Thousands standing around

Like millions of Americans I've suffered under the stupid security theater of the TSA.

Nail clippers are dangerous one minute and ok the next. First you could leave your shoes on now you have to take them off. The whole thing can be summarized as morons protecting the ignorant from the supposed dangers of exploding toothpaste.

I recently read that the TSA were losing badges at an alarming rate and there was concern lest they fall into the wrong hands and be misused.

They shouldn't worry, though, as most travellers would be instantly put on their guard if they came across a TSA worker who wasn't morbidly obese with a room temperature IQ.

Anyway this being a minimum wage government agency, there's no surprise that screeners there are looking for ways to make a bit of money on the side. Like this enterprising fellow:

"One of the victims spotted his gear up for sale on Ebay and alerted another team of investigators working for Homeland Security. When investigators raided Brown's home they found shedloads of electronics gear including 66 cameras, 31 laptop computers, 20 cell phones, 17 electronic games, 13 pieces of jewellery, 12 GPS devices, 11 MP3 players, eight camera lenses, six video cameras and two DVD players. On average Brown was nicking two to three items per week from the airport beginning in September 2007."

And what is the response of the miscreant's managers?

"Officials at the Transportation Security Administration, which employs the airport screeners, said Brown has been placed on administrative leave and will soon be fired."

Hey that'll teach him a lesson!