Don't Mess with Texas!!!

[Calz]

Fighting back to get the anti grope-down bill on the ballot. Would appear to have the votes.

Hurray for Texas. Hopefully legislators across the land will take notice and grow some "kahunas" themselves.

:boxing:


TSA Showdown a Watershed Moment in Battle For Freedom


8164

Paul Joseph Watson
Infowars
Tuesday, June 21, 2011

A bill that would criminalize invasive TSA pat downs in Texas has risen like a phoenix from the flames, with Governor Rick Perry being forced to include the item on the agenda for the current special session of the legislature, setting the stage for what could potentially become a watershed moment in the battle to peel back a federal power grab that has characterized the advance of big government.

Despite initially shirking responsibility by erroneously claiming that the bill did not have enough support to pass, Governor Perry was forced to place the item on the special session agenda yesterday, meaning TSA workers could face a year in jail or a $4,000 fine if they “touch the anus, sexual organ, buttocks, or breast of another person, even through that person’s clothing for the purpose of granting access to a building or a form of transportation,” according to the text of the legislation.

Under the terms of the Texas Constitution, Perry has the authority to forward bills for the consideration of the special session, and that’s precisely what he did yesterday, announcing, “Legislation relating to prosecution and punishment for the offense of official oppression of persons seeking access to public buildings and transportation.”

Following Perry’s announcement, sponsor of the bill Senator Dan Patrick stated, “The people’s voice has been heard in Austin. Thanks for the literally thousands of calls & e-mails. This is a “Come & Take It Moment” again for Texas… Once again Texas will take a stand that will reverberate around the nation.”

Absent the dirty tricks that shot down the progress of the legislation the first time around, the bill should have no problems in getting enough votes to be passed – the majority of state Senators support SB 29, with a number still undecided and just two against. The schedule for the special session is due to run until June 30, but Perry also has the authority to extend this deadline.


The real test will be how the federal government reacts to the passage of the legislation, a response which is likely to be characterized by two separate arguments.

One – the feds will simply claim that the bill is superseded by the Supremacy Clause of the US constitution, arguing that states cannot regulate the federal government, and will order TSA goons to continue groping Americans. This will kick start a massive states’ rights battle, but TSA workers will still be reticent to abuse their power for fear of lawsuits. However, if they pursue this route, the feds won’t have a leg to stand on. The Supremacy Clause merely states that the Constitution is supreme, not that the authority of the government is supreme. Indeed, if anything the Supremacy Clause works in favor of the anti-pat down bill because it reinforces the protections guaranteed by the fourth amendment against unreasonable searches and seizures.

Two – the government will adopt an altogether more aggressive approach and repeat their threats of financial terrorism by resolving to impose a federal blockade to prevent flights operating out of Texas airports. This tactic was used to kill HB 1937 before it could even reach the Senate last month following the circulation of a letter written by DoJ Attorneys that threatened to cancel all commercial flights in the state. The power of the federal government to impose a de facto “no fly zone” over Texas is non-existent. If this is attempted, Texas airports could simply replace all TSA workers with private screeners and give the feds a symbolic middle finger. What’s more likely to happen is some kind of compromise deal, but TSA agents would still be less likely to carry out grope downs for fear of lawsuits.

Years of growing outrage over TSA grope-downs and naked body scanners has culminated in this momentous showdown. The outcome of this fight will determine the course of this issue for years to come, and will shape whether the TSA becomes a literal occupying army in a Sovietized America, or whether the organization itself and the Homeland Security takeover in general withers and dies.


http://www.infowars.com/tsa-showdown-a-watershed-moment-in-battle-for-freedom/

[Calz]

Yeah ... now *THIS* is what I am talkin bout ...

How the nuns handle things in Texas :tape:

8168

[Maia Gabrial]

Thank you, Calz-Avaretard. This is so inspiring! Ron Paul's from TX....I'm beginning to see a pattern!
Maia

[Calz]

We got em on the run now. TSA is "manning up" enough not to grope children.


TSA head: Airport screeners must avoid pat-downs of children

8179


(CNN) -- The Transportation Security Administration is changing its policy on how screeners can search children, the agency's head has said.

TSA Administrator John Pistole announced the change at a Wednesday meeting of the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee.

The change was prompted by outrage over a video-recorded pat-down of a 6-year-old airline passenger at the New Orleans airport on April 5. The video, which was posted on YouTube, shows the girl protesting at first to the search, although she complies quietly while it is under way.

Pistole explained to committee members that a female security screener performed a pat-down search on the 6-year-old girl because the child had moved while passing through an airport body imaging machine. That prevented the device from getting a clear reading that the child was not carrying any banned objects through airport security.

"We have changed the policy to say that there'll be repeated efforts made to resolve that without a pat-down," Pistole told committee members.

The new policy will apply to children 10 years old or younger, Pistole said.

The incident renewed debate over the the TSA's security practices, especially their use on such low-risk passengers as young children. A backlash against passenger pat-downs -- an alternative to full-body scans in some locations -- swelled during the holiday travel season last year. Pistole maintained at the time that the agency walks a fine line between privacy concerns and public safety.

However, during the committee meeting, U.S. Sen. Rand Paul, R-Kentucky, grilled Pistole for erring thoughtlessly too far on the side of safety.

"This isn't to say we don't believe in safety procedures," Paul said. "But I think I feel less safe when we're doing these invasive exams on a 6-year-old. It makes me think that you're clueless, that you think she's going to attack our country, and that you're not doing your research on the people who would attack our country."

Pistole suggested a pat-down of a child is not entirely unjustified.

"Unfortunately, we know that terrorists around the world have used children as suicide bombers," Pistole replied.

[mosquito]

Brief rant - this makes me so so so so so f**king angry, where are these children's c*ck-sucking moronic f**king parents ?? How can any adult in the USA tollerate this ?)

Sorry, I needed to say that.

Thanks for the post Calz, let's hope that this time the good people of Texas get to re-establish their freedom and their rights. F**k the federal government ! With any luck this will get legislators in other states to look inside their trousers to see if they can find their testicles.

[happyexpat]

Doesn't anybody ever wonder why every single State has its own Secretary of State? Just like every other country in the world? I am always interested to see States taking their authority back.
I also think stories like this are great because it wakes people up.
Completely appalled that someone would grope a six year old child...

[mosquito]

I was expecting, almost hoping, to come back here this morning to a barrage of criticism for daring to express my anger; to 3+ pages of posts from people supporting the Texans and outraged by the TSA child molesters. What do I return to ? One other person has posted here. WTF ??

I imagine that the PTB in the USA are pissing themselves laughing at the apathy of the American people, no-one bloody cares, do they ?

[loveandgratitude]

FLUORIDE..................??????????????????????

http://powerpointparadise.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/POISONinTAPWATER.jpg

[Robstar]

Texas has a lot more to worry about than TSA shoving their hand down your pants. Governor"Good Hair"(Perry, that's what we call him) and his henchmen have been shoving their hands up the rear of Texas for along time and now they are just playing politics. TEXAS IS BROKE! There is no money for education, police, fire , ect... "Dont mess with texas? You have got to be kidding! They messed with Texas, raped it and shoved it out into the dumpster in the alley.. Now we have to pay for it. TSA should and is last on the mind of Texans right now.This is just a feel good story to entertain you as they stick to you from behind in new taxes.:smokin:

[Calz]

Texas has a lot more to worry about than TSA shoving their hand down your pants. Governor"Good Hair"(Perry, that's what we call him) and his henchmen have been shoving their hands up the rear of Texas for along time and now they are just playing politics. TEXAS IS BROKE! There is no money for education, police, fire , ect... "Dont mess with texas? You have got to be kidding! They messed with Texas, raped it and shoved it out into the dumpster in the alley.. Now we have to pay for it. TSA should and is last on the mind of Texans right now.This is just a feel good story to entertain you as they stick to you from behind in new taxes.:smokin:

Much the same could be said about many/most states (yes by design).

That said ... do you think the 6 year old girl getting groped cares about politics and state budgets???

Just saying.

[Robstar]

That said ... do you think the 6 year old girl getting groped cares about politics and state budgets???

Ask her parents. Because i can assure you for the 6 year old future they care.
Besides I was just giving you the perspective from a Texan living in Texas. That's the way many see the issue relating the states fight against TSA. Smoke and mirrors.Bigger fish to fry.

[Maia Gabrial]

Hey Robstar,
Thanks for sharing a Texan's point of view in all this. So, will Texans do something about Gov. Good Hair? Like fire him? Or take him out back and shoot him? (Just kidding...!) If you guys do something about it, more states will follow suit....ya know?

[shadowstalker]

I have lived in Texas for a little over 6 yrs and let me tell you, they don't do right by special needs kids in school or the court system, and CPS will take a child at the whim of the wind.

They need to get Perry out he is destroying the state.

The reason they pat down kids, comes from the MK Ultra (kids) idea , that if they can do it, then so is everyone else, which is the best excuse in the book, tho' they will never blatantly admit it. Course that just a "THEORY" on my part.

[Cidersomerset]

' NUNS AND GUNS' only in Texas would that be cool......YEE HAA.....Although I'm against guns inprinciple and when we 'assend' I do hope you realise you can't take them with you....LOL...

At this precarious time, I think it is deffinately right for you to stick to your rights to bear arms and free speach ..... Especially now you are under attack from within by your own ' Agencies'......cheers steve

[Calz]

Hey Robstar,
Thanks for sharing a Texan's point of view in all this. So, will Texans do something about Gov. Good Hair? Like fire him? Or take him out back and shoot him? (Just kidding...!) If you guys do something about it, more states will follow suit....ya know?

There were a number of states that filed suit (even more considered) on the health care issue.

A "feel good moment" can lead to a seriously good thing on occasion.

If it is a spark for other states (what??? you mean we can acutally do that???) then it will put a dent in the seemingly unstoppable fascist fed gone wild.

Yes I know there are "white hats" and should not use such a broad brush stroke but I expect those here understand what I am saying.

[Calz]

TSA Groping Bill Up For Vote In Texas Senate Monday

Related: Texas Lawmakers AWOL For Vote On TSA Groping Bill

Lone Star Report
June 25, 2011

Simpson said there still remains much support — though he doubts if Gov. Rick Perry truly wants the bill passed.

“It’s regrettable — I was told the other day that unless you have the support of the Speaker, the Lieutenant Governor, and the Governor, nothing will come to a vote in this place,” he said. “And that may be true. But if that’s the case, why is there a Senate? Why is there a Texas House? And why are there 181 other members of the leadership of this state?”

Dewhurst, in a press statement this afternoon, said he would proceed with Sen. Dan Patrick’s (R-Houston) version, SB 29, on Monday.

“Since the start of the Special Session, I’ve worked closely with the Attorney General’s Office to address several issues that were raised when the bill first came up for a vote in the Texas Senate,” Dewhurst said. “The Transportation and Homeland Security Committee is holding a hearing on Monday to pass the TSA bill out of committee, and I believe this is an important issue that deserves consideration by both the House and the Senate before we adjourn.”

***
NOTE: Regarding quorum, the Speaker signed SB 4 in the presence of the House, which requires a quorum. But since a quorum is assumed unless challenged, there was technically a quorum this morning.

***

UPDATE: Patrick issued the following statement after the initial posting of this story:

“The TSA anti-groping bill is important legislation that sends an important message to the federal government.This is evidenced by that fact that it has more than 100 coauthors in the House and enough votes to pass in the Senate. Even before passage, this legislation has already yielded results in that the TSA recently changed their pat down policies on children. I am greatly disappointed that negotiations on this bill have broken down so badly in the House at this critical point in the special session. If the House can resolve their differences, there is still time if they can pass it to the Senate before Monday.”


http://www.infowars.com/tsa-groping-bill-up-for-vote-in-texas-senate-monday/

[Calz]

and ***THIS*** is why this is such a big story. (not listed in this one is there are now *MOBILE* back scatter radiation vehicles making the rounds in a city near you ... at least in the usa).

Look at where this is all heading:


Surprise! TSA Is Searching Your Car, Subway, Ferry, Bus, AND Plane


Mon Jun. 20, 2011 3:15 PM PDT Scott Ableman/Flickr

Think you could avoid the TSA's body scanners and pat-downs by taking Amtrak? Think again. Even your daily commute isn't safe from TSA screenings. And because the TSA is working with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol, you may have your immigration status examined along with your "junk".

As part of the TSA's request for FY 2012 funding, TSA Administrator John Pistole told Congress last week that the TSA conducts 8,000 unannounced security screenings every year. These screenings, conducted with local law enforcement agencies as well as immigration, can be as simple as checking out cargo at a busy seaport. But more and more, they seem to involve giving airport-style pat-downs and screenings of unsuspecting passengers at bus terminals, ferries, and even subways.

These surprise visits are part of the TSA's VIPR program: Visible Intermodal Prevention and Response. The VIPR program first started doing searches in 2007, and has grown since then. Currently, the TSA only has 25 VIPR teams doing these impromptu searches: in 2012, it wants to get 12 more.

The searches are in the name of passenger security, and the TSA says it wants to prevent incidents like the 2004 Madrid train bombings. But if the airports' TSA searches miss security risks like large knives, loaded guns, and explosives, there's certainly the chance that screenings at train stations would be similarly flawed.

Not to worry: security isn't the only goal of VIPR. A recent VIPR operation/screening at a Tampa Greyhound bus station was conducted with US Border Patrol and ICE. "What we're looking for is threats to national security as well as immigration law violators," said Steve McDonald from US Border Patrol. An ICE representative said that they were also looking for smuggling, and Gary Milano from Homeland Security said that although that was the first time the Tampa bus depot had been screened, VIPR would be back again sometime in the future and was using the element of surprise as a deterrent to "the bad guys."

Although one man at the Tampa screening said he felt "safer," VIPR operations are not without their naysayers. A VIPR screening at a Des Moines Greyhound station last week is alleged to have targeted Latinos. Another TSA/Border Patrol VIPR screening on a trolley in San Diego resulted in three teens being handcuffed and deported while on their way to school. Around 20 others were also deported, according to local news outlets.

The trolley is part of the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System. "We believe this is a flagrant violation of human rights, when we have a situation in which children are being separated from their families without the proper due process rights being afforded to them," said a spokesman for the girl's family. The three teens nabbed in the San Diego VIPR operation were deported to Tijuana, but later allowed to re-enter the United States on humanitarian visas.

More children, this time train passengers disembarking at Savannah, Georgia, were treated to questionable TSA treatment in February along with their families. While the passengers (who again, had just gotten OFF a train) were lifting their shirts and having bras handled during pat-downs, their luggage was sitting unattended on the train platform.

The TSA later admitted that the VIPR operation should have ended before the train entered the station, but told the public that the Savannah passengers didn't have to enter the screening area... even though an eye-witness says a TSA agent instructed them to go into the screening area to collect their luggage... the luggage that was actually waiting somewhere else.

VIPR operations are now even targeting freight trucks on highways. In addition to the random checks on public transit systems, it makes you wonder: can private vehicles be far behind? Will there be any mode of transportation beyond the reach of the TSA?

UPDATE: According to at least one news report out of Brownsville, Texas, TSA/VIPR has already conducted unannounced inspections of private passenger cars and trucks. Thanks for the tip, reader @jwindz.

UPDATE 2: Welcome, Drudge Report readers! If you liked this story, check out our story on how the TSA is scanning your face in an attempt to read your mind, our explainer on the safety of the new "porno-scanners," our report on the TSA missing a man's loaded handgun, our investigation of the people who are profiting from the new scanners, and Kevin Drum's anti-anti-TSA rant.


http://motherjones.com/mojo/2011/06/tsa-swarms-8000-bus-stations-public-transit-systems-yearly

[Calz]

Simply amazing ... *sigh*

TSA stands by officers after pat-down of elderly woman in Florida

(CNN) -- The Transportation Security Administration stood by its security officers Sunday after a Florida woman complained that her cancer-stricken, 95-year-old mother was patted down and forced to remove her adult diaper while going through security.

Reports of the incident took hold in social media, with scores of comments on the topic and reposts appearing hourly on Twitter Sunday afternoon.

The TSA released a statement Sunday defending its agents' actions at the Northwest Florida Regional Airport.

"While every person and item must be screened before entering the secure boarding area, TSA works with passengers to resolve security alarms in a respectful and sensitive manner," the federal agency said. "We have reviewed the circumstances involving this screening and determined that our officers acted professionally and according to proper procedure."

rest of story and video at:

http://www.cnn.com/2011/US/06/26/florida.tsa.incident/index.html?hpt=hp_t1

[Calz]

[/COLOR]6]I was expecting, almost hoping, to come back here this morning to a barrage of criticism for daring to express my anger; to 3+ pages of posts from people supporting the Texans and outraged by the TSA child molesters. What do I return to ? One other person has posted here. WTF ??

I imagine that the PTB in the USA are pissing themselves laughing at the apathy of the American people, no-one bloody cares, do they ?

Sadly ... I have to confess you must be correct.

Nobody has responded to the last several updates. I guess nobody gives a damn.

What ... your 95 year old cancerous grandmonther is forced to take off her soiled diaper so TSA can complete their grope??? How damn humiliating do you think that is people???

No problem ... nothing to see here folks ... just move along ....

If nobody gives a damn then we deserve what we get (and what they are counting on).

[Calz]

Okay I surrender.

Beyond belief ... it would appear the traiterous scum that constitute government might yet again crumble to the floor kissing the feet of their masters.

My last post (if proves true) on this subject.

Simply amazing ...


Texans to Launch ‘Citizen Filibuster’ Over TSA Groping


Paul Joseph Watson
Infowars.com
June 27, 2011


Texans outraged by repeated attempts on behalf of state representatives working in consort with the federal government to kill legislation that would ban invasive TSA groping are set to launch a ‘citizen filibuster’ that seeks to pressure public servants into following the will of the people.

Despite the fact that the anti-groping legislation in Texas passed the House unanimously last month and also looked set to sail through the Senate, repeated dirty tricks by the likes of Speaker Joe Straus and Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst have sabotaged a bill that merely seeks to reinforce laws already codified in the Fourth Amendment.

With lawmakers going AWOL for a vote on the legislation Friday, we have now learned that a hearing by the Texas House State Affairs Committee scheduled to take place today has been cancelled and the bill is all but dead. The legislation is likely to be replaced with a toothless Joint House Resolution that does little to address the epidemic of TSA abuse, most recently characterized by an incident in which TSA goons forced a 95-year-old sick woman to remove an adult diaper for screening, and merely recommends that Congress pick up the baton.

In response to Texas lawmakers’ failure to follow their constitutional duty, Austin-based radio host Alex Jones is leading a ‘citizen filibuster’, calling on people to contact their representatives over the next three days to salvage the legislation before the special session of the legislature ends on Wednesday.

This represents a continuation of last month’s actions which forced Governor Rick Perry’s hand in having the bill added to the special session when at one point it looked doomed. The first protest will take place today at 4pm CST.

Jones wants all Texans to launch a massive and sustained campaign this week to lobby lawmakers both in person and over phone and email, with a particular emphasis on people showing up at the Capitol building to protest against Dewhurst and Straus’ underhanded efforts to kill the legislation.

By promoting this grass roots campaign, Jones hopes to pressure Governor Rick Perry into extending the special session beyond Wednesday in a bid to get the TSA bill in its original format, stripped of the amendments added by Straus and Dewhurst that have gutted the legislation, signed into law.

Jones wants Texans to encourage their lawmakers to filibuster against efforts to kill the bill in any way they can, be it mass walk outs or any other form of resistance.

The fact that this bill in its original form has not been enacted despite having enough votes to pass both chambers is a harrowing reminder of the fact that the federal government and the Supreme Court have all but declared the Fourth Amendment null and void. The real reason the likes of Straus, Dewhurst and the Justice Department are so terrified of the anti-groping bill becoming law is the fact that it would re-instate a constitutional liberty that has been eviscerated by stealth.

This issue is not just about TSA policy in Texas, it’s about the fact that the 4th Amendment is on life support nationwide. Become part of the citizen filibuster and tell your public servants to grow a backbone and stand up for freedom in the face of intimidation and threats from the federal government.

Click here to contact Texas Senators. House members can be contacted here. Find out who your representative is in Texas by clicking here.

[Marikins]

Thanks for the posts Calz. I give a damn. I bet a lot of others do, too, but we don't know what to do about it. How can we support Texas in this?

[conk]

Doesn't anybody ever wonder why every single State has its own Secretary of State? Just like every other country in the world? I am always interested to see States taking their authority back.
I also think stories like this are great because it wakes people up.
Completely appalled that someone would grope a six year old child... Or a 95 year old, wheelchair bound woman. And they made her take off her adult diaper!!! I nearly bit my teeth into pieces when I read that.

[ulli]

The most unfair thing is that people who travel from Europe to central America and have to stop over in Miami for two hours are treated in the same manner...instead of being given a room where they can wait while their machine is being refuelled they are herded through immigrations and customs as if they were coming into the US...and if they don't have a US visa they can't transit via Miami at all...my mother who was 80 at the time was searched,
she was so shocked by it all.. She never came to visit me again...passed away in 2006.

[Maia Gabrial]

As long as USA, Inc. remains in existence as a "corporation", we can expect crap like the TSA groping, govt deceptions, money theft, politicians gone wild, injustices, deceptions and violations of our rights because that's what this corporation can get away with....since 1861. Haven't you worked for companies that had their own rules? This is pretty much the same thing. As long as Americans think the the US and America are the same thing, then they'll continue to be taken advantage of.... Are we "Americans" or just employees of the USA....?

[gripreaper]

Vote with your wallets. DONT FLY. That is the only thing that will get their attention.

[Calz]

Not one to wish harm on anyone ... but a bit of "poetic justice" (or karma) appears to be kicking in ...

Cancer Surges In Body Scanner Operators; TSA Launches Cover-Up

Fearful of provoking further public resistance to naked airport body scanners, the TSA has been caught covering up a surge in cases of TSA workers developing cancer as a result of their close proximity to radiation-firing devices, perhaps the most shocking revelation to emerge from the latest FOIA documents obtained by the Electronic Privacy Information Center.


After Union representatives in Boston discovered a “cancer cluster” amongst TSA workers linked with radiation from the body scanners, the TSA sought to downplay the matter and refused to issue employees with dosimeters to measure levels of exposure.

The documents indicate how, “A large number of workers have been falling victim to cancer, strokes and heart disease.”

“The Department, rather than acting on it, or explaining its position seems to have just dismissed. I don’t think that’s the way most other agencies would have acted in a similar situation if they were confronted with that question,” EPIC’s Marc Rotenberg said.

In an email sent to Heather Callahan (PDF), deputy federal security director at Boston Logan International Airport, union representatives express their concern about “TSA Boston’s growing number of TSOs working here that have thus far been diagnosed with cancer.”

Of course, if TSA workers who are merely standing near the scanners are already developing cancer, frequent flyers are also putting themselves in harm’s way by standing directly inside the radiation-firing machines.

As we reported yesterday, newly released internal government documents, obtained via the Freedom Of Information Act by the Electronic Privacy Information Center, reveal that the TSA, and specifically the head of the Department of Homeland Security, “publicly mischaracterized” the findings of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, in stating that NIST had positively confirmed the safety of full body scanners in tests.

In erroneously citing both NIST and the Johns Hopkins school of medicine to claim that the body scanners are safe, the TSA has also deliberately misled the public on the dangers posed by the devices.

Documents obtained by EPIC show that, far from affirming their safety, NIST warned that airport screeners should avoid standing next to full body scanners in order to keep exposure to harmful radiation “as low as reasonably achievable.”

Further documents illustrate how a Johns Hopkins study actually revealed that radiation zones around body scanners could exceed the “General Public Dose Limit,” contradicting repeated claims by the TSA that Johns Hopkins had validated the safety of the devices.

At the time we pointed out that Dr Michael Love, who runs an X-ray lab at the department of biophysics and biophysical chemistry at the Johns Hopkins school of medicine had publicly stated two days previously that “statistically someone is going to get skin cancer from these X-rays”.


TSA workers complained about the radiation dangers of the scanners back in December, saying they were being kept in the dark by their employers, despite repeated requests for information.

“We don’t think the agency is sharing enough information,” said Milly Rodriguez, occupational health and safety specialist at the American Federation of Government Employees, the union that represents TSA workers.

A study conducted last year by Dr David Brenner, head of Columbia University’s center for radiological research, found that the body scanners are likely to lead to an increase in a common type of skin cancer called basal cell carcinoma, which affects the head and neck.

Following the study, Brenner urged medical authorities to look at his work, pointing to the dangerous notion of mass scanning millions of people without proper oversight.

“There really is no other technology around where we’re planning to X-ray such an enormous number of individuals. It’s really unprecedented in the radiation world,” said Brenner.

Similar concerns to those explored in the Columbia University study were voiced in February 2010 by the influential Inter-Agency Committee on Radiation Safety, who warned in a report that the scanners increase the risk of cancer and birth defects and should not be used on pregnant women or children.

Despite governments claiming that backscatter x-ray systems produce radiation too low to pose a threat, the organization concluded in their report that governments must justify the use of the scanners and that a more accurate assessment of the health risks is needed.

Pregnant women and children should not be subject to scanning, according to the report, adding that governments should consider “other techniques to achieve the same end without the use of ionizing radiation.”

“The Committee cited the IAEA’s 1996 Basic Safety Standards agreement, drafted over three decades, that protects people from radiation. Frequent exposure to low doses of radiation can lead to cancer and birth defects, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,” reported Bloomberg.

In a recent letter to President Obama’s Science Advisor, several University of California professors also complained of how, “There is still no rigorous, hard, data for the safety of x-ray airport passenger scanners.” The scientists noted how the safety tests for the scanners were carried out exclusively by manufacturers, and recommended an immediate moratorium on use of the devices until the health risks can be independently studied.

http://www.infowars.com/cancer-surges-in-body-scanner-operators-tsa-launches-cover-up/


¤=[Post Update]=¤


Final Senate Version of TSA Bill Authorizes Invasive Groping


Paul Joseph Watson
Infowars.com
June 28, 2011

Despite Texas lawmakers claiming otherwise, the final Senate version of a bill that purports to criminalize invasive pat downs actually authorizes the TSA to continue groping travelers, mandating only that they need “reasonable suspicion” to indicate that the person may be carrying a prohibited object, which could easily be claimed if the person sets off a metal detector or refuses to undergo a full body scan.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UmQ5oCsM4Vg&feature=player_embedded

Essentially, after weeks of federal threats and deliberate sabotage, the legislation passed by the Senate last night gives the TSA carte blanche to continue business as usual, because the language of the bill is completely toothless.

An even weaker version of the bill was passed the House yesterday as protesters, led by Austin-based radio host Alex Jones, chanted “treason” and “traitors” outside the chambers of both the House and Senate. The House will today hear the final Senate version of the bill.

The amended text of the Senate version (read it here) states that an invasive pat down is only criminal, “without reasonable suspicion of the presence of an unknown, unlawful, or prohibited object.”

The term “reasonable suspicion” replaces the previous and far stronger language of “probable cause”. Of course, the TSA will now merely claim that “reasonable suspicion” is met when a person either sets off a metal detector or refuses to undergo a naked body scan. In other words, this would mandate no change in current TSA policy.

On his Facebook page, the bill’s sponsor Senator Dan Patrick calls the legislation the “Best version (of) any of the previous bills,” before demanding that the House pass his incarnation when they meet today after 2pm.

The TSA Tyranny lobbying group, who previously withdrew support for the Senate version of the bill, applauded Patrick for his efforts.

“This is language that we can support – while not perfect, and not as strong as “probable cause”, the additional qualifiers limit the breadth of reason to grant authority to “search,” the group announced on their Facebook page.

Patrick calls the legislation a “good bill” and a “huge win for liberty,” yet there will be many skeptics who merely view this as an authorization for the TSA to continue current policy, and nothing like a condemnation of their egregious behavior, characterized most recently by a case in which a sick 95-year-old grandmother was forced to remove her adult diaper during screening at Northwest Florida Regional Airport.


http://www.infowars.com/final-senate-version-of-tsa-bill-authorizes-invasive-groping/

[sunnyrap]

One thing I and many have observed is, you cut off one monster's head and like a Hydra, it grows seven more, so the better approach is to try to starve it.

I'd also like to point out is there are other ramifications to this story, too. Not long ago, I watched a movie-documentary about the young girls from Puerto Rico to Columbia who were forced into service to work as mules bringing heroine into America by way of plastic-encased balls riding in their anus'. I shutter to think about an escalation in THIS practice, now.

In any case, Texans are getting assaulted on all levels. We have more prisons, and prisoners per capita than any other state in a country that has the biggest prison population in the world. The State, counties and municipalities running out of operating funds are laying off workers on the one hand, steadily changing minor crimes into misdemeanors and misdemeanors into felonies daily in order to capture more and bigger fines, put more and more people into an overstuffed, private prison system that are in reality the lowest-cost private factories running, where workers do not get sick pay, vacations or even time off. And I've heard several FEMA camps have been refurbished around the state and are sitting empty awaiting occupants.

Can't really fight just one symptom of abuse: you have to address them all simultaneously or nothing really happens.

Sputtering and fuming is futile.

[Maia Gabrial]

Wow, CA! If TSA workers don't say anything about the rise in cancer among them, then I have to wonder about them. Is the money worth their health?

[Maia Gabrial]

Good Luck, Texans! If you win it, so will other states....IMO

[Calz]

Good Luck, Texans! If you win it, so will other states....IMO

Unfortunately only a "watered down" version passed (see bottom half of post # 26).

[Lord Sidious]

Good Luck, Texans! If you win it, so will other states....IMO

Unfortunately only a "watered down" version passed (see bottom half of post # 26).

Don't panic nugget, it is much, much easier to pass an amendment to an act than the act itself.

[Lost Soul]

Good Luck, Texans! If you win it, so will other states....IMO

Unfortunately only a "watered down" version passed (see bottom half of post # 26).

Sad but true. Texas' politicians sold out the Texans.

[Calz]

Ron Paul Goes After The TSA

Congressman to re-introduce American Traveler Dignity Act this week
Steve Watson

Prisonplanet.com
July 4, 2011

In the wake of last week’s demise of the effort on behalf of Texas lawmakers to criminalize TSA transgressions, Congressman Ron Paul has taken up the cause, once again proving he is the only serious presidential candidate when it comes to protecting the liberties of Americans.

Paul announced today, on Independence Day, that he will introduce legislation into the House this week that will directly target not only grossly invasive TSA pat downs, but also the use of harmful radiation emitting body scanners.

“This week I am introducing the American Traveler Dignity Act, which establishes that airport security screeners are not immune from any US law regarding physical contact with another person, making images of another person, or causing physical harm through the use of radiation emitting from machinery on another person.” The Congressman stated in his weekly Texas Straight Talk update.

“They are not above laws the rest of us must obey.” Paul urged. “As we continue to see more and more outrageous stories of TSA abuses and failures, I hope that my colleagues within the House will listen to their constituents and join with me to support this legislation. ” The Congressman added.

“The press reports are horrifying. 95 year old women humiliated, children molested, disabled people abused. Men and women subjected to unwarranted groping and touching of their most private areas, and involuntary radiation exposure.” Paul stated.

“If the perpetrators were a gang of criminals, their headquarters would be raided by SWAT teams and armed federal agents. Unfortunately in this case, the perpetrators are armed federal agents.” he continued.

The Congressman previously introduced the legislation, H.R. 6416, last November, however it did not pass committee.

The bill contains just a short section that reads:

No law of the United States shall be construed to confer any immunity for a Federal employee or agency or any individual or entity that receives Federal funds, who subjects an individual to any physical contact (including contact with any clothing the individual is wearing), x-rays, or millimeter waves, or aids in the creation of or views a representation of any part of a individual’s body covered by clothing as a condition for such individual to be in an airport or to fly in an aircraft. The preceding sentence shall apply even if the individual or the individual’s parent, guardian, or any other individual gives consent.

Listen to Congressman Paul’s update in full:

(at link below)


http://www.infowars.com/ron-paul-goes-after-the-tsa/

[Calz]

8426

http://www.naturalnews.com/030537_TSA_Nazi_war_criminals.html


Comments by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger

(NaturalNews) Some apologists are now attempting to defend the lewd, obscene behavior of TSA agents by claiming "they're just doing their jobs." This is the exact same quote that was used by Nazi war criminals to justify their treatment of Jewish concentration camp prisoners; or by Japanese soldiers who raped and pillaged Chinese villages in World War II; or even by government hit men throughout history who have killed innocents because their bosses told them to.

"I'm just doing my job" is the excuse of the weak-minded. It is a desperate attempt to shift responsibility for one's actions to someone else and therefore take on the actions of a mindless, immoral automaton who is incapable of independent thought. Throughout history, countless atrocities and war crimes have been conducted under the excuse of "I'm just doing my job." To hear it now cited in the United States of America is a worrisome red flag that we are headed into an era where rational thought is being overrun by fear mongering idiots.


Individual human beings have a moral and ethical responsibility to protect their fellow countrymen (and women)
In the real world, the excuse of "just doing my job" doesn't cut it. U.S. government workers have a personal and patriotic responsibility to ensure that their actions do not deprive American citizens of their Constitutional rights. A U.S. government employee who engages in behavior that violates the rights of American citizens -- even if ordered to do so -- is himself guilty of those violations under civil law (and perhaps criminal law, depending on the violation).

Rep Ron Paul attempted to make this simple point obvious to everyone by proposing a law that would end the immunity of TSA agents who violate the rights of private citizens. As he reasoned in his now-famous "Enough is Enough!" speech (http://naturalnews.tv/v.asp?v=29ADB...), Ron Paul explained that if it is illegal for a private citizen to sexually molest you, it should also be illegal for a government official to molest you, too.

And yet, astonishingly, some members of the blogger community -- as well as a few members of the popular press -- are excusing these actions based on the pathetic explanation that these TSA agents "are just doing their jobs."

Would they be equally supportive if those TSA agents were ordered to conduct body cavity searches on all passengers as part of "just doing their jobs?" How about if they decided to go house to house, rounding up people they didn't like and throwing them in "reeducation camps" are part of doing their jobs? Is that acceptable, too?


Those who don't learn from history are doomed to repeat it
Anyone who excuses these actions as "just doing their jobs" is, quite frankly, hopelessly ignorant about world history and the atrocities that have been committed against innocent people under precisely this treacherous phrase. Every Nazi soldier who gassed a Jewish prisoner was "just doing his job" too. That doesn't make it right.

The fact that a crime is committed by an employee of a government does not grant that employee de facto immunity against such crimes. Might does not make right, in other words.

If we are to live in a world of freedom, justice and compassion for our fellow human beings, we must exist under a system of law that applies equally to all men and women. No particular group of workers can be allowed to commit obscene crimes against the American people merely because they receive a paycheck from the government itself. To allow this behavior is to tolerate tyranny and grant the government permission to further expand its Constitutional violations against the American people.

To really drive this point home, consider the following: If "Bob" hires "John" to molest the wife and children of some U.S. Senator, for example, is that okay merely because John is "doing his job?"

Of course not. The fact that a paycheck is involved does not nullify the need for human beings to act with personal ethics and common sense.

Now, how about if the U.S. government hires John to molest the wife and children of air travelers? Is that okay because John is "just doing his job?"

Of course not. The identity of the employer does not change the ethics of the situation. One human being engaging in lewd, sexual touching of another human being without their invitation and consent is a criminal act, regardless of who signs the paychecks. And to require people to submit to such molestation under the threat of gunpoint arrest at the airports is even worse because it is a coerced crime against innocents. Who's going to say no when they're afraid of being arrested at gunpoint, handcuffed to a chair and interrogated for several hours?

This whole point seems so obvious to me (and to most people who have ethics) that it's bewildering we even have to bother explaining it to the apologists who try to defend this highly inappropriate (and criminal) behavior on the part of the TSA.

Maybe we should take these people back in a time machine and show them the horrors of Nazi Germany, or the Vietnam War, or the atrocities committed by the soldiers of Stalin or Mao -- and then see if they still think the phrase "I'm just doing my job" is a valid excuse for committing crimes against innocent people.

Because I don't know about you, but I'm never "just doing my job." I'm always thinking about what's right. I'm constantly making choices about ethics and morality. I'm questioning everything I'm told and measuring things against an internal moral standard that I'm always working to improve each day. Now, I'm not perfect, and I've made mistakes in my life, but I've never been so stupid as to think that I could hide behind the pathetic excuse of saying "I'm just doing my job."

That phrase is the proclamation of the pitiful. It is the surrender-cry of the mentally deficient. And it is a blatant admission of one's own moral ineptitude in a world where right and wrong are often pretty simple to figure out. Reaching down the pants and feeling up some little kid in the context of "anti-terrorism" is morally wrong. This isn't a complicated realization. It's just basic common sense. Any TSA agent that had any sense at all would simply refuse to engage in such behaviors. If fired from his job, he could sue the TSA for requiring him to commit crimes in the line of duty.

Of course, all this assumes anybody has common sense left at all. And I'm no longer sure that's the case. In fact, I was thinking the TSA might better serve the country by reconfiguring their naked body scanners to be common sense detectors. And the next time we hold an election for President, we should require everybody to show they carry some common sense before they're allowed to start punching chads.

[Calz]

This is what is hoped for ... other states taking notice of Texas standing up to the feds on this and doing something for their own citizens.

Also note that Ron Paul is also including the back scatter "naked body" scanners.

This is important.

8449


Libertarian Party Asks Florida Sheriffs To Arrest TSA Agents

“We turn to you, our Constitutional Sheriffs, to enforce the law in accordance with your sworn duty”

Steve Watson
Infowars.com
July 5, 2011


The Libertarian Party of Florida has written to the sheriff of every county in the state demanding that they arrest any TSA agent who conducts an “enhanced” pat-down on charges of sexual battery.

“We, The People of the State of Florida must turn to you as our last line of defense against a federal government that is usurping authority and ignoring the rule of law.” the letter, signed by party chairman Adrian Wyllie, states.

The party cites electronic and bodily searches carried out on Florida citizens as “egregious” violations of the Fourth Amendment, as well as Article One, Section 12 of the Florida Constitution, which prohibits searches and seizures without probable cause.

The letter, which was also emailed to 67 sheriffs across the state, points out that under Florida law searches carried out by TSA agents fall within the definition of felony sexual battery.

The letter states:

it is a first degree felony when sexual battery is committed by a law enforcement agent in paragraph 4(g), which reads:

“When the offender is a law enforcement officer, correctional officer, or correctional probation officer as defined by s. 943.10(1), (2), (3), (6), (7), (8), or (9), who is certified under the provisions of s. 943.1395 or is an elected official exempt from such certification by virtue of s. 943.253, or any other person in a position of control or authority in a probation, community control, controlled release, detention, custodial, or similar setting, and such officer, official, or person is acting in such a manner as to lead the victim to reasonably believe that the offender is in a position of control or authority as an agent or employee of government.”

Urging the sheriffs to remember the oath they have sworn to protect the Constitution, the party notes that

“As Sheriff, you have the absolute duty to enforce the law uniformly and without prejudice. You are, at best, engaged in selective enforcement by choosing to further ignore these flagrant violations of federal and state law. At worst, you are complicit.”

The full text of the letter is included at the foot of this article.

In November we reported that current chief deputy DA and incoming DA of San Mateo County Steve Wagstaffe announced that his office will prosecute TSA employees who engage in lewd and lascivious behavior while conducting Homeland Security mandated pat downs at the San Francisco International Airport in San Mateo County.

TSA agents are not law-enforcement officials with arrest powers, although they do wear uniforms and police style badges that suggest this is the case, a fact that has angered sworn officers who have expressed concerns that airline passengers will mistake screeners for police.



Since the Texas bill to prohibit TSA groping failed to pass last week, there has been a renewed effort to bring further attention to the issue.

As we reported yesterday, Congressman Ron Paul will re-introduce his American Traveler Dignity Act into the House this week in the hope that other lawmakers will support the effort to establish that airport security screeners are not immune from any US law regarding physical contact with another person, making images of another person, or causing physical harm through the use of radiation emitting from machinery.

“They are not above laws the rest of us must obey.” Paul urged. “As we continue to see more and more outrageous stories of TSA abuses and failures, I hope that my colleagues within the House will listen to their constituents and join with me to support this legislation. ” The Congressman added.

Full text of LIbertarian Party Of Florida’s letter:

Dear Sheriff,

On this day in 1776, our forebears founded this Nation by declaring their independence from an oppressive government. This beautiful and timeless document expressed the self-evident truth that all people have certain inalienable rights, upon which no government can infringe. They asserted that governments are formed among men to secure these rights, not to impede or restrict them.

The Libertarian Party of Florida is reaching out to you, and to all of Florida’s 67 Constitutional Sheriffs. We, The People of the State of Florida must turn to you as our last line of defense against a federal government that is usurping authority and ignoring the rule of law.

I am referring specifically to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and their egregious violations of the United States Constitution, as well as the Florida Constitution and state law.

Every single day, TSA employees conduct electronic and bodily searches upon tens of thousands of Florida citizens and visitors at airports, and more recently at bus terminals, rail stations, and highways. They are searching the persons and seizing the effects of travelers without warrant or probable cause. Specifically, they are in blatant violation of the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution, which reads as follows:

“The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.”

These TSA agents are also in clear violation of Article One, Section 12 of the Florida Constitution, which reads as follows:

“Searches and seizures.— The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures, and against the unreasonable interception of private communications by any means, shall not be violated. No warrant shall be issued except upon probable cause, supported by affidavit, particularly describing the place or places to be searched, the person or persons, thing or things to be seized, the communication to be intercepted, and the nature of evidence to be obtained.”

In addition, one of the methods by which the TSA agents conduct these searches, referred to as the “Enhanced Pat Down,” is clearly within the definition of felony sexual battery, as codified in Florida Statute 794.011.

I would like to point out that this statute clearly defines that it is a first degree felony when sexual battery is committed by a law enforcement agent in paragraph 4(g), which reads:

“When the offender is a law enforcement officer, correctional officer, or correctional probation officer as defined by s. 943.10(1), (2), (3), (6), (7), (8), or (9), who is certified under the provisions of s. 943.1395 or is an elected official exempt from such certification by virtue of s. 943.253, or any other person in a position of control or authority in a probation, community control, controlled release, detention, custodial, or similar setting, and such officer, official, or person is acting in such a manner as to lead the victim to reasonably believe that the offender is in a position of control or authority as an agent or employee of government.”

As Sheriff, you have the absolute duty to enforce the law uniformly and without prejudice. You are, at best, engaged in selective enforcement by choosing to further ignore these flagrant violations of federal and state law. At worst, you are complicit.

If you have TSA agents within your county that are violating the law, then you must act. Warn the TSA agents that they are subject to arrest if they continue to violate the law. Should they continue, then you must begin making arrests.

We urge you to remember the oath you took to support, protect and defend the Constitution of both the State of Florida and the United States of America. On behalf of all Floridians, the Libertarian Party of Florida calls on you to do exactly that.

We turn to you, our Constitutional Sheriffs, to enforce the law in accordance with your sworn duty.

Sincerely,

Adrian Wyllie, Chairman

Libertarian Party of Florida
1334 Tampa Road, Suite 2
Palm Harbor, Florida 34683

Toll Free: 1-855-FLA-FREE (1-855-372-3733)

Direct: 727-403-7735

http://www.lpf.org


http://www.infowars.com/libertarian-party-asks-florida-sherriffs-to-arrest-tsa-agents/

[Robstar]

Calz_Avaretard

Re: Don't Mess with Texas!!!
Okay I surrender.

Beyond belief ... it would appear the traiterous scum that constitute government might yet again crumble to the floor kissing the feet of their masters.

My last post (if proves true) on this subject.

Simply amazing ...

I commend your tenacity on the subject but unfortunately the reality of this matter is that the powers that be will only increase the choke hold on its people.
Save your energy. There will come a time when we will stand up and overcome but this is not the match that will start the flame.
Texas politics(politics in general) is a very behind closed doors affair. You have to be part of their group (good old boys) and they always benefit themselves first. I see it every time I go to the capitol. The TSA matter was just a publicity stunt to make themselves look like they are bucking big government. No one here actually thought it would go anywhere. The line will be crossed here in Texas when they come for the guns. They don't dare say it out loud but it is close.
Getting undressed and felt up at the airport will have its end along with many other things.
Be safe.

[Calz]

Agreed (and thanks for your post).


The line will be crossed here in Texas when they come for the guns.

I expect the same can be said for much of the country.

[Lord Sidious]

I just hope we can find a stack of Texans like those who stood at the Alamo.
Their colours didn't run.

[Calz]

Mom Arrested After Refusing TSA Molestation of Daughter


8671


Kurt Nimmo
Infowars.com
July 13, 2011

Andrea Fornella Abbott of Clarksville, Tennessee, was arrested by Nashville airport authorities after she refused to let the TSA fondle her daughter.


Abbott said she did not want her daughter to be “touched inappropriately” or have her “crotch grabbed,” according to a police report.

Her outrage at the “security procedure” landed her in jail. She was charged with disorderly conduct and released on bond, according to The Tennessean.

“(She) told me in a very stern voice with quite a bit of attitude that they were not going through that X-ray,” Sabrina Birge, an airport security officer, told police.

Abbott was told by the woman that naked body porno scanners are “10,000 times safer than your cell phone and uses the same type of radio waves as a sonogram.”

Earlier this month, it was revealed that the TSA, under the guidance of the Department of Homeland Security Secretary, deliberately misled the public on the health risks associated with the naked body scanners.

The Electronic Privacy Information Center published documents released under a Freedom of Information Act request that show the TSA has been caught covering up a growing number of cases of cancer among TSA airport body scanner operators who conduct the screenings in close proximity to the radiation-emitting devices.

Despite the baseless assurance that the device is safe, Abbott told Birge she did not want her daughter’s naked body revealed by the scanner.

She attempted to take cell phone video of the incident but was prevented from doing so.

In April, the TSA defended its serial molestation procedures after a video surfaced showing agents fondling a six year old girl at the New Orleans airport.

The TSA has admitted that fondling children is government policy.

“Some folks are asking if the proper procedures were followed. Yes. TSA has reviewed the incident and the security officer in the video followed the current standard operating procedures,” a TSA spokesman explained on the agency’s official blog.

[Calz]

What's good for the goose is good for the gander.

Woman Arrested for Groping TSA Agent

Infowars.com
July 16, 2011

When the TSA gropes you, it is the government checking to see if you are with al-Qaeda, never mind the Fourth Amendment and sexual molestation. But when one of the plebs does it to a TSA goon, it is a criminal offense, as the woman below learned after she grabbed a TSA agent’s breast and squeezed:

(News video here):


http://www.infowars.com/woman-arrested-for-groping-tsa-agent/