TSA Speedo Protester
My friend Jimmy successfully navigated a TSA security checkpoint in a speedo at the Salt Lake City International Airport on Tuesday, November 23, 2010 with the words, 'SCREW BIG SIS' written on his back. The goal was to carry out an act of protest that was both effective and gutsy but at the same time immune to any punitive reaction from the TSA. This way we hope to inspire other normal citizens to take a stand against these ridiculous policies and protest the TSA especially during this busy holiday season. One or two others have stripped down to their underwear in protest at other airports. One in particular was arrested, not because he had removed his shirt and pants but because he refused to submit to the screening process once he had entered the security area. Right on man! but if you don't feel like getting arrested there are still things you can do.
Why the speedo? With the way TSA screening is going it only seems like the next logical requirement for getting on an airplane. Soon TSA will be having us strip down to make the screening process more efficient, but not if we take a stand. In this sense Jimmy was merely obliging the TSA, but he was also exposing the ridiculousness of their policies. With the full-body scanners and TSA agents putting their hands down our pants, let's be honest, a speedo is pretty modest. Jimmy reviewed Utah State Law, Salt Lake City International Airport rules and regulations, and TSA policies and regulations as he prepared to execute his protest. If you've read up on the law you'll be surprised at the power you have when opposed by authorities.
Some might retort that this issue just isn't that important, that it has been blown out of proportion. I strongly disagree. I do think there are more important issues we are faces as a nation but that doesn't mean we need to diminish the level of attention that issues like this are getting. What we are seeing here is that, ultimately, the power really does lie in the hands of the people and that the government is accountable to the people when we make it so. May we continue to take a stand on this and many other issues as long as our nation stands. Anything less will lead to oppression, tyranny, and devastation.
Despite the public backlash, the Department of Homeland Security continues to only threaten to increase security measures still. Now they are alluding to heightened forms of security on public transportation such as buses, trains, and boats. It really does make you wonder when it will all stop. The way I see it, it won't stop, unless we do something about it.
A special thanks to www.infowars.com and www.drudgereport.com for being the catalysts for this public awareness and reaction.
We'll post the full video later in better quality.
