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TSA claims Disney souvenirs equal weapons - takes toys from an 8 year old
OK, this does it - the TSA has finally proven that they are incapable of any rational thought. When 8 year old Jeremiah Ramirez took a trip to Disney World, he did so in order to take his mind off the loss of his father, who died of cancer.
What was supposed to be a normal flight back home with some of the toys he purchased at the park, turned into a show of power by the security staff at Ft. Lauderdale airport.
Apparently, they are of the opinion that a toy sword and Disney gun, could be used to take down the plane - so they confiscated them. And if that wasn't enough, the family then saw the TSA agents playing with the toys.
The story does have a happy ending, as Disney was kind enough to replace the toys when they heard about the incident.
I can fully understand that the TSA does not want to take any risks with weapons designed to look like the real thing (that rule is spelled out on their site), but do any of the people hired to protect our nation really think that an 8 year old boy getting over the loss of his father would be able to hijack a plane using a plastic "Pirates of the Caribbean" sword?
Common sense is gone from the checkpoint, and to me, that is score 1 for the terrorists.
Gallery: 10 things that will mess up your vacation
Gallery: Top 10 stupidest laws you may encounter abroad
Filed under: North America, United States, News
Reader Comments (Page 11 of 11)
c5d118c9 Jul 30th 2009 8:48PM
Steve,
My experience as a former TSA employee was those TSO's with a military background were on incredible power trips. The kind passengers complain about being "militant" in their handling the screening process. The passengers did not sign up for the Army, but I've seen them treated that way by former military personnel.
Perhaps that's the reason you didn't make the grade.
Jim Jul 30th 2009 10:05PM
ok ladies and gentlemen here we go. You in your adolesence have seemed to have forgetten what it is like to defend a country and this is why our nation is in the situation that it is now. Now let me walk you through some things here children. Bombs come in all shapes and sizes which does not exclude disney shaped toys. Now if TSA had not done their jobs they would not have recognized the tell tail signs in bomb detection. Obviously their officers felt it a legitimate threat that one or all of said toys should be held for further examination. Are you still with me or am I using too big of words. I am sorry for the little boy ( if there really is one). The people you are so continually ridiculing for the most part are very trained and compitent individuals as trained by the United States Government. The same organization that trains lets say, Secret Service, DEA, U.S. Marshalls and other homeland based enforcement agencies. Might I remind you the same that trains all branches of service such as U.S. Marines, Air Force, Navy, Army, and Coast Guard. TSA by the way employs many of these veterans including those trained in bomb detection. These same individuals who are trained to detect in 20 to 30 seconds what it takes your local bomb squad minutes or even hours to detect are having to put up with people such as yourselves hitting, spitting, pushing, throwing unknown substances on, and being called all sorts of profanities? (Does this remind you of say, our Vietnam Veterans? I bet you love Jane Fonda too). Now if this is too much for you spoiled American snibling whiners to handle then I invite you to leave this country and seek life elsewhere. I for one am tired of your weekness. And as for the author of this article you need to get out of America. You do not deserve to live in this country or either one of our neighbors. You have damaged the people's perseption of our Federal system and I for one think you are pithetic. Now for those who wish to crityque me on my spelling, it is the message I am conveying. You in trying to demonstrate your acedamia only prove my point further. Show some back bone America and defend her.
Yours very truely,
tony Jul 30th 2009 11:21PM
wel Jeem Eye gues u war edjacated by thos thar govnment fellers yusself.
" Bombs come in all shapes and sizes which does not exclude disney shaped toys. " So they couldn't rule out the fact that the rubber sword was a bomb eh???
Now that is some training!!
doc Jul 30th 2009 9:19PM
hey foolks! this is not a tsa exclusive.i am a civilian who used to work for a civilian based management co.on ft.knox army base in kentucy.while going to work everyday i had to go thru a checkpoint to enter the base.not suprising!they would run random inspections and check out vehicals. well one day i was stopped and checked.it seems that a couple of weeks prior i had gone to a haloween costume party.my costume was a pirate.part of the costumewas you guessed it a plastic sword and flintlock pistol.they were left inadvertenly left under the back seat.when discovered by security they confiscated them(albeit with some great humor on both sides).my point is that these security measures are in place and the people who are assigned to enforce them are just doing the job they are assigned to.i agree maybe some people are rude and obnoxios but it happens every day in all aspects of life. please be patient with your fellow humans.
JT Jul 30th 2009 9:54PM
OK TSA bashers – let’s talk. The situation is a Mom disregarded a large sticker on the stock of a toy gun AND a sign on the store shelf at Disney that says to “place it in checked baggage if flying.” Gee, I wonder why? Is this lady stupid? Nope, don’t think so – just decided to disregard the signs, the sticker, and the TSA officers that advised her (more than once) that she could check it, mail it (right at the checkpoint!) or it doesn’t go through. Oh, not a threat you say? OK “security expert,” Google “Real Guns That Look like Toys.” Then you can find something else to complain about. Oh the kid not a threat? Better Google again before you claim your PhD in security. Water bottles not a threat – hey, Google is pretty good – try it. Look up Richard Reid, although there are thousands of examples. TSA not effective? Hey nothing to find on Google there? Why? Wouldn’t be because nothing has happened since a lot of caring, professional, smart, security “experts” put together programs of layered security at airports and other transportation venues and made it better after 911?? (It is NOT luck – period.) Why layers? Because even a military checkpoint can be breached, etc., etc. Security officers are sorry that security is inconvenient, but I don’t think there would be many flying if we advertised that we would no longer screen passengers and bags. (Like when terrorism got involved in the airlines in the 60s and 70s. Google TWA 847 – that is an easy one from 1985 (after screening started in the early 70s) – or the Achille Lauro if you like cruise ship stories. There are many more. Sorry, but I think TSA is doing a great job. Any organization of 50,000 people will have individual issues sometimes, and bad days. But these guys and gals must be on top of their game every day and with every passenger. Every person could be an innocent citizen and every one could be a terrorist. Sorry, but we can’t take your word for it, either way! (But you will get to meet Law Enforcement if you say you are one! – Kidding around is NOT acceptable in the airport!) So, take your shoes off with the comforting knowledge that a bunch of people are working hard (including the airlines and airports) to make sure you reach your destination safely. No organization is perfect, but TSA is working the continuous improvement journey.
H8edson Jul 30th 2009 10:20PM
-----------------TSA==== TOO STUPID ADULT.
Doug Jul 30th 2009 11:00PM
Jim,
You realy need to learn to use spell check and you should research something before you pontificate about it, because you, obviously know little, (or nothing) about TSA, NSA, DOD, etc.,ad infinitum!!!!
Rich Jul 30th 2009 11:41PM
"TSA thefts from your baggage" Does it happen? Yes? How often, less than one (1%) per cent of the reported thefts from checked baggage (or from TSA security check points) for that matter - -less than 1%- are committed by TSA employees - most of you do not know that the TSA officers are closely monitored by a number of methods - when apprehended in those rare cases -as mentioned on these pages- they're arrested and *prosecuted*; the other 99% know your stuff isn't worth their job or prison time - it just isn't. . . Thefts of and from your property in the commercial aviation industry are most generally committed by airline employees - who break open your bags & toss your locks - or simply open and steal from unlocked baggage - after TSA processes it- TSA has your property for a couple of minutes --- the airline has it your whole trip ---; you figure it out the time lines---- your airline simply denies it, won't invesigate it - and refers you to TSA - who -will- invesitgate it via a number of sophisticated methods - I know, I *did* investigations. We're back to that 1% again - Most of the 'thefts' on checkpoints are committed by other passengers when you fail to watch and secure your own property before or after the checkpoint --- or *actually* left your property at the hotel, in the cab, dropped it at the curb or a hundred other places before you even got to the airport; so since it isn't there -now- you think TSA must have stole it --- --- - and - **I've** investigated hundreds of fraudulent claims filed by 'passengers' - let me see - This guy is leaving Lost Vegas - after dropping 2 grand he couldn't afford to lose - he is afraid to tell -momma- sooo. "that screener took 2 grand outta my bag...." Happens every day - every day. . . . TSA 'employee theft rate" is by actuary - one of the lowest in the nation.
Jay Jul 31st 2009 2:06AM
I just follow the rules no matter how ridiculous it may be. I'm a Fll resident so that's my regular airport I have tossed out toy guns before I was like w.e they were cheap they are replaceable. TSA is getting crazier and crazier though and half the time they are rude for no reason and I normally have a smile on my face. But I see it as this if a terrorist wanted to do something they would do it and would be able to find a way to go around TSA.(Not all checked bags are scanned)
Ray Jul 31st 2009 3:36AM
The first encounter I had with Thousands Sitting Around, they broke my new laptop by prying it open without asking me to open it for them. They did this while I was doing the balance act removing my belt ,boots, watches change from my pocket, glasses etc.Then with everybody crunching up behind you with their stuff and you never get a chance to check these things out as you are trying just to get out of every bodies way who is behind you then attempting to re assemble all your personal attire.
The second time I was returning from Iraq with an injured spine. The airlines was moving me about as per doctors orders in a wheel chair holding my cane. When I came to security they would not let me board with my cane. So I had to risk further injury to my spine and hobble my way to my seat in the far back of the aircraft. When I asked how I was supposed to get to my seat the guy said and I quote: "I don't care"
CR Jul 31st 2009 9:59AM
I find this banter about TSA to be ridiculous. TSA Regulations are only as good as the people that are interpreting and enforcing them. One of the times that I was flying I purchased and used a lock on my suitcase that was TSA approved which meant they should have been openable by TSA. They cut it off anyway. That would not upset me as bad as the fact that I had a breakable item in the suitcase well padded with the clothes and when I got home they had dug through the suitcase and the breakable item was on top of the clothes that was to protect it. Fortunately, it was not broken but it just proves that the people that work for TSA have the same failings as a lot of people do where it comes to work. Do I think confiscating a toy is stupid yes. But, here is a person who looks a screen or searches through peoples effects for a living. Complacency is bound to happen and the rules give them power over others. Is TSA perfect? No!
Inkling Jul 31st 2009 11:01AM
I am aware that TSA didn't exist on 9-11, but airport security did. I don't care if they are rude or polite while doing their job. Even if they are polite, it doesn't excuse ignorance. Searching me when I was a resident of an island and was traveling to another island was stupid, and they repeatedly have done other stupid crap with other passengers. They send people through this whole huge gamut of background checks, interviews, testing, etc, and they still end up with idiots doing the job. WHY is this government spending so much money investigating people to work for TSA when most of the time relatives or friends of other emloyees are hired? The intelligence level goes way down when nepotism is involved. That is the way it is with the majority of government jobs, family get hired first, friends get hired second, the gen pop who are most qualified for the job get hired last. The first two categories don't have to be qualified. They just have to be able to pass a test that they have been coached on or given the answers to. I don't care what you think of my opinions. The truth and facts are out there and they will set you free.
Inkling Jul 31st 2009 11:28AM
Think about it...Millions of Americans who were born on this soil and have lived their lives honestly and without crime are being scrutinized every time we get on a plane, yet thousands of illegals enter this country and stay here without retribution. The people who supposedly controlled the planes on 9-11 weren't American citizens. The people who work in this country and don't pay taxes are not American. WHY IS IT that Americans are the ones that face the greatest amount of scrutiny? Hijacking has been going on in the airline industry since the 1960s. Honestly, if the airlines had taken precautionary measures long ago and spent the money to revamp their airplanes we probably wouldn't have ever experienced what happened on 9-11. Now, WE are all forced to pay for THEIR inadequacies.
Inkling Jul 31st 2009 11:31AM
I often wonder WHY my phone line is tapped and I am detained at the airport and searched when radical terrorist groups like the KKK are not even scrutinized. I was born in America. My ancestors were here long before the Spanish, British, French, or America ever existed. I am NOT the terrorist here on this soil. I LOVE my land. I can guarantee that I am scritinized MORE here than foreigners are. I have never threatened anyone. I have never committed a crime. YES, I speak out against the inadequacies of this country and it's government. That is the true meaning of being a patriot. My forefather, George Washington, would've been arrested and tried for treason against his government if he was caught. Why is it that a true patriot who has never threatened this country should be investigated when they speak out against the ignorance of the people who are SUPPOSED to be protecting this country and caring for it's people? Scrutize the people who are on here that are racists and want to see our President killed because he is black.
Aisley Jul 31st 2009 11:08PM
Ah my dear Shannon, you're oh so right when you say "you obviously are not". But when you have a brother that has worked for more than 20 years at Customs in Miami Airport, and obviously you don't, and he says it is stupid, it is stupid.
The scenario of "have no issue stooping to a level to give a weapon to a child", you're going too far as TSA did. Couldn't they ask the mother to produce the register ticket from the purchase of the "weapons"? But of course they're all protecting the public from the criminals that will stoop to a level to use a Revlon nail polish to hijack an airplane. I just hope they use the Blush color; it is very tasteful...