ARMING TEACHERS

In the wake of the Sandy Hook Elementary shooting tragedy, there are calls to begin arming educators.  While I am of the opinion, had only one teacher at Sandy Hook been sufficiently trained and carrying a weapon, the incident may have ended differently; simply arming educators en mass is not the answer.

To believe for one moment, putting teachers through some rudimentary training course, giving them a weapon and then expecting them to react offensively in an active shooter situation is a fallacy ripe for future disaster.

Should States and school systems decide to arm educators, the process to do so is not only extensive, the costs are recurring.  Long term financial commitment will be required.  Each individual needs to be assessed, properly trained, trained even more and then undergo constant retraining/recertification.  Even so, you are still left with the one critical unknown variable.  Will that person have the wherewithal or fortitude to use the weapon if and when the time comes?  

I have been trained in the use of and carrying weapons since my military service in the 70's.  I have furthered those skills over the years to include Executive Protection and Personal Security, certified through the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS).  I am constantly at the range, practicing, familiarizing myself with my weapons and their operation.  I take every opportunity afforded me to train further, polish and hone my abilities, which have included real life scenarios, using Simunitions (non-lethal training ammunition), where I am presented with "shoot/no shoot" situations.  You are pointing a loaded weapon at another human being and even though you KNOW you're using non-lethal ammunition; even though you KNOW it's a training scenario, the decision to pull the trigger is still not easy.  It is however, a decision that has to be made.  Reaching beyond that tipping point is precisely why I train constantly.

I live in a Yellow OODA (Observe, Orient, Decide, Act) Loop world.  It is a never ending process as I reassess my surroundings, my situation, dozens of times a day.  At work, at home, while shopping; walking, driving...constantly.  Although I carry; to this day, I've never drawn my weapon for offensive reasons.  While I hope to never have to do so, I'm prepared as well as I can be, to respond appropriately; not only protect myself and my family but also defend others and if necessary, end an active shooter situation.

It remains to be seen if the proposals to arm educators come to fruition or are just knee-jerk reactions.  I expect there are other ways to secure schools, protect students and teachers.  These avenues must also be explored, considered and if viable and fiscally practical, put into place.

If we arm teachers and school administrators, they will need to achieve the same level of preparedness and awareness mentioned above.  The world as they know it will be forever changed and viewed in a different light.  There's no waffling here.  You are asking people to do more than just lock and barricade their doors.  You are asking them reject the overwhelming human instinct to flee from danger; to go on the offensive, to purposely put themselves in harms way.  It's a lot to ask and until the time comes, if it comes, either they'll be capable of doing so, or they won't.

        

               

San Antonio NISD - John Jay High School

I read from the Rutherford Institute, that the San Antonio Northside Independent School District is forcing one student, Andrea Hernandez, out of the Magnet program for her refusal to wear an RFID tracking badge.

As the article reads, Ms. Hernandez is the only student out of approximately 4200, who has taken this stand.  I shudder with a sinking feeling in my heart that there are 4199 sheeple students and their parents who have no objection to this unlawful and blatant assault on their Constitutional Rights.

American's will one day wake up, too late I fear, to find their freedoms no longer exist.

I believe the NISD knows they are on shaky ground.  An effort was made by the administration to have Ms. Hernandez wear the badge, sans the RFID chip, to give the appearance that she agreed to the program.  To her credit, she has flatly refused to participate in the charade.

I implore every student as John Jay High School to support Ms. Hernandez.  En mass, stand up, walk out and refuse to return until such time as this program and the idea behind it are dead and buried, six feet under.

You have rights, guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States.  Rights and freedoms that men and women, for over 232 years, have given their lives to secure for every generation which has come after them.  Do not give up a single modicum of freedom for the illusion of security or big brother.  Do not let their sacrifices be in vain.   

HURRICANE SANDY AND THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT

In the aftermath of yet another natural disaster, Americans are once again being implored by the Red Cross and other Relief Organizations to contribute funds to help their fellow citizens.  All well and good.  Americans always help their own after devastating events such as this.

My question is, where is their government?  Rhetorical question number one.  Beyond platitudes, helicopter tours of the impacted cities and towns, the promise of help and the declaration of disaster area's, I see little in the way of assistance to the thousands who have lost nearly everything.  Seaside Heights, Mantiloking and Breezy Point, New Jersey being just three of the cities having been devastated by Sandy.

As with Hurricane Katrina and the 2011 Virginia earthquake, Americans will step up and donate billions of dollars.  Most of it will be pissed away and five, ten plus years from now; cities, towns and people will still be trying to rebuild and recover their lives.  FEMA, will send formaldehyde saturated trailers or tell people that despite millions of dollars in damage incurred by the quake, they don't "qualify" for funds and remain the the feckless, bloated and useless government entity that it is.

While Rome is only partially burning, it's obvious the Federal Government really doesn't care.  $50 billion dollars is one of the estimates of Sandy's devastation.  In the grand scheme of American dollars, a mere drop in the bucket.  Would it be too much to ask that the 537 political hacks who supposedly represent the 330 million, suspend that amount in foreign aid to our  "allies" in the War on Terror, War on Drugs, War on (insert name of effort here) and instead focus those funds and efforts to help our own citizens?  Rhetorical question number two.  The money would certainly be better spent and go to those who truly need it.

While I am not a fan of hand outs or the government coming to the rescue every time someone's pier gets washed away or their car destroyed by flooding waters; portions of whole towns burned, flooded tunnels and subway systems, $20 billion dollars in economic damage and $30 billion in property destruction, create an exception.

It's about time our representatives concentrate on the health, well being and recovery of their citizens.  Sadly, that is far too much to ask of men and women more concerned and focused on bitter, vitriolic partisanship sniping.  The latter, in their small minds, obviously trumping the former, in importance. 

VOTE 2012

I read with heavy dismay an article in my local newspaper, that some Virginia residents are badly confused over what type of (or if) they need to provide and ID when going to the polls this November for the Presidential election.

Requirements to tighten Voter ID laws in other states are met with heavy opposition by the Democratic party.  Opposition, which may or may not be warranted.  They Dems do not hesitate to roll out the old chant that restrictions prevent people from voting, are the equivalent to literacy tests and keep minorities, the poor, the disabled and college students from voting.  I've often wondered how asking someone to produce an ID that confirms their identity, in order to exercise that most treasured of rights, voting, is somehow discriminatory.  But then again, I'm inserting logic into the equation and everyone knows, that's not allowed.

In Virginia, one can present many forms of ID in order to vote; a utility bill or bank statement will suffice.  What concerns me most however, is that despite the plethora of information out there to educate residents, one registrar put it succinctly when she said "You can't make people read stuff or pay attention."

Indeed you cannot.  I posit that many of these people are, in all likelihood, the same folks who drink the Kool-Aid of their respective political parties, believe everything they hear on the news and know it must be "true" because they read it on the internet.

I would never deny any legitimate American the right to vote. I question why some of them do so, when they can't or won't bother to learn what is required to cast the ballot. 

AFFORDABLE CARE ACT

The Supreme Court of The United States yesterday, upheld the constitutionality of the Obama Administration's Affordable Health Care Act.  I am fortunate enough to be in the position where NOT having or choosing to not have insurance, will ever affect me.

The Federal Government has instituted yet another tax on Americans.  How Obama and the Democratic party think this is somehow fair or warranted is simply beyond me.

Of more interest to me, is Congressman Rob Wittman's (my representative) statement on the issue.  In it he says "I have and will continue to support a repeal of this law and action to replace it with commonsense solutions that lower costs while increasing access to care. I will continue to support limiting the federal government’s reach, to protect the patient-provider relationship, and to advocate for solutions promoting affordability and accessibility of health care."

These are fine words and sentiments by the Congressman, but sadly, he is part of the establishment (i.e. Congress) that lacks the courage to reign in health care costs and make it, in any way possible, even remotely affordable to all Americans.  Congress panders and whore themselves out to those with money. Insurance companies and the Health Care industry spend millions every year in filling the coffers of politicians and ensuring the status quo.

So what is the answer?  I wish I had it.  I do know, taxing American's for NOT having some type of healthcare insurance, certainly isn't the answer.  Repealing what is known as Obamacare (why don't they call it Romneycare?  He after all was the trail blazer) might be the answer, but if successful, don't then expect the politicians to step forward and fix a badly broken system.

A Shady Deal

The Commonwealth's Attorney for Richmond, Virginia, Michael Herring has offered a deal to a group of women's rights protesters, arrested on the Capitol Square earlier this year.  The protesters can avoid jail if they stay out of trouble AND admit police acted within their authority.

This smells.  The very fact that the CA is asking for the protesters to admit Police acted within their authority, immediately tells me, they did not.  Why else would he, right out of the gate, drop all charges of unlawful assembly?  Possibly because there is no such thing.  The First Amendment guarantees the rights of Americans to assemble peacefully. In my opinion, Herring knows law enforcement violated that right.  With Capitol Police and State Troopers responding in riot gear, the only people responsible for creating an other than peaceful situation were the cops themselves.

Our brave Governor and fearless General Assembly members (insert sardonicism here) must have been quivering in their collective boots as this group of boogeymen demonstrators streamed into the Square. I have one word to describe both they and law enforcement...COWARDS!

CA Herring will be "working with the appropriate state agencies to determine whether state regulations can be revised to better accommodate state Capitol protesters."  I think not.  Herring, politicians and law enforcement have zero intention of "better accommodating" anyone who dares to question or hold accountable the status quo.  They want to amend laws in order to shuffle protesters off into areas in/around the Capitol, commonly known as "First Amendment Expression Areas," in order to keep them from the general public's view and dilute/negate their message. 

**Note to all of my countrymen....The ENTIRE United States of America is a First Amendment Expression Area!

This is yet another example of how pathetically out of touch politicians are with their constituents.  How police in general are nothing more than thug like puppets, at the beck and call of their masters, being utilized to abuse and violate the rights of their fellow citizens. Sadly and in my opinion, more often than not, with smiles on their faces. 

On A Roll

The State of Texas appears to be on a roll and not in a good way.  The Northside ISD will be introducing RFID chips into the id cards of students at two of its schools.  Not surprisingly, not only did the School Board unanimously approve this flagrant abuse of its students right to privacy, the soon to be new superintendent, Brian Woods, also defended the use of tracking; comparing the chips to security cameras. 

The chip readers on campuses and school buses can track a student but can't follow them once they leave the school campus.  Really?  The why are there RFID trackers on school buses?  Will they magically stop working once the bus departs the school?

Still, there's no need to worry as "Only authorized administrative officials will have access to the information."  Right, no school official would ever think of abusing their position and using this information in some unauthorized manner, would they?

Some parents say they understand the benefits but have reservations about privacy?  Que Ben Franklin..."Those willing to give up freedom for security, deserve neither."

And in other Texas news:  The Montgomery Sheriff's Office has its own drone.  Granted they crashed it into their BearCat SWAT vehicle (I would have loved to have seen that fiasco), but that hasn't deterred Chief Deputy Randy McDaniel, nor has the outcry from Civil Liberties organizations.  Despite violation of privacy issues, Deputy McDaniel is still planning on deploying the drone with rubber bullets and tear gas.

With DHS fully supporting the adoption of unmanned drones to police and other agencies, the Police State of America, previously known as the Sturmabteilung or Brownshirts, in the 1930's, has arrived.  DHS, POTUS and the Federal Government in general, have little to no concern for the citizens of America or any of their rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution.  My elected representatives, Rob Wittman and Mark Warner, having foresworn their oath's of office to "uphold and protect the Constitution of the United States," continue to vote for laws that restrict our freedoms and, in my opinion, are traitors to their country; while at the same time, abdicating any personal honor and integrity they may once have possessed.  A somewhat harsh assessment some will say, but one I wholeheartedly believe. 

I wait in rapt anticipation for these issues to come to Fredericksburg.  Will my fellow citizens blithely accept the slow creep of tyranny that invades the country today or will they stand together when the time comes and take back the freedoms which are being erased?

Sheeples or People...which will they be?

Honoring 15,300

Here in Fredericksburg we have Marye's Heights, billed as one of the "foremost landmarks in American Military history."

This aspect of the American's Civil War, Battle of Fredericksburg, was set aside as a National Cemetery, after the war.  15,300 men are buried here.

Of this number, approximately 3,000 were formally identified.  The remainder are simply numbers on small flat stones.  Many have 3 or more on them, corresponding to the number of bodies buried below.

Every Memorial Day weekend, Boy & Girl Scouts Troops from around the area descend on Marye's Heights and place flags and luminaries at each headstone.  On Saturday evening, just before sunset, the luminaries are lit.  For the next 4 hours, every 30 minutes on the hour, a bugler blows taps.

This is a sight to behold.  Thousands of people milling about, taking in the amazing spectacle before them.  The first note comes out of the bugle and there is utter silence.  The hair raises up on your arms, tears flow and soft, muffled sobs can be heard.

If you haven't experienced The Heights on Memorial Day, it is a must for your bucket list.

TSA On A Roll

A gathering of the latest TSA abuses from the TSA New Blog. Enjoy. Weep. Be Outraged. Fear for your Freedoms. Your choice.

TSA Gropes 5 year old

No Grandmom, I'm not carrying a gun!

Naked is good

What TSA Really Stands For

Play with my junk, get a stern talking to!
Yea Congressman, that's really going to change TSA.

Another Blow to Liberty - Another Step Closer to The Police State

Yesterday the Supreme Court of The United States dealt yet another blow to the US Constitution and the Civil Liberties of all Americans.

In a 5-4 decision, SCOTUS ruled that it is perfectly acceptable for any citizen, regardless of their offense, regardless of whether there is any reasonable suspicion on the part of police, to be strip searched prior to being put into jail.

Congratulations to Justice's Kennedy, Scalia, Thomas, Alito and Chief Justice Roberts! Why wait any longer? We're almost there anyway...I vote we storm the National Archives, abscond with the US Constitution and Bill Of Rights, torch them and complete this country's transition to a the full blown Police State.

I weep for Washington, Madison, Adams, Jefferson, Monroe, Franklin, et al. In their wildest dreams they never envisioned that in less than 250 years, everything they sacrificed to create this unique country would be lost to narrow minded, partisan men and women who swore an oath to uphold the Constitution, yet seem more inclined to destroy it.

As I write to the Congressman and Senator who "represent" me, to express outrage (an effort in futility, I fully realize), I weep for America.

On The Plus Side

While riding to work this morning, I was treated to the sight of our majestic symbol of liberty and freedom gliding three hundred feet above me.

I'd like to take a moment to personally thank the Bald Eagle for making my day so early on.

HR 347 Federal Restricted Buildings and Grounds Improvement Act of 2011

In a true show of bipartisanship, of the eleven Virginia members of the House of Representatives, ten recently voted "Yea" for HR 347, The Federal Buildings and Grounds Improvement Act of 2011.

In doing so, these ten members, knowingly supported the continued assault, rape and pillaging of every Americans Constitutional rights. Specifically in this case, The First Amendment. How so? Read the text below:

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the `Federal Restricted Buildings and Grounds Improvement Act of 2011'.

SEC. 2. RESTRICTED BUILDING OR GROUNDS.

Section 1752 of title 18, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:

-`Sec. 1752. Restricted building or grounds

`(a) Whoever--

`(1) knowingly enters or remains in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority to do so;

`(2) knowingly, and with intent to impede or disrupt the orderly conduct of Government business or official functions, engages in disorderly or disruptive conduct in, or within such proximity to, any restricted building or grounds when, or so that, such conduct, in fact, impedes or disrupts the orderly conduct of Government business or official functions;

`(3) knowingly, and with the intent to impede or disrupt the orderly conduct of Government business or official functions, obstructs or impedes ingress or egress to or from any restricted building or grounds; or

`(4) knowingly engages in any act of physical violence against any person or property in any restricted building or grounds;

or attempts or conspires to do so, shall be punished as provided in subsection (b).

`(b) The punishment for a violation of subsection (a) is--

`(1) a fine under this title or imprisonment for not more than 10 years, or both, if--

`(A) the person, during and in relation to the offense, uses or carries a deadly or dangerous weapon or firearm; or

`(B) the offense results in significant bodily injury as defined by section 2118(e)(3); and

`(2) a fine under this title or imprisonment for not more than one year, or both, in any other case.

(c) In this section--

`(1) the term `restricted buildings or grounds' means any posted, cordoned off, or otherwise restricted area--

`(A) of the White House or its grounds, or the Vice President's official residence or its grounds;

`(B) of a building or grounds where the President or other person protected by the Secret Service is or will be temporarily visiting; or

`(C) of a building or grounds so restricted in conjunction with an event designated as a special event of national significance; and

`(2) the term `other person protected by the Secret Service' means any person whom the United States Secret Service is authorized to protect under section 3056 of this title or by Presidential memorandum, when such person has not declined such protection.'.

The law is a legislative end-around the First Amendment’s protection of the right of every American to assemble and the right to speak freely.

There were only three members of the House (Justin Amash [R-Mich.], Paul Broun [R-Ga.], and Keith Ellison [Democratic-Farmer-Labor -Minn.])who recognized this bill for what it was and voted "Nay."

We have seen the enemy and he is us.

Why I Don't Talk To Cops

This absurd ruling by the Supreme Court of The United States today reinforces why an innocent person should never and I don't, talk to cops. It is simply another piece of our Constitutional Rights being negated by the high court of the land.

Superb piece by Professor James Duane, In Praise of the 5th Amendment explaining why folks shouldn't talk to cops.

As well as a response by Officer George Burch of the Virginia Beach PD

All worth reading & watching.

Routinely Dismissed

As reported earlier, I filed a formal complaint against TSA for my treatment at IAH.

Well, I have received a reply and not surprising, my complaint has been routinely dismissed.

The text of the letter is below:

Dear Mr. Olsen,

Thank you for your letter of January 17, 2012, to Secretary Janet Napolitano concerning your passenger screening experience at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) on January 17, 2012. Your letter was forwarded to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for response.

We regret that you found your screening experience to be unsatisfactory. TSA seeks to provide professional and efficient customer service to every passenger while maintaining a high level of security. Our policies and procedures focus on ensuring that each individual is treated with respect and courtesy We go to great lengths to train our Transportation Security Officers (TSO) in the proper way to inspect individuals and their personal items.

TSA management at IAH conducted an inquiry into this matter and it was determined that standard operation procedures (SOP) were followed by the TSO, Transportation Screening manager (TSM), and Supervisory Transportation Security Officer (STSO) who assisted you during your screening.

You arrived at the screening checkpoint and provided your boarding pass ad an identification (ID) card from the Commonwealth of Virginia, Department of Criminal Justice Services. The TSO informed you that the ID was not on TSA's list of acceptable IDs and the Houston Police Department (HPD) became involved.

Because your ID had been accepted in the past, you indicated that it should have been recognized that day, and you did not see the need to produce any other documentation. Instead you requested that the officers clear you to proceed throught the screening checkpoint and secondary screening. you informed the security officers that you possessed acceptable documentation but did not believe you should be required to produce it to gain access to the airport sterile area.

TSA is not able to confirm whether the ID card from the Commonwealth of Virginia, Department of Criminal Justice Services was accepted at other airports. However, the TSA officers at IAH acted appropriately when they requested a second form of ID accepted by the Department of Homeland Security. Eventually, you produced an acceptable form of ID and were cleared for travel.

We appreciated that you took the time to share your concerns with us and hope this information was helpful.

Sincerely yours,

Chad Bash
Assistant General Manager for Communications
Office of Security Operations

cc: Federal Security Director, IAH

There are blatant errors and omissions within the above letter. I did not find the experience "unsatisfactory." As an American, I found it offensive. HPD did not become involved. They were called by TSA and despite being told there was a raving, threatening maniac at the checkpoint, determined this wasn't the case and departed, in essence telling TSA "You're a bunch of ignorant, anserine morons."

TSA being "unable to confirm whether the ID card from DCJS was accepted at other airports" is simply because TSA is too arrogant to do any research and follow up. Not surprising.

Of course, anyone with half a brain knows that TSA goes out of its way to mistreat Americans with discourtesy and disrespect. One need only read the hundreds of newspaper articles or follow TSARants on Twitter to read about the abuses and absurdity that is TSA Security Theater.

The lesson learned here is to, in the future, blatantly lie to TSA regarding identification. I have no problem doing so with an organization for which I hold in contempt and disdain and have zero respect or confidence. TSA is the laughing stock of the federal government. 50,000 sad, pathetic, insignificant individuals, on power trips, sucking off the federal teat, all the while, routinely violating the Constitutional Rights of every American who travels the skies.

Politics Before Honor

With each passing week, TSA appears to pull yet another stunt that focuses the spotlight of ignorance and stupidity on the organization. Meet Mr. Jayve Montgomery. Not only do the screeners pull down his pants, they then have him arrested for indecent exposure. He appears to ask only if the search is finished before pulling up his pants. Screeners then go into full bully mode and call the cops. Of course they prove to be nothing more than bullies as well.

What I find most disturbing are the dozens of sheeples who come and go with nary a glance or comment to the treatment Mr. Montgomery is being subject to. Not a single person comes to his defense. Fellow Americans, who ignore the daily raping of their Constitutional rights in the mistaken belief that TSA, this farce of an organization, is somehow keeping them safe.

I'd most likely have been arrested as well. I can not and would not sit idly by as a fellow citizen is being treated in this manner. To not come to their defense is unconscionable. I'd like to say that every person who passed by should be ashamed. However, they are, as stated above, sheeples and worthy only of contempt and ridicule.

What does Congress do about the plethora of TSA abuses? Nothing. Our so called representatives; those men and women who took an oath to uphold the US Constitution from all enemies, foreign and domestic, abdicated that oath in favor of political survival. Few, if any of them, care one iota about everyday citizens. They are cowards, lacking even the most basic sense of honor; bereft of personal integrity, hiding behind quaint phrases such as "keeping the homeland safe" and screaming "national security" at the top of their lungs.

Knowing that they've whored themselves out, that they've sold out their constituents and lacking any semblance of personal accountability and responsibility, how do they sleep at night?

TAKING ADVANTAGE

Here in Virginia we've waited patiently for the Winter weather to arrive. To date, we've had one or two slight dustings of snow and a few icy mornings. For the most part this winter, we've been rewarded with 50+ degree days and lots of sun.

The reward for this mild weather...more time on my motorcycles. It's a short 26 mile commute to work on secondary roads. I roll one of the bikes out each morning, gear up and merrily ride off.

The sun rises in the East, directly in my face, the warmth slowly creeping onto the landscape; melting the few ice crystals that came into being from the previous days rain. Today I'm rewarded with a hawk, alighting onto a power pole, searching for some breakfast that might be scurrying along the bare farmland.

I see the looks on the faces of cagers as we roll by one another. I'm thinking "Hey guys, come on out and play...it's a perfect 31 degrees out here this morning! You poor bastards, you have no idea what you're missing." They of course are thinking "Are you out of your frigging mind!!!! Don't you know it's only 31 degrees out there??!!!" I can only chuckle.

I honestly don't know how riders up North survive these months. Feet of snow, some of which it seems won't melt until July! Digging out and stuck in their 4-wheeled cages. What a miserable existence.

Yet, I wonder when (not if) Old Man Winter will drop the other shoe. While not a frequent event, it's not unheard of for February/March to roar in with their own surprises.

Still, I'm taking advantage of every day that affords me the opportunity to ride. I'm in my own carefree world when I'm on two wheels. I find the feel and smell of the air as it blows by and through me, invigorating. There's a oneness that comes with being part of the environment. Something all of the poor bastards, stuck in their hermetically sealed, temperature controlled cages around me, will never experience.

Such is their lot in life.

TSA THUGGERY

On 16 January, 2012, I entered the TSA screening area at Houston International Airport (IAH), Terminal E, enroute home. At the checkpoint, I provided my boarding pass and state government issued ID card.

The TSA screener indicated the ID was insufficient. I was somewhat surprised, as I have used this document as my primary form of ID at IAH numerous times over the last two years and at other airports nationwide with no issues. The screener asked for additional ID. I indicated that I had used the ID in the past, it was State issued and it should be sufficient. However, if it were not, I was more than willing to go through secondary screening in order to complete the process. The screener called for her supervisor and I stepped aside to await their arrival.

After five repeated calls, TSA screener, Ron arrived. The boarding pass and ID were handed to him. He also stated the ID was insufficient and asked for additional ID. I indicated I had further ID, but that it was unnecessary, repeated to him what I said to the initial screener, offering once again to go through secondary screening. Ron wandered off and returned approximately ten minutes later with Supervisor Lupur, manager Orlando Johnson, as well as two other TSA lackeys.

Lupur also indicated the ID was insufficient and asked for additional ID. I pointed out the ID was State Government issued and stated my willingness to go through secondary screening by providing information needed in order that TSA contact the Security Center to verify my bona fides.

It should be noted, at no time did I refuse to provide ID. I had done so. If they found it unacceptable, their policy/procedure is to move a passenger to secondary screening, which I was more than willing to do.

About this time, two Houston Police Officers, (HPD) arrived. I greeted the officers and they asked if there were any issues. I politely indicated there did not appear to be as I was providing identification in order to get to my gate, declining to provide additional ID, as being demanded by TSA and was willing to undergo secondary screening. I also took the opportunity to show the ID being used to the officers. It is my belief that because I was exercising my Constitutional Rights and not conforming to TSA demands to provide a second ID, HPD was called and advised there was a belligerent, violent and threatening passenger in the screening area. HPD, realizing that I was not the frothing at the mouth, maniac TSA made me out to be, simply looked at the screeners and departed.

I could only chuckle. Did TSA really believe that calling HPD was somehow going to intimidate me? The end result of HPD’s visit was TSA looking like fools for wasting their time.

Supervisor Lupur continued to insist that I provide additional ID. I just as adamantly repeated that I would not.

At this time, supervisor Lupur stated unequivocally “As you have other ID and are unwilling to provide it, I will not allow you secondary screening and I will not call the Security Center. You will provide ID, because I’m telling you to provide it or you will not pass through this screening area.”

Unlike the one-hundred plus travelers who had passed by as my situation unfolded, I was non-conforming to TSA's Security Theater and thuggery. As such, Lupur and Johnson opted to attempt to intimidate and outright abuse her position in order to get me to comply to her demands.

I looked at Lupur and asked for clarification. “I have provided you with government issued Identification which you find insufficient. I have indicated I am willing to undergo secondary screening and screening by the security center. Are you saying that you do not intend to follow your own organizations policies, procedures and screening protocols, and unless I provide another ID, you will not allow me to travel?” Lupur’s response; “That is correct.”

I looked at the manager, Orlando Jones and asked if he agreed with Lupur’s demands. He indicated he had no issue. Here was a TSA supervisor, blatantly refusing to follow TSA’s own established procedures and policies for situations such as this.

During this exchange, the two aforementioned lackeys were overheard saying “He’s doing nothing more than testing the system.” I laughed, amazed not only at the cluelessness of these screeners, but the fact that there were now five of them in front of me. What a superb use of resources. Did they have nothing else better to do? Who else might be slipping through the Security Theater production while these five dealt with me?

Realizing that supervisor Lupur was pulling policy out of her fat ass and if I were to travel; I provided my driver’s license as a secondary ID. Lupur then proceeded not only to review it, but copy down every piece of information on it; even going so far as to ask if the address was permanent. I deduce that this little action will somehow result in my name appearing on a no-fly list in the near future.

Because I refused to acquiesce to TSA’s demands and exercise my rights as a US Citizen, TSA decided to attempt to intimidate me and to abuse their positions, in order to get me to comply. Comply I eventually did and I am sure they felt both vindicated and superior by finally obtaining a secondary ID.

I am not surprised at being treated in this manner by a group of feckless, magniloquent and picayunish mindless drones; whose only goals in life are to violate their fellow citizens Constitutional rights, fondle small children, harass the elderly, prevent cupcakes from getting onto airplanes and abuse what little power they have. I realize it is SOP for TSA.

I eventually made it through security. I've written numerous letters and sent emails to POTUS, V/POTUS, DHS, TSA and my Congressional representatives asking for a face to face personal apology from Lupur and Johnson, just prior to their being fired for failing to follow established TSA procedures as calling in a false report to HPD.

In reality, what will come of this? Possibly two things. One: I may receive a polite boilerplate letter, written by some low level TSA twit apologizing for my having to endure the above experience, but assuring me that the screeners were only doing their jobs for the good of the American public and National Security. They might even be able to type it with a straight face. Lupur and Johnson might receive a stern talking to and/or remedial training (doubtful). Two: I may also receive a visit from some federal personnel asking why I had the audacity to refuse to cooperate with TSA. Alas, I did not refuse. To the contrary, I was adamant, but polite during the whole exchange, never raised my voice and offered numerous times to submit to additional screening.

My decision to not provide secondary ID and submit to secondary methods is easily explained. As I stated above, TSA is nothing more than Security Theater. Not only are they the laughing stock of the Federal government, I do not believe in their mission. Since 2001, they have caught or stopped not one single terrorist. For 2011, their biggest claims to fame are forcing a teenager to check her purse because it had a 4 inch replica of a gun embroidered on the outside, abused the dignity of wounded military war veterans and the elderly, stopped snakes, turtles and birds, inert grenades and landmines and over 200 fish. TSA brags or pathetically attempts to justify many of these accomplishments (and fails). Billions of tax dollars spent on an organization whose primary job is to designed to do nothing more than violate the constitutional rights of Americans. The parents of these screeners must be so proud!

In my opinion, there is no defense TSA can offer for their actions. Sadly, there is no video or audio of the incident. If Lupur and Johnson are even questioned, it is my word against theirs. The “he says, she says” game. I have no doubt they and the other TSA screeners will circle the wagons and come to one another’s aid. They will be painted as heroic defenders of national security (sic) and I nothing more than an agitating, non-conformist.

I make no apologies for my position. I have already resigned myself to the knowledge that there will be no recompense of the TSA screeners for their actions. I was instilled with the belief of being held accountable for ones actions, by my parents and (foolishly, but adamantly) expect the same from those I deal with. If anything, there will only be finger pointing and besmirching of my person by TSA.

From the politicians I expect nothing. From POTUS on down, their only worry is political survival above all else. The US Constitution and Civil Rights be damned!

As I look around, I weep for what our Founding Fathers accomplished over 200 years ago. The Constitution of the United States served this country for 225 years. I say only 225 years because, since 2001, all three branches of the Federal government, under the specious auspices of “National Security” have slowly and inexorably, eroded the rights of its citizens with bills such as the PATRIOT ACT and the recent signed NDAA.

My only mistake was indicating I had other identification. Lesson learned. I have no issue of lying, straight faced, to TSA when asked if I have other ID. It would be different if they served some purpose, I had any respect for the organization or their mission. They are 50,000 strong; small, insignificant, pathetic people, with a modicum of power, which they regularly abuse, all the while, sucking off the federal teat.

NOT IN THE U.S. of A.

Pop Quiz. What's wrong with these pictures? Answer: You'll never see anything like this in the United States of America.

Yes, that is a very large mountain of rocks. Yes, that is an old cargo plane with ladders leading to the interior, windows removed and a slide on it. And yes...just in case you're wondering...those are children, lots of children, having one helluvalota fun!

Thanks to ambulance chasing lawyers, our heavily litigious society, the ever present and imposing Nanny State Federal government and the Boogey-Man sensationalistic media; today's American children will never know this type of fun. But let's not forget the parents either. They are just as guilty. When one of their precious, can do no wrong, snowflakes bumps their head, scrapes their knee or bruises an elbow, they scream bloody murder and demand financial compensation, accountability or the head of some playground designer, for the pain and suffering little Tommy or Tina has endured.

Sadly, America's youth knows only those sterile playgrounds where they are protected from acquiring even the most minor of injuries. No longer are they free to run and play childlike and uninhibited. No longer do parents say to their kids "Go outside and play" with the only caveat being "Be home for dinner."

Gone are the days when kids explored the woods, built tree forts, climbed trees, constructed makeshift ramps out of whatever was on hand to launch both themselves and their bicycles into the air with sometimes painful results. When was the last time you saw a child running through a park, sans shoes, simply to feel the grass between their toes? Only in the stories of their parents do kids hear about the carefree freedoms of childhood.

Like it was yesterday, I remember what we did as children. Given the stunts we pulled, the chances we took and the rough and tumble games we played (ACORN WARS!!!!), it's a wonder we're not a generation of brain dead zombies. BUT....we survived! We picked ourselves up, brushed ourselves off, sniffled a bit, wiped away the tears and did it all over again! I'm by no means a religious man, but I think there might be something to the old saying "God watches out for children and old people." Looking back on those days I can only feel an immense sadness for today's American youth.

Fortunately, in some parts of the world, kids can still be kids. Yes, they will fall; yes, they will accumulate scrapes, cuts and welts. However, through it all, their parents will be rewarded with never ending cries of laughter, screeches of unbridled joy and the occasional wail of pain which ensures Curad and Band-Aid remain in business.

To America's parents, I ask, have you so easily forgotten the "Kick The Can" episode of The Twilight Zone?

To America's children, I say, sadly, you don't know what you're missing!

Joining that Elite Club at 54

My father, the greatest man I ever knew, passed away in 1989. Thrusting my brother, sister and I into the beginning of the elite "Loss Of A Parent" club. And while it may not have been unexpected, the passing of my mother just before this past Christmas holiday, made me realize that at 54, my siblings and I were now officially members of an even more elite (even more unwanted) club; one where membership is unwelcome...orphans.

I somehow knew that, while not guaranteed, in all likelihood, they would precede us in this life, yet until she passed away, I'd never looked at the loss of my mother in the vein of being an orphan.

It is a somewhat surreal feeling. I heavily mourned the passing of my father and now find myself somewhat adrift with mom's death. No longer is there a parent to turn to for advice or encouragement. No longer can I simply call my parents from whatever far flung worldwide destination I find myself in and simply say hello. The option to stop by on a whim exists only in the past. Mom will no longer beckon me to come change out the cat's litter box, get her a burrito or bring her pasta.

There is a hollowness deep inside. I go on, as expected, with my life; keeping to myself, sharing little with my wife, family and friends.

If we had our way, we'd have eagerly opted out of this club, my siblings and I. In many ways, we were much more fortunate than others in that we had one of our parents for over fifty years. We will cherish those times. Still, right at this very moment (and I'm sure, for some time to come), I'd gladly forego membership and happily return my dues.