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TSA denies quick release of Chaffetz video

Charles | 4:25 p.m. Oct. 13, 2009

@Lee: quit whining. This isn't news. Go check the police or fire department blotter...

Take a look | 4:42 p.m. Oct. 13, 2009

Have you seen these people working for the TSA?

Not all of course but many of them look like the rejects from every other job in the universe. You know the people--the ones who always like to be in charge whether professional decorum requires it or not.

The ones who love to be in the "power position" so they can simply order others around.

The ones who instantly think everyone else is wrong and any question asked as an affront to their authority.

Ya, the TSA and many government agencies for that matter have got the corner on the market for hiring these types.

What's the big deal? | 8:20 p.m. Oct. 13, 2009

What is the big deal?

I wouldn't mind seeing the video. I can make up my own mind based on what I see.

Comments continue below

Suspicions cinfirmed | 8:28 p.m. Oct. 13, 2009

The mall cop rejects "working" for the TSA just confirmed that they do not want the video of this incident to ever be seen.

What are they hiding?

Looks like Chaffetz was right.

Anonymous | 7:01 a.m. Oct. 14, 2009

Chaffetz is a whirling dervish of controversy. Utah could do better.

Chaffetz is hiding | 7:24 a.m. Oct. 14, 2009

TSA works for Congress. The bosses in the TSA are afraid to take on a congressman. That is why the video is not being released.

If Chaffetz wanted the video released it would be. Surely he can get a copy. He is clearly hiding his bad behavior.

Where is his transparency in government now?

POWER POSITION | 8:11 a.m. Oct. 14, 2009

If I was CHAFFETZ, I would not want a video of THE MELTDOWN at the SLC Airport viewed by anyone.

Why give the opposition proof?

Mike | 9:39 a.m. Oct. 14, 2009

What if Chaffetz is telling the truth and TSA has something to hide? Ever thought of that, eh?

Union ommented on the video | 10:06 a.m. Oct. 14, 2009

The TSA union has already commented on Chaffetz's conduct as depicted in the video.

Welcome to U.S.-style socialism, folks.

The federal government collects data on you, then uses that data to the advantage of politically-favored favored groups, and to the disadvantage of everybody else.

The public relations strategy is clear: "Why not believe the official version of events? The officials have the tapes."

Those who access such tapes often find that the official version is exaggerated.

I really don't like Chaffetz but | 10:28 a.m. Oct. 14, 2009

this is suspicious. When I first heard the story it sounded like a typical brain-less Chaffetz media ploy. But the TSA seems to be stretching to deny release of this video, which, if their staff had acted appropriately, could only help their reputation and credibility in this instance.

Hopefully the DesNews and other media will keep fighting for this one, and we'll ultimately know for ourselves, but it seems like by fighting against release of the video, they have blown the handling of this situation. If they acted improperly with Chaffetz, eventually we will find out because this isn't going away. And if they acted properly they lose for attempting to withhold the video.

What happened to government transparency?

Grinding the Ax | 11:27 a.m. Oct. 14, 2009

I haven't figured out which side of their two bladed ax the DN is trying to grind. Are they trying to expose the TSA for attempting to provide cover for themselves? Or, are they, because of their dislike for Chaffetz, trying to force information out of TSA that would damage the congressman? Or, is the media today causing me to become cynical?

Not True | 11:27 a.m. Oct. 14, 2009

Sorry (Chaffetz is hiding: 7:24a) but you need to get your facts straight. Unlike the GAO, the TSA does not work for Congress and Chaffetz has no power as a Congressmen to obtain the video. The TSA works for the Department of Homeland Security.

But I do agree with others on this point. What does the TSA have to hide? Would they not want to clear themselves of cupability in the incident?

To: Grinding the Ax | 1:08 p.m. Oct. 14, 2009

When I worked as a journalist I was taught that if people weren't sure which side you were on you're doing your job right.

Union? What union? | 11:46 p.m. Oct. 18, 2009

The Deseret News may want to check their facts. Less than 1/4 of the officers belong to a union at the SLC airport. AFGE claims to be the union for TSA but has never been voted on to be such. How can they comment on an incident they were not here to observe? Please don't associate most of the hard working TSA employees with a union until you check your facts. Mr. Chaffez did not vote to support bargaining rights for TSA and the employees themselves have not made that decision. Please check your facts!

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