The Texas House passed a bill making it criminal for TSA to fondle passengers genitals. This should be a no-brainer, but after TSA threatened to close Texas airports and cancel all flights, the Texas Senate rolled over like a dog wanting it's belly rubbed. and failed to even vote on the bill. This was a shameful day in the proud state of Texas.
Realizing he ultimately did not have the votes, Patrick decided to withdraw the bill, but not before making his passion for state autonomy known: “There was a time in this state, there was a time in our history, where we stood up to the federal government and we did not cower to rules and policies that invaded the privacy of Texans.”
After the bill was withdrawn, senators approached state Rep. David Simpson, R-Longview, the House author of the bill, who was watching from the Senate rail. They said they were looking for a way to delay the effective date of the bill (which otherwise would be immediate) to prevent the federal government from closing Texas airports.
“They’re basically saying, unless you allow us to grope your genitals, you can’t fly. I hope Texans would say come and show us the law,” Simpson said. “This is a Gonzales moment. ‘Come and take it.’”
Has the TSA been given the authority to close airports? I'm glad you've finally taken some time to attack the TSA. This product of conservative Washington government is, indeed, anathema to libertarians, democrats, and anyone else with sense.
ReplyDeleteI read your post on the Texas pat-down bill and TSA’s unprecedented and probably illegal response. That Texas would roll over so quickly on this bill is sad. What happened to “don’t mess with Texas”?! And if Texas can’t stand up to the TSA or the federal government, what state will?
ReplyDeleteI wanted to share this video on the failure of the Texas pat-down bill with you. I think you’ll appreciate how it analyzes news coverage from different sources, including perspectives from a TSA rep and Texas legislators. I hope you’ll considering embedding the video in your post.
http://www.newsy.com/videos/tx-bill-prohibiting-enhanced-pat-downs-stalls-in-senate/
Kate