The Christmas Bombing Attempt Of A NWA A330 Has The TSA In A Tizzy -- and NOT In A Good Way

ANN is researching data and documents being sent to us by "proud members" of a 'major airline' pilot's union that has examined current heightened procedures dictated by the TSA.  

In a Security Committee Update to its pilot/members, a December 31st missive describes the latest TSA efforts (which have been renewed and are expected to remain in place until at least January 4th, 2010), as a 'knee-jerk response...'

The message is realistic and critical... "In this business we are faced with a tough problem: the TSA is falling all over itself to not discriminate and allow these people on our planes; our government is releasing known terrorists that turn around and plot our destruction. In the end, our security depends on your professionalism and vigilance. The threat is real -- do not let your guard down! You -- not the TSA, not the Company, are the last line of defense. If you think the security of your flight is in jeopardy, stop and get it resolved."

The Security is quite critical of TSA efforts currently in place, noting that, "This is an appeal to all flight crews to be especially alert as a result of the attempt to blow-up the Northwest flight on Christmas Day. It should now be obvious to all that the security procedures forced upon us by the TSA and Homeland Security have in fact turned out to be the facade that we all knew them to be. The latest TSA knee-jerk response is more of the same; however the company and the flight crews have no choice but to comply. Therefore we are asking all crews, both international and domestic, to be at a heightened state of security awareness.

We know the latest procedures from the aviation 'security experts' at the TSA are ridiculous. No announcements about route of flight? What's next, closing the shades and not looking out the windows? Full body scans and pat-downs of passengers as they board? Sounds like a pervert's dream come true. We've had a shoe-bomber so we have to take off our shoes; we've had liquid-bombers so we can't have shampoo; now we've had an underwear bomber; is our underwear next on the no-fly list? We don't like it, the Company doesn't like it, and the traveling public doesn't like it. However, the TSA has the authority to impose these procedures and the airlines must comply. Stay up-to-date on and know the procedures; for example, as a working crewmember you are still exempt from the ban on liquids and pat-downs.

The TSA is reacting to the last threat, fighting the last battle. Our enemies will try something else next time. Security procedures based on political correctness will encourage, not deter, our enemies."

ANN is currently seeking additional details and interviews with the personnel involved and is monitoring the massive influx of info that has arisen as a result of the (now) admitted bungling of programs that should have prevented the Christmas bombing attempt. Making this all the more difficult are the reports we've been receiving in which TSA agents are showing up at the homes of Travel-Writers who have published recent details of the latest changes to TSA security procedures and  demanding the disclosure of their sources... accompanied with threats of financial interference, criminal action and using tactics that are reported to be "heavy-handed." As a result, some journalists are concerned about the potential for renewed reticence from people who have heretofore talked on background or anonymously -- due to apparent concern that TSA "thuggery" may breach the previously well-defined and constitutionally protected ability of journalists to protect the ID of their sources.

We'll do our best to keep you informed...

FMI: www.tsa.gov