can burn down all the trees in the world so they have no place to build a nest."
finally someone with a valid point...
This is nothing more than propaganda for them to try to justify more and more intrusive scanning methods.
Homeland security - If you're not terrified we're not necessary..... Please believe the propaganda so we get our paychecks and new toys.....
JustSayin said:
"One thing's for sure: The TSA's doing an exceptional job and they're here to stay!!!"
Wishful thinking. Starting next year, privitizing airport security will begin. In two years, it will be in full swing.
You heard it here first.
FRACUS said:
"even the Saudis didn't profile the individual who trked to blow up a Saudi prince by implanting a bomb..those Saudis are the top of the food chain when it comes to security, but they didn't get it either..."
If I understand you correctly, we shouldn't give the TSA a hard time because 1. the Saudis don't profile and, 2. Saudi security failed to protect a prince?
Note that Saudi security isn't all that good, preferring to buy off the terrorists instead. Also the prince survived.
"so please keep your mouths shut from now on.."
No thanks!
"I have an idea what if the TSA ceased providing security for 90 days at all airports...no x-ray, no pat down, no profiling..that will show us all just how many of you would take the chance..after reading this news, I am guessing not many..."
I'd fly more. Additionally, I'll take my family, something that I don't do now - I keep them away from those who touch them inappropriately.
"Rest easy my friends"
Not until my God-given rights are respected by my government.
Anonymous said...
JustSayin said:
"One thing's for sure: The TSA's doing an exceptional job and they're here to stay!!!"
Wishful thinking. Starting next year, privitizing airport security will begin. In two years, it will be in full swing.
You heard it here first.
July 10, 2011 2:51 PM
Privatizing security?!
You mean like before 9/11...when America's WORST terrorist attack happened on THEIR watch???
I don't think so!!!
Also...some uninformed people think that switching to private security means no more pat downs and body scanners!
Not so.
PS will still have to follow the same mandates as the TSA. Besides, it's all for OUR OWN SAFETY!!!
"so stop paying taxes, that way you will force them out! about as sane as the people that say that they will cripple the airline industry by not flying because of the tsa. just doesnt make sense."
I will not stop paying my taxes. Unlike the TSA, I'm a responsible law abiding citizen.
anon said:
"You heard it here first."
lol yep! way to go! now what?
How about you also stay ahead of your own employees so that we don't have to worry about our items being stolen as our luggage is being rifled through behind closed doors?
Seriously, these are the people you expect us to trust to handle security? When some can't handle not breaking the law and the rest can't handle catching their own law-breaking co-workers?
Good thing an airline employee (irony!) happened to be around to see him pilfer the iPad and report the theft.
JustSayin said...
One thing's for sure: The TSA's doing an exceptional job and they're here to stay!!!
An exceptionally bad job.
Take a look at:
http://www.cnn.com/2011/TRAVEL/07/11/stun.gun.airplane/index.html?hpt=hp_t2
A stun gun was found in the seat pocket on a plane. Some security.
Anonymous said...
JustSayin said...
One thing's for sure: The TSA's doing an exceptional job and they're here to stay!!!
An exceptionally bad job.
Take a look at:
http://www.cnn.com/2011/TRAVEL/07/11/stun.gun.airplane/index.html?hpt=hp_t2
A stun gun was found in the seat pocket on a plane. Some security.
July 11, 2011 8:44 PM
Investigation pending, so let's not jump to conclusions, shall we?
Meanwhile...
Grand total of terrorist attacks in the US since the formation of the TSA: 0.
Seriously, most of you make me sick. I have never encountered such a large group of whiners in my life. If you fear the TSA stay the hell out of the airports. The TSA doesn't violate anyone's 4th amendment rights. The TSA doesn't come to your house or your personal space and go through your things. By purchasing a ticket and passing through the security Checkpoints you are giving implied consent to be searched. Just like by having a drivers license you you give implied consent to submit to a DUI FST/BAC test. A 4th amendment violation search is if it is conducted in a place where one has a reasonable expectation of privacy. Airports and Airlines are privately owned. A private company on private property along with the US Govt has said to fly you must be searched...don't like it stay away from airports. The world changed 10 years ago, you might consider changing as well.
@JustSayin': "Grand total of terrorist attacks in the US since the formation of the TSA: 0."
Grand total of terrorist attacks in the US since the my magic rock raised its shields and started protecting the country: 0.
Grand total of terrorist attacks in the US since Benedict became Pope: 0.
Grand total of terrorist attacks in the US since Prince William and Kate got married: 0.
Grand total of terrorist attacks in the US since the Bush era tax cuts were extended: 0.
All are true, yet none can be linked to the lack of terror incidents.
*yawn*
Try a valid argument argument. And besides, TSA hasn't prevented any terrorist attacks - especially in the US. You act like TSA is protecting the entire US and found the attempted bombing of Times Square in New York.
It also ignores the fact that there are many in law enforcement and the Intelligence Community are working to prevent incidents in the country. TSA is nothing but the last line of defense if LE and the IC fail. And given the results of testing, TSA at best is a Maginot Line: appears impervious and looks good but still allowed the Germans to waltz in and take over France.
Try again.
Earl
JustSayin said...
Grand total of terrorist attacks in the US since the formation of the TSA: 0.
This is a pretty good argument *against* the TSA. Maybe you forgot, but the TSA only protects airplanes. Since there haven't been any terrorist attacks anywhere, even places with no security screening at all, this indicates that terrorists attacks are pretty rare.
Lack of attacks on airplanes isn't evidence that the TSA is doing a good job when it's quite likely that no one has attempted an attack.
JustSayin wrote "Investigation pending, so let's not jump to conclusions, shall we?"
Of course we shouldn't jump to conclusions. It is plausible that this occurred through no fault of TSA. For example, the stun gun was left there by someone authorized to have a stun gun in the cabin of an airliner.
But it is highly unlikely. Chances are that this was one of the more than 25,000 security breaches which TSA has admitted occurred under its watch.
JustSayin wrote "Grand total of terrorist attacks in the US since the formation of the TSA: 0."
Correlation does not imply causation. Please take a "Logic 101" course at your local community college to learn that and more.
Yea Bob, overseas the profile because it works and it does make good sense.
The TSA is a greater threat to the security of a free American citizen than any other group in the world.
gunslinger said:
"Yea Bob, overseas the profile because it works and it does make good sense."
yep it works thats how richard reid and the underwear bomber were allowed to get on inbound us flights
avxo said:
"But it is highly unlikely.
Chances are that this was one of the more than 25,000 security breaches which TSA has admitted occurred under its watch."
with some crude numbers over the last 9 years it amounts to 10 breaches a day. thats in over 100 airports that serve 1.6 million flyers a day. thats pretty good. i wonder how many armed flyers (ffdos/dea/fbi/us marshall/etc) leave their firearms on a plane or in an airport that we dont hear about?
Some anon called 25,000 security breaches, 10 breaches a day, 'pretty good'.
When a terrorist exploits the porous security of the TSA and kills people will you still be dismissive of the problem? Will that be pretty good to you too?
JustSayin wrote "Grand total of terrorist attacks in the US since the formation of the TSA: 0."
Nonsense. The credit goes to the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Arizona Diamondbacks won the series in 2001 and there have been no attacks since their mighty victory.
want to comment on the TSA team in Houston particularly in the us airways area.. long story short business trip rental car broken into, all identfication and personal items vanished, 12 hours before flight. Had deal w/police getting information filed, police not helpful in. Giving information on what to do w/travel....up all night taken care of closing accounts ect. TSA team most helpful courtious and pleaant, the attitude shown toward me in my situation, made me relax and feel safe and I knew they had everyones best interest in mind. Way to go above and beyond
"yep it works thats how richard reid and the underwear bomber were allowed to get on inbound us flights"
Richard Reid was denied the first day, Anon. Don't know what happened the next day when he tried again, but he shouldn't have gotten on then either.
However, TSA wouldn't have caught him even the first day.
Anonymous said:
"with some crude numbers over the last 9 years it amounts to 10 breaches a day. thats in over 100 airports that serve 1.6 million flyers a day. thats pretty good. i wonder how many armed flyers (ffdos/dea/fbi/us marshall/etc) leave their firearms on a plane or in an airport that we dont hear about?"
It's not ten a day. It's not even ten a year. Probably more like once every ten years.
25000 is what TSA admits to. The actual number is MUCH higher. The TSA brags that it catches about 10 firearms a week. From the TSA's own testing, we know they miss about 70% of the weapons. By that admission, at least 20 weapons - ok that's 66% but you get the idea - that are carried on aircraft by non-authorized people PER WEEK.
Feeling safer yet?
What's the progress on changing the software on the scanners to stick figures instead of seeing graphic human anatomy? You said earlier this year that the TSA was going to go to this and was testing it out in airports.
Anonymous said...
JustSayin said...
Grand total of terrorist attacks in the US since the formation of the TSA: 0.
This is a pretty good argument *against* the TSA. Maybe you forgot, but the TSA only protects airplanes. Since there haven't been any terrorist attacks anywhere, even places with no security screening at all, this indicates that terrorists attacks are pretty rare.
Lack of attacks on airplanes isn't evidence that the TSA is doing a good job when it's quite likely that no one has attempted an attack.
July 14, 2011 8:33 AM
Maybe you forgot, but we're measuring the TSA's success with the lone and worst terrorist attack in American history, which happens to be aviation, which happens to be what the TSA protects and has successfully protected since 9/11.
I see you like to have irrational arguments, so why don't you argue to me how the world isn't round. :)
Grand total of terrorist attacks in the US since the formation of the TSA: 0.
Earl Pitts said...
@JustSayin': "Grand total of terrorist attacks in the US since the formation of the TSA: 0."
Grand total of terrorist attacks in the US since the my magic rock raised its shields and started protecting the country: 0.
Grand total of terrorist attacks in the US since Benedict became Pope: 0.
Grand total of terrorist attacks in the US since Prince William and Kate got married: 0.
Grand total of terrorist attacks in the US since the Bush era tax cuts were extended: 0.
All are true, yet none can be linked to the lack of terror incidents.
*yawn*
Try a valid argument argument. And besides, TSA hasn't prevented any terrorist attacks - especially in the US. You act like TSA is protecting the entire US and found the attempted bombing of Times Square in New York.
It also ignores the fact that there are many in law enforcement and the Intelligence Community are working to prevent incidents in the country. TSA is nothing but the last line of defense if LE and the IC fail. And given the results of testing, TSA at best is a Maginot Line: appears impervious and looks good but still allowed the Germans to waltz in and take over France.
Try again.
Earl
July 13, 2011 2:52 PM
Earl, thanks for your continued support of the TSA site....I love them, too!
Anonymous said...
JustSayin wrote "Grand total of terrorist attacks in the US since the formation of the TSA: 0."
Nonsense. The credit goes to the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Arizona Diamondbacks won the series in 2001 and there have been no attacks since their mighty victory.
July 15, 2011 11:24 AM
Anonymous, there **may** be some truth to that.....but at least your argument is far rational than the regular panel of irrational naysayers. :)
@JS: "Earl, thanks for your continued support of the TSA site....I love them, too!"
I may as well argue with my 6 year old. It's more productive and at least he can come up with reasons to justify what he wants/believes.
You'll never get it when you have no understanding of logic.
Earl
I flew this past week out of CVG and while I was standing in line I watched people being pulled out of line "randomly" for scans. One out of every 10 people being picked was female. Really????? If we are searching for terrorist or even serial killers would we not be picking out more males than females? I myself am male and I zipped right thru security. These scanners are a joke. We should look north to Canada there you dont have to take off your shoes, and they certainly dont molest there own citizens.
JustSayin said:
"Maybe you forgot, but we're measuring the TSA's success with the lone and worst terrorist attack in American history, which happens to be aviation, which happens to be what the TSA protects and has successfully protected since 9/11."
9/11 was the "lone" terrorist attack on America? JustSayin's credibility continues to drop.
Wow what good time. Read about the scanner software. That should satisfy those who were worried about invasion of privacy concerns. Also if the person who is manning the scanner is the one looking at the result it should save money because you won't need an extra person to view it. Won't need as many FTE. Good job.
Its as simple as this:
You're violating my Fourth Amendment Rights.
Enough of the 4th amendment stuff. The Supreme court (whose job it is to decide constitutionality) has ruled that the searches they perform in fact do not violate the 4th amendment. Don't like it, try voting.
Anonymous said...
Enough of the 4th amendment stuff. The Supreme court (whose job it is to decide constitutionality) has ruled that the searches they perform in fact do not violate the 4th amendment. Don't like it, try voting.
July 22, 2011 6:05 PM
.............
Please provide a link to any Supreme Court ruling that specifically addresses TSA Screening.
I'm skeptical regarding the capability of totally avoiding terrorist attacks. There always be new ways to avoid all the security... Although it will take decades I think we must also seriously invest in diplomacy.
Anonymous said...
JustSayin said:
"Maybe you forgot, but we're measuring the TSA's success with the lone and worst terrorist attack in American history, which happens to be aviation, which happens to be what the TSA protects and has successfully protected since 9/11."
9/11 was the "lone" terrorist attack on America? JustSayin's credibility continues to drop.
July 19, 2011 6:45 PM
"Anonymous," two things:
1. I'm not going away.
2. Neither is the TSA!
:)
hope there will be peace and justice.. God bless us all
In this day and age it is a disappointing (but understandable) fact that everybody is going to be treated as a suspect and we can't have it both ways.
These security measures are not implemented just to annoy people - they are a necessary security measure to ensure, wherever possible, the publics safety.
We'd be the first to complain if something terrible happened and we didn't think security was tight enough...
It seems like we are trying so hard to do more and more. I hope that all of this is on the right track and is something that will actually stop a potential attack. I feel safer knowing that it's being done but I would like to hear more about how it has helped, ie what has been found. Every once and a while we may hear a story on the news, but we would like to hear how great all of those implemented plans are working for us. That may set peoples minds at ease because they will see ways that it has stopped things from happening.
Well there is always a risk these days even since back in the 80s with the lockerbie bombing, and im glad about tighter security checks, yes it takes longer but it's for our safety. John, Vinyl
It's like you have to get rid of shyness of being groped and fondled when you get checked at the airport. I know they're only doing their job but I know there are some people who take it "there"
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