National Opt-Out Day: November 24, 2010

I’ll get right to the point: It is time for game-changing resistance to the TSA’s strip searches and molestation pat downs.

We’ve played nice so far, organizing by calling Congressional representatives and handing out literature educating fliers on the dangers and privacy invasions TSA is perpetrating.

How have TSA and its masters responded?  By digging in even deeper- insisting the pat downs are not sexual assault and that those of us who don’t like it can find another way to travel.  The arrogance of John Pistole and Janet Napolitano is staggering, my friends.  In their Kafka-esque world we must be content to be assaulted to keep us safe.  And if not they’ll try to fine us $11,000 for daring to question their authority.

I’m done playing nice.  Next Wednesday, November 24 – the day before Thanksgiving and one of the busiest travel days of the year – is National Opt-Out Day.  This is an opportunity to show TSA and everyone else exactly what we think of their strip searches and molestation.  If you’re selected for the naked scanner, OPT OUT.  Talk to other travelers and tell them why you’re choosing not to go through.  If enough of us do this we can grind TSA’s operations to a halt, forcing them to touch us inappropriately in full view of everyone else.  And if you agree that touching is inappropriate, summon the airport police and file charges against the screener, especially if it happens at SFO.  The San Mateo County District Attorney made a statement today that he will prosecute sexual assault cases against TSA agents.  And Representative Ron Paul introduced HR 6416 today, which would strip TSA clerks of any federal immunities for their actions, meaning those inappropriate touches would become sexual assault just about everywhere.

The tide is turning.  Nappy and Pissy have been backed into a corner of their own making and are getting buried under an avalanche of bad press.  Don’t let them out now!

Important resources for the weeks ahead:

National Opt-Out Day

We Won’t Fly

John Pistole is an Idiot

Fed Up Flyers

Don’t Scan Us

Nude-o-scope

Electronic Privacy Information Center

  • TK

    I can’t understand how TSA is taking a stance on how their pat downs are NOT sexual assault. I wonder if that argument would work for a rapist if they are a government employee? I swear judge, I was just working over time.

  • todd

    FL and GA airports now looking to stop using TSA – http://www.ajc.com/news/southeast-airports-debate-tsa-745352.html

  • todd

    the TSA has posted their version of the truth on their blog. many of these points can be credibly refuted – http://blog.tsa.gov/2010/11/tsa-myth-or-fact-leaked-images.html

  • todd
  • todd
  • todd

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skkCpnCm7iM

    i just sent that link to the whitehouse.gov site and asked them how a young boy stripped half naked in an airport is justifiable for national security

    youranidiot Reply:
    November 23rd, 2010 at 10:21 am

    yeah your an idiot. the boys father is the one who took his shirt off. not the tsa. tsa will NEVER require you to remove anything other than shoes, a jacket, or a hat.

  • Aptonypl

    I guess the arrogance of Administrator John Pistole is what is upsetting me so much. That arrogant bastard and Napolitano’s imcompetence is another example of O’Bummer’s idea of listening to the public. He STILL does not have a clue.
    I’m swearing off air line travel until they fire Pistole!!!!!!!.

  • youranidiot

    You people are ridiculous. Have you ever been to a large festival, or a concert? You get a light pat down every single time. Have you ever ridden a bus, a subway, etc, and accidentally bumped into someone, or had someone bump into you? I bet you’ve even accidentally brushed against someones buttocks. But, hey, it was an accident, so why does that count right? Wait til you are the one on the plane that gets hijacked. How pissed will you be then? I bet the first thing that runs through your mind is :”man if I woulda been cool with them brushing up against my ass, I wouldnt be in this situation.” its funny how in 9 years we can go from doing anything it takes to be safe to rejecting a slight discomfort. Flying is a privilege. NOT a right. You dont like it, drive a car or take a bus.

  • Jme42

    This letter to the editor was published 11-23-10 in the North County Times
    ( Escondido, CA).

    A Sure-fire Way to do Airline Screening

    With regard to the brouhaha over TSA security screening at U.S. airports, there’s a rumor going around the Internet that the Israelis are developing an airport security device that eliminates the privacy concerns that come with full-body scanners at the airports. Supposedly, it’s a booth you can step into that will not X-ray you, but will detonate any explosive device you may have on you.

    They see this as a win-win for everyone, with none of the whining about racial profiling. It also would eliminate the costs of long and expensive trials. Justice would be swift. Case closed. You’re in the airport terminal and you hear a muffled explosion. Shortly thereafter, an announcement comes over the PA system: “Attention standby passengers: We now have a seat available on flight number ____. Shalom.”

    Some folks haven’t forgotten why governments are doing their utmost to keep aircraft from falling from the sky or crashing into buildings.

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