JohnRich 4 #1 September 20, 2004 In the news: Teacher Arrested After Bookmark Called Concealed Weapon Kathryn Harrington, 52, of Laurel, Md., was flying home from vacation when airport screeners found her bookmark, an 8 1/2-inch leather strap with small lead weights at each end. Screeners thought it resembled a weighted weapon that could be used to knock people unconscious. Airport police charged her with carrying a concealed weapon. "It was a bookmark," Harrington, a special education teacher, told the St. Petersburg Times. "It's not a weapon. I could not understand why I was being handcuffed and put into a police car. I cried for hours." Harrington, who also is a Sunday school teacher, faced a possible criminal trial, a $10,000 fine and the stigma of being deemed a security risk... Full Story: WKMG News Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jimbo 0 #2 September 20, 2004 Quote"It's not a weapon. I could not understand why I was being handcuffed and put into a police car. I cried for hours." Oh my God! They arrested Mr. Garrison. In all seriousness, that's a load of crap. A big one. - Jim"Like" - The modern day comma Good bye, my friends. You are missed. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kallend 2,027 #3 September 20, 2004 QuoteIn the news: Teacher Arrested After Bookmark Called Concealed Weapon Kathryn Harrington, 52, of Laurel, Md., was flying home from vacation when airport screeners found her bookmark, an 8 1/2-inch leather strap with small lead weights at each end. Screeners thought it resembled a weighted weapon that could be used to knock people unconscious. Airport police charged her with carrying a concealed weapon. "It was a bookmark," Harrington, a special education teacher, told the St. Petersburg Times. "It's not a weapon. I could not understand why I was being handcuffed and put into a police car. I cried for hours." Harrington, who also is a Sunday school teacher, faced a possible criminal trial, a $10,000 fine and the stigma of being deemed a security risk... Full Story: WKMG News No comments from the screeners on my weight belt when I traveled yesterday. Every $ spent on senseless measures is one $ less to spend on real security.... The only sure way to survive a canopy collision is not to have one. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kerr 0 #4 September 20, 2004 Quote an 8 1/2-inch leather strap with small lead weights at each end. So probably less dangerous than your average leather belt then? Are you allowed to carry drinks glasses on 'planes in the US? I was a little surprised on a trip to Belgium recently that there was no problem bringing back honkin' great big beer glasses in cabin luggage. Not allowed nail clippers, but a potentially really nasty chunk of glass, no problem. I think if they banned them though, the duty free shop would have nothing to sell. -- Kerr Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zenister 0 #5 September 20, 2004 more feel good measures... every pen, every pencil, and every CD you have in your breifcase, backpack is a potentially lethal weapon I'm not advocating we take them away or arrest anyone that carries them, but its another example of how stupid and ineffective some of the security inspections and restrictions really are..____________________________________ Those who fail to learn from the past are simply Doomed. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jdhill 0 #6 September 20, 2004 QuoteEvery $ spent on senseless measures is one $ less to spend on real security. Somebody please mark the date and time... I find myself agreeing with Kallend JAll that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing. - Edmund Burke Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peacefuljeffrey 0 #7 September 20, 2004 QuoteNo comments from the screeners on my weight belt when I traveled yesterday. Every $ spent on senseless measures is one $ less to spend on real security. They recognized you as a whiny liberal who would never carry a weapon because that's what the police are for -- to protect you. Blue skies, -Jeffrey --Jeffrey "With tha thoughts of a militant mind... Hard line, hard line after hard line!" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billvon 2,998 #8 September 20, 2004 >They recognized you as a whiny liberal . . . The traditional one warning. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wmw999 2,452 #9 September 20, 2004 QuoteNo comments from the screeners on my weight belt when I traveled yesterday Ah, but the weight belt that we had inside a case (rather than on the body) caused a huge ruckus -- the screener even said excitedly "hooboy hooboy!" and then searched the suitcase in question down to the dirty underwear. So make sure that you're wearing the weight belts. She even said that it would have caused far less ruckus. Wendy W.There is nothing more dangerous than breaking a basic safety rule and getting away with it. It removes fear of the consequences and builds false confidence. (tbrown) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PhillyKev 0 #10 September 20, 2004 LIBERTY BELL SECURITY EXTREMISM A New Nation A misplaced stroller leads to thoughts on freedom. by Nancy French It all began innocently enough, when I decided to take my guests visiting from Kentucky to see the birthplace of freedom, Independence Hall. We maneuvered our jogging strollers through the maze of security and patiently waited while almost every one of us set off the metal alarms. The detectors — apparently more sensitive to metal than Tom Cruise is to gay rumors — picked up my kid's dental work. The security guard ushered him through without inspection, saying, "It'd just be cruel to search a 3-year-old." After seeing the Liberty Bell, I took the kids home so my pregnant friend could tour without listening to the kids' alternating squeals of joy and angst. I left her with an empty stroller — which she promptly forgot to bring home — and instructions to have a nice relaxing day learning about freedom. But I was the one about to learn a lesson. The rangers were closing the park when I arrived to pick up her stroller, but the guard at the gate kindly allowed me to enter without going through the usual security measures. I darted over to the park bench where she left it, unlocked it and began rushing out the entrance. Suddenly, I heard a voice commanding me to stop. "Is that your stroller?" said one of several officers surrounding it. As soon as "No, sir" escaped my lips, I realized I looked suspicious and momentarily considered borrowing a kid from a nearby tourist family. "Come over here so I can ask you a few questions," he continued. I rolled over to him, preparing to explain the situation, figuring we'd laugh about it afterward. "The bomb squad is on its way. We've been here for the past hour guarding this abandoned stroller." His tone — somewhere between contempt and rage — had my heart start racing. I tried to explain how my kids, despite my best educational efforts, were more enthusiastic about Batman than George Washington. The officer didn't seem too convinced. "This area is protected by the Department of Homeland Security, and it is against federal law to leave unattended objects here. You have committed a crime." I just said, repeatedly, "I am so, so sorry," as he lectured me about appropriate behavior in a post-9/11 world. I hadn't been lectured like this since junior high when I scored two points for the opposing basketball team. The officer even mocked my Southern accent and angrily explained the nuances of living in a big city. "At least that's how we do it here," he said. "I don't know where you're from." I resisted the urge to say, "Four blocks to your right." Then, to add insult to injury, a man in a "John Kerry for President" hat waited awkwardly beside us so he could ask the ranger a question. The Democrat looked at me sympathetically as if to say, "This is the America that John Ashcroft created for us." Still, I feared that my status as a conservative hawk was being challenged as I stood there blinking back tears under the steely gaze of a park ranger. To be consistent in my pro-America, anti-terrorism beliefs, I almost demanded he arrest me. Almost. My lessons learned? First, never try to help forgetful pregnant ladies. Second, if you ever approach a stroller surrounded by angry-looking officers, just look at the ground and keep moving. Third, I had a newfound appreciation for the complexity of providing security for a place like Independence Hall. In one day, one security guard ushered my dentally challenged son through metal detectors without inspecting him closely. Another allowed me to enter without going through security in order to retrieve a lost stroller. And the last made me want to throw myself into traffic — had the security barricades not been there. I found it poignant that all of this happened at Independence Hall. In the Assembly Room of that building, George Washington was appointed commander in chief of the Continental Army in 1775. In 2004, citizens are shoved through metal detectors and the bomb squad is notified because of forgetful mothers. Earlier, I'd read a sign at the Liberty Bell that explains that the bell, like liberty itself, is imperfect and fragile, yet has weathered many threats and endured for more than 200 years. Throughout that history, the defense of freedom has demanded courage and vigilance. I realize now that it requires patience, and more than a little grace. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CanuckInUSA 0 #11 September 21, 2004 QuoteNo comments from the screeners on my weight belt when I traveled yesterday. Were you travelling through Ontario International? I got through security last night as well without one peep from the security folks concerning my rig and I'm guessing that the Ontario security folks see lots of us and recognize certain skydiving gear. When I flew out to CA Friday night the security people in Denver recognized my rig as a skydiving rig, but it didn't stop them from wanting to pull me aside and check it out closer. What's missing in this story is what sort of attitude the lady may have had towards the screeners. The story sounds extreme, but who knows, maybe she gave them too much mouth after they started to investigate what she was carrying. It doesn't pay to mouth off to a cop, and why should this be any different. Just speculation of course. By the way, it's too bad that many of us likely walked past each other at Perris this last weekend numerous times without knowing who was who. Oh well, the next big boogie in Eloy could be different. Try not to worry about the things you have no control over Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JohnRich 4 #12 September 21, 2004 QuoteSomebody please mark the date and time... I find myself agreeing with Kallend Since Kallend's model rocket motors and radio-controlled airplanes have started coming under scrutiny, I've detected the feeling that he might be changing sides on these kinds of issues. And now we find out he's carrying his skydiving weights, aka "blackjack" weapon, on board commercial aircraft. With those three items all in the hands of one individual, by gosh, he's positively suspicious! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ahegeman 0 #13 September 21, 2004 If they really wanted security on airlines they'd hand every passenger a 12-inch Bowie knife on the way up the jetway.--------------------------------------------------------------- There is a fine line between 'hobby' and 'mental illness'. --Dave Barry Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ladyskydiver 0 #14 September 21, 2004 TSA IDIOTS aka MORONS at LaGuardia airport. 'Nuff said. And, in case my above sentiments didn't get expressed clearly enough.... Life is short! Break the rules! Forgive quickly! Kiss slowly! Love truly, Laugh uncontrollably. And never regret anything that made you smile. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
InflightSupv 0 #15 September 21, 2004 And if all this wasn't enough, today they enforced some new rule that ALL shoes need to come off to go through the metal detectors. I work at IAH and have to go through multiple times a day and this truly sucked today. A while back I even bought a "airport safe" pair of shoes to circumvent this prob. They were being marketed as such (no steel shanks). I guess all the shoe stores can eliminate that gimick now. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peacefuljeffrey 0 #16 September 21, 2004 I just avoid the problem altogether by going barefoot. In contrast to other "normal" areas, where I am occasionally hassled and given the lie that it's against the law or health codes to go barefoot, on airport security lines no one thinks there's anything out of the ordinary from me being barefoot there. Ironically, as I was nearing the end of the jetway about to board a Southwest flight, having just had a pleasant-enough conversation on the subject of living as a "barefooter," I was told by some Southwest boarding supervisor that she would not let me onto the flight barefoot. Ostensibly a "safety issue"; but then what about the fact that they instruct women who are wearing high heels to remove their shoes in the event of an emergency?? Anyway, I put on a pair of "emergency" flip-flops, boarded, and immediately took them off and stowed them. Blue skies, -Jeffrey --Jeffrey "With tha thoughts of a militant mind... Hard line, hard line after hard line!" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PhreeZone 20 #17 September 21, 2004 Cora.. you better explain since I am looking at a LGA flight with the rig at some point.Yesterday is history And tomorrow is a mystery Parachutemanuals.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zee 0 #18 September 21, 2004 They've been forcing people to take off their shoes for a few years now - not all airports mind you, just the ones who are particularly anal. Not that it really matters to me. I have a freakin' pound of stainless in my shin and I can't make it through a metal detector anyway. I ALWAYS have to do the full search thing and it usually takes an extra 15-20min just to get the TSA dork to search me. I usually fly a couple of times a week for work and it's become quite a majestic pain in the ass. That's why I usually drive if it's under 10 hours away. Flying has simply become too much of a hassle. Not to mention that the last 4 trips I've been on they've lost my luggage 3 times. Airline travel sucks Action©Sports Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kallend 2,027 #19 September 21, 2004 QuoteQuoteNo comments from the screeners on my weight belt when I traveled yesterday. Were you travelling through Ontario International? I got through security last night as well without one peep from the security folks concerning my rig and I'm guessing that the Ontario security folks see lots of us and recognize certain skydiving gear. When I flew out to CA Friday night the security people in Denver recognized my rig as a skydiving rig, but it didn't stop them from wanting to pull me aside and check it out closer. Yes, it was ONT, and they did want to inspect the rig. The inspector was a former HALO military jumper and knew not to pull any handles, though!... The only sure way to survive a canopy collision is not to have one. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kallend 2,027 #20 September 21, 2004 QuoteQuoteNo comments from the screeners on my weight belt when I traveled yesterday. Every $ spent on senseless measures is one $ less to spend on real security. They recognized you as a whiny liberal who would never carry a weapon because that's what the police are for -- to protect you. Blue skies, -Jeffrey - On the subject of whining, did you get your power restored yet? www.dropzone.com/cgi-bin/forum/gforum.cgi?post=1238327#1238327 ... The only sure way to survive a canopy collision is not to have one. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JohnRich 4 #21 September 21, 2004 QuoteAnd if all this wasn't enough, today they enforced some new rule that ALL shoes need to come off to go through the metal detectors. This is an interesting trend. Just a few days ago the news was that jackets would have to be removed to go through airport security. It seems that they are slowly working their way down to stripping all passengers bare-ass naked.... "Bend over and spread your cheeks, please!" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PhreeZone 20 #22 September 21, 2004 Jackets have had to have been removed for the last year at least. Last spring I was having to remove a windbreaker since they needed to X-ray it.Yesterday is history And tomorrow is a mystery Parachutemanuals.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Casurf1978 0 #23 September 21, 2004 QuoteThis is an interesting trend. Just a few days ago the news was that jackets would have to be removed to go through airport security. It seems that they are slowly working their way down to stripping all passengers bare-ass naked.... I remember a few months or years ago when a new machine was introduced that could see through peoples clothes. Any thoughts on this? Intresting article on it here. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/3263343.stm Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
headoverheels 333 #24 September 21, 2004 Quote>They recognized you as a whiny liberal . . . The traditional one warning. It was a) funny b) a compliment (well, maybe the "whiny" wasn't). Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peacefuljeffrey 0 #25 September 21, 2004 QuoteQuoteQuoteNo comments from the screeners on my weight belt when I traveled yesterday. Every $ spent on senseless measures is one $ less to spend on real security. They recognized you as a whiny liberal who would never carry a weapon because that's what the police are for -- to protect you. Blue skies, -Jeffrey - On the subject of whining, did you get your power restored yet? www.dropzone.com/cgi-bin/forum/gforum.cgi?post=1238327#1238327 Yes, thank you for caring. P.S. Jesus, it's always about shunting attention off of you by way of deflection, isn't it kallend?! Do your arms ever get tired from holding up that mirror?? Blue skies, -Jeffrey-Jeffrey "With tha thoughts of a militant mind... Hard line, hard line after hard line!" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
