Akers vs. the TSA

A friend remarked to me that it is basically futile for the ordinary person to make a difference in this world. Although there are times I feel that way, those periods do not last for long. Something evolves that proves to me that even one person can have enormous influence. Think of it this way; civilization has truly progressed only because individuals stood up against barbarianism. Individual action has eventually been the determining impetus for change.

History has many instances of changes for the better brought about by dedicated people having to die for what they know to be right. In other instances, force has not been necessary and the only weapon was the mighty “pen.” In spite of many negatives in the world, the proliferation of technology may, indeed, bring a time when events will evolve to a better level by simply the “nearness” of mankind. I would never dismiss though, the exhibition of courage needed to speak out against the current instances of the tyranny of the State. 

On the very pages of The American Daily Herald, a frequent contributor, Becky Akers, fought a battle against the Leviathan Government Agency, The Transportation “ Security” Administration. Her weapon was the mighty pen (well, actually now, computer). This week, author Akers was able to see a partial victory. The Porno Backscatter Equipment is, at least temporarily, being removed. A partial victory should not be discounted simply because it is not a full victory; as there are many battles before the final capitulation, particularly by an arrogant bureaucracy with incredible power to intimidate and harm.  

At first author Becky Akers was alone in her outspoken accounts against the indignities, stupidity, and unconscionable and unconstitutional actions of the TSA. She forthrightly named names and justly classified the groping TSA agents as perverts, masochists and idiots. Her wit and sarcasm would have shamed ordinary people with conscience. No shame admitted and seemingly undeterred, the TSA continued its harassing and disgusting behavior. More voices joined hers and more writers began to investigate the numerous assaults by the TSA. Gradually, people suffering at the hands of the agency began to speak out against the egregious acts of the TSA, while headlines and controversy slowly grew. Some of those groped and humiliated sued and are fighting legal cases. Amid the escalating known instances brought to light, what amazed was the insistence of the upper echelon of the TSA that in every case of travesty, the offending agent was dutifully followed “Standard Operating Procedures.”   

Investigative questioning revealed the back scatter machines, largely produced by a company called Rapiscan, had not undergone the usual analysis and procedures needed before equipment is used on humans. Of additional concern, the TSA could not deny the equipment was only tested yearly and rarely calibrated. Because of the possible dangers for frequent flyers and those with other health and surgical problems many chose or were instructed by their medical advisers to not go through the machines. 

But further, in a valid and crucially important argument, Akers emphasized that these “Porno machines” were actually an invasion of privacy, and certainly a violation of Fourth Amendment rights. It became obvious too that when opting to avoid these questionably safe machines at airports, travelers were humiliated and deliberately harassed by TSA agents.  

With Akers leading the way, more voices were raised, but increasingly with a greater understanding that it was not only the horrors each individual violated was forced to endure, but that it was an assault upon a very basic moral code among civilized people. Parents were told to stand by helplessly while their young (and sometimes completely helpless) child was groped by a stranger. Husbands were forced to witness indignities on their wives, teenaged daughters and elderly parents.  

Though the battle against even this one agency is far from over, this should be celebrated as a first victory for every honest and moral person who has encountered these goons who slither behind the Goliath of Government to excuse their arrogant and perverted behavior. Little Davidita Akers got in a really good hit with her able sling shot.