UPDATE: Gerardo Hernandez, who would have turned 40 next week. He is the first TSA officer killed in the line of duty. While I greatly despise the TSA. It is good remember that those working are really just average Joe’s. The policies are set in DC. That is where we need to enact change. VOTE ‘EM OUT!!!!
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LAX Shooting, the TSA, and broken security….that was the original title upon hearing about the shooting. I wrote the entirety of the article below the link based on that topic. But part of me wondered, was this shooting directed at the TSA itself? Was this the first person to say that they were willing to give up their life to stand up against the TSA/NSA/etc.
We didn’t know…
But the latest report is that the shooter went around asking “”Hey, are you TSA?” and — if a person answered “no” — he would move on, according to the official”.
If true, this wasn’t a mad man nor was this a terrorist (he wasn’t attacking civilians). This was out and out rebellion against the government. I wager the NSA had just as much influence in the shooter’s decision, they likely just found the TSA a much more available target. Today most American’s may not realize it. But this may date, 11-1, may be more monumental that 9-11. What, I’m crazy you say….how could a couple of TSA agents being shot equate to the worst attack in modern history on America? Can’t I see the Twin Towers are gone, GONE!!!
Yes, but one needs to remember history. Powder kegs are often preceded by several matches. When did the American revolution begin? Did it begin on July 4, 1776? Did it begin in December 16, 1773 at the Boston Tea Party? Or did it begin March 5, 1770 when Crispus Attucks was killed at the Boston Massacre?
What becomes the measuring point? Is it when one man stands in opposition? 10? 100?
We can debate the morality of this shooting. But I do not look at this event as an act of terrorism, nor some deranged lunatic. Had it been those, the targets would have been anyone near by. This was an act of war, declared by one individual against a government which is increasingly becoming invasive and tyrannical.
And that is why, some ways, today, 11-1 is scarier than 9-11. My point is THIS shooting is DIFFERENT
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THE FOLLOWING WAS WRITTEN BEFORE THE ANNOUNCEMENT THAT THE SHOOTER WAS SPECIFICALLY TARGETING THE TSA
http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/01/us/lax-gunfire/index.html?hpt=hp_t1
The CNN report is that the shooter drew an assault rifle from out of a bag and began to fire. The result is one TSA officer killed, and two individuals injured. (Are the other injuries TSA officers as well or just civilians? The reason I ask is because it could point to a motive.)
Having just flown from the West to the East Coast on Wednesday. This stirs up a lot of feelings. First off, while a tragedy. TSA is security, that is who WE WANT to have be killed in these type of situations. So in thise case, it appears at least one TSA officer did their job.
That said, it does show just how ineffective security at airports really is. First off, TSA has always been “responsive” rather than “proactive”. Considering that there are almost no two terrorist attacks that are the same, this seems to pose a significant failing.
Second, most of the policies are focused on reaction, and usually with little intelligence or insight. We have to take off our shoes because Mr Reid tried to blow his up. By this same logic, why do we not have to take off our underwear after the Underwear bomber’s attempt?
It pretty much confirms that the checks imposed upon us by the TSA are mainly security theater. They give the perception of safety and effectiveness but really do not accomplish much.
The article states
“A gunman concealing an assault rifle walked up to a Los Angeles International Airport checkpoint and opened fire on a TSA agent Friday morning”
If this is the case, it almost appears that TSA itself was the intended target. And having seen some of the videos of TSA abuse, I wonder if we are going to identify this individual as one of the victims of TSA abuse. And suddenly have a case where not a single camera in the area will have the video of the prior incident.
Is this incident part of a brewing backlash against the TSA?
I don’t know…
N.U.G.U.N. - New User of GUNs Blog 
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