http://www.congress.org/congressorg/bio/userletter/?letter_id=6102531331
Representative Bobby Scott (D-VA 3rd)
9th-term Democrat from Virginia.
Letters To Leaders
All messages are published with permission of the sender. The general topic of this message is Children/Families:
Subject:
NO MORE TSA MOLESTING ADULTS AND CHILDREN. WHY R MUSLIMS EXEMPT??
To:
President Barack Obama
Rep. Bobby Scott
Sen. Jim Webb
Sen. Mark Warner
November 16, 2010
State warning to TSA: Stop breaking the law
'We won't be able to walk across street without going through checkpoints'
By Bob Unruh
N.J. state lawmakers today demanded that Congress review the TSA's new "enhanced" security screening of airline passengers that involves either an X-ray scan revealing a virtually nude image or a full-body pat-down that touches private parts.
Sen. Michael Doherty and others in Trenton announced resolutions calling on Congress to review the TSA procedures and complaints from travelers, a former TSA official admitted what many passengers already knew: The procedures are legally questionable.
Mo McGowan was asked if the govt could find a reasonable compromise that could detect terrorists without molesting adults and children.
"That's a great question," said the former director of TSA security operations. "I don't think that there is. We're not dictating these events that are occurring. Events are happening across the world … driving us as a society to have to go to these measures.
AMERICANS demand action against the intrusive airport screening procedures implemented by Janet Napolitano and Obama and others.
"I mean, nobody likes having their 4th Amendment violated going through a security line," he said. "But the truth of the matter is we're going to have to do it."
Napolitano said Americans should provide "cooperation, patience and a commitment to vigilance" in the security process, because the machines that generate nude images "protect passenger privacy" and the explicit images "are viewed in a walled-off location." ********.
"Each and every one of the security measures we implement serves an important goal: providing safe and efficient air travel for the millions of people who rely on our aviation system every day," she said.
Bunk, say lawmakers in New Jersey who announced legislation directed at the state's delegation in Congress. Doherty, from the state's 23rd District, was joined by Sen. Diane Allen of the 7th District, Assemblywoman Alison McHose of the 24th District, Assemblywoman Valerie Huttle of the 37th District, Assemblyman John DiMaio of the 23rd District, Assemblyman Erik Peterson of the 23rd District and Deborah Jacobs of the American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey.
"We're asking fed legislators to immediately take a look at these TSA screening procedures," Doherty said. "They appear to violate the constitutional right to privacy (4th Amendment). Taking naked pictures of men, woman and children? We think there are a lot of constitutional violations. Americans should not be treated like criminals."
AMERICANS SHOULD NOT BE TREATED LIKE CRIMINALS.
His state, he explained, has specific laws against unauthorized touching of people's private parts, "particularly when it comes to children."
"This needs to stop. The government is way over the top on this," he said. "It's time for elected officials to stand up and say, 'This is wrong. This needs to stop.'"
The resolutions, pending in the state senate and assembly, call on Congress to tell the TSA that the people must not be forced to give up their constitutional rights when they want to travel.
"What's next," Doherty asked. "Train checkpoints? Bus checkpoints. Checkpoints when you buy gas?
"Unless we stop this right now, we won't be able to walk across the street without going through checkpoints," he said.
Meanwhile, the federal government has done very little to close off the nation's southern border, through which terrorists easily could enter.
In addition to a highly publicized petition in which thousands of people are joining to demand action against the intrusive airport screening as well as a campaign allowing Americans to efficiently send a letter to Congress, President Obama and others complaining of the privacy concerns, there was a poll by Reuters.
Asked, "Are you less likely to fly because of stepped-up security procedures such as full-body scans and patdowns?" a stunning 96 percent (65,990 about of 68,809 respondents) said, "Yes, I will make alternate travel plans to avoid intrusive security scans and pat-downs."
Three percent said no, and 1 percent remained uncertain.
"Who knew Amtrak would be so attractive?" wrote one respondent in a Reuters forum. "Why don't we try just a smidgeon of profiling before we force everyone else on the planet to a groping by TSA wanna-bees."
"I'm not flying anyplace!" added another. "If I can't drive there I'm not going!"
"This is Obama KILLING the airline industry. You are witnessing the end of air travel for the unwashed. Only those who are in the uppercrust of society should fly, the Obamas and the Pelosis, we peons will just have to take the train. If they really wanted great airport security they would adopt the Israeli program of selective interviews, it works," added a third.
The evidence suggesting actual sexual assault also is on the rise. On a website run by a blogger, a woman identified as Erin explained what she experienced in Dayton, Ohio:
She (TSA screener) felt along my waistline, moved behind me, then proceeded to feel both of my buttocks. She reached from behind in the middle of my buttocks towards my ****** area.
She did not tell me that she was going to touch my buttocks, or reach forward to my ****** area.
She then moved in front of my and touched the top and underneath portions of both of my breasts.
She did not tell me that she was going to touch my breasts.
She then felt around my waist. She then moved to the bottoms of my legs.
She then felt my inner thighs and my ****** area...
She did not tell me that she was going to touch my ****** area…
"I asked to speak to a supervisor immediately. I had a very unpleasant conversation with him that lasted 20 minutes. I moved to the back of the security area, made a few phone calls, including to my lawyer. He did some quick research, and learned that I had indeed been sexually assaulted because she did not follow the SOP (standard operating procedure) for the new search," she reported. "I also spoke with the Dayton police, the Dayton airport police, and left a message for the TSA manager for the Dayton airport. I intend to request the TSA to arrange for counseling services to be provided to me, so I can deal with the aftermath of the sexual assault that took place, caused by the specific touching actions and failure to inform me of the policies by the TSA agent."
"I am speaking out against the TSA and share my sexual assault case to ensure that this does not happen to anyone else, anywhere. I will not be a silent victim of sexual assault by a TSA agent. Total Sexual Assault."
One TSA agent wanted to remind people that the policies come from Washington, including, President Obama, the agent said.
"Over the years TSA has certainly become more invasive in its SOP procedures. First the changes regarding liquid carry-ons, and now the implementation of Standard Pat-Downs along with the roll out of Advanced Imaging Technology. As each and every change has been handed-down and implemented I would cringe anticipating an understandable negative reaction from the general public (not to mention myself)," the agent said.
"Attack the system," the agent asked. "Out the misguided bureaucrats … but spare our Christian brothers.'
Justification from Napolitano followed by just a day a case that appeared on
YouTube.
31-year-old John Tyner refused a "groin check" by the TSA. In a comment that already probably is on bumper stickers, he said, "If you touch my junk, I'm gonna have you arrested."
Dozens of passengers shared their real-life horror stories of encounters of the TSA, including a 70-year-old whose fudge "contraband" was discovered, a LA passenger who was "groped" 4 times and a man who was the target of TSA screaming fit when he chose to opt-out of the "porno scan."
There is a movement by activists and citizens to push back against Napolitano's plans for "enhanced" screening at airports.
A petition has been launched to tell Obama, DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano and Congress all about the problem.
The petition targets the decision-makers in Washington who could bring the invasive procedures to a screeching halt.
"We, the undersigned, call for the immediate suspension of the enhanced security screening procedures and an apology to the American public by DHS Sec. Janet Napolitano for directing this ill-advised program," says the petition.
Concerns over the invasion of privacy by TSA scanners, described as voyeurism, along with the "molestation" of the "enhanced" pat-downs and the health concerns from blasts of radiation have reached a critical mass.
Groups have formed to organize passenger boycotts and protests at airports, calling for a "National Opt-Out Day" on the Wed before Thanksgiving.
The options now are to have a full-body scan that produces a nude image of the passenger or opt out of that procedure and endure a full-hands-on body pat-down that includes private parts.
The procedures have been the focus of warnings even by the networks:
George Donnelly, who with James Babb launched the "We Won't Fly" website delivering a message directly to airlines, the customer revolt is taking off faster than he could imagine.
Website says, "We do not consent to strip searches. We do not wish to be guinea pigs for new, possibly dangerous, technology. We are not criminals. We are your customers. We will not beg the govt anymore. We will simply stop flying until the porno-scanners are history.
"We will not be abused simply for the privilege of purchasing your services. We demand the airlines make their maximum lobbying effort in support of our, your customers', rights and liberties. We are eager to fly again, only when this invasive threat has been contained."
Such imaging also is taking place on U.S. roads and highways.
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http://blogs.chron.com/txpotomac/2010/11/kay_bailey_hutchison_says_publ.html
Video link of another article..
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http://ucsdcalrev.wordpress.com/2010/11/17/rep-john-duncan-against-tsa/
Rep. John Duncan(R) and Ron Paul(R) speak out against TSA
Posted on November 17, 2010 by The California Review| Leave a comment
From Peter:
From Ron Paul: Introducing the American Traveler Dignity Act
Mr. Speaker, today I introduce legislation to protect Americans from physical and emotional abuse by federal Transportation Security Administration employees conducting screenings at the nation’s airports. We have seen the videos of terrified children being grabbed and probed by airport screeners. We have read the stories of Americans being subjected to humiliating body imaging machines and/or forced to have the most intimate parts of their bodies poked and fondled. We do not know the potentially harmful effects of the radiation emitted by the new millimeter wave machines.
In one recent well-publicized case, a TSA official is recorded during an attempted body search saying, “By buying your ticket you gave up a lot of rights.” I strongly disagree and am sure I am not alone in believing that we Americans should never give up our rights in order to travel. As our Declaration of Independence states, our rights are inalienable. This TSA version of our rights looks more like the “rights” granted in the old Soviet Constitutions, where freedoms were granted to Soviet citizens — right up to the moment the state decided to remove those freedoms.
The incident of the so-called “underwear bomber” last Christmas is given as justification for the billions of dollars the federal government is spending on the new full-body imaging machines, but a Government Accountability Office study earlier this year concluded that had these scanners been in use they may not have detected the explosive material that was allegedly brought onto the airplane. Additionally, there have been recent press reports calling into question the accuracy and adequacy of these potentially dangerous machines.
My legislation is simple. It establishes that airport security screeners are not immune from any US law regarding physical contact with another person, making images of another person, or causing physical harm through the use of radiation-emitting machinery on another person. It means they are subject to the same laws as the rest of us.
Imagine if the political elites in our country were forced to endure the same conditions at the airport as business travelers, families, senior citizens, and the rest of us. Perhaps this problem could be quickly resolved if every cabinet secretary, every member of Congress, and every department head in the Obama administration were forced to submit to the same degrading screening process as the people who pay their salaries.
I warned at the time of the creation of the TSA that an unaccountable government entity in control of airport security would provide neither security nor defend our basic freedom to travel. Yet the vast majority of both Republicans and Democrats then in Congress willingly voted to create another unaccountable, bullying agency– in a simple-minded and unprincipled attempt to appease public passion in the wake of 9-11. Sadly, as we see with the steady TSA encroachment on our freedom and dignity, my fears in 2001 were justified.
The solution to the need for security at US airports is not a government bureaucracy. The solution is to allow the private sector, preferably the airlines themselves, to provide for the security of their property. As a recent article in Forbes magazine eloquently stated, “The airlines have enormous sums of money riding on passenger safety, and the notion that a government bureaucracy has better incentives to provide safe travels than airlines with billions of dollars worth of capital and goodwill on the line strains credibility.” In the meantime, I hope we can pass this legislation and protect Americans from harm and humiliation when they choose to travel.
American Traveler Dignity Act
To ensure that certain Federal employees cannot hide behind immunity.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. NO IMMUNITY FOR CERTAIN AIRPORT SCREENING METHODS.
No law of the United States shall be construed to confer any immunity for a Federal employee or agency or any individual or entity that receives Federal funds, who subjects an individual to any physical contact (including contact with any clothing the individual is wearing), x-rays, or millimeter waves, or aids in the creation of or views a representation of any part of a individual’s body covered by clothing as a condition for such individual to be in an airport or to fly in an aircraft. The preceding sentence shall apply even if the individual or the individual’s parent, guardian, or any other individual gives consent.
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http://www.kwes.com/Global/story.asp?S=13482727
Congressman to File Complaint After Local Woman's Experience with the TSA
Video Gallery
Congressman to File Complaint After Local Woman's Experience with the TSA (11-10-10)
2:54
by Abby Reed
NewsWest 9
MIDLAND - Congressman Mike Conaway says he will be filing complaint with Homeland Security after hearing about a local woman's experience with the TSA.
"I was violated. I was violated, I have never felt so humiliated in all of my life," Beverly Ferguson said.
It's hard to forget those words from Ferguson, describing her experience at the Midland Airport. Just one week after she says a TSA agent performed the new "enhanced pat down screening," she sat down with NewsWest 9, speaking out against the new screenings, saying they left her feeling victimized.
On Wednesday, she spoke with NewsWest 9 again. Her tone was calmer, but her message was still was still the same.
"I had to speak up," Ferguson said.
"It's troubling, the way that she was treated," Congressman Mike Conaway, said. "The TSA is charged with keeping us safe on airplanes, they do their job and they do it really well. But getting on an airplane shouldn't require us to abandon all dignity."
Congressman Conaway says he will be filing a complaint with the Secretary of Homeland Security.
"But we're also making phone calls to the Homeland Security Committee who overseas the TSA, as well as the TSA themselves to get their sides of the story before we go any further," Conaway said.
Ferguson says she is very happy to hear the Congressman is taking an interest in her story.
"I knew he would care and be concerned that it did happen and he would try to do something about it," Ferguson said.
Conaway says this is still very preliminary and he doesn't want to point fingers. However, he also says he doesn't want passengers to compromise their dignity.
"Is there some other way we can go that's less intrusive and less undignified?" Conaway asked.
"I hope they take a good look at this and that this won't just affect the Permian Basin, but it's going to help every city that has an airport, to protect the dignity and the rights of the people," Ferguson said.
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http://www.wbtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=13534628
Cancer surviving flight attendant told to remove prosthetic breast during pat-down
Posted: Nov 19, 2010 12:01 AM EST
Updated: Nov 19, 2010 10:13 AM EST
Video Gallery
Airport Security Backlash Continues
4:15
By Molly Grantham - bio l email
CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) - A Charlotte-area flight attendant and cancer survivor contacted WBTV after she says she was forced to show her prosthetic breast during a pat-down.
Cathy Bossi lives in south Charlotte and has been a flight attendant for the past 32 years, working the past 28 for U.S. Airways.
In early August Bossie was walking through security when she says she was asked to go through the new full body-scanners at Concourse "D" at Charlotte Douglas International.
She reluctantly agreed. As a 3-year breast cancer survivor she says she didn't want the added radiation through her body. But, Bossi says she did agree.
"The T.S.A. Agent told me to put my I.D. on my back," she said. "When I got out of there she said because my I.D. was on my back, I had to go to a personal screening area."
She says two female Charlotte T.S.A. agents took her to a private room and began what she calls an aggressive pat down. She says they stopped when they got around to feeling her right breast… the one where she'd had surgery.
Pat-down Backlash: Child groped during pat-down? What are the rules?
"She put her full hand on my breast and said, 'What is this?'. And I said, 'It's my prosthesis because I've had breast cancer.' And she said, 'Well, you'll need to show me that'."
Cathy was asked to show her prosthetic breast, removing it from her bra.
"I did not take the name of the person at the time because it was just so horrific of an experience, I couldn't believe someone had done that to me. I'm a flight attendant. I was just trying to get to work."
Since then, Cathy has contacted the Legislative Affairs Team, a group through the flight attendant union. She says she wants to see a crackdown on these personal pat downs.
"There are blowers and there are dogs out there that can sniff out bombs," she says. "There's no reason to have somebody's hands touching your body parts."
A T.S.A. representative says agents aren't supposed to remove any prosthetics, but are allowed to ask to see and touch any passenger's prosthetic.
T.S.A. says it will review this matter.
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Seems like someone is listening to calls and complaints..
). 
Dunno how many times I've caught my local news slanting things, or getting facts wrong, or pushing a local candidate... we spend some evenings playing, "Spot the bias!" at our home. Sometimes I'd swear our "Tech Expert" is getting kickbacks from Microsoft. 
