The fish that threatened national security

[OneBlueSky]

can things get any more absurd? . . . I mean, a terrorist fish? . . . you have to admire this kid's moxy, though . . . she bypassed "security" and saved her fish . . . score one for the good guys . . . :toast:

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/03362/255283.stm

College student Lara Hayhurst was not prepared to let officials treat her little pet like Osama 'fin' Laden

(snip)

I was led back to the US Airways ticket counter, stocking-footed and alone, where the agents reasserted that they did not see a problem for me to have a fish on board, properly packaged in plastic fish bag and secured with a rubber band as MJ was. But the TSA supervisor was called over, and he berated me profusely. He exclaimed that in no way, under no circumstances, was a small fish allowed to pass through security, regardless of what the ticket agents said.

Mr. Supervisor was causing a grand scene, marshaling the full authority of the TSA to refuse me. Now, I know my fish is a terrorist (Osama Fin Laden we used to call him back at school), but doesn't it strike you as funny that, with all the commotion my little security threat was causing, by now engaging the full attention of the TSA at LaGuardia, that someone who posed a real threat to passenger safety might be conveniently slipping by?

By this time, I was in tears. The supervisor furiously told me to dispose of the fish. Dispose of my fish?! What did he want me to do, throw him away? He told me to go outside and give him to whomever I came to the airport with. When I explained I was a college student, alone in New York City (save for boyfriend Trey), he brushed me off and said that was not his problem.

- more . . .

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/03362/255283.stm

[dodgerartful]

1. that is a very

disturbing incident. My head hurts.
Is this really where it goes? I do not travel but by van, but do people really endure this treatment when flying interstate?

[brainshrub]

2. I loved this story!

LMAO

[Buns_of_Fire]

3. Thank goodness she didn't hollow out an old almanac

and put MJ in there for safekeeping -- right next to the Toenailclippers of Mass Destruction. We're talking Gitmo for sure...

Here's to you, Lara! :toast: (Hmmm... Lara... Wasn't that the name of that pinko commie lady friend of Dr. Zhivago?)

And yes, this petty crap goes on all the time now. As Lenny Bruce (someone else who wouldn't be allowed on a plane these days) described such a situation, "These people would work as dustmen if you gave them a uniform and someone to yell at."

[Walt Starr]

4. I plan to hand carry an almanac with me every time I fly

I've got one in a mesh pocket on my backpack right now.