Man DENIES New Backscatter imaging at Airport

Snowmayne · 11-22-2010, 05:16 AM

Quote:

A bit of a read but feels good. (READ THE ARTICLE BEFORE WATCHING, IT MAKES MORE SENSE)

[These events took place roughly between 5:30 and 6:30 AM, November 13th in Terminal 2 of the San Diego International Airport. I'm writing this approximately 2 1/2 hours after the events transpired, and they are correct to the best of my recollection. I will admit to being particularly fuzzy on the exact order of events when dealing with the agents after getting my ticket refunded; however, all of the events described did occur.

I had my phone recording audio and video of much of these events. It can be viewed below.

Please spread this story as far and wide as possible. I will make no claims to copyright or otherwise.]

This morning, I tried to fly out of San Diego International Airport but was refused by the TSA. I had been somewhat prepared for this eventuality. I have been reading about the millimeter wave and backscatter x-ray machines and the possible harm to health as well as the vivid pictures they create of people's naked bodies. Not wanting to go through them, I had done my research on the TSA's website prior to traveling to see if SAN had them. From all indications, they did not. When I arrived at the security line, I found that the TSA's website was out of date. SAN does in fact utilize backscatter x-ray machines.

I made my way through the line toward the first line of "defense": the TSA ID checker. This agent looked over my boarding pass, looked over my ID, looked at me and then back at my ID. After that, he waved me through. SAN is still operating metal detectors, so I walked over to one of the lines for them. After removing my shoes and making my way toward the metal detector, the person in front of me in line was pulled out to go through the backscatter machine. After asking what it was and being told, he opted out. This left the machine free, and before I could go through the metal detector, I was pulled out of line to go through the backscatter machine. When asked, I half-chuckled and said, "I don't think so." At this point, I was informed that I would be subject to a pat down, and I waited for another agent.

A male agent (it was a female who had directed me to the backscatter machine in the first place), came and waited for me to get my bags and then directed me over to the far corner of the area for screening. After setting my things on a table, he turned to me and began to explain that he was going to do a "standard" pat down. (I thought to myself, "great, not one of those gropings like I've been reading about".) After he described, the pat down, I realized that he intended to touch my groin. After he finished his description but before he started the pat down, I looked him straight in the eye and said, "if you touch my junk, I'll have you arrested." He, a bit taken aback, informed me that he would have to involve his supervisor because of my comment.

We both stood there for no more than probably two minutes before a female TSA agent (apparently, the supervisor) arrived. She described to me that because I had opted out of the backscatter screening, I would now be patted down, and that involved running hands up the inside of my legs until they felt my groin. I stated that I would not allow myself to be subject to a molestation as a condition of getting on my flight. The supervisor informed me that it was a standard administrative security check and that they were authorized to do it. I repeated that I felt what they were doing was a sexual assault, and that if they were anyone but the government, the act would be illegal. I believe that I was then informed that if I did not submit to the inspection, I would not be getting on my flight. I again stated that I thought the search was illegal. I told her that I would be willing to submit to a walk through the metal detector as over 80% of the rest of the people were doing, but I would not be groped. The supervisor, then offered to go get her supervisor.

I took a seat in a tiny metal chair next to the table with my belongings and waited. While waiting, I asked the original agent (who was supposed to do the pat down) if he had many people opt out to which he replied, none (or almost none, I don't remember exactly). He said that I gave up a lot of rights when I bought my ticket. I replied that the government took them away after September 11th. There was silence until the next supervisor arrived. A few minutes later, the female agent/supervisor arrived with a man in a suit (not a uniform). He gave me a business card identifying him as David Silva, Transportation Security Manager, San Diego International Airport. At this point, more TSA agents as well as what I assume was a local police officer arrived on the scene and surrounded the area where I was being detained. The female supervisor explained the situation to Mr. Silva. After some quick back and forth (that I didn't understand/hear), I could overhear Mr. Silva say something to the effect of, "then escort him from the airport." I again offered to submit to the metal detector, and my father-in-law, who was near by also tried to plead for some reasonableness on the TSA's part.

The female supervisor took my ID at this point and began taking some kind of report with which I cooperated. Once she had finished, I asked if I could put my shoes back on. I was allowed to put my shoes back on and gather my belongs. I asked, "are we done here" (it was clear at this point that I was going to be escorted out), and the local police officer said, "follow me". I followed him around the side of the screening area and back out to the ticketing area. I said apologized to him for the hassle, to which he replied that it was not a problem.

I made my way over to the American Airlines counter, explained the situation, and asked if my ticket could be refunded. The woman behind the counter furiously typed away for about 30 seconds before letting me know that she would need a supervisor. She went to the other end of the counter. When she returned, she informed me that the ticket was non-refundable, but that she was still trying to find a supervisor. After a few more minutes, she was able to refund my ticket. I told her that I had previously had a bad experience with American Airlines and had sworn never to fly with them again (I rationalized this trip since my father-in-law had paid for the ticket), but that after her helpfulness, I would once again be willing to use their carrier again.

At this point, I thought it was all over. I began to make my way to the stairs to exit the airport, when I was approached by another man in slacks and a sport coat. He was accompanied by the officer that had escorted me to the ticketing area and Mr. Silva. He informed me that I could not leave the airport. He said that once I start the screening in the secure area, I could not leave until it was completed. Having left the area, he stated, I would be subject to a civil suit and a $10,000 fine. I asked him if he was also going to fine the 6 TSA agents and the local police officer who escorted me from the secure area. After all, I did exactly what I was told. He said that they didn't know the rules, and that he would deal with them later. They would not be subject to civil penalties. I then pointed to Mr. Silva and asked if he would be subject to any penalties. He is the agents' supervisor, and he directed them to escort me out. The man informed me that Mr. Silva was new and he would not be subject to penalties, either. He again asserted the necessity that I return to the screening area. When I asked why, he explained that I may have an incendiary device and whether or not that was true needed to be determined. I told him that I would submit to a walk through the metal detector, but that was it; I would not be groped. He told me that their procedures are on their website, and therefore, I was fully informed before I entered the airport; I had implicitly agreed to whatever screening they deemed appropriate. I told him that San Diego was not listed on the TSA's website as an airport using Advanced Imaging Technology, and I believed that I would only be subject to the metal detector. He replied that he was not a webmaster, and I asked then why he was referring me to the TSA's website if he didn't know anything about it. I again refused to re-enter the screening area.

The man asked me to stay put while he walked off to confer with the officer and Mr. Silva. They went about 20 feet away and began talking amongst themselves while I waited. I couldn't over hear anything, but I got the impression that the police officer was recounting his version of the events that had transpired in the screening area (my initial refusal to be patted down). After a few minutes, I asked loudly across the distance if I was free to leave. The man dismissively held up a finger and said, "hold on". I waited. After another minute or so, he returned and asked for my name. I asked why he needed it, and reminded him that the female supervisor/agent had already taken a report. He said that he was trying to be friendly and help me out. I asked to what end. He reminded me that I could be sued civilly and face a $10,000 fine and that my cooperation could help mitigate the penalties I was facing. I replied that he already had my information in the report that was taken and I asked if I was free to leave. I reminded him that he was now illegally detaining me and that I would not be subject to screening as a condition of leaving the airport. He told me that he was only trying to help (I should note that his demeanor never suggested that he was trying to help. I was clearly being interrogated.), and that no one was forcing me to stay. I asked if tried to leave if he would have the officer arrest me. He again said that no one was forcing me to stay. I looked him in the eye, and said, "then I'm leaving". He replied, "then we'll bring a civil suit against you", to which I said, "you bring that suit" and walked out of the airport.

Take a moment and applaud this young man for doing something many of these scared blind sheep are not willing to do.

Snowmayne · 11-22-2010, 05:19 AM

oh and this cause it fits with topic of thread. 2 different incidents full of bullshit.

Entity · 11-22-2010, 06:25 AM

You have a link?

I'd like to be able to keep up with what happens to the guy and see the reference of the site for perspective reasons.

The Rev · 11-22-2010, 06:37 AM

Next time I go overseas, I'm driving. Fuck this Gestapo shit.

The Rev

Snowmayne · 11-22-2010, 08:30 AM

Bodybuilding.com Forums - View Single Post - Man DENIES New Backscatter imaging at Airport

just check that post out, there are videos from the incident I'm not sure how else to follow it but I believe its been all over the San Diego news.

myxomatosis · 11-22-2010, 08:44 AM

While it was handled poorly I don't really see the outrage the guy had that started the incident. Just like I don't understand when people equate these machines to child pornography as they have in the past. I'm not a fan of getting almost groped going into concerts either but it happens. Unless I'm missing something they run the back of their hand up your thigh quickly and it's done. They aren't fondling your sack or giving you a tug. To call it molestation is ridiculous. I'm all for the balance between personal privacy and safety but a pat down before you board a plane isn't a problem.

Snowmayne · 11-22-2010, 08:52 AM

they clearly said they will run their hands up his legs until they feel his package however I think the issue at hand is how far will we let them take it?

oh and its clear this guy had an agenda to prove a point which is why he caused the problem in the first place, but it just shows how terrible TSA handles situations. I mean threats of criminal prosecution because TSA themselves removed him from the area? Come on..

myxomatosis · 11-22-2010, 09:01 AM

Well I'll be honest I didn't care enough to listen to 30 minutes of just audio because this guy decided to cause a problem, if you point me to around the right time I'll take a listen though. I don't deny at all that it was absolutely poorly handled all around. Anyway, like I said unless we're talking above and beyond someone running the back of their hand up your thigh which means yeah, they might graze your junk, it's absolutely laughable to compare it with molestation or sexual assault. You get a pat down like that going into a concert or a football game for christs sake.

~1~ · 11-22-2010, 09:04 AM

I'll tell you what, we need to start showing up at the airports in Speedo's and thongs and flip flops and insist the TSA pat us down, ask them specifically to handle your dick and balls and make sure they do a thorough search, meanwhile my luggage will be shipped via UPS to my final destination.

How about we make these 'fellow American who are just doing their jobs' feel about as comfortable as we do after paying to get on a plane.

"Oh no guy, you missed a spot just under my left testicle, can you check it again, PLEASE!!!"

Xil · 11-22-2010, 12:20 PM

someone's gonna touch my balls for free? i see no problem.

Captain Cannabis · 11-22-2010, 12:53 PM

i always got patted down at the oslo airport by tall blonde girls

stoneric · 11-22-2010, 01:27 PM

When we get the first attempt at someone packing a bomb up there ass, then we shouldn't have a problem with bending over and "spreading them", right? Why stop at airports, football games or concerts? Why not just have checkpoints throughout the country to make sure we're always safe? Does no one see a trend here?

~1~ · 11-22-2010, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Captain Cannabis

i always got patted down at the oslo airport by tall blonde girls

Now THIS is an idea that could make an airline A LOT of money.

They said they want to move it to the private sector.

HANDJOB AIR! Now with shapely TSA employees/strippers, topless baggage check and boarding and full nude flight crews!

An airline you'll want to go down on!

myxomatosis · 11-22-2010, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stoneric

When we get the first attempt at someone packing a bomb up there ass, then we shouldn't have a problem with bending over and "spreading them", right? Why stop at airports, football games or concerts? Why not just have checkpoints throughout the country to make sure we're always safe? Does no one see a trend here?

Yes. They are all out to get us. Do you think the tinfoil hats could be calibrated to ward them off too?

I mean clearly there aren't any parallels that could be drawn between airports, football games or concerts. They aren't massive gatherings of people or anything. I mean it's probably not too long from now that we'll all have to get on ticketmaster and priceline just to go outside.

SmokeaJoint · 11-22-2010, 01:55 PM

I have heard the TSA pat downs are a bit more invasive than a rock concert pat down. I haven't been through it yet, so I will reserve that judgement till later.

However, I do have an issue with them being able to do a literal strip search (albeit through electronic means) on anybody that wants to get on a plane. When that becomes ok, how many more steps are we away from Big Brother and thoughtcrime?

EDIT: I thought this was pretty funny, and it has to do with TSA pat downs.

Quote:

Originally Posted by themoderatevoice.com

Starting tomorrow (30 October 2010), we’re going to start searching your crotchal area” — this is the word he used, “crotchal” — and you’re not going to like it.”

“What am I not going to like?” I asked.

“We have to search up your thighs and between your legs until we meet resistance,” he explained.

“Resistance?” I asked.

“Your testicles,” he explained.

‘That’s funny,” I said, “because ‘The Resistance’ is the actual name I’ve given to my testicles.”

He answered, “Like ‘The Situation,’ that guy from ‘Jersey Shore?’”

Yes, exactly, I said. (I used to call my testicles “The Insurgency,” but those assholes in Iraq ruined the term.)

I pointed out to the security officer that 50 percent of the American population has no balls (90 percent in Washington, D.C., where I live), so what is going to happen when the pat-down officer meets no resistance in the crotchal area of women? “If there’s no resistance, then there’s nothing there.”

“But what about people who hide weapons in their cavities? I asked. I actually said “vagina” again, just to see him blush. “We’re just not going there,” he reiterated.

I asked him if he was looking forward to conducting the full-on pat-downs. “Nobody’s going to do it,” he said, “once they find out that we’re going to do.”

In other words, people, when faced with a choice, will inevitably choose the Dick-Measuring Device over molestation? “That’s what we’re hoping for. We’re trying to get everyone into the machine.” He called over a colleague. “Tell him what you call the back-scatter,” he said. “The Dick-Measuring Device,” I said. “That’s the truth,” the other officer responded.

Man in Black · 11-22-2010, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ~1~

I'll tell you what, we need to start showing up at the airports in Speedo's and thongs and flip flops and insist the TSA pat us down, ask them specifically to handle your dick and balls and make sure they do a thorough search, meanwhile my luggage will be shipped via UPS to my final destination.

How about we make these 'fellow American who are just doing their jobs' feel about as comfortable as we do after paying to get on a plane.

"Oh no guy, you missed a spot just under my left testicle, can you check it again, PLEASE!!!"

lol I pretty much said this word for word the other day at work..

"wait don't stop you almost found it...ahhhh there it is"

stoneric · 11-22-2010, 03:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by myxomatosis

Yes. They are all out to get us. Do you think the tinfoil hats could be calibrated to ward them off too?

I mean clearly there aren't any parallels that could be drawn between airports, football games or concerts. They aren't massive gatherings of people or anything. I mean it's probably not too long from now that we'll all have to get on ticketmaster and priceline just to go outside.

What are you on about? In the 70's, I flew , went to concerts and went to football games withiout ever being patted down. Sorry you've only been alive in the fear era.

myxomatosis · 11-22-2010, 04:17 PM

lol.

my_scatterheart · 11-22-2010, 05:20 PM

I know that when I see people who haven't eaten a hot meal in a month, I think to myself "My life is really fucking tough. I hafta get touched by another HUMAN before I get on an AIRPLANE."

There are two things in this life I don't think we do enough of. -Look at the sky. -Touch one another.

If someone doing this for you to get on a plane is such an imposition, walk. Clearly, if someone is enjoying it, then you have a cause to freak out and sue the fuck out of the place and never work again. Until then, you're just bitching because you have nothing better to fucking do. Do you think these people want to touch you? Don't flatter yourself.

If this wasn't on the news every five minutes no one would be bitching. You're all feeding into their asinine shitshow of assholery. You don't think we have bigger fish to fry? Do you also really believe that in two months, when all the TSAs aren't being watched and bitched at, they're not going to tone it down? Like every other stupid fucking procedure, people will stop doing their job.

HTAM · 11-22-2010, 05:39 PM

^Way to buy into it.

With support like that, soon there will be metal detectors and full body scanners everywhere.

In the mean time, anyone can apply as many times as they like for a 'Diversity Visa'

WIN A GREEN CARD - APPLY FOR THE DV GREEN CARD LOTTERY TODAY

Yea. Gotta tighten up security, because we keep inviting them in.

11-22-2010, 05:19 AM	#2 (permalink)
Snowmayne Hero of the Internet Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 2,740 Thanks: 494 Thanked 4,294,967,295 Times in 958 Posts	oh and this cause it fits with topic of thread. 2 different incidents full of bullshit. __________________ We women, we gain weight because we accumulate so much wisdom and knowledge that there isn't enough space in our heads, and it spreads all over our bodies. We are not fat, we are greatly cultivated. Every time I see my curves in the mirror, I tell myself: "How amazing am I ?! "

11-22-2010, 06:25 AM	#3 (permalink)
Entity YaHookan Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: On the other side of your screen. Posts: 253 Blog Entries: 2 Thanks: 35 Thanked 48 Times in 44 Posts	You have a link? I'd like to be able to keep up with what happens to the guy and see the reference of the site for perspective reasons. __________________ "The real rulers in Washington are invisible and exercise their power from behind the scenes." -- Justice Felix Frankfurter, U.S. Supreme Court "Fifty men have run America, and thats a high figure." -- Joseph Kennedy, father of JFK, in the July 26th, l936 issue of The New York Times.[/CENTER]

11-22-2010, 06:37 AM	#4 (permalink)
The Rev Clear Light Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: In my head, somewhere. Posts: 17,867 Thanks: 5,019 Thanked 5,421 Times in 2,865 Posts	Next time I go overseas, I'm driving. Fuck this Gestapo shit. The Rev __________________ Budforce - My Friend August 29, 1973- May 25, 2012

11-22-2010, 08:30 AM	#5 (permalink)
Snowmayne Hero of the Internet Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 2,740 Thanks: 494 Thanked 4,294,967,295 Times in 958 Posts	Bodybuilding.com Forums - View Single Post - Man DENIES New Backscatter imaging at Airport just check that post out, there are videos from the incident I'm not sure how else to follow it but I believe its been all over the San Diego news. __________________ We women, we gain weight because we accumulate so much wisdom and knowledge that there isn't enough space in our heads, and it spreads all over our bodies. We are not fat, we are greatly cultivated. Every time I see my curves in the mirror, I tell myself: "How amazing am I ?! "

11-22-2010, 08:44 AM	#6 (permalink)
myxomatosis life is music Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: between a pair of headphones Posts: 3,917 Thanks: 1,027 Thanked 934 Times in 597 Posts	While it was handled poorly I don't really see the outrage the guy had that started the incident. Just like I don't understand when people equate these machines to child pornography as they have in the past. I'm not a fan of getting almost groped going into concerts either but it happens. Unless I'm missing something they run the back of their hand up your thigh quickly and it's done. They aren't fondling your sack or giving you a tug. To call it molestation is ridiculous. I'm all for the balance between personal privacy and safety but a pat down before you board a plane isn't a problem. __________________ oh sometimes the blues is just a passing bird and why can't that always be tossing aside from your birches crown just enough dark to see how you're the light over me last.fm blog deal (updated 12/22/11)

11-22-2010, 08:52 AM	#7 (permalink)
Snowmayne Hero of the Internet Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 2,740 Thanks: 494 Thanked 4,294,967,295 Times in 958 Posts	they clearly said they will run their hands up his legs until they feel his package however I think the issue at hand is how far will we let them take it? oh and its clear this guy had an agenda to prove a point which is why he caused the problem in the first place, but it just shows how terrible TSA handles situations. I mean threats of criminal prosecution because TSA themselves removed him from the area? Come on.. __________________ We women, we gain weight because we accumulate so much wisdom and knowledge that there isn't enough space in our heads, and it spreads all over our bodies. We are not fat, we are greatly cultivated. Every time I see my curves in the mirror, I tell myself: "How amazing am I ?! "

11-22-2010, 09:01 AM	#8 (permalink)
myxomatosis life is music Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: between a pair of headphones Posts: 3,917 Thanks: 1,027 Thanked 934 Times in 597 Posts	Well I'll be honest I didn't care enough to listen to 30 minutes of just audio because this guy decided to cause a problem, if you point me to around the right time I'll take a listen though. I don't deny at all that it was absolutely poorly handled all around. Anyway, like I said unless we're talking above and beyond someone running the back of their hand up your thigh which means yeah, they might graze your junk, it's absolutely laughable to compare it with molestation or sexual assault. You get a pat down like that going into a concert or a football game for christs sake. __________________ oh sometimes the blues is just a passing bird and why can't that always be tossing aside from your birches crown just enough dark to see how you're the light over me last.fm blog deal (updated 12/22/11)

11-22-2010, 09:04 AM	#9 (permalink)
~1~ Successful Failure Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: where 'they' can't see. Posts: 10,925 Thanks: 466 Thanked 1,581 Times in 925 Posts	I'll tell you what, we need to start showing up at the airports in Speedo's and thongs and flip flops and insist the TSA pat us down, ask them specifically to handle your dick and balls and make sure they do a thorough search, meanwhile my luggage will be shipped via UPS to my final destination. How about we make these 'fellow American who are just doing their jobs' feel about as comfortable as we do after paying to get on a plane. "Oh no guy, you missed a spot just under my left testicle, can you check it again, PLEASE!!!" __________________ "And those who are successful, be always on your guard. Success walks hand in hand with failure, along Hollywood Boulevard" Ray Davies --------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------- Click Here Asshole

11-22-2010, 12:20 PM	#10 (permalink)
Xil OD'ing on sobriety Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Mizzura Posts: 3,334 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 1,037 Thanked 1,158 Times in 717 Posts	someone's gonna touch my balls for free? i see no problem. __________________ "we'll show these fascists what a couple of hillbillies can do"

11-22-2010, 12:53 PM	#11 (permalink)
Captain Cannabis safety word: more Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: m.i.a. Posts: 13,922 Thanks: 2,705 Thanked 3,174 Times in 1,812 Posts	i always got patted down at the oslo airport by tall blonde girls __________________ fuck the monkeys

11-22-2010, 01:27 PM	#12 (permalink)
stoneric bougeman Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 5,646 Thanks: 704 Thanked 1,512 Times in 1,067 Posts	When we get the first attempt at someone packing a bomb up there ass, then we shouldn't have a problem with bending over and "spreading them", right? Why stop at airports, football games or concerts? Why not just have checkpoints throughout the country to make sure we're always safe? Does no one see a trend here?

11-22-2010, 04:17 PM	#18 (permalink)
myxomatosis life is music Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: between a pair of headphones Posts: 3,917 Thanks: 1,027 Thanked 934 Times in 597 Posts	lol. __________________ oh sometimes the blues is just a passing bird and why can't that always be tossing aside from your birches crown just enough dark to see how you're the light over me last.fm blog deal (updated 12/22/11)

11-22-2010, 05:20 PM	#19 (permalink)
my_scatterheart Today, I am alive. Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: NJ Posts: 3,553 Thanks: 1,487 Thanked 3,328 Times in 1,870 Posts	I know that when I see people who haven't eaten a hot meal in a month, I think to myself "My life is really fucking tough. I hafta get touched by another HUMAN before I get on an AIRPLANE." There are two things in this life I don't think we do enough of. -Look at the sky. -Touch one another. If someone doing this for you to get on a plane is such an imposition, walk. Clearly, if someone is enjoying it, then you have a cause to freak out and sue the fuck out of the place and never work again. Until then, you're just bitching because you have nothing better to fucking do. Do you think these people want to touch you? Don't flatter yourself. If this wasn't on the news every five minutes no one would be bitching. You're all feeding into their asinine shitshow of assholery. You don't think we have bigger fish to fry? Do you also really believe that in two months, when all the TSAs aren't being watched and bitched at, they're not going to tone it down? Like every other stupid fucking procedure, people will stop doing their job. Attached Images __________________ Be mindful even if your mind is full. -J. De La Vega

11-22-2010, 05:39 PM	#20 (permalink)
HTAM Old School Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 3,872 Thanks: 2,368 Thanked 2,117 Times in 1,179 Posts	^Way to buy into it. With support like that, soon there will be metal detectors and full body scanners everywhere. In the mean time, anyone can apply as many times as they like for a 'Diversity Visa' WIN A GREEN CARD - APPLY FOR THE DV GREEN CARD LOTTERY TODAY Yea. Gotta tighten up security, because we keep inviting them in.

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