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Is TSA director Kip Hawley an idiot?

Asking that question at the security checkpoint in Milwaukee’s General Mitchell International Airport will get you a lesson in just how much the first amendment is worth these days.

In a FlyerTalk message board thread that’s gone completely viral on the internet today, “MKEbound” describes his experience in passing through security yesterday. The TSA’s new regulations require you to include small bottles of liquids in a one-quart plastic zipper bag, so MKEbound did just that. But looking to be provocative, he wrote “Kip Hawley is an idiot” on the outside of the bag. The screener was not amused:

He grabbed the baggie as it came out of the X-ray and asked if it was mine. After responding yes, he pointed at my comment and demanded to know “What is this supposed to mean?” “It could [mean] a lot of things, it happens to be an opinion [of] mine.” “You can’t write things like this” he said, “You mean my First Amendment right to freedom of speech doesn’t apply here?” “Out there (pointing [past] the id checkers) not while in here (pointing down) was his response.”

The rebellious scrawlings on a plastic bag led to questioning by the police and TSA supervisors. MKEbound was obviously looking to make a statement and pick a bit of a fight, but the overreaction by the officers and their blatant disregard for free speech protected by the Constitution were uncalled for. The incident demonstrates how poorly trained some of the agents really are.

This should be no surprise, of course, since people are being kept off planes because they’re wearing shirts with pictures of guns or Arabic script.

Let’s be clear: Insulting the TSA director on a plastic bag is not yelling “fire” in a crowded airport. It may be provocative, but it’s protected. It’s a silent statement that may have been insulting to the screener, but had no broader social effects. No security was ever threatened by the commentary.

If Kip Hawley, Michael Chertoff, and the United States Congress can’t assure that the TSA is better trained in matters of rights and law, and if agents publicly overstep the boundaries of their clearly limited mandate, then they’re worse than idiots. Then they’re party to the cheapening of democracy.

Related:
- What’s acceptable airport security, and what isn’t?
See also:
- The Identity Project (PapersPlease.org)

UPDATE (9/28/06):
It didn’t take long: KipHawleyIsAnIdiot.com.