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Thoughts from an old progressive
Roy Pratt

Can you believe it?

Posted Friday, December 2, 2011, at 10:35 PM
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  • Wait for it.....

    -- Posted by Amuzeme on Sat, Dec 3, 2011, at 12:13 AM
  • HOW MUCH LONGER?

    -- Posted by royincaldwell on Sat, Dec 3, 2011, at 6:48 AM
  • Roy,

    If the TSA is disbanded, as you suggest, what is the alternative? I would not be willing to allow my family to get on an airplane that is not known to be safe. Would you? You still have the right to choose your mode of transportation; you do not have to fly. If you choose to fly, you must follow the rules, no different than if you drive. If you choose to drive, you must first have insurance, wear a seatbelt and comply with the rules of the road. There are rules that govern everything we do. We don't have to like them but we do have to follow them.

    The young lady in this article seems to have a problem making the right choices in life. 17 years old and pregnant? "It's my style, it's camouflage, it has an old western gun on it," This doesn't seem to be the proper fashion statement for someone on an airplane where passengers are already on high alert and have demonstrated the willingness to do what it takes to protect themselves from any threat, real or perceived.

    Once again, what is your suggested alternative?

    -- Posted by jtrotter on Sat, Dec 3, 2011, at 8:17 AM
  • jtrotter, so what if she's 17 and pregnant? Just what exactly does that have to do with anything except your judgmental attitude. As Franklin said, those who give up their rights for security deserve neither. I know it's not an exact quote which is why it's not in quotes, but you get the idea. TSA agents sticking their hands down the pants of minor children is OK with you? Just who appointed you the FASHION POLICE?

    It seems that you are one of the many who have chosen the very slippery slope of giving up your freedoms for security. Soon you will have NEITHER!

    -- Posted by royincaldwell on Sat, Dec 3, 2011, at 8:57 AM
  • Mike, don't forget all the arms that were ILLEGALLY sold to our enemies the IRANIANS to fund the CONTRAS.

    -- Posted by royincaldwell on Sat, Dec 3, 2011, at 8:59 AM
  • Where did sticking hands in the pants of children come from? There was nothing in this blog or the article that it referanced that talked about that. Being 17 and pregnant is an example making poor choices in life. Teen pregnacy is one the leading factors in people becoming dependant on social programs. Carrying a hand bag with a "realistic replica" of a handgun through security at an airport is a poor fashion choice. Once again, you have not lost any freedom, there are just more rules that govern your choices. September 11, 2001 changed the way we live in this great country. I, for one, will never forget that day and will never complain about the measures the country has taken to prevent another attack of this nature. And your suggested alternative?

    -- Posted by jtrotter on Sat, Dec 3, 2011, at 9:14 AM
  • Give me a freaking break. Realistic? Did you even look at the purse? Or did you just zero in on the fact that she's 17 and pregnant. For all you know, she may be married. Teens do that you know.

    Fine, give up your freedoms one by one. I chose not to.

    -- Posted by royincaldwell on Sat, Dec 3, 2011, at 9:21 AM
  • One more note, don't you follow the news reports on the excesses of the TSA? I could fill a page with them if you like.

    -- Posted by royincaldwell on Sat, Dec 3, 2011, at 9:23 AM
  • The words from the article, not mine, that is why the quotations were there. I can see the picture but that does not tell me anything. I had a neighbore who needed to use a cane to walk, that cane was also a gun. Things are not always what they seem to be. Once again I would enjoy hearing a suggested alternative to the TSA. It is easy to point out that there are issues with one of the federal agencies that were created to help keep this country safe but to find an alternative is not so simple.

    -- Posted by jtrotter on Sat, Dec 3, 2011, at 9:37 AM
  • Roy,

    I respect your right to express your opinion, and I hope you respect my freedom to disagree. You don't know me so I will give you a short bio: I am 57 years old. I served in the military for 22+ years, my Dad served for 25 years. My daughter is married to a Coast Guard man and my son is in the Army infantry. My Dad served in both Korea and Viet Nam, I entered active duty at the end of the Viet Nam era and served through Desert Storm. My son has had tours in both Iraq and Afganistan. I know a little bit about what it takes to protect the freedom I covet so dearly. I understand the sacrifice required to live in a country that is free.

    With all of that said, I do not agree with the direction in which this country is being steered. I have issues with numerous Departments of the Government, but, I will not chastise the men and women who have their boots on the ground, those who are sworn to uphold the rules. They do the best they can to serve and protect and to work within the confines of the system.

    -- Posted by jtrotter on Sat, Dec 3, 2011, at 11:06 AM
  • Well, That didn't take long. Roy, the the point of my "Wait for it" post had nothing to do with disbanding TSA. It was to see how long it would take for the point of this blog (the excesses of TSA and the erosion of personal freedoms of expression) to be redirected towards a debate on teen pregnancy and Operation Fast and Furious.

    I knew as soon as I read the article that someone would jump on the 17 and pregnant angle, and since it mentioned the word gun, others would take the opportunity to rant. Both of which is completely beside the point.

    -- Posted by Amuzeme on Sat, Dec 3, 2011, at 12:25 PM
  • Oh give me a break jtrotter. Those folks over at the TSA either haven't a clue about the Constitution of this Republic, or don't care, and think they are given free rein by the Patriot Act. As far as the cane is concerned, what a smoke screen. You know darn good and well that the cane would set off every alarm in the system. This hand bag didn't set off any alarms did it? Check the bag or have it confiscated. A FEDERAL OFFENSE because of it's design. Are you really that clueless?

    -- Posted by royincaldwell on Sat, Dec 3, 2011, at 1:42 PM
  • Mike, you know I am in no way trying to justify or clear Holder. The whole program from it's inception some 8 years ago was without a doubt one of the stupidest things ever conceived. Have gun laws gone overboard in some respects? YES! Is the government allowed to keep track of guns? There are good arguments for yes as well as no. From what I've read in the last few days, people from Holder on down may be looking at jail time for lying to Congress. Without a doubt there more than a few in this administration with the ethics of a brothel owner, just like the last administration and the one before. The list goes on forever it seems.

    -- Posted by royincaldwell on Sat, Dec 3, 2011, at 1:51 PM
  • Your not going to catch my ire Buckshot. The fact is Israeli airport security is the best in the world.

    -- Posted by royincaldwell on Sat, Dec 3, 2011, at 2:41 PM
  • -- Posted by royincaldwell on Sat, Dec 3, 2011, at 2:45 PM
  • Israel has been at war since it's inception. If you wish to fly in or out of Israel is your choice, but it IS their country and they get to make the rules, and the rules are the same at EVERY airport, unlike ours.

    -- Posted by royincaldwell on Sat, Dec 3, 2011, at 3:16 PM
  • Do I still confuse you Buckshot?

    -- Posted by royincaldwell on Sat, Dec 3, 2011, at 3:17 PM
  • *

    A 17 year old has the right to screw up if she wants. But when a professional in a professional organization such as the TSA cannot use the common sense they were born with, there is a huge problem. This is a problem that needs immediate attention. The solution to the problem? Call Congressman Simpson on Monday morning and let my views be known. Plus stop flying (if possible). I won't go thru an airport again unless it's an emergency.

    -- Posted by bondyweb on Sat, Dec 3, 2011, at 4:18 PM
  • THIS INCIDENT IS THE RESULT OF A SUPERVISOR SCARED OF THERE JOB.....this is typical beaurocratic garbage.......saw it in the military people with no guts to make a decision in positions they shouldnt be in.Dont blame the entire TSA for some idiot.All that should have happened was a person in a supervisory position come over tell the peson about the law look at the bag and send them on there way instead they made a mountain out of a mole hill.Considering the amount of people that fly everyday you would think that someone would have some common sense.Some people should NOT have powers over others period.

    ISRAEL IS A SMALL COUNTRY there screening process does not take in the divergent population that ours does.REMEMBER THE PEOPLE OTHER THAN 9/11 WHO HAVE ATTEMPTED BOMBINGS OF PLANES BOARDED IN ANOTHER COUNTRY.I AM DEAD SET AGAINST PROFILING IT CAUSES MORE PROBLEMS.AND IF YOU HAVE BEEN SUBJECT TO IT BASED ON SOME PERSONS WHIM YOU ARE USAUALLY DEMEANED ,AND YOUR LUCKY IF THAT'S ALL. ABOUT THE TIME YOU LOOSE YOUR PATIENCE YOU WIND UP BEING CHARGED FOR SOMETHING TO COVER THERE INEPTNESS.....YOU CAN ADVOCATE FOR IT IF YOU WANT. IF IT DOESNT HAPPEN TO YOU YOU ARE OK WITH IT.Been there done that and it cost them.

    ZOOK... YOU READ THE CONSTITUTION GET IN TOUCH WITH WHY ARIZONA AND UTAH TO NAME 2 ARE BEING SUED.YOU CANT HAVE IT BOTH WAYS.THIS PART OF THE CONSTITUTION YOU DONT LIKE BUT THAT IS WHY THE CIVIL WAR WAS FOUGHT PARTLY. YOU DONT LIKE HOLDER BUT THAT IS THE LAW.YOU wont like anyone who enforces gun laws.I have a suggestion why dont we just suspend them all and see what happens.I have a feeling that quite a few laws will be broken,and quite a few innocent citezens will DIE,over a percieved threat,alcohol related,etc and yes I know those things happen now I just wonder how much bigger they would get. I KEEP SEEING THE 2 KIDS WHO GOT SHOT TO DEATH TRICKER TREATING.......HE THOUGHT THEY WERE BURGULERS AFTER ALL THEY WERE BOTH OF COLOR.....HIS WORDS NOT MINE....THIS HAPPENED AT 7 PM IN FLORIDA .AT THE FRONT DOOR.......YOUR KIDDING ME RIGHT??????? BURGULARS 10 AND 13.....WASNT YOUR KIDS.....

    -- Posted by lamont on Sun, Dec 4, 2011, at 11:11 AM
  • LETS SEE YOU WANT HIM JAILED BECAUSE A STING WENT BAD,OK NO PROBLEM LETS DO IT.ONCE THAT IS DONE I WOULD LIKE EVERY LAW ENFORCMENT OFFICER WHO HAS MADE A MISTAKE THAT HAS COST INNOCENT LIVES PROSECUTED.....

    I DID NOT THINK YOU WOULD GO ALONG WITH THE DEAL IN FLORIDA I WAS JUST USING IT AS AND EXAMPLE.I get that gun owners are under pressure and that law abiding people are being persecuted for there ownership.Yes IT needs to stop I dont have a clear cut answer. I can only say that for every law abiding person out there, there are people out there who are not and they use the laws to further there agenda.I do not feel that gun owners should be painted with a broad brush as to there responsibility.Problem being the same as I have pointed out a few people have gotten the attention and you are then painted with that broad brush and No IT DOESNT FEEL GOOD AND NO IT'S NOT RIGHT.......AND NOW YOU KNOW HOW I FEEL ABOUT SOME ISSUES.....WE HAVE SPOKE OF THIS BEFORE WELCOME TO THE CLUB......SMILE.THE OTHER PROBLEM IS THEY KILL AN INNOCENT AND WALK WITH A IM SORRY, THAT DOES NOT GET IT.This guy got probation doesnt bring back those peoples children.Also says that someone believed he was right to think they were burgulars.....how sorry is that?????????..the broad brush.....ASK spkr GINGRICH he will tell you......HE' A PAINTER.

    LETS not get into previledge because the president appointed......because that is a sore subject considering things done by the previous administration,that THIS administration did not persue and prosecute for the GOOD of the NATION,AND TO BE TRUTHFULL I PERSONALLY AM GLAD THEY DIDNT.........however point of law they should have.BREWER WANTED THE WORLD TO STOP AND TAKE CARE OF HER PROBLEM......QUESTION.... HOW MANY TIMES DID SHE ASK PRES BUSH????????? NOBODY EVER ASKS THAT QUESTION.

    FUNNY THING this administration has deported and jailed more illegals than anyone else and yet you wont give them credit for it .......why?THERE are no poltical points being made here from doing that......and the reason I mention that is because your always saying he's buying there vote which they cant do anyhow(ILLEGALS)MATTER OF FACT THEY ARE CATCHING HEAT FOR IT BUT THEY HAVNT STOPED.That is my comment on the southern border on the northern TERRORIST are the main risk yet i dont hear the same furor over closing it.There are parts were they dont even have a patrol assigned how about them apples?????????

    There was sopposedly another TSA incident in N.Y.THIS ONE DOES NOT SOUND QUITE RIGHT. I THINK THERE IS AND EXAGERATION HERE BUT WE SHALL SEE.THIS ONE SOUNDS WELL DOCUMENTED I hope the people arnt lying because if they are it will cost them so bad IT wont be worth the publicity.ANY HOW BACK TO MY MUSIC ........CHECK YOU LATTER

    -- Posted by lamont on Sun, Dec 4, 2011, at 5:04 PM
  • PROFILED........THE BROAD BRUSH.....YOU CAN CHECK ZOOK.......THE LEFT IS GIVING HIM HELL AND THEY ARE ON TO THE LEGALITY OF SO CALLED SANCTUARY CITIES WHICH IS GARBAGE.GUESS WHO IS LEADING THE CHARGE ????????????

    WHATS THE MATTER BUCKSHOT YOU DONT LIKE PROFILING ??????????? I HAVE BEEN COMPLAINING ABOUT IT MY ENTIRE LIFE IT NEVER STOPED ANYBODY.They felt justified based on what they had heard.I felt he knew nothing of middle America and made a very bad statement.You know that comes from no draft he was never exposed to the people he was talking about.But also remember a lot of thoses folks like the ones in TENN operate based on there prejudices just like everyone else that fosters the broad brush.Assumption based on some story leads to trouble one way or the other.kINDA LIKE THE LICENSE PLATE.....MIGHT MEAN HISPANIC DOESNT MEAN ILLEGAL,CONFEDERATE DOESNT MEAN RACIST...... BROAD BRUSH,.......So when is it going to stop?

    -- Posted by lamont on Sun, Dec 4, 2011, at 6:35 PM
  • IS that why they are arresting and deporting them like nobody ever has......i dont think so......There will be some form of reform the compromise will be ties to the us probally property and length of time here,cant deport 12 mil.......there will be no automatic citizenship you can forget that.No body is going to sanction that LEFT OR RIGHT....the party line can say what they want it won't happen.

    Contrary to Hannity that has been said emphatically BY THE LEFT.I THINK THERE WILL BE A PATH AND THERE WILL BE TIME LIMITES.YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT WHAT A CUBAN GETS WHO GETS HERE......THAT WILL FROST YOUR BUTT......AND A FEW MILLION OF THEM ILLEGAL THAT WE CONVIENTLY DONT TALK ABOUT.

    -- Posted by lamont on Sun, Dec 4, 2011, at 8:34 PM
  • As I understand it, they are grabbing the illegal felons on release and shipping them out, therefore the increase. A small start at least. As far as Newt's immigration plan, all I see is a long expensive court battle.

    -- Posted by royincaldwell on Mon, Dec 5, 2011, at 11:19 AM
  • not a lye buckshot.....the economy plus the enforcement have been part of the down turn...I feel you found a piece that supported your position and that is as far as you looked.Enforcement to include deportation has been a big part of the downturn drudge is not the only ones who write on this subject.EVEN the ones still trying and getting here are saying it is so much harder that some dont even try anymore.....isnt that what we want??????

    IT'S simple Roy the number is to great to deport all, so there will be some path,wether it's temporary or what ever.For those who think I am advocating for those who broke the law I am not I am being realistic,12 million didnt come in 1 year and we certainly are not going to be able of rounding them up and transporting in 1,2 nor 3 yrs.It is a political football.THE BORDER WILL HAVE TO BE SEALED TO GET A HANDLE ON IT AND THAT WILL TAKE RECOURCES WE DONT HAVE,AND UNLESS WE WANT TO DECLARE WAR ON MEXICO WE HAVE CONSTITUIONAL ISSUES ALSO...WHICH SOME CARE TO FORGET.Then we have the agricultural lobby that doesnt want to see it stoped.Truthfully nobody has a workable solution.

    -- Posted by lamont on Mon, Dec 5, 2011, at 2:01 PM
  • BUCKSHOT......I DIDNT SAY I TRUSTED ANYONE AND I DO LOOK AT MORE THAN ONE SOURCE.ONE point of consideration.....if this issue was not being addressed I would think that the GOP candidates would be all over it,also when the hispanic community has a problem with it I would say there is something to it......FOOD FOR THOUGHT.

    Again do you want to declare war on MEXICO?????IF SO.....Then we can place ACTIVE DUTY PEOPLE ON THE BORDER(armed) otherwise we CANT.NOW you could go for a constitutional amendment.WHAT I am saying is it's getting done.MAYBE not as fast as we would have liked but it is happening.

    Zook you know how I feel about our people subsidizing the world,AND DEPENDENTS BEING USED AS BAIT.....BRING THEM ALL HOME PERIOD.ALL THOSE CAPABLE OF THERE OWN DEFENSE ......DO IT....NOW.

    -- Posted by lamont on Tue, Dec 6, 2011, at 2:04 PM
  • BUCKSHOT WHAT WOULD YOU CALL GETTING IT DONE??????

    -- Posted by lamont on Wed, Dec 7, 2011, at 8:39 AM
  • PANDER FOR VOTES........THE REPUB VOTER SUPPRESSION ATTEMPTS WILL TAKE CARE OF THAT.....GO TO ascentral.com/news/articles/2011/10

    illegal immergration..........arizona paper ck for yourself. I think you have your mind made up so I dont know wether this will do any good......pander for votes is a party line that doesnt hold water.........

    -- Posted by lamont on Thu, Dec 8, 2011, at 12:16 AM
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