Well, today was the day

[Secret Squirrel]

You wanted it! You bought a ticket, showed up, and consented to search. At what point do you say no? You consented to the pat down. What part is now a sexual assault? That is one of the dumbest things I have ever read. So when you go cough for the doctor do you call the cops on him? When you wife had a mammogram did you sue the xray tech?

 

[andyd]

If Alpa would have grown a spine and insisted on CREW PASS this entire scanner-gate would never have been an issue. I for one am glad this guy has taken a stand, and if ALPA was smart they'd jump on the bandwagon here and get their lawyers to this guys defense......and use the media spotlight to emphasis the foot draggin on Crew Pass. It would only take ONE day of several thousand cancelled flights across the country if we'd ALL do what this guy did. For now I too opt out of the scanner and take the "secondary" screening....the same way I refuse to take off my belt or my shoes...and opt for the secondary screening. Until my AME can definitively tell on no uncertain terms that repeated radiation exposure will not have long term consequences then I will continue to opt out. The average leasure travelor may be irradiated 2-4 times a year....we are exposed 2-10 times a WEEK!!! Enough of the BS, enough of the dog & ponie show...we are NOT the traveling public...WE FLY THE FRIGGEN AIRPLANE....

 

[pilotyip]

Do TSA employees go through these procedures before entering the secure area? BTW, if every pilot one day elected to follow this guy's example it might get someone's attention at how stupid this whole TSA process is.

 

[Paradoxus]

Do TSA employees go through these procedures before entering the secure area? BTW, if every pilot one day elected to follow this guy's example it might get someone's attention at how stupid this whole TSA process is.

Cannot be done without a national union/guild. Perhaps there is utility beyond pricing one-self out of the job, eh?

 

[Tejas-Jet]

MY bet is that this guy is forgotten in a couple of weeks....thanks for the entertainment.

 

[igneousy2]

I have been saying for awhile now that we should not pass up the memorableness of the upcoming 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. All the pilot unions should get together and run ads in all the big papers stating that starting on 9/11/11 no pilot will subject themselves to any screening and will not show up to work if that is the only alternative. Ten years has been plenty of time. 10 months from now is plenty of time to put a computer terminal hooked into CASS at every checkpoint.

 

[Captzaahlie]

I like this idea. I don't think I'd ever try it. It was posted on a travel site for women.

How to Fight Back Against Pat-Downs by Airport Security Screeners
February 1, 2006
by Matthew Reed
Lance Corporal, Unites States Marine Corps
0351/ Training NCO 1st Marine Regiment

You must use 911 and *677 to call the police first and get them on your side. Make sure that you get to the airport with plenty of time to spare. Have the airline you are flying with print up a Gate Pass for a friend or a significant other so that they may accompany you through the security gate. This way you will have a witness to the crime. If you cannot be accompanied by anyone, do not worry; this tactic will still work. Remain calm and stay silent. Don't get belligerent or violent.

The second the security screener goes over your breasts or genital area with their hands after wanding you, pull out your cell phone and dial 911. In a loud but clear tone of voice tell the 911 operators that you are being sexually assaulted at the airport. If the screeners have name badges on, give the 911 operator their names. However, if you cannot do this, physical descriptions will do just fine for a 911 call. The legal definitions of sexual harassment and sexual assault nationwide are generally somewhat broad. Sexually oriented intimidation and uninvited touching of the breasts or genital areas is typically classified as sexual assault.

After the 911 call is completed, dial *677. This number will automatically connect you to the State Police dispatcher. Tell the State Police everything you told the 911 operator, without telling them you also called 911.

The fact that the T.S.A. screeners are federal employees will not protect them. Screeners have been arrested by local police in Denver, Atlanta, Honolulu and Los Angeles for theft of passenger belongings. If they can be arrested for steeling, they can be arrested for sexual assault.

Having a significant other tell the arriving police officers that the screeners sexually assaulted you will do plenty to make sure that the screener/screeners that were patting you down are arrested and spend a night or two in jail.

If the local police don't arrest the screeners, the State Police are still there at your side. Go along with whoever ends up making the arrest and tell the police officers that you would like to file sexual assault charges against the screener/screeners. If you file first, this puts your T.S.A. tormentors on the defensive, now having to prove their innocence.

The accused will be the subject of an investigation in which time they will be subject to a thorough background check (the T.S.A. in years past did not do any real initial background checks for its screeners, so who knows what a police investigation will turn up), solitary interrogation and a night or two in jail.

Even if the screeners are later turned loose they may have to pay a fine once they are released in order to pay the city back for housing them in jail. There is an old cop saying about this; "you might beat the rap, but you won't beat the ride downtown."

Get restraining orders filed against the screeners while you're at the police station. This way, they will never be able to personally harass you again without violating the restraining order.

If you don't want to chance missing your flight, or are uncomfortable with the 911 *677 tactic, then file a complaint against the T.S.A. screeners that patted you down so you can get their names and badge numbers without arousing suspicion. Just politely file the complaint and go back to the police department's sexual assault detail later on to file the sexual assault charges.

The statute of limitations for sex crimes is seven years. So, if you or someone you know were groped by T.S.A. screeners under the original pat-down policy from September to December 2004, you can still go back and file sexual assault charges. If you filed a complaint, this will aid you when you go back to file charges.

Whether you filed a complaint or not, if you could recognize the screeners who sexually abused you, then tell the police that. Have them take you back to the airport to search for the screener so an arrest can be made.

When women were forced into the "private" screening areas like sheep into a slaughtering pen, there were usually other screeners and passengers there to watch it take place. Therefore, the detectives can subpoena other screeners and bystanders to testify about the incident. However, your 911 call can still get the screeners jailed. If your child was molested, then contact the police department's child exploitation unit.

There is still time to properly retaliate if you want to reclaim some of your lost rights and dignity.

I see the logic that you are trying to make.....

Screeners have been arrested by local police in Denver, Atlanta, Honolulu and Los Angeles for theft of passenger belongings. If they can be arrested for steeling, they can be arrested for sexual assault.

BUT "Pat downs" are part of their job descriptions
stealing is NOT. A pat down is not considered sexual assault,
in fact the TSA agent explains the procedure and asks the
passenger if they agree to it. I've heard it with my own ears.
I'm NOT defending the TSA, I consider the whole game to be
smoke and mirrors. IMHO I've yet to see a more stupid group of dysfunctional
government employees, they are brain washed into believing the clown suits they wear give them supreme power.

 

[SpatialD]

The following is an excerpt from an email I just received, followed by a link to a 1 hr. radio program where I had the opportunity to explain myself in more detail than I've been able to do elsewhere:

Good Afternoon,

I am writing this email in hopes of getting in contact with Michael Roberts.

Today when flying from Boston Logan to BWI my 17 year old daughter had quite an unpleasant experience due to the new scanner malfunctioning. There was some confusion of whether there was a scan or not. She was told that she needed to submit to a full pat down after being told "it did not scan" . She was told she would need a pat down. Being 17 she had no idea what that meant and how intense a full detailed full body pat down can be. Even when she began to cry, the TSA agent continued the pat down. My daughter felt molested and humiliated and as a parent I was helpless to stop this violation. Also, the gentleman behind her had a full body pat down which leads me to believe the machine was not working for anyone. However his pat down was not as intense as my daughters.

My daughter who is a seasoned traveler and even visited Israel this summer has never experienced such extreme searches If they were to have asked her the reason for her visit, as they do in other countries, they would have learned she was no threat and was merely on a college visit to MIT. As a parent, I have serious concerns that such a search would be done on a 17 year old minor. The searches cross the line, she was molested for no reason.

I really want Mr. Roberts to know that he is doing the right thing by standing up to TSA. These measures are not making it safer to fly, they are just arbitrary measures being done to make us believe it is safer at the same time it is taking advantage of law abiding citizens. I do hope he is successful in his fight against TSA.

I am sending a similar email to Southwest Airlines, Congressman Chris VanHollen and Boston Logan Airport. Until this issue is resolved, I will find an terminal/airport that does not have the full body scan or I will have her take the train.

Thank you for forwarding this message.

1 hr. Don Cooper radio interview. This is a show that covers economics and some political stuff, so we talked about a number of things broadly related to my situation, or not even at all. Sorry we kept interrupting each other. There was a bit of a phone lag. And I was just glad to finally get my side of the story out somewhere!

 

[Secret Squirrel]

You have been on almost every news TV show in the last couple days. This radio show is the first place you are finally able to get your side of the story out?

 

[Amish RakeFight]

.............

 

[SpatialD]

You have been on almost every news TV show in the last couple days. This radio show is the first place you are finally able to get your side of the story out?

Yes, I had a full hour to let it rip. 4-5 minutes on live tv only gives me a chance to blurt out a few bullet points. I'm refining that 'elevator pitch' and getting more sleep now, so those gigs are improving, but the radio show above gives a lot more depth of perspective for those who are interested.

I was on CNN again this morning and did a local tv interview yesterday, also syndicated on CNN. Both of those are better than last week, but still very short and sweet.

 

[Dornier 335]

I wonder what comparisons were made in 1930's Germany. Those opinions were dismissed as ludicrous then too. Not long after that, total gun control was complete, the Reich took over health care and dictated over every business - for the good of the people of course. What constitutional rights the people had were gone. After that, you were deemed to be a danger to society if you had the wrong name, said anything contrary to the regime or were merely accused you of being contrary by ANYONE. THEN, those posing a "danger" were sent to reeducation camps - many of whom didn't come back.

Then, as now, Hitler, et al., didn't force their way into power, They were supported by masses who want Hope, Change, and Safety. Well, they got their wish, didn't they.

I understand your concerns but you need to educate yourself a bit more when you want to mix the somewhat recent and dark history of Germany with US politics. May I suggest two links for you to read? (You should find the second one more disturbing)

US Tea Party Should Keep Its Hands Off Hitler

Why is This GOP House Candidate Dressed as a Nazi?

Since you seem to be interested in Germany (or German history), you may find it strange that hardly anyone in Germany compares Obama (or even GWB) to Hitler or even remotely agrees with your comparison. In Germany, the average student in school spends considerable more time on that subject than here in the US. Maybe it is time you hit the books again?

Y'all have a FANTASTIC day and do something good for yourselves, pick up a book and don't be a bunch of angry sciolists (<- not misspelled).

P.S. Sorry for the hijack.

 

[Dornier 335]

previous reply

There's one thing though that worries me about body scanners: Possible radiation risk. The scanner by L-3 uses THZ-radiation. (some parts taken from another bb)

Terahertz radiation - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Recent scientific research by university of Tel Aviv and Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico suggest health risks are present.

RARE Online - Terahertz Radiation Increases Genomic Instability in Human Lymphocytes

"Our results demonstrate that exposure of lymphocytes in vitro to a low power density of 0.1 THz radiation induces genomic instability. These findings, if verified, may suggest that such exposure may result in an increased risk of cancer."

Technology Review: Blogs: arXiv blog: How Terahertz Waves Tear Apart DNA

"This should set the cat among the pigeons. Of course, terahertz waves are a natural part of environment, just like visible and infrared light. But a new generation of cameras are set to appear that not only record terahertz waves but also bombard us with them. And if our exposure is set to increase, the question that urgently needs answering is what level of terahertz exposure is safe."

This is what I had posted regarding body scanners and their possible health risks. Do you think the average TSA screener is aware what (s)he is sending the pax and crew members through?

 

[Captzaahlie]

Are you doing any book signings yet?

 

[skydash]

Four Letters...F F D O
Works good,lasts a long time. I get a thrill EVERY TIME I sashay past those knuckle dragging,incestuous retards.

 

[Hvy]

Do TSA employees go through these procedures before entering the secure area? BTW, if every pilot one day elected to follow this guy's example it might get someone's attention at how stupid this whole TSA process is.

Exactly.

 

[SpatialD]

Are you doing any book signings yet?

Not yet - too busy trying to win over the hearts and minds of the sheeple right now. That's a labor of love, but I do need to figure something out to keep food on the table!

 

[Lowrider717]

Seems to be working on some SpatialD,

APA president advises against new body scanners
5:45 PM Mon, Nov 01, 2010 | Permalink
Terry Maxon/Reporter Bio | E-mail | News tips


Allied Pilots Association president Dave Bates is suggesting that American Airlines pilots go through a pat-down search by Transportation Security Administration personnel rather undergo the repeated radiation from the "advanced imaging technology" body scanners used at many airports.

That doesn't mean he likes the pat-downs, which can include hand-sliding over the groin and buttocks.

"There is absolutely no denying that the enhanced pat-down is a demeaning experience," Bates told members in a message Monday.

"In my view, it is unacceptable to submit to one in public while wearing the uniform of a professional airline pilot. I recommend that all pilots insist that such screening is performed in an out-of-view area to protect their privacy and dignity," he wrote.

He wants TSA to come up with a way to let pilots avoid the same high-intensity searches that the public endures at TSA checkpoints.

"While I'm sure that each of us recognizes that the threats to our lives are real, the practice of airport security screening of airline pilots has spun out of control and does nothing to improve national security," Bates wrote.

"It's long past time that policymakers take the steps necessary to exempt commercial pilots from airport security screening and grant designated pilot access to SIDA utilizing either Crew Pass or biometric identification."

Keep reading for the entire Bates message.

Fellow Pilots,

In response to increased threats to civil aviation around the world, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has implemented the use of Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) body scanners at some airport locations.

While I'm sure that each of us recognizes that the threats to our lives are real, the practice of airport security screening of airline pilots has spun out of control and does nothing to improve national security. It's long past time that policymakers take the steps necessary to exempt commercial pilots from airport security screening and grant designated pilot access to SIDA utilizing either Crew Pass or biometric identification. As I recently wrote to the TSA Administrator:

"Our pilots are highly motivated partners in the effort to protect our nation's security, with many of us serving as Federal Flight Deck Officers. We are all keenly aware that we may serve as the last line of defense against another terrorist attack on commercial aviation. Rather than being viewed as potential threats, we should be treated commensurate with the authority and responsibility that we are vested with as professional pilots."

It is important to note that there are "backscatter" AIT devices now being deployed that produce ionizing radiation, which could be harmful to your health. Airline pilots in the United States already receive higher doses of radiation in their on-the-job environment than nearly every other category of worker in the United States, including nuclear power plant employees. As I also stated in my recent letter to the Administrator of the TSA:

"We are exposed to radiation every day on the job. For example, a typical Atlantic crossing during a solar flare can expose a pilot to radiation equivalent to 100 chest X-rays per hour. Requiring pilots to go through the AIT means additional radiation exposure. I share our pilots' concerns about this additional radiation exposure and plan to recommend that our pilots refrain from going through the AIT. We already experience significantly higher radiation exposure than most other occupations, and there is mounting evidence of higher-than-average cancer rates as a consequence."

It's safe to say that most of the APA leadership shares my view that no pilot at American Airlines should subject themselves to the needless privacy invasion and potential health risks caused by the AIT body scanners. I therefore recommend that the pilots of American Airlines consider the following guidelines:

1. Use designated crew lines if available.
2. Politely decline AIT exposure and request alternative screening.

3. There is absolutely no denying that the enhanced pat-down is a demeaning experience. In my view, it is unacceptable to submit to one in public while wearing the uniform of a professional airline pilot. I recommend that all pilots insist that such screening is performed in an out-of-view area to protect their privacy and dignity.

4. If screening delays your arrival at the cockpit, do not cut corners that jeopardize the safety of the flight. Consummate professionalism and safety are always paramount.

5. Maintain composure and professionalism at all times and recognize that you are probably being videotaped.

6. If you feel that you have been treated with less than courtesy, respect and professionalism, please submit an observer report to APA. Please be sure to include the time, date, security checkpoint and name of the TSA employee who performed the screening. Avoid confrontation.

7. Your APA Board of Directors and National Officers are holding a conference call this week to discuss these issues and further guidance may be forthcoming.


While I cannot promise results tomorrow, I pledge to dedicate APA resources in the days and weeks to come to achieve direct access to SIDA for the pilots of American Airlines. In the meantime, I am confident that you will continue to exhibit your usual utmost professionalism as you safely operate and protect our nation's air transport system.

 

[pilotyip]

Everyone in the industry should get their groups to adopt this standard and if necessary shut down the airline industry for a day to illustrate the absurdity of the TSA procedures for flight crewmembers that are in CASS.

 

[SpatialD]

Yeah, that APA statement is huge. I still say any unwelcome, unprovoked contact, even behind closed doors, is still unacceptable. But imagine if everyone - AA crews, other airline employees, and even pax were to adopt this practice. All the private rooms would be occupied, there'd be a line out the door of people waiting for their turn to be privately molested, flights would be delayed all over the place, and the whole system would grind to a standstill. Not bad for those who just can't seem to stand up and reject being illegally assaulted outright.

 

[SpatialD]

Here's some news...

Thought you all might be interested: A CAL 777 FO I've been in contact with just called to tell me she pulled a 'Michael' today.

Stay tuned...

 

[jonjuan]

As a regional pilot and father of 6, seriously, good luck. The gubment is evil.

 

[crxpilot]

It takes a lot of guts and sacrifice to do what you are doing Michael, I hope something good comes out of it. I am fortunate enough to work at a place that lets you bypass the smurfs (oh, the contradictions are piling up there eh?), but I empathize with your plight. If a smurf wants to feel me up, I hope he at least buys me a drink first! It's funny how much people are willing to give up without a fight. Yellow stars anyone?

 

[john cocktosen]

I have to scan my finger print to get into my gym. there has to be a better way for crews to get through security.

 

[SpatialD]

Many developments in the works. Another pilot has joined the club - canceling a USAir A320 flight in the process (though USAir hasn't divulged the real reason for the cancellation). Stay tuned on that and the other one at CAL - media contact the Rutherford Institute regarding them as well.

I've just launched FedUpFlyers.org. It's still very much a work in progress but will be the go-to place on the Internet for information, perspective, and assistance on this. Please send others there - especially if they might need help or guidance in resisting the authoritarian state and TSA's abuse.

Things are happening fast now. I'm having a hard time keeping up!