Right because a person of the same sex can't be sex offender, dozens of 'agents' have been fired *after* local and national news sources outed them as sex offenders, here is just one of the more public stories that made nation news:
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504083_...hild-sex-abuse-now-works-for-tsa-report-says/
It is a parents DUTY to protect their children.
Wow, I feel like I am instead of watching or listening to some of the cable shows that call them selfs "news" I am reading it here. People just shouting over each other on the radio.
First off I don't think (or should say I hope not) anyone is minimizing the seriousness of sexual assualts, just like I would hope that someone would not disparage all employees of an organization. Out of the MILLIONS of travelers are there some that have unpleasant or horrible experiences dealing with TSA, absolutely.
At the same time has TSA helped prevent guns weapons, unstable people, from being on flights, absolutely.
Has TSA prevented a terrorist from boarding a plane or been a deterient. I would say most likely but it hard to prove a negative or lack of an action. Do we as private citizens know all of the things that that TSA and other federal agencies are aware of in regards to keep the skys safe. I hope not.
While I find it annoying to remove my belt and jacket and take my laptop out, if it can be one piece of keeping a flight safe, I'm OK with it.
Lots of security/police/military "stuff" is for show. It does not mean it is ineffective, it is one piece of the puzzle. When Homeland Security raises a threat level and you have the National Guard with weapons at airports, it is partially for "show", and that is not a bad thing.
As someone who lived in NJ/NT area and relocated to DC before 9/11 and passed the Pentagon smoldering everyday, to minimize the impact of TSA and security measures I would recommend you do a search on the internet and watch newscast videos of 12 years ago.
Should a child be the focus of a pat down, at times people have put drugs and weapons on their children, in their stuffed animals and dolls. Should you protect your child, absolutely. Does TSA need to adapt and does TSA need to train and hire better sure (as long as you are willing to pay a higher surcharge on your flights).
Lets not pretend that every TSA agent is assaulting women and children. Just like there are store clerks, police officers, teachers, PARENTS, coaches, firends, clergy, counselors, other family members, and people of everywalk of life that are bad people.
If you feel you need to protect your family and children by driving go for it. You may also want to think about all the people that your child interacts with when you are not there to protect them.