Much of last night I spent thinking about the degrading, insulting experience of going through Salt Lake airport security yesterday. I composed many-a letter in my head about the whole thing, especially about Gary Derbitch or Durbich or however it is spelled. He is TSA manager at the airport, at least in terminal 1. He had to be called in on the case. Yes, I refused to be patted down.
Gary is about 6'5" and every inch (and every one of his 280 pounds) rude. He was probably a classroom bully in his younger years.
His purpose is to intimidate and threaten. I do not know if he has the power to do what he threatened to do--put me out of the airport and make me find another way home. I believe my worst offense in his eyes was that I was not intimidated or frightened.
A few things:
1. I heard that little voice early this morning telling me not to send the letter, email, actually. They already took down every bit of information on my driver's license and boarding pass so they could "write up the case."
2. Ultimately, of course, I did comply and submit to a total body pat down--which he decided I should have because he hadn't scared me sufficiently. I submitted because he might have been able to put me out of the airport, and I couldn't take a chance.
3. I believe the scanning machine puts up images of possible explosive sites on a person's body randomly. I say it because the woman before me insisted on being scanned twice and passed the second time. I should have done that.
4. I am 71, white-haired, no doubt a terrorist.
5. A patriotic American--I love my country--one who has always voted, paid taxes, and pledged my allegiance to America, I have no rights in an airport.
At one point I said to Gary. "You know I am not carrying explosives." He replied, "That's what they said on 9/11."
Enough. You know I could go on.
1 comment:
Really? That's what they said on 9/11? Doubt it.
Funny, because, it was true. They were carrying box cutters, right?
What a freaking power trip.
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