How the Hell Did This Happen?

I mean besides the rank incompetence in the TSA.

A terminal at New York’s JFK Airport had to be evacuated and hundreds of passengers marched back through security screening Saturday, all because one Transport Security Administration (TSA) agent failed to realize his metal detector had been unplugged, sources said.

The stunning error led to hours of delays, two planes called back from the runway and infinite frustration for furious passengers.

One of my amusements while waiting in line is seeing how things work. All the metal detectors I’ve seen generally have two light interfaces. A green light when the unit is on but no metal is detected, and a red light (accompanied with a tone) when metal is detected. I’m sure this interface differs slightly with brands and makes of detectors. Still all detection devices generally have an interface that allows users to know the unit is operating properly even when no source is detected. There are all sorts of interfaces with smoke detectors that say they’re running but don’t smell smoke. Same with carbon monoxide testers. Further those hand-held metal detectors that you see people hunting for treasure at beaches and parks with have a light that show that the device is indeed walking.

Now why wouldn’t the TSA have a protocol, say at shift change, to verify that the devices are on, and maybe drop a screw driver, or a small belt buckle…or maybe an ultra-expensive US-certified metal quanta into your pocket and walk through the device to make sure it smells what it needs to find.

These are the people who are watching out for our safty and violating our rights to perform their acts!

DISBAND THE TSA YESTERDAY!