why is the gothamist pushing comrade Bloomburg's anti smoking BS on their site? I thought you guys were against the nanny state? or is that only when you don't get paid.

you guys are complete frauds

At least the searches are VOLUNTARY.

I don't understand the theory behind these searches anyway. Any time I've ever seen a table set up, it's been right near the turnstiles. If a terrorist is already there, why wouldn't they just blow themselves up at that spot if they got picked to be searched? They would still be able to kill a lot of people.

So what's next? I have to take off my shoes and have my tampons confiscated because they might be a bomb or some sort of terrorist material?

Playing devils advocate, how exactly is having your bag searched on public/private transportation a violation of your rights?

@edEX "The Fourth Amendment (Amendment IV) to the United States Constitution ... guards against unreasonable searches and seizures. The amendment specifically also requires search and arrest warrants be judicially sanctioned and supported by probable cause." - Wikipedia

How is it possible to have probable cause when the searches are random? Upon first inspection, cops/TSA have no information to base suspicion on. Even with probable cause, they would still need a judge to issue a warrant.

A government entity refusing passage to public transportation based on complicity of inspection of personal belongings also impinges on our freedom of association, which is protected under the first amendment.

Your 4th amendment, rapidly disappearing since 2001.

"Random and unpredictable security measures, like mobile screening and VIPR teams, can regularly be seen at anytime"

Joking aside, as long as TSA follows the same search procedures as the NYPD, which is to say they don't search many people at their random checkpoints, this is a good idea. TSA agents are paid less than cops, and cops have better things to do.

OR! We could get rid of all of the transgressors entirely and restore America to her former glory. Then we can disband the TSA entirely and save tons of money! And we'll all be happier.

That too. I agree that searches in the subway are pointless. But as long as they insist on doing them, I'd rather the city only pay $15 an hour for it than $40.

How soon before they require you throw out all liquids also before entering the subway and charge for bags?

wow and whats the cops union doing about this lol

I'll believe these clowns are serious when they start with the disgusting shopping carts of the homeless first.

Every last one of you should be on the phone with your state senators, and congressional members offices today, tomorrow, and sometime next week. You should register your concerns and disgust. Be polite, and demonstrate an openness to discuss the issue. But be adamant that this is wrong. Point out that it is clearly illegal. Not just because these guys are violating your 4th amendment rights, but also because they are not employed by the state and have no authority to operate here. Be clear that you do not feel more secure because of this. If you feel less safe around the TSA, as I do. Please express that concern as well.

This is our city, and our state government knows pretty damned well they are in the dog house after this past year. If they want to keep their incumbency they are going to have to earn it. Put em to the task.

So I have to wait on line for an hour at the airport because there are only 2 TSA employees working the scanners (with 5 watching), but TSA has enough employees to send some on loan to the MTA/NYPD?

And you wondered why the MTA is so mismanaged.

come on guys, they have done such a wonderful job at the airports it was time to give them more responsibility.

i mean, someone wanting to give their girlfriend a second kiss goodbye never causes complete meltdowns of all air travel (well expect that one time)

Please tell me I can take my bottle water into the subway.

Do I have to take off my shoes?