TSA leaves online love note for al-Qaeda
Please put down any beverage you may be consuming and lock up all sharp objects in the house before reading this.
The Transportation Security Administration "inadvertently" released a document on its website that gives a blueprint for terrorists on how to beat our airport security measures.
This document doesn't hint around. It spills the beans on exactly what terrorists might do to circumvent TSA airport security to bring bombs on board or other weapons.
Brian Ross and Matt Hosford broke the story for ABC News:
In a massive security breach, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) inadvertently posted online its airport screening procedures manual, including some of the most closely guarded secrets regarding special rules for diplomats and CIA and law enforcement officers.
The most sensitive parts of the 93-page Standard Operating Procedures manual were apparently redacted in a way that computer savvy individuals easily overcame.The document shows sample CIA, Congressional and law enforcement credentials which experts say would make it easy for terrorists to duplicate.
The improperly redacted areas indicate that only 20 percent of checked bags are to be hand searched for explosives and reveal in detail the limitations of x-ray screening machines.
[...]
"This manual provides a road map to those who would do us harm," said Collins. "The detailed information could help terrorists evade airport security measures." Collins said she intended to ask the Department of Homeland Security how the breach happened, and "how it will remedy the damage that has already been done."
[...]
The document contains a list of items for which screening is not required including wheelchairs, footwear of disabled individuals, casts and orthopedic shoes.
The redacted portions also indicate which law enforcement personnel are specially screened or exempt from some screening procedures, and indicate what requirements they must meet to be eligible for special screening.
The only words that come to mind at the moment that describe this incredible stupidity can be found in old Anglo Saxon dictionaries and are unprintable on our family friendly website.
As you know, the Obama administration has determined that we are not at war. Good thing for whoever is responsible. Do you think that "inadvertent treason" would be an affirmative defense?
Maybe TSA believed that al-Qaeda was at too much of a disadvantage and wanted to "level the playing field." This seems to be a favorite pastime of this administration when it comes to the economy and everything else. Why not try a little affirmative action with our enemies?
It would be very difficult to overhype this story. This isn't just a disaster. It has the potential to absolutely destroy domestic air travel - if the MSM bothered to cover it. We'll see what the spin will be as the day goes on.
Exit question; If you've made travel plans for Christmas, do you still feel confident enough to fly the friendly skies?