Interesting screening report by Penn Jillette

[Tara]

http://www.pennandteller.com/03/coolstuff/penniphile/roadpennfederalvip.html

This is an interesting account of an incident reported by Penn Jillette, half of the famous magic duo Penn & Teller. Several things about it stand out to me:

-The fact that he had to repeatedly as for an officer and they kept insisting they didn't have a problem with him and he could go, despite the fact that HE was the one who had the problem with them.
-The seemingly preferential treatment he was being given.

Also, I do think that once he crossed into the checkpoint he did give implied consent and there is legal precedence that would uphold that. However, I don't know that extends to "I can do whatever I want" on the part of TSA.

I hope he updates his blog with the next experience...the fact that the TSA person was so insistent on knowing when he was flying is just bizarre.

And yes, I do believe that any Average Joe would have gotten very different treatment. I don't know if the people at the checkpoint knew who he was but it is clear the phone person did.

 

[jenkh]

hmmm. I do hope he posts again. Curious to see where this all went

 

[Lewisc]

The report was dated 11/13/2002. Shows not much has changed. People have be complaining about the TSA for years.

The last article in that section of his website is dated 1/1/08.

 

[Tara]

The report was dated 11/13/2002. Shows not much has changed. People have be complaining about the TSA for years.

The last article in that section of his website is dated 1/1/08.

HA - I didn't even notice that. In any case, it is still interesting.

 

[CPT Tripss]

This is newer

Penn and Teller Bring Airport Security to Stage
May.13, 2009 in Latest Magic News
The USA Today features a new Penn and Teller routine involving the ubiquitous airport metal detector to their stage at the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino in Vegas.

Penn tells the reporter, “What really bothers us about the TSA is not the men and women employed there. We’re just against the idea of people allowing themselves to give up freedoms when confronted with fear.”

The Bad Boys of Magic added a metal detector identical to the type we have all been through at airports.

“The bit is essentially comparing magicians, who earn their living by doing things that are sneaky and disingenuous, with bad people who do things that are sneaky and disingenuous,” said one of our favorite authors Penn.

(Make sure you read his How to Cheat Your Friends at Poker before seeing the show. It doesn’t have anything to do with the show but it will get you in the mood).

The USA Today article explains the routine as seen by an audience member. We don’t want to ruin it for you. ...

http://www.insidemagic.com/magicnews/2009/05/13/penn-and-teller-bring-airport-security-to-stage/

the newspaper article is at http://www.usatoday.com/travel/columnist/baskas/2009-05-13-penn-teller-tsa_N.htm