Politics, open government, and safe streets. And the constant incursion of cycling.

TSA: Protecting You From News About Them

CNN Senior Investigative Correspondent Drew Griffin did a series of reports about TSA’s practices in May, and guess what?

[S]hortly after I began a series of investigative reports critical of the TSA. Eleven flights now since May 19. On different airlines, my name pops up forcing me to go to the counter, show my identification, sometimes the agent has to make a call before I get my ticket,” Griffin reported. “What does the TSA say? Nothing, at least nothing on camera. Over the phone a public affairs worker told me again I’m not on the watch list, and don’t even think that someone in the TSA or anyone else is trying to get even.”

The TSA, which is a part of the Department of Homeland Security, said Griffin’s name wasn’t even on the watch list, and the agency blamed the airlines for the delays the reporter experienced. The airlines, on the other hand, said they were simply following a list provided by TSA.

Forced to clear himself 11 times in two months, just to get on a plane?  Yeah, he’s not on the list at all.  And it’s this sort of petty – yet effective – harrassment that will help subtly shape norms and discourse around TSA’s practices.

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1 Comment

  1. Jimbo

    Similar thing used to happen to me every time I flew. I could never check in online, or use the self service kiosks, and would always have to get in line to talk with a customer service agent who would go into the back room, make a call, etc. It wouldn’t take long, but it was annoying. Particularly because nobody would tell me why, or what to do to make it stop, or anything. Then one time, maybe two years ago, it just stopped and I haven’t had a problem since. Guess I am no longer dangerous. Go figure.

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