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Foolish TSA press release and Reporter’s response

In an effort to protect all Americans, only the smaller snow globe (right) will be permitted by the TSA on airplane carry ons. The larger ones, favored by terrorists, are forbidden.

‘Are you under arrest?’ ‘No I’m going on vacation.’ ‘Hey, nice vacation pictures Sweetie.’
(Above) American being terrorized. Does the ‘T’ in TSA stand for terrorist? (Below) Photos required of you before you may board an airplane.
Alert passengers stopped the underwear bomber and the shoe bomber, and prevented an airplane from striking the White House on September 11. As passengers, we have a better track record than the TSA, yet the TSA humiliates and intimidates us, lulling us into a false sense of security with their theater.

The following press release was received from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA):

Good morning!
Hey, I know that snow globes are a popular souvenir in the Niagara Falls/Buffalo area. So I wanted to let you know that TSA has updated its snow globe “rule.” Small snow globes are now permitted to be brought aboard airplanes in carry-on bags. Snow globes that appear to contain less than 3.4 ounces (approximately tennis ball size) will be permitted if the entire snow globe, including the base, is able to fit in the same one, clear, plastic, quart-sized and resealable bag, as the passenger’s other liquids such as shampoo, toothpaste and cosmetics. (Known as the 3-1-1 bag.)
Previously snow globes were not permitted to be brought on board in carry-ons. They have always been permitted in checked luggage.
Here’s a photo that might help give you a clearer picture. Below is a photo of a tennis ball with two snow globes next to it. One is smaller than a tennis ball and one is larger. I hope this photo helps to illustrate the point. (Sorry the photo has a snow globe from Vegas and not from Niagara Falls. I’m sure you can find one of the Falls to illustrate your story!!)
Lisa Farbstein
Office of Public Affairs
Transportation Security Administration
571-227-4665 (desk)
Lisa.Farbstein@dhs.gov

The Niagara Falls Reporter made this response:

Thanks Lisa, it shows you folks at TSA really care about our abiding fondness for snow globes.

Last time I went to the airport, good-natured TSA agents had me stand in front of a large machine called a body scanner, and told me to raise my arms in the air like I was under arrest while the machine did a virtual strip search. It is breathtaking to witness the speed at which a mere bureaucracy has undone the dignity and freedom of Americans. I love the way you’re doing the terrorists’ job for them.

But bless you, as I stand before an airport naked-body scanner, I am glad to know I am allowed to carry snow globes - as long as they're smaller than a tennis ball.

 

 

Niagara Falls Reporter www.niagarafallsreporter.com Sep 04 , 2012