TSA, Lost Fliers and EPIC Lawsuits

Via Oleg: TSA behavior is causing more and more people to quit flying.  Not only that but it is causing people who are nude models to be uncomfortable.  The whole concept that one group of strangers is allowed to record intimate pictures of individuals without their consent while others can just don’t make sense.  Not to mention the fact that the TSA has been known to hire sexual deviants. Back in 2004 I swore I would never fly again until The Security Theater is abolished.  I know many others who will only fly commercially for business and tourism in the US has decreased due to the TSA.


Via Alan: The Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC) has filed lawsuit against the TSA for their security scanners.  The TSA has filed a brief in response, but what really got my attention about their brief:

DHS explains why the Court should not stop TSA from using the naked body scanners until the legality of it all is decided.

Translation: “So we’re breaking the law and we would like to be allowed to continue to do such until such time as you actually issue your ruling saying we’re breaking the law.”    The TSA Steals, Molests, and Abuses our American citizenry under color of law.  They should be destroyed.  If only there was a way.

Quote of the Day: Benjamin Franklin (Twofer) – 01072011

I doubt … whether any other Convention .. may be able to make a better constitution; for, when you assemble a number of men, to have the advantage of their joint wisdom, you inevitably assemble with those men all their prejudices, their passions, their errors of opinion, their local interests, and their selfish views.  From such an assembly can a perfect production be expected?  It therefore astonishes me, sir, to find this system approaching so near to perfection…

– Benjamin Franklin (Speech at the Constitutional Convention, Sept 17, 1787)

[Emphasis mine. Today the Constitution was read on the floor of the CongressSome would claim the constitution is no longer relevant and is not a perfect document anymore.  The thing is, at the time it was written it was not considered a perfect document, that is why they provided a method to edit it and change it.  Our current congress critters would prefer to instead of editing it, to relegate it to the dustbin of history.  This is completely contrary to their oath of office.  This brings up another quote from Franklin he made the next day.  We all must ponder this final statement from Mr. Franklin regarding the constitution.]

A republic, if you can keep it.

-Benjamin Franklin Sept 18, 1787

[This was in response to a question by Mrs. Powel regarding the form of government the congress has created.  We are closer than at any other time to actually losing it.  No longer are our elected representatives being held accountable when they break the laws knowingly while creating new legislation.  They also have no issue creating laws which apply to the standard citizenry but exempts the elected officials.  Our elected officials prefer to ignore the Constitution out of convenience because they could not further their agenda otherwise.  Things definitely need to change.]

Blue Thunder

Blue Thunder is no longer a cautionary tale of the future.  The Miami-Dade police department is in the process of purchasing it’s own UAV

Terrorism expert Douglas Haas, however, believes that the drones will help in many ways, including fighting crime. “This has unlimited capabilities,” said Haas. “Not only is it good tactically for a SWAT call out or any tactical situation, there’s numerous search and rescue applications for it after a hurricane. They could send one of these up fast and assess damage.”

Terrorism is being used as the necessity for the tool to further the police state.  As for using one after a hurricane, that’s assuming your operating facility, and hanger survived.  During a state of emergency such as that however, assistance could be requested from the national guard.  Further begging the question, why does Miami-Dade need it’s own UAV?

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot

Picked up the mail tonight and on the top was this…

ITT

I have a BSEE from a four year university, my focus areas were DSP and Power Systems.  Where did they get my info, and why do they think I need one of their certifications?  I just started laughing as I read it, and continue to laugh every time I see it.  I actually ended up with an awesome job before I even graduated, and I had offers outside the area too.  Not only was the job I took awesome, it became even more awesome recently, however due to the disclaimer I shall leave it at that.  The only thing I can think of is they want me to get an MBA which makes me want to laugh more.  I have a couple other professional goals on my plate, after which I will go an get my masters slowly (if I feel it still worth it).  My masters however is going to be in another engineering field.

Quote Of the Day–John Adams, 01062011

If men through fear, fraud or mistake, should in terms renounce and give up any essential natural right, the eternal law of reason and the great end of society, would absolutely vacate such renunciation; the right to freedom being the gift of God Almighty, it is not in the power of Man to alienate this gift, and voluntarily become a slave. – John Adams


Currently our leaders would like us to believe that terrorism shall annihilate us all.  This tactic of fear is then used as the necessity for the TSA to violate our rights and humiliate us.  They tell people that A Security Theater will stop the terrorists and make them safe again.  This has been proven anything but true.  When TSA fails, it is those abused by the TSA who do actually save the day.  The fact is, the TSA is a joke, they are ineffective, and the methods being used to trample our rights are fear and fraud.  Some have been willing to give up their rights but the thing is, it’s not theirs to give up.  Who has any right to walk up to someone else and say, “Sir you need to give up your rights so the rest of us can have the illusion of security.”  It is one thing if you want to give up the right yourself, fine that’s your business.  However no one has any right to infringe on someone else’s rights.  Furthermore, absolutely no one of this world has the right or ability to take it away.

GPS and Phones

Stealing a cell phone isn’t a bright idea.  Police used the GPS capability to catch a robbery suspect by locating the phone of one the victims.  Remember that, if others can look up your location through Google, or some other service, obviously it can be used against you.  The lesson to remember here is this, when doing something stupid, leave your phone at home, and don’t steal a replacement for the one you left at home.

For the record I’m glad the guy got caught, this is more of just a friendly reminder.  When taking care of your Jews in the Attic, leave it at home.

Awesome Pic of the Day

Picture of the ISS as it passes in front of the sun during a partial eclipse. Good job Mr. Legault!

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