Random Thoughts From Marybeth

Hawley Isn't the Only One

A Wisconsin man who wrote "Kip Hawley is an Idiot" on a plastic bag containing toiletries said he was detained at an airport security checkpoint for about 25 minutes before authorities concluded the statement was not a threat.

Ryan Bird, 31, said he wrote the comment about Hawley -- head of the Transportation Security Administration -- as a political statement. He said he feels the TSA is imposing unreasonable rules on passengers while ignoring bigger threats.

I can understand the frustration of travelers and agree that some of the rules seem a bit silly but I don't see the point in a protest that will only be seen by the people who are simply doing their jobs. They probably think some of the things they have to do are pointless and have their own ideas of what would work better - just as most other people working in any type of industry who don't have decision making positions and just do as their job description instructs them.

I don't think this was worth detaining someone over but it was childish to protest in a way that would only be seen by the screeners who have no control over policy decisions.

Read more about the story on FlyerTalk.com. The discussion is mostly about whether this is a first Amendment issue and the lack of respect the TSA workers show to passengers. I think they need to reread the First Amendment and remember that if you want repect, you need to be willing to show respect for others too.