TSA WILL DRUG TEST FLYERS AT AIRPORT SCREENINGS

  

FROM JSWIFT NEWS SERVICE

      TSA LAUNCHES PROGRAM FOR FAST-TRACK  

                        AIRPORT SCREENINGS                    

Some Americans will soon be able to move through airport security without having to take off their shoes, or remove computers, liquids or gels from carryon bags.  Too, they will be exempt from publicly viewable,  invasive vaginal and rectal examinations U.S. citizens usually undergo at the nation's airports.

The program, just initiated by the Transportation Security Administration, is called "Trusted Traveler."  Citizens of the U.S. Fatherland may opt into the program by providing certain information to the TSA.  If their applications are approved, they will be deemed "pre-certified," and, when flying, will be directed to an expedited security lane.  The only delay possible to Trusted Travelers is random drug testing, which those who want to enroll in the program must agree to.
If accepted into the TSA's new program the Trusted Traveller may bring firearms aboard his airplane, as long as the ammunition clips do not exceed fifty rounds.

The Trusted Traveler program is administered by several private security firms, all of whom have NSA contracts.  TSA Chief Administrator, Fred Smith, in today's press conference announcing the new program said, "All security firm employees have extensive experience in monitoring the  activities of U.S. citizens are are well-qualified to determine whether they are true Americans worthy of being Trusted Travelers."

When queried by reporters as to what factors would be used to ascertain whether one was sufficiently American to warrant inclusion into the new program, and if there were assurances that the data collected by the TSA would be kept confidential and the privacy rights of Americans respected Smith stated that authorities "above my pay grade" has told him not to give detailed responses to such questions.  

 "Well, I think that's a national security matter.  I really can't disclose what the criteria for inclusion will be.  But, be assured the program is well thought out.  We have consulted extensively with the CIA, FBI, NSA  and other intelligence agencies whose primary purpose is to protect the rights and privacy of the American people.

"But just let me say that we want to enhance the travel experience for U.S. citizens who are accepted into the program.  Generally speaking, I can tell you, people who work hard and play by the rules will become a Trusted Traveller," Smith concluded.

Copyright Keith Shirey.