Post by: Fjolnirsson on March 28, 2008, 09:16:31 AM
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5iaKrY0kksitnVjdek1gyLW1cgnBgD8VM3OUO7
Woman Says TSA Forced Piercings Removal
By GREG RISLING 17 hours ago
LOS ANGELES (AP) A Texas woman who said she was forced to remove a nipple ring with pliers in order to board an airplane called Thursday for an apology by federal security agents and a civil rights investigation.
"I wouldn't wish this experience upon anyone," Mandi Hamlin said at a news conference. "My experience with TSA was a nightmare I had to endure. No one deserves to be treated this way."
Hamlin, 37, said she was trying to board a flight from Lubbock to Dallas on Feb. 24 when she was scanned by a Transportation Security Administration agent after passing through a larger metal detector without problems.
The female TSA agent used a handheld detector that beeped when it passed in front of Hamlin's chest, the Dallas-area resident said.
Hamlin said she told the woman she was wearing nipple piercings. The agent then called over her male colleagues, one of whom said she would have to remove the jewelry, Hamlin said.
Hamlin said she could not remove them and asked whether she could instead display her pierced breasts in private to the female agent. But several other male officers told her she could not board her flight until the jewelry was out, she said.
She was taken behind a curtain and managed to remove one bar-shaped piercing but had trouble with the second, a ring.
"Still crying, she informed the TSA officer that she could not remove it without the help of pliers, and the officer gave a pair to her," said Hamlin's attorney, Gloria Allred, reading from a letter she sent Thursday to the director of the TSA's Office of Civil Rights and Liberties. Allred is a well-known Los Angeles lawyer who often represents high-profile claims.
Applying pliers to the torso of a mannequin that had a peach-colored bra with the rings on it, Hamlin showed reporters at the news conference how she took off the second ring.
She said she heard male TSA agents snickering as she took out the ring. She was scanned again and was allowed to board even though she still was wearing a belly button ring.
"After nipple rings are inserted, the skin can often heal around the piercing, and the rings can be extremely difficult and painful to remove," Allred said in the letter.
TSA officials said they are investigating to see whether its policies were followed.
"Our security officers are well-trained to screen individuals with body piercings in sensitive areas with dignity and respect while ensuring a high level of security," the agency said in a statement.
On its Web site, the TSA warns that passengers "may be additionally screened because of hidden items such as body piercings, which alarmed the metal detector."
"If you are selected for additional screening, you may ask to remove your body piercing in private as an alternative to a pat-down search," the site says.
Hamlin would have accepted a "pat-down" had it been offered, Allred said.
If an alarm does sound, "until that is resolved, we're not going to let them go through the checkpoint, no matter what they're wearing or where they're wearing it," said TSA spokesman Dwayne Baird in Salt Lake City.
People routinely pass through security wearing wedding rings without problems, and it might take a larger bit of metal to trigger an alarm, Baird said.
Hamlin filed a complaint, but the TSA's customer service manager at the Lubbock airport concluded the screening was handled properly, Allred said.
Hamlin wants an apology from the TSA and an investigation by the agency's civil rights office.
Allred said she might consider legal action if the TSA does not apologize.
Hamlin was publicly humiliated and has "undergone an enormous amount of physical pain to have the nipple rings reinserted" because of scar tissue, Allred said.
Hamlin said her piercings have never set off an airport metal detector.
"The conduct of TSA was cruel and unnecessary," Allred wrote. "The last time that I checked a nipple was not a dangerous weapon."
Hosted by Google
Copyright © 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The emphasis on the quote is mine...
Where does it stop? And even if pierced nipples were a danger, how then is a pierced bellybutton not dangerous?
Post by: The Annoyed Man on March 28, 2008, 09:26:07 AM
Post by: Manedwolf on March 28, 2008, 09:29:19 AM
They know TSA has hired ex-cons. They have video of TSA stealing stuff out of checked baggage.
How about we fire all the TSA idiots and start over, with some El-Al security personnel as consultants? THEY do it right.
Post by: Scout26 on March 28, 2008, 09:43:55 AM
Post by: Firethorn on March 28, 2008, 09:51:26 AM
How about getting rid of the idiotic screenings (and the TSA- aka:Thousands Standing Around) and allow any one with a CCW to board ??
How about we split the airlines?
Sheeple Airlines Inc: Metal detectors, explosive sniffing, 1.4 ounce limit for liquids(or whatever), taking off shoes, etc... Heck, everybody flies in disposable hospital type gowns!
NRA Airlines: 10% discount for open carry, a semi-retired bomb dog is used to check the luggage.
Which one do you think would win?
Post by: ilbob on March 28, 2008, 09:57:32 AM
I doubt there are many Islamic terorists with nipple rings. But since we can't screen out the known terrorists for extra scrutiny, I guess we will just have to go after everyone with a nipple ring now.
Post by: Manedwolf on March 28, 2008, 09:59:05 AM
If you are going to have silly rules, i guess you have to follow them.
I doubt there are many Islamic terorists with nipple rings. But since we can't screen out the known terrorists for extra scrutiny, I guess we will just have to go after everyone with a nipple ring now.
I doubt there are many Islamic terorists with nipple rings. But since we can't screen out the known terrorists for extra scrutiny, I guess we will just have to go after everyone with a nipple ring now.
Like I said. Look at how El-Al does it. It works.
Post by: Zardozimo Oprah Bannedalas on March 28, 2008, 10:03:20 AM
This generation of nipple and navel rings is sure gonna look scary when they check into the old folks' home. Always putting their cells on speaker (max volume), same for Ipods. Wheeling around with laptops, "my Mac's better than your PC!" Looking for insanely complex coffees/cappasomethings/lattes, demanding organic sheets.
I hope I die young...
Post by: K Frame on March 28, 2008, 11:02:15 AM
The stupid brain dead bastards that TSA hires to provide "security" didn't know what it was.
Post by: Brad Johnson on March 28, 2008, 11:07:39 AM
Post by: Manedwolf on March 28, 2008, 11:23:46 AM
Quote
Israeli airport security, much of it invisible to the untrained eye, begins before passengers even enter the terminal. Officials constantly monitor behavior, alert to clues that may hint at danger: bulky clothing, say, or a nervous manner. Profilers -- that's what they're called -- make a point of interviewing travelers, sometimes at length. They probe, as one profiling supervisor told CBS, for ``anything out of the ordinary, anything that does not fit." Their questions can seem odd or intrusive, especially if your only previous experience with an airport interrogation was being asked whether you packed your bags yourself.
Unlike in US airports, where passengers go through security after checking in for their flights and submitting their luggage, security at Ben Gurion comes first. Only when the profiler is satisfied that a passenger poses no risk is he or she allowed to proceed to the check-in counter. By that point, there is no need to make him remove his shoes, or to confiscate his bottle of water.
Unlike in US airports, where passengers go through security after checking in for their flights and submitting their luggage, security at Ben Gurion comes first. Only when the profiler is satisfied that a passenger poses no risk is he or she allowed to proceed to the check-in counter. By that point, there is no need to make him remove his shoes, or to confiscate his bottle of water.
They've not had a hijacking since 1968. Must be doing something right.
Post by: Firethorn on March 28, 2008, 11:29:46 AM
They've not had a hijacking since 1968. Must be doing something right.
Also sounds like a relatively expensive solution per passanger. Does Israel even have purely domestic flights?
I think that our international flights from major airports probably dwarf Israel's flights, much less purely domestic travel. We'd need an awful lot of profilers, and that'd probably take quite a bit of lead time to train them(not to mention it requires that the profilers have a brain, which seems more a hinderance to current TSA agents). Then again, our 'one size fits all' solution isn't exactly cheap either.
Post by: Boomhauer on March 28, 2008, 11:31:56 AM
Quote
I've got to get a Prince Albert piercing.
Go right ahead, you sick b$(#*@&. No thanks for me, I'm recoiling in horror at your statement...
Post by: Manedwolf on March 28, 2008, 11:36:38 AM
They've not had a hijacking since 1968. Must be doing something right.
Also sounds like a relatively expensive solution per passanger. Does Israel even have purely domestic flights?
I think that our international flights from major airports probably dwarf Israel's flights, much less purely domestic travel. We'd need an awful lot of profilers, and that'd probably take quite a bit of lead time to train them(not to mention it requires that the profilers have a brain, which seems more a hinderance to current TSA agents). Then again, our 'one size fits all' solution isn't exactly cheap either.
Yes. They have domestic flights. As for number of flights. Ben Gurion alone had 10.5 million passengers pass through it last year.
Post by: The Annoyed Man on March 28, 2008, 11:49:02 AM
Quote
I've got to get a Prince Albert piercing.
Go right ahead, you sick b$(#*@&. No thanks for me, I'm recoiling in horror at your statement...
Seriously though, getting a PA is something I'll never do. I'm allergic to sharp objects in the presence of my private parts...
Post by: Zardozimo Oprah Bannedalas on March 28, 2008, 11:52:18 AM
Quote
I've got to get a Prince Albert piercing.
Hope I'm not there when you get an MRI.
Post by: Boomhauer on March 28, 2008, 11:53:09 AM
Quote
I take it that you aren't interested in me sharing some voluntary amputation videos
People seriously voluntarily amputate body parts? WTF?
Post by: The Annoyed Man on March 28, 2008, 11:54:19 AM
Quote
I've got to get a Prince Albert piercing.
Hope I'm not there when you get an MRI.Post by: The Annoyed Man on March 28, 2008, 12:00:47 PM
Quote
I take it that you aren't interested in me sharing some voluntary amputation videos
People seriously voluntarily amputate body parts? WTF?
Post by: grislyatoms on March 28, 2008, 12:12:59 PM
Joe Foss, Marine Corps hero of World War II and Medal of Honor winner, was almost denied entry to a commercial flight because he was carrying his Medal of Honor...
The stupid brain dead bastards that TSA hires to provide "security" didn't know what it was.
The stupid brain dead bastards that TSA hires to provide "security" didn't know what it was.
IIRC, they thought it was a shuriken.
Post by: Scout26 on March 28, 2008, 12:31:03 PM
Quote
People go as far as volountary castration/splitting or otherwise mutiliating the penis as well.
ow ow ow ow ow ow ow ow ow ow
I'll be curled up in the fetal postion in the corner for a while.
Post by: Manedwolf on March 28, 2008, 12:32:55 PM
Quote
People go as far as volountary castration/splitting or otherwise mutiliating the penis as well.
ow ow ow ow ow ow ow ow ow ow
I'll be curled up in the fetal postion in the corner for a while.
It's Darwinism in action, you realize.
Maybe someone should encourage that as part of gang initiation. Or maybe jihadist ceremonies to show they're "denying sin" or something! It'd solve a lot of problems.
Post by: French G. on March 28, 2008, 12:36:25 PM
Mandi Hamlin.
Thanks for ruining an otherwise perfectly readable story with reality. She should take her ugly stick and beat TSA to death with it.
Post by: The Annoyed Man on March 28, 2008, 12:38:25 PM
Quote
People go as far as volountary castration/splitting or otherwise mutiliating the penis as well.
ow ow ow ow ow ow ow ow ow ow
I'll be curled up in the fetal postion in the corner for a while.
It's Darwinism in action, you realize.
Maybe someone should encourage that as part of gang initiation. Or maybe jihadist ceremonies to show they're "denying sin" or something! It'd solve a lot of problems.
.
Post by: Zardozimo Oprah Bannedalas on March 28, 2008, 12:42:16 PM
Quote
Thanks for ruining an otherwise perfectly readable story with reality.
TSA employees were doing a community service.
Post by: Gewehr98 on March 28, 2008, 02:09:14 PM
Quote
AFAIK, splitting doesn't render you sterile. It just looks really weird.
I had a young airman decide he wanted his Johnson split down the middle. I reminded him that once he had that done, he would have to squat to pee for the rest of his life.
Post by: 280plus on March 29, 2008, 03:53:08 AM
Other than that all I have to say is OWWWWIEEEEE!!!
Post by: 280plus on March 29, 2008, 04:06:00 AM
Post by: 280plus on March 29, 2008, 04:10:24 AM
http://www.jamd.com/image/g/3065353?partner=Google&epmid=1
Can't be a hit with the ladies without them.
Post by: Manedwolf on March 29, 2008, 04:45:25 AM
Oh, I forgot, seeing how they were stone age people, what do you think they might be using to perform the procedure?
Knapped obsidian is sharper than the finest scalpel. The edge is nearly molecular.
Still insane to DO that, though.
Post by: Iain on March 29, 2008, 05:30:23 AM
Not done when a child but rather a rite of adulthood. Doesn't just remove the foreskin, but rather all the skin.
Post by: 280plus on March 29, 2008, 06:04:56 AM
Think of splitting a hot dog lengthwise like you do when you're going to cook it.
AFAIK, without going back and finding the info, sub incision was done later in the adult male's life as opposed to like 13-14 YO. Which leads some to believe it was somehow related to the idea of birth control. One practice amongst many Aussie tribes was that they would marry off the young women to the older men and the younger men off to the older women. One result is that the young women would not get pregnant because of the sub incision and neither would the old women because of the menopause thing, PLUS the elders each got a nice young mate (or several) to take care of them in their waning years. Once the younger ones got older and their respective spouses died off they were allowed to marry their own age and then produced children. Interesting setup if you think about it. Pretty sensible, but these were uncivilized savages, what did they know?
Yes, there were lots of incidents of youngers hooking up on the side. This was frowned upon by the elders and in many cases resulted in either the flight of the couple with warriors in pursuit or the deaths of the individuals outright before they had a chance to run.
Post by: Harold Tuttle on March 29, 2008, 08:02:13 PM
In LA, the TSA screener had a cow
Post by: 280plus on March 30, 2008, 02:21:39 AM
I need to get there some day. But I'd need a real good guide.
Post by: The Annoyed Man on March 30, 2008, 02:43:10 AM
Wish I coulda seen that...
I need to get there some day. But I'd need a real good guide.
Good idea. Someone who knows how to avoid the drop bears I need to get there some day. But I'd need a real good guide.
Post by: 280plus on March 30, 2008, 03:10:36 AM
Quote
It is often suggested that doing things like having forks in the hair or Vegemite or toothpaste spread behind the ears will deter the creatures.
See, not a problem...