TSA is at it again

[totes6]

This ever so out of control. Anyone have any (non-violent) ideas on how to stop this nonsense. Is there any politician with the will to stop these run away agencies that see themselves as above the law? This stuff reeks of communist Russia and Nazi Germany--can no one with any authority see this? Who do we vote for to end this? Who do we call? What office do we picket? What can be done to put an end to this?

I know you won't like my answer but the only politician running for the Presidential nomination at this point that wants to put an end to TSA in particular, but also stop government over reach in general is Ron Paul.

A direct quote from his website. http://www.ronpaul2012.com/the-issues/national-defense/

* Prevent the TSA from forcing Americans to either be groped or ogled just to travel on an airplane and ultimately abolish the unconstitutional agency.

http://www.odwyerpr.com/blog/index.php? ... -Rage.html

Republican Congressman Ron Paul attacked the TSA for trampling on the Fourth Amendment by coming up with the latest attack on the rights of citizens. In his invaluable, “Texas Straight Talk,” blog, he wrote: "How many more infringements on our liberties, our property, and our basic human rights to travel freely will it take before people become fed up enough to demand respect from their government?”

[mamabearCali]

I like Ron Paul....not so much on his international politics. But if we are in the "let try anything, something has to give" situation I would go with Ron Paul in a heartbeat. I would vote for him over several of the other candidates. I think it might be worth a shot.

[Diomed]

Why is the TSA looking for drugs/cash? How is that in their jurisdiction. Quite honestly cash is not illegal to carry--so what are they playing at here?

There are supposed to be state/local cops making the stop itself, then TSA carries out the search. I'm sure there are agreements in place giving cover to TSA operating as law enforcement.

And cash is, de facto, illegal if you have too much of it. Just another aspect of asset forfeiture laws; if you have too much cash on you (how much is too much is up to the officer or his department), then the cash is presumed to have been for use in, or is the proceeds of, a drug crime and is seized. The person in possession need not be arrested or charged, and often is simply let go at the scene (albeit much lighter in the wallet). If you want the money back, you have to sue - which can often cost more than the amount seized, which is a big part of why they're able to get away with it (and that's assuming the cop actually logged the cash in and didn't just pocket it). This has been going on for twenty years now, thanks to the War on Drugs.

People bitch about the War on Terra destroying their rights, what they don't realize is that the War on Drugs has eroded more of those rights and has been doing so for so long (almost a century now!) that it's percieved by most as being normal. All the War on Terra's really done is shove the brutal reality of the modern American police state into the faces of the middle and upper classes, who didn't have to see much of it (and could therefore support it with a clear conscience and a smile) when it was still aimed at the lower classes.

[mamabearCali]

I don't carry much cash anyway. Usually less than $50 in my wallet at all times. I think DH carries about $100. I once had a wallet stolen with $300 in it (for sure stolen not lost)--cured me of carrying large amounts of cash. But really it should not be the gov't business how much cash a person carries.

On the war on drugs. If we want to reduce the scope of the war on drugs I am fine with doing that. This is where this conservative girl goes real liberal (or libertarian). People have been using drugs throughout human history. I say we legalize marijuana. make it like alcohol/tobacco (for heavens sakes it has some really good medical benefits for many sick people). Then take a real hard look at each other drug and the laws surrounding it, then take some common sense approaches that help reduce use/cut the drug lords in Mexico off at the knees.

Good heavens I sound more and more like a Ron Paul supporter every day.

[Tusker]

You may hear about me on the news next week. I'm driving a truck through Tennessee on Thursday and I WILL NOT consent to any search of my vehicle.

NOR WILL I- They are not Law Enforcement in any way -- Most of the ones I have had contact with cannot speak english I can even understand.

[gunderwood]

So what happened to the "Don't like it don't fly" mantra. What is it now "Don't like it don't leave your house?"

Don't worry mama, pretty soon it will be "Don't like it leave..."

Never mind.