Chip Taylor

TSA

James Bovard has the goods on the TSA:

In April, four agents in Detroit were arrested for stealing laptop computers, cameras and other items from checked luggage. In June, four agents were arrested at the Fort Lauderdale, Fla., airport on charges of stealing cameras, laptop computers, perfume, CD players and money. Also in June, one screener was arrested in Philadelphia for stealing $335 from a passenger passing through his checkpoint, and 13 screeners were arrested in New Orleans on charges of stealing valuables from checked luggage. Many have been suspended with full pay while awaiting the outcome of the cases. According to the transportation agency, more than 28,000 claims of loss or damage have been filed.

While there have been some successful prosecutions, in at least one case the T.S.A. let a screener off the hook. Last year, video cameras recorded a Miami screener stealing CD's from checked luggage. But criminal charges were dropped after the screener's lawyer made it clear that he planned to ask a government official about T.S.A. operations at the trial.

There's more.