Sharing a complaint I have lodged with the TSA:
I am a Retired Special Forces Commander and combat veteran.
I was recently traveling and received a rather inflammatory comment from one of your officers.
I opted out, was stood to the side, the officer called for “male assist” – all good.
After 4 minutes, I noticed 4 males standing around and no one coming. I asked him how long I had to wait, and he said, and I quote, “that’s what you get for opting out.”
Well, you have a job to do, and I may disagree with how you do it, but we have a right to opt out.
When we do, you still have a job to do and like the other parts of your job, you have a duty to do so quickly and efficiently without undue delay bordering on harassment and punishment for opt out travelers.
It seems that this is a standard practice as I always opt out, but this was an unusual delay, especially when so many males where about and not busy. But this young man’s comments reflected what I suspected, and certainly were not justified nor were they professional.
I also work on TV as a host of a few shows and will share this publicly as there is an obvious outrage by the public at the bullying and intimidation practiced by the TSA against US citizens on a daily, nationwide basis. In this way, you have hurt our economy and support the efforts of the bad guys.
Until you learn to do your duty with honor, and respect and treat Americans with Dignity and not like criminals, you will always be a cause of more harm then help.
The TSA Leadership should hear this message! Thanks and all the best!
