There could be legislation for that
(The Hill)Â Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.) is threatening to introduce a bill requiring the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to be more polite to airline passengers.
During a hearing about the TSA’s Screening Partnership Program that took place this week, Connolly said passengers would likely cooperate more with TSA agents if the agency’s workers used better manners when they deliver their instructions.
“There’s no excuse for someone barking orders continuously at the public at any airport in America who is an employee of the federal government, or a contractor for the federal government,†Connolly said. “I’d lose my job if I treated the public that way and rightfully so. My staff would be fired if I find that they treated my public that way.â€
In the public sector, you’d lose your job for groping people, much less being rude. You might face criminal charges and/or a lawsuit. Heck, there have been plenty of lawsuits where law enforcement officials have been sued for groping citizens. Would it really make any difference if they were more polite as they grope you? It might a little bit. When I received an enhanced pat-down at LAX back in 2010 (I have a stainless steel rod in my leg which usually sets off the machines), the TSA agent avoided “personal” areas and had the good sense to be polite and contrite. I had the feeling that he really, really did not want to be doing this.
Do we really need legislation to tell the TSA to be polite to citizens? If so, that should tell you something about the culture of the TSA. Now, if Connolly really wants to do something, he should add in that the enhanced pat-downs should be done behind screens, rather than having everyone in the airport watch people get groped. Second, there needs to be some serious common sense in exactly who gets the EPDs.
And maybe understand who we really need to be worried about are not the ones getting groped. But should be.
Also, to diverge a bit, perhaps he could have a talk with Mr. Obama, who seems to like to treat American’s who disagree with him in a rather shoddy manner.
