Deseret News | TSA union says Chaffetz was not harassed

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TSA union says Chaffetz was not harassed

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TSA | 4:04 p.m. Sept. 25, 2009

Chaffetz is pretty arrogant, but seriously does anyone believe he went to that line on his own? The TSA agent was totally harassing him. Can't they go back to the airport security footage? Let me guess... the tapes were erased by accident.

Utahn | 4:29 p.m. Sept. 25, 2009

Chaffetz go back to Mexico.

Anonymous | 4:31 p.m. Sept. 25, 2009

REF:TSA
Oh come on...talk about political sidestepping.... ( pun intended ) He's getting exactly what he wants. He 's playing the victim and using the media to maximize the exposure...It's politically posturing his own position....at your expense....and a blatant attempt to pull off a PR coupe. This is exactly what he wanted to happen....It's a BFO...a Blinding Flash Obvious. He's got you exactly where he wants you DMN...quit pretending that you can't see that...Don't insult our intelligence.

Comments continue below

Alex | 4:38 p.m. Sept. 25, 2009

I agree totally, Mr. videoblog has become the other Obama, he does everything just to create a stir and notoriety. As a public servant he should comply as all other regular people would have to do. It's easy to act out when you're a congressman. Utah's image calls for a serious consideration of this arrogant, Alpine resident who comes to represent a new elite of pseudo-rich red necks. I travel extensivelly and I've always, ALWAYS founf TSA employees reasonable. He is no poster child, but he must learn to set an example and comply. Doesn't he agree, he is a legislator and as such, he's got the power of the pen to craft credible legislation to limit what he believes invation of privacy. His behavior sets a precedent of poor judgement. I didn't like his platform before, now I despise the message as well as the messanger. Republicans need to look for better representation for 2010.

Freq Flyer | 4:44 p.m. Sept. 25, 2009

That is the was the TSA operates. I see it all the time. By the way, TSA stands for Thousands Standing Around.

Bluebird22 | 4:59 p.m. Sept. 25, 2009

Chaffetz will do anything to get publicity. Especially if he thinks it will help his legislation or re-election. He is brilliant at political campaign strategy, that’s how he beat Cannon.

Personally I don’t think he has proven himself as a congressman. If Chaffetz doesn't like going through security, like everyone else, he should take a train or a bus. Besides, a Congressman who saves money by sleeping in his office and showering at the house gym, should jump at the chance to save money by taking Greyhound. He could get publicity for that too.

Well, there you have it! | 5:30 p.m. Sept. 25, 2009

The union representing the TSA employees says Mr. Chaffetz was not harassed. So now we have to choose between the word of a politician and that of a union boss.

Hmmmmmm.

Tery | 5:52 p.m. Sept. 25, 2009

Wah-Wah Jason "Obama will have to go through me" Chaffetz was given the same treatment you and I would have been given by the TSA and they need not apologize. Now if only the TSA could give all the other Republican congressmen the same third degree (wishful thinking) and Alex, u seeryouslee need 2 lrn hou too spel. LOL

away from here | 8:27 p.m. Sept. 25, 2009

A republican against the union will lose every time.

INFERIOR COMPLEX | 8:27 p.m. Sept. 25, 2009

A very wise man told a story about a congressman who went to see the Doctor. He told the Doctor he had an inferior-complex. After being examined, the Doctor told the patient he did not have a complex he really was INFERIOR.

Chaffetz needs to back away from the GLENN BECK CONSPIRACY CARD and just deal with the fact that he is really no better than the rest of us.

MEMO TO CHAFFETZ:

FORGET YOURSELF AND GET TO WORK!

Drederick Tatum | 9:48 p.m. Sept. 25, 2009

The TSA worker handling the case is an IRAQ WAR VETERAN. Those of you that demeaned this man by calling him a "rent a cop" and other demeaning slurs should be ASHAMED of yourselves. The man served and serves his country still.

Chaffetz chose the line and wanted to grandstand. He should apologize.

RE: Freq Flyer | 9:52 p.m. Sept. 25, 2009

Lets compare flights for the last year and I'm betting I flew more often then you freq flyer- I was out of town for 187 days last year and flew to most every major airport, from Portland to Washington, DC. Mobile, AL to Cleveland, OH. NEVER ONCE was I hassled by anyone from TSA. BUT, I do remind you I just went thru the lines and and didn't smart mouth anyone or try to throw my weight around.
Was I frisked?? YES - Have I gone thru the new screener?? YES - I take off my shoes, belt, empty my pockets of anything metallic, remove my watch, put my lap top in a separate tray and do what I am asked. And yes, I have on occasion forgotten a bottle of water or pepsi in my carry on and had it thrown away.
Have I ever been in a terrorist controlled flight. NO-- and I believe that is thanks to the TSA Employees and the police officers at each airport I've flown into and out of.
Have I ever had my luggage lost?? Yes,I have been thru the Atlanta airport.

More info needed | 10:39 p.m. Sept. 25, 2009

The video footage combined with additional facts should help decipher this puzzle. I am surprised that the union did not use it in their defense, which makes one pause and have to wonder why they did not (would clear this up very easily); until they come out and state that their analysis was based on the footage, I would have to agree with the Senator that he was targeted to have the full-body scan, whether intentionally or not. As to the Iraq veteran, the union did not actually say when he had returned, just recently.

I would also doubt that Chaffetz is making up his experience, though, because of the fact that he should know he is being filmed, but that is also conjecture, too.

Everything is too vague without good specifics...yet everyone here is rambling off as if they are an all-knowing God who has all the facts and knows the intents of everyone's heart.

Thanks more info needed | 10:58 p.m. Sept. 25, 2009

for being a voice of reason. It would be very unwise to make assumptions on this issue before all the details come out. The word of a union boss cannot be entirely trusted. Most organizations seek to protect their own. Lets wait for the footage to come out and see what it shows.

decide:liberty or security | 12:24 a.m. Sept. 26, 2009

Tough spot Chaffetz. Choose your personal liberty or everyone else's safety. You are gung-ho to charge others with failing to protect the country but you don't want to endure the searches required to secure this country. That is not conservative or liberal, that just doesn't make sense. It does not represent us well, it's just a thin attempt for publicity in your already dead Congressional stint. Voters remember when you embarrass yourself and them. Go back to kicking touchdowns (yes, I know the difference, do you?)

Oh Please | 12:42 a.m. Sept. 26, 2009

It is impossible to look at Chaffetz without harassing him.

Big Bubba Pat Down | 12:48 a.m. Sept. 26, 2009

I was on the first flight out of LAS to ATL thru SLC 9/15/01. There were not many there but the largest man I had ever seen came up to me in his very large but polite voice and said, "Sir, I am going to need to pat you down, Do you have a problem with it? I said, "Even if I did I don't thin its going to matter." He replied, "Nope, won't make one bit a difference."

Jason, relax! Grab a Long Island Iced-tee and relax my soccer/field goal kicker!

I wish the big Samoan brother was there to assist mr CHAFFITZ perhaps he'll get'em next time! - Platinum Medallion Miler

The "Union?" | 4:08 a.m. Sept. 26, 2009

Come on now. The story is quoting a TSA "Union" spokesperson? How ridiculous is that? Unions are an arm of the Democratic party, and the AFL-CIO. They're politically motivated and have every incentive to target a Conservative Republican like Chaffetz. Unions, puh.

RE: Anonymous @4:31 | 4:23 a.m. Sept. 26, 2009

Bingo! Could not have said it better myself.

Lets see the tape | 5:42 a.m. Sept. 26, 2009

Are you afraid TSA?

JMT | 7:25 a.m. Sept. 26, 2009

This is a tough one for me. We have Chaffetz getting embarrassed on one hand, and the TSA, which is a 'guilty till proven innocent' concept.

I am not 'Mr Frequent flyer' but I do step on a plane about once a month. I ran into an ignorant TSA employee at LAX once but for the other dozens and dozens of flights not only have I not run into a bad one, but haven't seen anyone else getting hassled.

This leads me to believe the likely truth is in-between. Chaffetz is arrogant and totally self-absorbed. I could see him trying to cause an incident for both press and to highlight his concerns with the TSA. And I can see a couple TSA employees knowing who he is and thinking, 'strip search this jerk!'

All in all, a tempest in a teapot. I bet that Chaffetz does get huffy with them, arrogant and demeaning. I hope that shows on the video tape. If it does, people will get to see the real Chaffetz that many of us have known for years.

He was a poor choice for a Congressman.

John | 7:30 a.m. Sept. 26, 2009

If it is proven that he purposely went through the lane to try to make a point/bring more attention to himself and then claimed discrimination he should be thrown out of office for bringing embarassment to Utah. If the people of his district want a moral man to represent them then they should do what is right.

I have to Agree | 8:38 a.m. Sept. 26, 2009

REF: Ref Freq Flyer

I'm now a Retired Military Officer I had to laugh at the end of your comment. I've lost my luggage several times including at Atlanta. I learned long ago to carry on an extra Uniform...It's pretty hard to give a 25 minute briefing to a 2 star General in civilian clothes when you most definitely need to be Uniformly dressed. Chaffetz doesn't even come close to having felt stripped searched...believe me. These people at TSA are just people doing their jobs. I feel a lot more comfortable knowing that they are...and especially appreciate that they make no exceptions... Mr Chaffetz and others think too highly of themselves and over exaggerate their importance...too easily forgetting that they are the servents.

P.S. And Denver used to be even worse when the new baggage handling facility opened there it used to actually chew baggage up. I witnessed a Garment bag that was literally ripped to shreds and the tuxedo and wedding gown inside as well......The Bride to be traveling with her Father was in tears and just a couple of hours away from being married.

The only weapon | 8:44 a.m. Sept. 26, 2009

The TSA's only weapon is their puffed-out chest. They exist to give the illusion of safe travel.
TSA is reactive.
Shoe bomb detected by flight attendants - scan all shoes.
Chemical mixing plot in England - 311 program.
Terrorist sophistication and money will trump TSA every day of the week, and they know it.
So, they have to be badge-heavy. It's all theatrics.
That said, Chaffetz really blew this one. He should have played along, then blasted them.

I don't have to agree | 9:04 a.m. Sept. 26, 2009

Wow....anybody notice how fast Thanks more info needed responded to More info needed's post....I wonder.....are they one in the same.....and about the comment that "The word of a Union boss cannot be entirely trusted." Gee isn't that a supposition...before all the facts are out...and just as suppositionally trite is the comment "Most organizations seek to protect their own." Can we not also conjecture while we are at it that Congressmen like to also Grandstand....which might most definitely be the case here.

Now that is an anomally | 9:22 a.m. Sept. 26, 2009

Union and Not Harrassing. LOL....

David O | 9:23 a.m. Sept. 26, 2009

This is going to be a case where Jason really thought he could make some underling look really bad and make an example out of them.

He didn't count on the TSA people being human beings and one being an Iraq war vet.

Not Rent-a-Cops | 9:31 a.m. Sept. 26, 2009

TSA...Gangstas

Madden | 9:46 a.m. Sept. 26, 2009

Hey TSA - Show us the tape, that would clear things up quickly. Until then this is just a case of he said/they said.

I think most of the TSA process is pretty much a joke, but have only seen a handful of the TSA employees act like jerks (and it only takes one for something like this to blow up), most of them are just doing their job and dealing with annoyed passengers all day.

Dean | 9:51 a.m. Sept. 26, 2009

Blah Blah Blah. Unions do nothing but whine and complain. It's time to say bye bye to unions. Blah Blah Blah.

Can't Stand Him | 9:57 a.m. Sept. 26, 2009

Anyone else just super annoyed with Chaffetz? Can't stand the guy, he's an embarrassment to Utah. Always on the news for the wrong reasons.

Out with TSA | 10:10 a.m. Sept. 26, 2009

TSA officials steal belongings from baggage all the time. Who can really trust these people? No college education, no high school diplomas. There are hundreds of reels of video tape that document TSA stealing things. And you can't sue them because they're government! Just like this event, they never reveal the tapes. We need to go back to contracted airport security with businesses that can be held accountable!

Anonymous | 11:03 a.m. Sept. 26, 2009

Wow, I am surprised by the comments here. I personally really like Chaffetz. He is a guy who ran with his convictions and SHOCKINGLY didn't give them up when he got to Washington! That kind of man should be praised no matter what side of the aisle he sits on. We need more people to go to Washington with their convictions and refuse to cower to the majority there. I think you are all mistaking this conviction for arrogance.

Now I know that it isn't hard to make the leap to arrogance with a congressman, but just think about it for a minute. If he was a liberal, there would be horrible cries of racism. The TSA employee would have been fired, and the President would probably go on the record saying the TSA employee "acted stupidly".

I don't know what happened; NONE OF US DO. It does seem rather odd to me that he got this treatment AFTER voting against the TSA. Everyone keeps commenting about their own regular flying experiences, but none of you are congressmen who just voted against the TSA! I'm sure you would change your mind in his shoes!

College grads | 11:32 a.m. Sept. 26, 2009

Would not the airport be a wonderland of love and caring should the college grads who could not find the job of their dreams became the "World's Best TSA People" that EVER LIVED!!!!
I just can hardly wait!
Don't you think Jason is just holding his breath waiting to hear the starting date of this wonderful, wonderful idea???
Let's all start a calling tree on Monday morning. Gayle can teach us how it works.

Anonymous | 11:36 a.m. Sept. 26, 2009

as a TSA officer, I want you all to know I was there during that ordeal and congressmen chaffetz did in fact choose to be in the ITM lane, (strip search machine) as he so affectionately calls it. And nobody recognized him, how could we he looks just like any other Utah boy with dark hair and broad shoulders, we have thousands of people that come through that meet that same description. Has has come through this airport before and caused a scene with the ITM lane, he knew what he was doing and he wanted to just get back into the spotlight, well Congressmen it seems that it has worked, he just wanted to make a scene again, now please stop accusing TSA and get back to sleeping on your cot in your office.

Tammy V | 12:00 p.m. Sept. 26, 2009

It sounds like another Prof. Gates story.....Making a big scene out of something that could handled with a few words and I.D.

Sick of TSA | 12:11 p.m. Sept. 26, 2009

Hey Anonymous - The TSA people wouldn't have needed to recognize him - he would have shown them his ID before heading to the scanner lines, right?
The TSA is a farce - huge presence, very little actual benefit. I'm sure there are good people in the TSA, but rent-a-cops is exactly what they are. I feel only marginally safer because of them.

country boy | 12:39 p.m. Sept. 26, 2009

Now he knows what it is like to be a REAL person going through the line.ps sick of tsa you should see what the customer brings with them knifes etc , maybe if they packed better we wouldn't need tsa.

CONGRESSIONAL ROYALTY | 2:31 p.m. Sept. 26, 2009

Utah needs to give him special status because of the size of his ego.

Chaffets has been in too long | 3:12 p.m. Sept. 26, 2009

Why would a congressman suppose he is not subject to random search the same as the rest of us?

This shows a poor example. For a person who claims to be such a law and order type guy this is a surprise.

He talks a good talk, but hasn't yet learned to walk the walk. Either that or he has been in too long and feels he is above the rest of us.

Anonymous | 3:53 p.m. Sept. 26, 2009

I will never travel again on a commercial airliner unless it is an emergency thanks to TSA.

Go get them Congressman.

saying I know who you are | 3:56 p.m. Sept. 26, 2009

is not harassment. Chavez loves the limelight, loves sleeping on cot in office, loves national attention, even when on the Colbert Report I think, he needs to deal with having people recognize him. We were attacked on 911 is how W was re-elected----deal with people seeing you nacked in a machine---all of this is better than terrorism.

Superdell's Fanny Pack | 4:29 p.m. Sept. 26, 2009

Those of you who look down on TSA people should be ashamed of themselves. You think you are better than they are just because you think you have some hot shot job? People in the TSA come from all walks of life including some from our nation Armed Forces.

How about you get off your high horses and start treating people with some DIGNITY like Iraq war vets and stop looking down on them?

JNA | 7:48 p.m. Sept. 26, 2009

Unions are the reason I will never buy an American made car. I will always buy products from a non union company. Unions destroy countries and economies.

tigerlily | 8:52 p.m. Sept. 26, 2009

TO ALEX:: No one HAS to go through that scanner at the airport. He was being harassed. What is it about OPTIONAL don't you people get?

How do you know | 9:25 p.m. Sept. 26, 2009

How do you know when a Union Rep is lying? Trick question. They always lie.

And yes, I once belonged to a lying, corrupt, thieving, company killing and people ruining union. Wait, that was a multi-redundant sentence.

arc junior | 10:41 p.m. Sept. 26, 2009

who was the senator from idaho that offered his card to security when he got into trouble???Let see was it larry craig..

Unions do not include Supes | 10:52 p.m. Sept. 26, 2009

RE: How do you know?
io
Because a union represents rank and file workers, not supervisors, management or owners! The union represents the interests of the company's rank and file. Supervisors and management represent the interests of the owners (the federal government in this case). Why would a supervisor, who as an agent of management and ownership step in on the behalf of his employee and nemesis because of Chaffetz vote on TSA union status? Chaffetz better do his homework on labor issues!

tigerlily | 11:15 p.m. Sept. 26, 2009

I don't believe for one minute that he agreed to go through that machine when he so opposed the use of it.

smokie | 12:28 a.m. Oct. 1, 2009

Its a shame!! that our own is putting us down when we stand up and protect the home front, LET US NOT FORGET THE PAST ( REMEMBER 911) FOR THEY THAT FORGET THE PAST ARE GOING TO REPEAT IT. I will never forget that horrible day when me and my son was looking at tv set, when these planes changed OUR way of living. So i say to the ONES that think we are just standing around please go online and see the things we have stop from getting on plans, so the general public can continue to travel by plane not WORRY ABOUT ANOTHER 911 SO PLEASE LET US DO OUR JOB SO YOU CAN TRAVEL WORRU FREE!!!!!!!!

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