The Transportation Security Administration has come under a lot of criticism since it was formed following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. And now it’s in for some more. The TSA has started a weblog, and in today’s post, promptly misspelled “blogoshpere” in the headline. Much as I detest that term, seeing it misspelled in a head on a blog does not bode well for the site’s content or the competence of its posters.
The blog is called “Evolution of Security,” and has a catchy tagline: “Terrorists Evolve. Threats Evolve. Security Must Stay Ahead. You Play A Part.” Short. Choppy. Sentences. Sounds like “Dragnet” dialog.
The hot topics are entertaining, too:
- Shoes: Comments about the possibility of picking up a foot fungus at the checkpoint.
- Liquids: “TSA took my hair product away!”
- Inconsistencies: In Columbus the clear makeup bag was acceptable, but in Portsmouth it was confiscated because it wasn’t a “baggie.”
- Lighters, Nail Clippers and Lithium Batteries: “What is a tool using human supposed to do?”
- Gripes & Grins: “I’m a 63 yr old woman, and I do NOT appreciate the TSA woman in West Palm Beach who felt it necessary to reach down inside the front of my slacks. How embarrassing!”
It’s easy — maybe too easy — to make fun of the TSA for its bumbling attempt to create a blog. But the impetus behind it — giving airline passengers a chance to sound off and make suggestions — should be lauded, I suppose. Of course, the comments are moderated, but it appears the TSA is being pretty fair in allowing constructive negative criticisms.
It is interesting to note that a majority of commenters, knowing that they are posting to a gubmint site, choose to post as “anonymous,” thinking their identity is protected. Nice try. And good luck at the airport!
