Let's Be Smart, Here

1. Stop arguing about whether the current TSA nonsense is Obama's fault or Bush's and concentrate on ending it. I'm starting to see more of the typical political wanking that sabotages discussion of serious issues. Let's focus on ending this assault on our freedoms and not get bogged down in assigning blame.

2. It's possible that the TSA may be trying to create uncertainty by implementing different screening rules at different places, with Pistole saying in one press release that hes standing firm on these policies and in others that they'll be fine-tuned. The arrogant prick needs to be fired, along with Janet Napolitano.

3. Various sources are calling the organizers and participants in National Opt Out Day irresponsible for planning the event just prior to Thanksgiving. To be blunt, they are full of shit. The longer we just let the TSA's assaults on our privacy to stay in place, the likelier it is that they'll be permanent. This could be very likely of they are allowed to continue past the Holiday Season. Let's act on the momentum that we now have!

4. Think about writing your state and federal representatives, repeatedly, this week. Say politely but firmly that these policies are ludicrous and that you expect them to take measures to defund the TSA or evict them from local airports. At least urge that the TSA be kept on a much shorter leash. New York and New Jersey, not the most libertarian states in the country, have already done this.

5. Contact your local airport and tell them that you want them to jettison the TSA and implement a screening process that is smart and not an assault on traveler's dignity. Several airports have

Here are some links to recent developments that give hope for suggestions 4 or 5 working: 1 2 3 4

6. Join or post comments to your representatives through the American Civil Liberties Union pr the Electronic Privacy Information Center.

If you find any or all of these suggestions to be of value, forward them to a few friends and ask them to do the same.

Why the people who allegedly support TSA screening don't matter

1. If the new enhanced pat-downs don't cross the line with these people, nothing will. They'd clearly tie a ribbon around their junk and pirouette through the metal detector singing "I'm a Little Teapot" if someone with a badge told them it was necessary to the security of air travel.

2. Far too few American s are proactive about protecting their rights. Only a small fraction of the population makes the effort to join the ACLU, NRA, NARAL, EFF or any other pro-right organization. The vast majority people just do as they're told, with some realizing the mistake of that approach when some rule they could have taken action about bites them. The minority of the population that joins organizations like those and is politically active are the watchdogs that reduce government power grabs.