TSA agents swarm Ron Paul's plane, demand explosives check

[dixiegrrrrl]

( to appreciate this story, you have to remember that Paul has been a severe critic of TSA).

A group of TSA agents attempted to stop Texas Congressman Ron Paul and his family from boarding their private plane at a small airport in Clearwater, Florida on Tuesday, insisting that they submit to an extensive screening and bomb check before flying.
Paul, his wife, Carol, and one of their granddaughters were preparing to depart when eight TSA agents confronted them, according to Lew Rockwell, Paul's former chief of staff.
The agents reviewed the pilots' paperwork, but demanded that they be allowed to search the aircraft for explosives. The pilots objected, pointing out that the fuel-laden airplane is an explosive itself.
"Then Carol Paul, who has a pacemaker, refused to be screened, and an aide started taking video of the whole rotten process," Rockwell writes. Eventually, the TSA backed down and allowed the Pauls to board the plane without further incident.
more:
http://digitaljournal.com/article/331811

Forget for a moment that this is Ron Paul..instead, notice that TSA swarmed a private plane at a small airport.
Think about the implications of that.
Then add that the plane owner is a critic of the TSA.
Makes me wonder about the size of the mandate of TSA.

[grasswire]

1. TSA probably planted listening devices while they were there

I would have not allowed them to enter without U.S. Marshalls present.

[Ezlivin]

2. You're either with us or you're against us.

What's so damned scary is determining exactly who "us" is.

But not to worry: Soon the skies will be filled with happy drones watching over peaceful citizens.

[Comrade_McKenzie]

3. Disbanding the TSA would be an excellent austerity measure. nt

[Blue_Tires]

4. I'd wait for another source than just Lew Rockwell, professional nutbar...

this story reeks...

[NashvilleLefty]

5. That's right, condemn the TSA for doing their job

and keeping us safe!

I've flown a lot, and I have always found the TSA very friendly and professional in every city. Consider what it would be like if NOT for the TSA - every flight would be potential target and most of us would never fly again.

Also, consider the small number of "incidents" against the number of people screened by the TSA EVERY FUCKING DAY.

I'm sorry, but as a frequent flyer some inconveniences are well worth the peace of mind. I'm glad to see the TSA keeping us safe.

[Mmm_Bacon]

7. Peace of mind regarding TSA...

... is just a dog and pony show for the uninformed.

70% up to 100% fail rates...

Might give you a warm and fuzzy but they are literally are worse than zero protection because they keep an effective system from being put in place aside from the fact that it is one of the biggest money pits currently running in America.

http://www.economist.com/blogs/gulliver/2011/01/tsa_threat_detection

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transportation_Security_Administration#Criticisms

http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/trafficandcommuting/tsa-equipment-gathering-dust-house-investigators-say/2012/05/08/gIQAaG9WBU_story.html

[NashvilleLefty]

8. 70 - 100% fail rates? If that were true

we'd have planes blown up all over the country. How many successful hijackings and/or plane bombings have we had since TSA was implemented?

Remember, a big deterrent is the fact that we are screening - period. But I will read your links.

[Mmm_Bacon]

9. Checking in...

I'm curious what conclusion you came to...

[Ohio Joe]

6. Fuck Ron Paul and his private plane

Why should assholes with private planes be exempt from screening? Ronulans are only a hair away from being terrorists, they should be scrutinized. I know I wouldn't trust a single one of the fuckers with a burnt out match.