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Comment Threads

• epp_b commented on TSA: "Sir, this is an improvised electronic device."
  I find it appalling that TSA inspectors are basically trained to be clueless, xenophobic chimps. If these people are to be who we're told they are (which, let's face it, they aren't), then they need to be trained properly and include specialists in some common categories of items people bring on board (eg.: electronics, hygienic products, chemicals/medications, etc.). And maybe find a way to add some glamor to the job. Don't make them egotistical, authoritative power-trippers, but just happy to be there knowing that they're experts in their fields....
• gollux commented on TSA: "Sir, this is an improvised electronic device."
  If you want anything to reach its destination, go to your nearest UPS service center and freight it. Pretty much anything that is even slightly suspicious will be confiscated and destroyed by the TSA. Your robot project you have spent weeks on is an "improvised electronic device" just waiting to burst into flame, explode and take an airliner out. Sorry you didn't know that, but that's the way they view it as their simplistic world denotes that anything with wires sticking out of it is a potential bomb. They don't have the engineering training or even the curiosity to educate...
• sabik commented on TSA: "Sir, this is an improvised electronic device."
  The article isn't clear, but it sounds like it's the *checked* bag that was the problem, not carry-on. How else would you be paged first and find out it was about your bag later? Which is an entirely different kettle of fish. Of course, as the comments on the linked story say, shrinkwrap machines aren't that expensive. That won't help you much on the return leg, but even so that could be very useful (both in a good way and in a bad way)....
• zuzu commented on TSA: "Sir, this is an improvised electronic device."
  #25 thecynic way to invoke http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Misleading_vividness Furthermore, I challenge you to substantiate the assertion that Security Theater is not more expensive (as measured in time, money, lives) than if another violent act equivalent to 9/11/2001-9/13/2001 were to occur again in the next decade. I wager that the presentation of another such extremely unlikely event is cheaper (over a 10 year period) than all of this TSA / Homeland rigamarole. Calculating how often a 9/11-like event would have to occur to justify the total cost of operation for TSA and Homeland Security in order to break even is an exercise left...
• tempus commented on TSA: "Sir, this is an improvised electronic device."
  Not 'ignorant' jackasses. NEANDERTHAL jackass THUGS on the one and only power trip they will ever be allowed in their miserable lives. Read the new article on the new HIGH SCHOOL for 'homeland security training'? The job of TSA 'personnel' is 'thankless' because their behavior is usually-- intellectually and socially-- beneath contempt. And don't forget that your tax dollars pay these people......