Guest Post: I’m a Constant Target

Reader Ryan writes:

Mine is one of consistent harassment. I have Lymphedema, basically, part of my lower lymphatic system broke down after a bout w/MRSA. So whenever my body senses an infection below my waist and it puts my lymph nodes to work, instead of the vascular system properly distributing the fluid it all dumps in a specific area. Generally this causes massive swelling in the leg, I’m sure you’ve seen pictures, the swelling is extreme. Well, in my case, the swelling is in my groin area and it is substantial.

Now that you have a picture of my condition, imagine what the TSA thinks I’m smuggling through EVERY TIME I PASS THROUGH THE CHECKPOINT! Well, at least since these scanners. I’ve been told, the scanners are random, that any one person wouldn’t go through more than 2 out of 5 times statistically. I go through it every time. Then, I have to go through the pat down procedure publicly, concentrating on my junk, every time. Most of the time after the gropping, I get the pleasure of going to a back room to drop my pants and show off my goods. Yay me.

It’s humiliating to say the least and an inconvenience that has caused me to miss a flight on more than one occasion.

The last time was the last time. It was back in August, I was going to visit my Dad. I stood in the same line that they separate people from as if being separated to go to a Work Camp, pulled from line. When they told me to, I said no. They were taken aback and after a moment told me it wasn’t a request. I asked what I had asked the 1st time I was submitted to the scanner, “Will I have to submit to the scanner every time I fly?” The answer was no, it was random. I then asked why every time, in every Airport that had the scanners I was submitted to it more than 10 times? The answer I got, “Sir, you’re holding up the line, don’t be difficult!” It wasn’t polite, it was a controlled yell, as if chastising me. I just said no again. I wasn’t offered the pat down, which didn’t matter, I would’ve declined that as well.

Long story short, I got my ticket refunded, after some convincing at the ticket desk that this was through no fault of my own. I called my Father, told him my trip was canceled and vowed to not fly again as long as I would be violated. I’m good with road trips.

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