Texas Nullifies TSA

[jimmy olsen]

Let the online rants begin!

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43024996/ns/travel-travel_tips/

By Jim Forsyth and Corrie MacLaggan
Reuters
updated 5/13/2011 3:51:59 PM ET 2011-05-13T19:51:59


AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas House of Representatives late on Thursday approved a bill that would make invasive pat-downs at Texas airports a crime, after a former Miss USA said she felt "molested" at the Dallas/Fort Worth airport last month.

Transportation Security Administration agents could be charged with a misdemeanor crime, face a $4,000 fine and one year in jail under the measure.

The proposal would classify any airport inspection that "touches the anus, sexual organ, buttocks, or breast of another person including through the clothing, or touches the other person in a manner that would be offensive to a reasonable person" as an offense of sexual harassment under official oppression.
Story: Former Miss USA feels 'violated' by TSA pat-down

The measure's author, Republican David Simpson, said: "Indecent groping searches when innocent travelers are seeking access to airports and public buildings would be outlawed under this bill."

The bill needs a final vote from the House before it would go to the Senate.

"This has to do with dignity in travel," Simpson said.

TSA spokesman Luis Casanova said he could not comment on pending legislation. He said just 3 percent of the traveling public is subjected to pat-downs.

TSA pat-downs have drawn some high-profile criticism, including from former Miss USA Susie Castillo, who said in a widely-viewed online video. that she felt "molested" by a pat-down at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport last month.
Story: Baby receives pat-down at Kansas City airport

The agency reviewed Castillo's incident and found that the officer followed proper procedures, said TSA assistant administrator Kristine Lee.

"We wish we lived in a world where security procedures at airports weren't necessary but that just isn't the case," Lee said in a statement.

[Martinus]

I'm conflicted, since Texan representatives, beauty pageant winners and TSA employees are among the people I hold in the greatest contempt, so not sure which side to choose.

[citizen k]

I'm conflicted, since Texan representatives, beauty pageant winners and TSA employees are among the people I hold in the greatest contempt, so not sure which side to choose.

Funny how none of those people live in Poland.

[Slargos]

Among the people I hold in greatest contempt are poles and lawyers.

Uh oh.

[Ideologue]

Aren't TSA officials authorized by federal law to perform such invasive pat-downs?

[jimmy olsen]

Aren't TSA officials authorized by federal law to perform such invasive pat-downs?

Yes, that's why this is "nullification".

[LaCroix]

TSA spokesman Luis Casanova said he could not comment on pending legislation. He said just 3 percent of the traveling public is subjected to pat-downs.

The agency reviewed Castillo's incident and found that the officer followed proper procedures, said TSA assistant administrator Kristine Lee.

"We wish we lived in a world where security procedures at airports weren't necessary but that just isn't the case," Lee said in a statement.

some pr they have

[DontSayBanana]

Aren't TSA officials authorized by federal law to perform such invasive pat-downs?

Yes, that's why this is "nullification".

No, this is a "feel-good" bill.  "Nullification" would be reclaiming airports as state jurisdiction; they're currently under federal law enforcement.

[Neil]

Among the people I hold in greatest contempt are poles and lawyers.

Uh oh.

And gays.

[Razgovory]

An interesting solution to this would be for the Federal government to disallow any flights coming into or out of Texas.

[Ideologue]

Aren't TSA officials authorized by federal law to perform such invasive pat-downs?

Yes, that's why this is "nullification".

But there is no such thing.

[Ideologue]

An interesting solution to this would be for the Federal government to disallow any flights coming into or out of Texas.

A more interesting solution would be burning their major cities, disrupting the food supply, and desecrating their ancestors' bones.

[Valmy]

I'm conflicted, since Texan representatives, beauty pageant winners and TSA employees are among the people I hold in the greatest contempt, so not sure which side to choose.

There are no greater scum than Texas representatives.

Anyway it is amazing what they are spending their time doing to avoid dealing with the 20 billion dollar budget deficit.

[DGuller]

I could think of far worse things to spend time on than giving a "fuck you" to TSA.  Good on them, even if it is purely symbolic.  Hopefully stunts like this would add steam to more productive endeavors, like federal legislation to curb TSA excesses.

[Razgovory]

I'm conflicted, since Texan representatives, beauty pageant winners and TSA employees are among the people I hold in the greatest contempt, so not sure which side to choose.

There are no greater scum than Texas representatives.

Anyway it is amazing what they are spending their time doing to avoid dealing with the 20 billion dollar budget deficit.

They could do what we did in Missouri.  3 day weekends for school children!