TSA's VIPR Bites Rail, Bus, and Ferry Passengers

OverTheGeicoE writes "TSA's VIPR program may be expanding. According to the Washington Times, 'TSA has always intended to expand beyond the confines of airport terminals. Its agents have been conducting more and more surprise groping sessions for women, children and the elderly in locations that have nothing to do with aviation.' In Tennessee earlier this month, bus passengers in Nashville and Knoxville were searched in addition to the truck searches discussed here previously. Earlier this year in Savannah, Georgia, TSA forced a group of train travelers, including young children, to be patted down. (They were getting off the train, not on.) Ferry passengers have also been targeted. According to TSA Administrator John Pistole's testimony before the Senate last June, 'TSA conducted more than 8,000 VIPR operations in the [previous] 12 months, including more than 3,700 operations in mass-transit and passenger-railroad venues.' He wants a 50% budget increase for VIPR for 2012. Imagine what TSA would do with the extra funding."

I'm at a loss for words.

[Gorkamecha]

How is this possibly of any use to anyone. Hey, TSA! I have this rock that keeps me safe from terrorist. To date, it's be 100% effective at protecting me and everyone else I interact with from terrorism. It's also had zero false positives! I'll be happy to sell you my rock at the bargain price of 250 Million dollars. For another 50 million, my rock will also protect you from vampires, space aliens and Bears (The football team, not the animal.)

Re:Godwin time!

[Anonymous Coward]

Yes I do. Their suits aren't as snazzy.

Re:Godwin time!

[Anonymous Coward]

If we have to submit to random patdowns and searches everytime we leave our house, why can't we at least have mass rallies with impressive synchronized gymnastics and military parades with bad-ass goosestepping soldiers too?

If we have to have a totalitarian state, why don't we at least get the cool parts too?

Re:Illegal Search

[Anonymous Coward]

National security.

Re:Well, so much for...

[roc97007]

So.... she was ok with getting groped by strangers? That must have made for a fun relationship.

Re:Well, so much for...

[jandrese]

You won't be laughing when a terrorist hijacks a train and crashes it into the White House.

Or smashes a Ferry into Mt. Rushmore.

Re:Well, so much for...

[Anonymous Coward]

"The reaction of every government throughout history to radical or violent external threats, real or perceved, has been to prey upon its own people. Always."
-Me

"Arrogant douchebags who quote themselves are destined never to be quoted by others."
-Anonymous

You just quoted him.