The Last Thing The TSA Wants Is Free Speech: Schneier Booted
Security expert Bruce Schneier, who coined the term "security theater" in reference to the TSA's real mission, was invited to testify on Monday before the House Committee on Oversight and Government reform -- and then removed from the panel.
Schneier blogs:
On Friday, at the request of the TSA, I was removed from the witness list. The excuse was that I am involved in a lawsuit against the TSA, trying to get them to suspend their full-body scanner program. But it's pretty clear that the TSA is afraid of public testimony on the topic, and especially of being challenged in front of Congress. They want to control the story, and it's easier for them to do that if I'm not sitting next to them pointing out all the holes in their position. Unfortunately, the committee went along with them. (They tried to pull the same thing last year and it failed -- video at the 10:50 mark.)The committee said it would try to invite me back for another hearing, but with my busy schedule, I don't know if I will be able to make it. And it would be far less effective for me to testify without forcing the TSA to respond to my points.
I'm there in spirit, though. The title of the hearing is "TSA Oversight Part III: Effective Security or Security Theater?"
Great piece Amy, but it ain't just the TSA that has zero tolerance for free speech and differing ideas. Thought you would appreciate a link to this piece:
http://www.thecollegefix.com/post/10381
qdpsteve at March 27, 2012 5:27 PM
Not really too related, but hey...
So I just got back from the Federal Building in Sandpoint, Idaho. The 200 pound security woman at the entrance never got out of her chair to look in the bowl of the stuff I put in to get through the metal detector. The alarm went off, I look up, and she said "it's probably just your boots", still never got up, and I pass through.
On the way out I get on the stairwell, and coming down right before me is a blonde woman judge who was very petite. She looked at me strangely, like I was going to threaten her or jump her bones in the stairwell, but we both walk down two flights and exit without incident.
(Meanwhile I'm wearing Army boots, olive cargo pants and a black shirt. I was just there to drop off some papers.)
I get home, and see there is a two inch long dried blood trail trailing down my forehead from where I had hit it accidentally a few hours before, but did not think anything of it. I spoke to about 8 people since hitting my forehead, and not 1 person told me about the blood and security never even stopped me.
Welcome to security theater.
Eric at March 27, 2012 5:46 PM
since he is prevented from speaking at the hearing because he is involved in a lawsuit with the TSA then so should the TSA be prevented from speaking.
The Former Banker at March 27, 2012 7:12 PM
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