[varenc]

They’re not even a law enforcement agency despite the very cop-like uniforms. They’re not legally “peace officers”, can’t make arrests, execute warrants, handle firearms, etc. I’ve seen discussions where actual police officers are a bit upset the TSA is watering down their uniform style, down to including police-like badges.

Here’s the evolution of TSA uniforms over time. You the transition to being faux-cops: https://i0.wp.com/loweringthebar.net/wp-content/uploads/2012...

There was even proposed legislation to stop calling them “officers” but this didn’t happen. More details here: https://loweringthebar.net/2012/01/junior-tsa-officer-badge-...

[rayiner]

> There's a bill currently pending that would roll this back, introduced by Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) in December. H.R. 3608, the "Stop TSA's Reach in Policy Act" (yes, the "STRIP Act") would prohibit any TSA employee who has not received the federal law enforcement training from being called an "officer" or wearing a badge or uniform that resembles what a real officer would wear.

[otakucode]

Perhaps there should be a more modern marketing effort to push copies of Sinclair Lewis' "It Can't Happen Here"? It was written in 1935 but is stunningly modern. Empowerment of every dim-witted nibshit and mean-spirited person looking for the cover of "for the good of the country" or "for your safety" was a big part of it. And of course Trump's campaign mirrored the campaign of the demagogue in the book as well. Not to mention the campaigns against the media...