[nagdu] airports and security

Thu Nov 25 17:11:26 UTC 2010

Michael,

I am not opposed to the heightened security. What I am opposed to is the way
the pat downs are done, and how violating they are. Feeling between my legs
in very very private areas, looking down my underwear,  is just not right to
me. Yes someone posing to be blind, and in a wheelchair could have tried to
get a bomb on the plane, but. But. But. With that said. I would like
profiling to be done. If I fly, and TSA sees that I am a blind person, with
a vailded ID, all my information checks out, I am who I say I am. Sure put
me through security, make me go through the metal detector. But do not treat
me like I am a terrorist or a criminal. I know terrorism is a real threat.
And I agree that what happened on 911 was horrible and should have never
happened. I had close friends die in the towers. But there HAS. To be a
better way. 

Just my opinion.

Marsha   

-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf
Of Michael Hingson
Sent: Wednesday, November 24, 2010 3:20 PM
To: 'NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users'
Subject: Re: [nagdu] airports and security

Hi,

I am sorry for your experience.  However, you know you are blind, and using
a wheelchair.  How does the TSA know that?  Also, how do they know you
aren't targeted and either willingly or forced to carry an explosive device?

The fact is they cannot know these things.  Please keep this in prospective.
Invasive the pat downs may be, but, speaking as someone who was in the World
Trade Center on 9-11, the alternative of not being more secure and checking
is worse.

Do you think for one moment there wouldn't be a tremendous outcry if even
one aircraft explodes  due to a lack of security?  The present measures are
the lesser of two evils by far.

The Michael Hingson Group, INC.
 “Speaking with Vision”
Michael Hingson, President
(415) 827-4084
info at michaelhingson.com
To learn more about my upcoming book, speaking topics and speaking
availability please visit www.michaelhingson.com
Thunder Dog is now available for early ordering on Amazon!!!
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1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1289090352&sr=1-3

for info on the new KNFB Reader Mobile, visit:
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-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf
Of Marsha Drenth
Sent: Wednesday, November 24, 2010 10:32 AM
To: 'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users'
Subject: [nagdu] airports and security

Hi folks,

On Monday, my hubby and I flew to Texas for thanksgiving. I did not have my
pup with me, as last Thursday, I fell yet again, and sprained my ankle and
tore a ligament in my leg. So I am on crutches and wearing a splint,
probably for at least 2 weeks. So I used a wheelchair to go through
security. Well lets just say, my experience was not pleasant. I was subject
to the pat down. The pat down was with another female in a private room.
Lets just say that my personal space was totally violated. Their hands went
in areas that a stranger is not suppose to go. I felt so dirty and
disgusting after wards. I saw all the reports on the news, facebook and
twitter, about women being vilated through security checks, and I didn't
believe them, or atleast I wanted to give them the benefit of doubt. But
they are true. By the time it was all over, I was crying. I set off alarms
twice, from different parts of body being swabbed. So then they had to go
through all my stuff and my husbands. I can't imagine what it would have
been like if I had gone through with my dog. It took us 45 minutes to get
through security. I know, I know, I know what you all are saying, the
security is there to protect us. But come on people, me, a totally blind,
hearing impaired, sprained ankle sort of  person in a wheelchair is the
least likely person to do anything. Hell I can't even walk at the moment.
The people being targeted for the pat downs are the people like elderly, the
disabled, and children. I know we can't be too careful, but there has to be
a better way. 

This was just my experience. If anyone else wants to hear more graphic
details, email me off list. 

I know this is off topic, and not talking about guide dogs, but since I am a
guide dog user, thought I would share my comments and experiences. 

Marsha 

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