Television Vs. The TSA...
Two television news
operations at different ends of the country -- Houston's KPRC and
Rochester, NY-based WHEC -- have come to the same startling
conclusion: over four years after 9/11, just about anyone can board
a commercial airline flight -- with or without valid
identification.
In both cases, the stations used undercover cameras as reporters
and producers made it past the check-in counter and security
checkpoints with all forms of identification -- including a Sam's
Club card, a Costco card, and even an easily-reproduced company ID
that could be done on any home computer -- to clear
security.
No driver's license and no passport were shown, according to
KPRC, and no questions were asked. The Houston, TX station cleared
security at both of Houston's large airports, as well as airports
in Dallas, St. Louis, Nashville, and Little Rock.
In Rochester, a WHEC producer flew from the New York city to
Washington, DC and back, using an ID card he made on a
computer.
WHEC reports there is a fundamental flaw in TSA policy in how it
is written, not simply how it is implemented: the station says the
TSA website makes clear that a form of government issued id is
required -- although there is no law that backs that up.
"After seeing this film, particularly, it's shocking," said U.S.
Rep. Michael McCaul after viewing the KPRC report on its six-month
investigation. "How can this possibly happen?"
"I think there are a
lot of questions raised with the current TSA screening process,"
the recently-elected TX representative -- who heads up
investigations for the Homeland Security Committee in Congress --
added.
"It certainly brings to question what is their review policy,"
said NY Congressman Tom Reynolds. "I'm curious about the process of
how, one, to make an example of security case can produce a
fabricated id and have that be acceptable along with the ticket
they took through. That's a worthy question."
According to both stations, the TSA maintains the fault lay with
the airlines, whose responsibilty it is to hire qualified
screeners.
WHEC station reports its efforts have led to tighter screening
procedures at Rochester International Airport -- although whether
that will necessarily solve the problem is up for debate in some
passengers' eyes.
"I think a lot of it is, essentially, for show," said passenger
Kevin Gooch to KPRC.