Balko, Drezner, Yglesias, etc were all linking it this morning. The TSA is your new, intimate friend, "Girl"! They like to write notes about the things in your life... They have feelings to share!

And of course, as of last week, they're also working our nation's roadways.

As security forces grow ever-more cooter-centric and OWS zombies demand ever-more financial support for ethically compromised central authorities, Berlinski reminds us how high the stakes are.

Of course it's company policy never to, imply ownership in the event of a dildo... always use the indefinite article a dildo, never your dildo.

Exceptionally creepy. These people oughta keep their feelings about hot women to themselves.

...as well as their feelings about "toys" or whatever else they find in women's luggage.

http://www.kramerlevin.com/jfilipovic/

Ya know what? To hell with Jill Filopovic.

Filopovic is uniquely able, compared to the rest of us, to fight the TSA, but like 99.999% of our lawyer rat population, she won't do a thing about it but bitch.

Fuck her.

Well, meeeeeeeeee-Yow.

I didn't know we were permitted to assign civil rights projects to privately-practicing attorneys on the basis of our own resentments.

There are SO many things to think about... This is going to be the best autumn EVER!

Crid,

My understanding is that attorneys often/usually have pro-bono work they get to pick.

But I'm also a little tired of attorney bloggers who go off and complain about some civil rights issue but will never do anything about it.

In the meantime, as you point out, there are the Radley Balkos working directly at the cause and the Amy Alkons having the guts to literally put body and livelihood on the line.

Filopovic gets violated and all she can do is post a twitpic about it and get back to work on her feminist legal projects.

As I said, to hell with her.

And fwiw, Filopovic thinks the whole thing is funny, not creepy.

http://www.feministe.us/blog/archives/2011/10/24/your-tax-dollars-at-work-2/

Her feelings about this offense don't change mine one way or the other. It's like when Polanski's then-teenage rape victim said (years after a $500,000 payoff) that she'd forgiven him... So what?

Then I see we're in agreement:

"Ya know what? To hell with Jill Filopovic."

"My understanding is that attorneys often/usually have pro-bono work they get to pick."

Sure, if by "get to pick," you mean "gets to pick hours devoted to someone who is not paying for their time, which is their only inventory."

Taking on the TSA for a constitutional fight would be an all-consuming undertaking for any attorney that would likely wreck his or her ability to generate new clients for the forseeable future. The Wall Street firms wouldn't touch this either. They like government contracts. This would have to be a project for an attorney who is already very wealthy. They are out there (I'm thinking of the ones who get stupid rich on class action matters), but not a whole lot of 'em.

The feisty redhead part of me thinks it would be hilarious to pack a suitcase full of sex toys and TSA dress up gear. For role-playing... And then travel with it.

> Then I see we're in agreement:

Naw. I thought the then-grown Polanski victim was crass and foolish for her public (adult) response to his arrest a few years ago. Implicit in her (2009-ish) remarks was the assertion that we should trust her judgement.

In today's story, I think Amy's selection of the word "creep" was perfect in every respect. Most Americans won't tolerate "creepy" behavior like this by high school-dropout diabetes victims who, in fattened midlife, find themselves crudely badged and authorized to rummage through the private property of grown women. In any case, this lawyer doesn't say other people should agree with her. A woman trained for law probably wouldn't presume to wield that power.

INDIVIDUAL women are patient with the darnedest things; the whole of femininity, not as much. Women have the right to their own feelings.

And lawyers have the right to their careers.

You want this prosecuted?

Go for it, Big Boy.

Someday, I'll meet LauraGr at a party. I won't know it's her, and I'll have had a glass of wine. She'll start making fun of me, and I'll blush like a schoolboy.

Crid, I believe you are safe from my indecorous behavior. I usually only make myself blush. And I don't go to parties. There are too many people at them.

LauraGr, I actually think one proper response is to announce to EVERYONE that Tuesday is vibrator day. Pack your sex toys on Tuesdays, make TSA sort them out. (Skid Mark Thursday to follow.)

"In any case, this lawyer doesn't say other people should agree with her. A woman trained for law probably wouldn't presume to wield that power."

Jill Filopovic is the founder of Feministe.

And yes, I think that lawyers, of all people, who are merely content to bitch about problems and neither draw up the lawsuits, nor coach others, should just shut the fuck up out of embarrassment.

Actually, Jerry, most attorneys can't just go around deciding we want to prosecute any old thing we feel like as a pro bono case.

First of all, generally attorneys have to clear such cases with their law firm's managing partners, who do not necessarily give us their blessings. You might be surprised to hear that by and large firms want their attorneys to take on mostly -- GASP! -- paying work, and are particular about their pro bono cases. I once busted a gut trying to take on a habeas case for a guy I was convinced was innocent, but the firm's managing partners didn't want it -- I'd already done a similar case the year before, to be fair, and it took a lot of hours -- and they have the right to give the thumbs down.

Sure, there are solo practitioners. But -- and this will surprise you -- most solo practitioners are busting their balls doing -- GASP! -- paying work. You'd be surprised how many of them are barely staying afloat (do you know how much malpractice insurance alone costs?) Taking on the TSA would take a massive expenditure of man hours and resources, which would exclude taking on paying work.

Second -- and this one will REALLY surprise you -- you need a GODDAMN CLIENT to bring a case as an attorney. Yes! We attorney types can't just decide all on our own initiative "hey, I don't like the TSA's policies. I think I'll sue 'em today!" And by the way, some attorneys have indeed taken on people who are bringing cases against the TSA.

So on behalf of all the attorneys out there, fuck you right back. I'm out there protesting, writing to my congressmen, and trying to bring my fellow citizens around to seeing why the TSA's policies are horrific. What are you doing? If the answer is nothing but bitching in the Advice Goddess comment section, fuck you twice as hard.

Tell you what. If you want to prosecute the TSA, get yourself arrested reading them the Constitution. I guarantee you'll find attorneys willing to take on your case. Hell, maybe I'll even take on your case.

...but by the way, if you're going to sue them for money damages, I'll want to get paid for the kazillion hours I'd put into defending your case. I'm happy to work for free getting wrongly convicted people out of jail. If you're going for money, I want my cut.

Meanwhile, in other TSA news...

Security officials at LAX fail to detect loaded gun in bag

A loaded and undeclared .38-caliber handgun tumbled from a checked bag at Los Angeles International Airport Sunday.

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-tsa-handgun-20111024,0,5447457.story

Of course, the fact the TSA is not able to competently keep undeclared weapons off airplanes means they need more money and manpower to do the job properly.

> I don't go to parties. There are too
> many people

Peeps-- alluring, right?

> Jill Filopovic is the founder of Feministe.

That's great for her!

What's Feministe?

Your resentment of this woman ("Fuck her") just seems really over the top. She's a lawyer, but that doesn't mean she has magical command over the minds of lesser mortals. She's cultivated her own comic-book superpowers, she can use them as she wants. Despite what you said twice, she specifically WASN'T bitching about what happened.

Again, I just don't understand how you can take offense for her not stepping through the 1700 steps of reasoning and emotion that would cause her to want to be exactly the woman you want her to be. I think it would have been better if Jerry Falwell had come to the fore of a broad 1970's coalition of politically articulate Southerners expressing compassion for blacks and homosexuals... Instead, he lead a noxious alliance of Christian social conservatives. He ignored my better plan for his life. Should I be upset? Especially so, because I can imagine his life as having been so much more? Can I tell doctors to cure the people I think are sickest?

_____________________

Also, what Gail said. The attorney doesn't really have x-ray vision or green-skin muscles or anything but the "power" to stay up incredibly late drinking coffee and writing things down on a lined yellow pad, things that will probably never be considered by anyone anyway...

Went to JF's blog; many good comments, sober good humor all around. (See also the story of the exotic tampon in Cameroon.) I'm more offended than many, but again, so what? Everyone is free to imagine how they'd feel if something like this had happened to them, and I'm betting most American women aren't so patient that they'd laugh about it.

For some reason it puts me in mind of these occupy wall street people who will not allow their photos to be taken, yet you know that they feel entitled to push a camera in anyone's face any time and that they have the right to occupy anyone's property at anytime.

Meanwhile....

"The feisty redhead part of me thinks it would be hilarious to pack a suitcase full of sex toys and TSA dress up gear. For role-playing... And then travel with it."

We could make a project of this. See how many comments and screenings we get traveling around the country. I'll volunteer if you all help buy the sex toys.

This is just disgusting. They pulled my girlfriend's dildo out of her luggage a few years back, embarrassing her in front of everyone. Now the same guys wave to her and laugh every time she passes through security at MIA

Yet these same folks will prosecute jokesters or others who go through their procedures and take them lightly, protest, or openly mock (god forfend) them to their face.

In short, TSA gets to have fun and be playful insouciant towards you, but you must remain respectful and serious in your deference to their station.

You do understand that is a display of social dominance, right?

Nobody seems to consider the possibility that this was a PR stunt by the person who did it.

In her email to the New York times, she identifies precisely the make & model of toy she used and exactly where she bought it, and links to it. As a result, this store has gained hundreds of valuable links, which is very valuable for ranking in Google, and a little too convenient.

If you check on the "victim's" blog, you will see she also links to this exact product at this exact store many times, as if she is promoting the product. Very coincidental.

I'm not pro-TSA, but c'mon, give them a break. There are enough real issues with the TSA that we don't need fake issues.

And by the way, my prediction is that if we do manage to quash the TSA's excesses, it's not going to be through the courts.

Have you seen the outcome of EPIC's lawsuit, Jerry? http://epic.org/privacy/body_scanners/EPIC_v_DHS_Decision_07_15_11.pdf The Court analyzed the legal precedents and decided the scanners were just fine. See that? Some lawyers tried to use their magic voodoo power, but it didn't work. (The court also held that the TSA should have had a notice and comment period before implementing the scanners. Woo hoo. Since the TSA doesn't even have to suspend use of the scanners while that goes on, it's pretty much meaningless.)

The only way we're going to get rid of the scanners and gropers is by the efforts of regular ordinary people -- people like YOU, Jerry, and people like ME in my non-voodoo capacity. We can yell and scream and write letters, and convince other people to do the same. Convince a whole lot of other people, and together we can vote in law makers who DO have the power to curb (or better yet, get rid of) the TSA.

Oh wait. Now I'm probably to blame for not quitting my job and running for political office on an anti-TSA platform, right?

Right. Also, pass the ERA and legalize dope and tax the churches. You're a LAWYER, right?

> consider the possibility that this was a PR stunt

At first glance, the handwriting did seem almost Postscript-fontlike, well exceeding the penmanship we'd expect from a TSA high school graj-yut.

"Also, pass the ERA and legalize dope and tax the churches."

Before or after I bring the unemployment rate down to 0%, end world hunger, and stabilize the middle east?

Obama's a goddamn lawyer -- what the hell has HE been doing with his voodoo power all this time?

That's actually a slammin' comeback. And Clinton was an attorney, too. Like Nixon.

There you go. We lawyer types should stay the hell away from politics. Hey, come to think of it, all this groping and scanning started under Attorney Obama's watch. Despite my good intentions, if I use my magic voodoo lawyer power, they'll probably start sending robot probes up our asses. I won't want it to end up that way -- I just won't be able to help myself.

Yo, Jerry. Are you listening?

> We lawyer types should stay the hell away
> from politics.

You should do whatever the fuck you want to... It's your electors of whom better should be expected.

"You should do whatever the fuck you want to..." Well, then maybe legalizing dope is the logical place to start my agenda. Loosen up a few inhibitions, and who knows what I might do?

I just clicked on Jerry's link for Ms. Filopovic's profile on her law firm website. She graduated from law school in 2008, and she's practicing at a big NYC law firm. I think it's absolutely adorable that Jerry thinks someone three years out of school has such power and knowledge. Meanwhile, the poor thing is likely spending most of her days (and nights) in a windowless conference room, poring over tedious documents with bleary eyes and making notes on a coffee-stained legal pad. She needs that vibrator, believe me.

On the other hand... I know I belong to a different generation, but there's just no way I would have been blogging and tweeting about my vibrator when I was a young associate. That wasn't the kind of thing that made partners and clients take you seriously. Perhaps times have changed? (Although I think it's more likely that she just isn't all that serious about her law firm career, and has her eyes on doing something else. Not that I'd blame her.)

...but in between all that document review, Ms. Filipovic did manage to win an award for her pro bono work each year she's been at her firm. Alas, though, I can see why Jerry still isn't happy with her. Instead of doing what HE wants her to do, she's working to help provide low income people with legal services they can't otherwise afford. That bitch.

Have I told Jerry to fuck off yet?

And OMG! It's not a publicity stunt! Check it out -- the TSA figured out who did it! "That individual was immediately removed from screening operations and appropriate disciplinary action has been initiated!" http://blog.tsa.gov/2011/10/inappropriate-note-author-identified.html

They do care! They do! Wait 'til I tell them how some of their employees fondled my breasts and rammed their fingers at my vulva!

Props for folla-thru, Gail.

Now... Everybody satisfied? Hands?

OK, ANYBODY satisfied? There, in the back, with the cellphone? Huh-uh? Anyone? No?

Good. Why on Earth should we trust that "appropriate disciplinary action has been initiated"? Why can't we know this person's name, if only to congratulate them on the excellence of their penmanship?

And for the Love of Christ, how can adult Americans put their trust in a security agency which presents –as its representative to a public being digitally penetrated and having its personal property sexually mocked– "Blogger Bob"?

Doesn't that kind of countermand the Secret Agent vibe by which they hope their misconduct is excused?

I mean, Shit Fuck. Amirite?

"Blogger Bob." Blogger Bob says everything's under control.

Read this; tell me if you think your tax dollars might be spent in some better fashion, even with respect only to government communications regarding our security.

Sister Jill's heart is in essentially the right place:

...when I put the note on Twitter for what I thought was a relatively limited audience I was hoping it would open up a bigger conversation about privacy rights (or lack thereof) in post-9/11 America. It unfortunately hasn’t done that, and instead has turned into a media circus.

'Cept, y'know, it's hard to see the line between "bigger conversations" and littler ones, or between media circuses and righteous public interest.

WHATEVER her faults –lawyerly, sisterly or otherwise– I prefer blogger Jill to Blogger Bob.

Blogger Bob is a consummate douche. He makes me want to drive my head through the wall. But for some reason -- maybe I'm a masochist? -- sometimes I feel compelled to check out his infuriatingly smug self-congratulatory pronouncements.

If you want to salvage a tiny bit of joy from Blogger Bob, make your way down to the comment section. Pretty much everyone who bothers to write something slathers abuse on Bob and the TSA. It's especially fun if you get to one of the posts before Bob's had a chance to weed out the more vitriolic comments. Bob doesn't get a lot of love from his public, and that gives me a smidgen of hope for the future of this country.

"Why can't we know this person's name, if only to congratulate them on the excellence of their penmanship?"

A splendid point. Since Jill is going to be known forever as the girl who gets her freak on, perhaps her well-wisher should get some similar publicity. Sure, maybe Jill asked for the publicity when she tweeted and blogged about the note. But I'd say the TSA employee who left it was asking for a little sump'n sump'n, too.

"They do care! They do! Wait 'til I tell them how some of their employees fondled my breasts and rammed their fingers at my vulva!"

Gail's right, and does anyone else see the irony here? Leave a snarky note in luggage = suspension. Feel up all of the (good looking) female pax = hey, part of the job, man!

That's another reason to hate these people. (I know our lists are pretty much full, but just give this a moment of thought....)

Amy had a commenter for a few months who used to belittle her resentment at her airport intrusion. And while this particular commenter was not personally known to any of the rest of us, some who read his comments were left with the impression that his sexual development wasn't all that a grown man might be expected to present, even in anonymous blog comments.

I think the United States has been the best in world at deflating the 12-year-old boy's mentality of how women are supposed to be treated. It's not just our diametric rejection of what we see in militant Islam, though we can certainly be proud of that. The liberty and respect of the American woman improves on European examples in ten thousand subtle details... And it improves on Asian habits in twenty thousand ways, both big and small.

(Among the big components is our embrace of abortion rights. I'm not sure it's in this particular series of lecture fragments, which I highly recommend, but Barnett shows how you can draw a line around all the troubled parts of the world, which he calls the gap. In the rest of planet, abortion is available; but in the violent, impoverished, uneducated gap, no go.)

While this same discipline of ours tames other weird masculine impulses (such as violence and bitter retribution), the sexual component is way BIG part of our excellence.

(To Be Sure passage follows.)

To be sure, American response to femininity needs improvement, and many important articles of wisdom have been lost even as important liberties have been guaranteed; and cultures around the globe have meaningful improvements to offer, improvements which we must sample, or if necessary, steal from those cultures.

(TBS concluded.)

Butcha' know...

We're still the best. There's essentially zero room in the fantasy life of any young man, or even a socially-stilted ADULT man, for daydreams of power under which random women have to withstand sexually-tinged contact or humiliation without comment...

...Well, there wasn't, until the demon Napolitano hired Blogger Bob to tell us how things were going to work.

"does anyone else see the irony here"

That's my issue, Cousin Dave, in a nutshell. They can fondle my genitals and breasts, stick their hands in my pants, view my naked body digitally (or even strip search me, as they did that soccer mom), rummage through my undies, humiliate me, and fine or arrest me if I exercise my right to protest (or even make a joke about it) -- all when they don't have any decent reason at all to think I've done anything remotely wrong. And the TSA, our lawmakers and most of the country don't think there's any problem with that.

No, instead the TSA jumps on the snarky note to show how very serious they are about protecting our rights and dignity. Well, whoopee, I'm so reassured.

Not that I like the snarky note, of course. It's a freaking outrage. But it's not the real problem. The real problem is that these orangutans in uniform are free to rummage through my underwear (on or off) at will and hoot at my private (parts/ possessions) -- as long as they don't leave a note opining on them.

"...daydreams of power under which random women have to withstand sexually-tinged contact or humiliation without comment..."

Exactly, Crid. As Spartee commented above, "you do understand that is a display of social dominance, right?" Most of these TSA employees rank pretty low on the socioeconomic totem pole. For some, scanning and groping might be just a job, but for others, this is their dream opportunity to exercise power. Since we're not allowed to make a peep in protest, they're inevitably going to abuse it. Uneducated goons + power - restraint = tyranny and abuse.

It's a step back. For the sisters especially. Never forget that.