[Nullifier]

First it was the pilots. That just makes sense.

Now this: http://abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory?id=12226875

Cabinet secretaries, top congressional leaders and an exclusive group of senior U.S. officials are exempt from toughened new airport screening procedures when they fly commercially with government-approved federal security details. Aviation security officials would not name those who can skip the controversial screening, but other officials said those VIPs range from top officials like Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner and FBI Director Robert Mueller to congressional leaders like incoming House Speaker John Boehner.

On one hand, this makes sense, because all of these people already have security clearances and FBI background checks. On the other hand, it sends the wrong message of "do as I say, not as I do". This thumbs the nose at the public and says, "we are 'the only ones' and you peasants are not special like us."

As long as they are doing this, what about other common-sense exemptions such as active duty military personnel; flight attendants and crew; other government employeees with a security clearance, etc. etc.

Discuss

 

[TrkJky]

As long as they are doing this, what about other common-sense exemptions such as active duty military personnel; flight attendants and crew; other government employeees with a security clearance, etc. etc.

Because this would make to much sense.....

 

[rmodel65]

 

[BG_Atl]

This is interesting... so rather than the Washington elite being irradiated or groped every time they
need to fly.. it's okay for them to bypass security.
With all of the criticism of the Treasury and it's actions... what's to prevent Timothy Geithner from
loading up his boxers and dropping his load on DC ?

Velcome to the Brave New Vorld

 

[EJR914]

"Let them eat cake" is right!

 

[mpc]

On one hand, this makes sense, because all of these people already have security clearances and FBI background checks.

I have an FBI background check (several actually). Am I exempt? No.
Did I call to get a refund on my plane ticket and opt to drive instead? Yes.

If the airlines start to see a big enough revenue loss because of this, hopefully they will step up and call for an end to this nonsense. I'm not holding my breath.

 

[Priest]

No, when the airlines see too much revenue loss and they all start going belly up... the Federal government will have to step in and take over the airline industry to keep our transportation infrastructure alive. No more large commercial airlines, just Amerikan Aire.

 

[EJR914]

No, when the airlines see too much revenue loss and they all start going belly up... the Federal government will have to step in and take over the airline industry to keep our transportation infrastructure alive. No more large commercial airlines, just Amerikan Aire.

You are correct. The Federal Government will just come in and bailout the airlines, just like they do everything else. They will end up owning that industry just like they have everything else.

 

[GATimberdoodle]

You are correct. The Federal Government will just come in and bailout the airlines, just like they do everything else. They will end up owning that industry just like they have everything else.

SAVE Act: Strategic Airline Voluntary Extrication Act. Circa 2012.

Faced with the impending catastrophic failure of the U.S. airline industry, the federal government stepped in on a stated temporary basis and took the top three remaining commercial airlines under its direct control. The TSA said it did so at the invitation of said airlines to avoid the massive layoffs anticipated, as well as the crippling of the U.S. transportation system. The Commerce Clause was cited as granting said authority.

U.S. roads had seen an upswing of volume since fourth quarter 2010, as many people avoided the intrusive full body scans and enhanced pat-downs to themselves and their families, as well as the substantive delays encountered at the nations airports. As a result, and coupled with skyrocketing fuel and labor costs, airline ticket prices skyrocketed, forcing several high-profile mergers in the industry. Numerous bankruptcies resulted also.

Don't wig out people, the quote is only fiction. Or is it?

 

[Savvy Jack]

Just remember no matter what the pilot has or does not have, once he is in the air....he has the largest missile already in his hands (the airplane). TSA screening is a moot point with pilots.

Pilot has gun, so!
Pilot has box cutter, so!
Pilot has airplane....ooops, he could hurt a lot of people with that thing #-o

 

[gruntpain1775]

You are correct. The Federal Government will just come in and bailout the airlines, just like they do everything else. They will end up owning that industry just like they have everything else.

SAVE Act: Strategic Airline Voluntary Extrication Act. Circa 2012.

Faced with the impending catastrophic failure of the U.S. airline industry, the federal government stepped in on a stated temporary basis and took the top three remaining commercial airlines under its direct control. The TSA said it did so at the invitation of said airlines to avoid the massive layoffs anticipated, as well as the crippling of the U.S. transportation system. The Commerce Clause was cited as granting said authority.

U.S. roads had seen an upswing of volume since fourth quarter 2010, as many people avoided the intrusive full body scans and enhanced pat-downs to themselves and their families, as well as the substantive delays encountered at the nations airports. As a result, and coupled with skyrocketing fuel and labor costs, airline ticket prices skyrocketed, forcing several high-profile mergers in the industry. Numerous bankruptcies resulted also.

Don't wig out people, the quote is only fiction. Or is it?

In other news, Transportation Security Administration Director Hugo Chavez has issued a statement on the Government News Networks stating that his Agency has been approved to hire 100,000 more Agents. The additional agents will be part of the new TSA screening program designed to keep out nations roads safe. Agents will be placed at various points along the nations interstates to check travelers for bombs, guns and fingernail clippers. Portable scanners and ribbed gloves will be made available to the agents.

 

[BG_Atl]

In other news, Transportation Security Administration Director Hugo Chavez has issued a statement on the Government News Networks stating that his Agency has been approved to hire 100,000 more Agents. The additional agents will be part of the new TSA screening program designed to keep out nations roads safe. Agents will be placed at various points along the nations interstates to check travelers for bombs, guns and fingernail clippers. Portable scanners and ribbed gloves will be made available to the agents.

Can you say... SPEED BUMPS 8)

 

[CoffeeMate]

Exactly.

(And we all know what happened to her)

 

[CoffeeMate]

You are correct. The Federal Government will just come in and bailout the airlines, just like they do everything else. They will end up owning that industry just like they have everything else.

SAVE Act: Strategic Airline Voluntary Extrication Act. Circa 2012.

Faced with the impending catastrophic failure of the U.S. airline industry, the federal government stepped in on a stated temporary basis and took the top three remaining commercial airlines under its direct control. The TSA said it did so at the invitation of said airlines to avoid the massive layoffs anticipated, as well as the crippling of the U.S. transportation system. The Commerce Clause was cited as granting said authority.

U.S. roads had seen an upswing of volume since fourth quarter 2010, as many people avoided the intrusive full body scans and enhanced pat-downs to themselves and their families, as well as the substantive delays encountered at the nations airports. As a result, and coupled with skyrocketing fuel and labor costs, airline ticket prices skyrocketed, forcing several high-profile mergers in the industry. Numerous bankruptcies resulted also.

Don't wig out people, the quote is only fiction. Or is it?

In other news, Transportation Security Administration Director Hugo Chavez has issued a statement on the Government News Networks stating that his Agency has been approved to hire 100,000 more Agents. The additional agents will be part of the new TSA screening program designed to keep out nations roads safe. Agents will be placed at various points along the nations interstates to check travelers for bombs, guns and fingernail clippers. Portable scanners and ribbed gloves will be made available to the agents.

In still other news, the White House Press Secretary announced earlier today that the king, er, President is aware of the concern sweeping the nation lately regarding commercial flights and the growing movement to boycott air travel. He is expected to announce his comprehensive plan to be entitled "The Affordable Flight & Expedite Program". The plan is a multi-pronged approach.

First is the requirement for all US citizens to maintain airport screening insurance in order to fund enhanced security. The rates will be set by an independant body based outside the US in order to remain impartial and because many flights involve international destinations or parts manufactured off-shore. If a passenger chooses to decline either the back-scatter health affecting intimate privacy invading machines or the sexual molestation grope search, then their fine will be reimbursed by the policy. Any jail time will also be fully funded.

The second part of the plan is to require all US citizens to purchase at least one affordable interstate or international flight per quarter. The flight does not have to actually be taken, however the non-refundable ticket must be purchased ahead of time. This is to ensure a healthy and vigorous commercial flight industry in the US, which is the backbone of our economy and directly contributes to interstate commerce.

The third part deals with flight delays due to security screenings. At some point prior to their flight, all ticket purchasers will be randomly "pre-screened" at their homes. Of course, in the interests of security, the pre-screening visits will be unannounced, and owing to the large volume anticipated, unusual hours will be required. Furthermore, in order to ensure the victims, er, would-be passengers are are pre-screened in a "candid" and unprepared manner, entry into homes will be done in a "no-knock" fashion, which will make us all safer in the air.

When asked how such a policy will expedite screenings at airports given that the pre-screenings will not excuse anyone within an airport from the regular screening procedures, the Press Secretary said that it is anticipated that the pre-screenings will identify additional candidates for the international no-fly list, thereby cutting down on lines at airports.

The President was quoted as saying, "We are on the brink of a glorious new era in which unprecendented safety and security will be the norm and an unbridled ability to locate security risks ahead of time will be the order of the day for all."

 

[qinvictus]

"Twelve voices were shouting in anger, and they were all alike. No question, now, what had happened to the faces of the pigs. The creatures outside looked from pig to man, and from man to pig, and from pig to man again; but already it was impossible to say which was which."

 

[EJR914]

You are correct. The Federal Government will just come in and bailout the airlines, just like they do everything else. They will end up owning that industry just like they have everything else.

SAVE Act: Strategic Airline Voluntary Extrication Act. Circa 2012.

Faced with the impending catastrophic failure of the U.S. airline industry, the federal government stepped in on a stated temporary basis and took the top three remaining commercial airlines under its direct control. The TSA said it did so at the invitation of said airlines to avoid the massive layoffs anticipated, as well as the crippling of the U.S. transportation system. The Commerce Clause was cited as granting said authority.

U.S. roads had seen an upswing of volume since fourth quarter 2010, as many people avoided the intrusive full body scans and enhanced pat-downs to themselves and their families, as well as the substantive delays encountered at the nations airports. As a result, and coupled with skyrocketing fuel and labor costs, airline ticket prices skyrocketed, forcing several high-profile mergers in the industry. Numerous bankruptcies resulted also.

Don't wig out people, the quote is only fiction. Or is it?

In other news, Transportation Security Administration Director Hugo Chavez has issued a statement on the Government News Networks stating that his Agency has been approved to hire 100,000 more Agents. The additional agents will be part of the new TSA screening program designed to keep out nations roads safe. Agents will be placed at various points along the nations interstates to check travelers for bombs, guns and fingernail clippers. Portable scanners and ribbed gloves will be made available to the agents.

In still other news, the White House Press Secretary announced earlier today that the king, er, President is aware of the concern sweeping the nation lately regarding commercial flights and the growing movement to boycott air travel. He is expected to announce his comprehensive plan to be entitled "The Affordable Flight & Expedite Program". The plan is a multi-pronged approach.

First is the requirement for all US citizens to maintain airport screening insurance in order to fund enhanced security. The rates will be set by an independant body based outside the US in order to remain impartial and because many flights involve international destinations or parts manufactured off-shore. If a passenger chooses to decline either the back-scatter health affecting intimate privacy invading machines or the sexual molestation grope search, then their fine will be reimbursed by the policy. Any jail time will also be fully funded.

The second part of the plan is to require all US citizens to purchase at least one affordable interstate or international flight per quarter. The flight does not have to actually be taken, however the non-refundable ticket must be purchased ahead of time. This is to ensure a healthy and vigorous commercial flight industry in the US, which is the backbone of our economy and directly contributes to interstate commerce.

The third part deals with flight delays due to security screenings. At some point prior to their flight, all ticket purchasers will be randomly "pre-screened" at their homes. Of course, in the interests of security, the pre-screening visits will be unannounced, and owing to the large volume anticipated, unusual hours will be required. Furthermore, in order to ensure the victims, er, would-be passengers are are pre-screened in a "candid" and unprepared manner, entry into homes will be done in a "no-knock" fashion, which will make us all safer in the air.

When asked how such a policy will expedite screenings at airports given that the pre-screenings will not excuse anyone within an airport from the regular screening procedures, the Press Secretary said that it is anticipated that the pre-screenings will identify additional candidates for the international no-fly list, thereby cutting down on lines at airports.

The President was quoted as saying, "We are on the brink of a glorious new era in which unprecendented safety and security will be the norm and an unbridled ability to locate security risks ahead of time will be the order of the day for all."

You are good, CM! I can see this occurring in the near future. :evil:

 

[COMMANDER1911]

You are correct. The Federal Government will just come in and bailout the airlines, just like they do everything else. They will end up owning that industry just like they have everything else.

SAVE Act: Strategic Airline Voluntary Extrication Act. Circa 2012.

Faced with the impending catastrophic failure of the U.S. airline industry, the federal government stepped in on a stated temporary basis and took the top three remaining commercial airlines under its direct control. The TSA said it did so at the invitation of said airlines to avoid the massive layoffs anticipated, as well as the crippling of the U.S. transportation system. The Commerce Clause was cited as granting said authority.

U.S. roads had seen an upswing of volume since fourth quarter 2010, as many people avoided the intrusive full body scans and enhanced pat-downs to themselves and their families, as well as the substantive delays encountered at the nations airports. As a result, and coupled with skyrocketing fuel and labor costs, airline ticket prices skyrocketed, forcing several high-profile mergers in the industry. Numerous bankruptcies resulted also.

Don't wig out people, the quote is only fiction. Or is it?

In other news, Transportation Security Administration Director Hugo Chavez has issued a statement on the Government News Networks stating that his Agency has been approved to hire 100,000 more Agents. The additional agents will be part of the new TSA screening program designed to keep out nations roads safe. Agents will be placed at various points along the nations interstates to check travelers for bombs, guns and fingernail clippers. Portable scanners and ribbed gloves will be made available to the agents.

In still other news, the White House Press Secretary announced earlier today that the king, er, President is aware of the concern sweeping the nation lately regarding commercial flights and the growing movement to boycott air travel. He is expected to announce his comprehensive plan to be entitled "The Affordable Flight & Expedite Program". The plan is a multi-pronged approach.

First is the requirement for all US citizens to maintain airport screening insurance in order to fund enhanced security. The rates will be set by an independant body based outside the US in order to remain impartial and because many flights involve international destinations or parts manufactured off-shore. If a passenger chooses to decline either the back-scatter health affecting intimate privacy invading machines or the sexual molestation grope search, then their fine will be reimbursed by the policy. Any jail time will also be fully funded.

The second part of the plan is to require all US citizens to purchase at least one affordable interstate or international flight per quarter. The flight does not have to actually be taken, however the non-refundable ticket must be purchased ahead of time. This is to ensure a healthy and vigorous commercial flight industry in the US, which is the backbone of our economy and directly contributes to interstate commerce.

The third part deals with flight delays due to security screenings. At some point prior to their flight, all ticket purchasers will be randomly "pre-screened" at their homes. Of course, in the interests of security, the pre-screening visits will be unannounced, and owing to the large volume anticipated, unusual hours will be required. Furthermore, in order to ensure the victims, er, would-be passengers are are pre-screened in a "candid" and unprepared manner, entry into homes will be done in a "no-knock" fashion, which will make us all safer in the air.

When asked how such a policy will expedite screenings at airports given that the pre-screenings will not excuse anyone within an airport from the regular screening procedures, the Press Secretary said that it is anticipated that the pre-screenings will identify additional candidates for the international no-fly list, thereby cutting down on lines at airports.

The President was quoted as saying, "We are on the brink of a glorious new era in which unprecendented safety and security will be the norm and an unbridled ability to locate security risks ahead of time will be the order of the day for all."

You are good, CM! I can see this occurring in the near future. :evil:

If this did happen,, Would IT be time?

 

[CoffeeMate]

I think I need to go use the restroom now... uke:


(Somehow I feel as though I soiled myself or something)

 

[frankr]

You are correct. The Federal Government will just come in and bailout the airlines, just like they do everything else. They will end up owning that industry just like they have everything else.

SAVE Act: Strategic Airline Voluntary Extrication Act. Circa 2012.

Faced with the impending catastrophic failure of the U.S. airline industry, the federal government stepped in on a stated temporary basis and took the top three remaining commercial airlines under its direct control. The TSA said it did so at the invitation of said airlines to avoid the massive layoffs anticipated, as well as the crippling of the U.S. transportation system. The Commerce Clause was cited as granting said authority.

U.S. roads had seen an upswing of volume since fourth quarter 2010, as many people avoided the intrusive full body scans and enhanced pat-downs to themselves and their families, as well as the substantive delays encountered at the nations airports. As a result, and coupled with skyrocketing fuel and labor costs, airline ticket prices skyrocketed, forcing several high-profile mergers in the industry. Numerous bankruptcies resulted also.

Don't wig out people, the quote is only fiction. Or is it?

The announcement would probably read something like this (Based on part of President Bush's speech about the automaker bailout):

...In recent months, the global crisis has made these challenges even more severe. Now some U.S. airline executives say that their companies are nearing collapse â€" and that the only way they can buy time to restructure is with help from the federal government.

This is a difficult situation that involves fundamental questions about the proper role of government. On the one hand, government has a responsibility not to undermine the private enterprise system. On the other hand, government has a responsibility to safeguard the broader health and stability of our economy.

Addressing the challenges in the airline industry requires us to balance these two responsibilities. If we were to allow the free market to take its course now, it would almost certainly lead to disorderly bankruptcy and liquidation for the airlines. Under ordinary economic circumstances, I would say this is the price that failed companies must pay â€" and I would not favor intervening to prevent the airlines from going out of business.

But these are not ordinary circumstances. In the midst of a financial crisis and a recession, allowing the U.S. airline industry to collapse is not a responsible course of action. The question is how we can best give it a chance to succeed. Some argue the wisest path is to allow the airline companies to reorganize through Chapter 11 provisions of our bankruptcy laws â€" and provide federal loans to keep them operating while they try to restructure under the supervision of a bankruptcy court. But given the current state of the auto industry and the economy, Chapter 11 is unlikely to work for American airlines at this time....

 

[CoffeeMate]

On the one hand, government has a responsibility not to undermine the private enterprise system.

I highly doubt such words would ever come from the current administration.