Orlando is going to “opt-out” à la Rep. Mica’s fascist suggestion the other day. Thanks to Bill Potter, who says:
This story is up on Drudge:
Orlando Sanford International Airport has decided to opt out from TSA screening.
“All of our due diligence shows it’s the way to go,” said Larry Dale, the director of the Sanford Airport Authority. “You’re going to get better service at a better price and more accountability and better customer service.”
Dale says he will be sending a letter requesting to opt out from TSA screening, and instead the airport will choose one of the five approved private screening companies to take over.
Congressman John Mica, who’s expected to lead the powerful Transportation Committee next year, says the TSA is crying out for reform.
“I think TSA is overstepping its bounds,” said Mica.
Dale says, if all goes as planned, the private security firm could take over in about 12 months.
The TSA points out that even if an airport decides to use a private firm for security, the screeners still must follow TSA guidelines. That would include using the full body scanners if they are installed at the airport.
A lot of people are screaming hallelujah, but they are missing the crucial points that I highlighted. This is just Rep. Mica seizing the revolt against the TSA to engage in some crony capitalism. The article should be called: You Don’t Like TSA? Then We’ll Put Blackwater In Charge.
Indeed, opting-out has already been done by a number of airports, including those we are all trying to avoid due to their use of scanners. It’s called the “Screening Partnership Program” and it looks like Jackson Hole is the only airport that is even remotely in control of their own security. Otherwise, it’s Lockheed, Raytheon, and all the rest of the Blackwater-styled armies. This is not a solution.
11:01 am on November 18, 2010
