Phil Mocek was acquitted today by a New Mexico jury after he was arrested in 2009 for refusing to show ID to TSA at the Albuquerque airport. I’ve known Phil for a couple of years, and I have to admit, when I first heard about what happened to him, I thought it was a strange point to take a stand on. But he was right. TSA doesn’t have the right to force you to show ID in order to travel within the United States. And as a quick note to all the Tea Partiers screaming about death panels and the socialist tyranny that exists only in their imagination, this is what it looks like when a citizen truly believes in limited government – and is brave enough to stand firmly on the front lines.
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Yes! Way to go Phil!
On this point, we can agree.
What’s not to like about a smaller, less intrusive government?
Imagine the TSA in 30 years. Even more slothful, overpaid, and still as inefficient.
I can’t agree with this one. The September 11 hijackers were traveling within the US.
“Papers please.”
It’s reminiscent of California Highway Patrol officers turning back Okies at the state line … and also reminiscent of this:
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YYMe.....sbourg.JPG
So Roger, you stopped flying because they ask you for your driver’s license before you can get through security to get on the plane?
Okay, the guy was acquitted. Probably he should never have been charged. That doesn’t change the fact the HE DID NOT GET ON THE PLANE. You have to show ID to get on a plane. If you want to be a smartass and not show your ID, you don’t get allowed on the plane. But you shouldn’t get arrested if you don’t break any laws.
@5 They don’t need my driver’s license. I’m readily identifable by my long pink ears.
If society as a whole spent more money on quality airplane maintenance and less on ‘security theatre’, we’d be better off all around.
But, to be completely honest, it’s been so long, a thorough pat-down would be the closest thing I’ve had to a relationship.
In 2009 when your hero was arrested, your guy President Obama was in charge, right?
I say repeal the PAtriot Act, dis-establish the Department of Homeland Security, and fire the TSA people and the private sector handle the TSA task.
If Republicans are serious about cutting spending, abolishing the DHS and TSA is a good start. Then they can declare a truce in the War on Drugs and abolish the DEA.