You Might Be a Terrorist If… (Your Watch Looks Weird Edition)
November 18th, 2012Via: AP:
A Southern California man was arrested at Oakland International Airport after security officers found him wearing an unusual watch they said could be used to make a timing device for a bomb, authorities said Friday.
Geoffrey McGann, 49, of Rancho Palos Verdes was taken into custody Thursday night after he tried to pass through airport security with an ornate watch that had switches, wires and fuses, according to Sgt. J.D. Nelson, a spokesman for the Alameda County Sheriff’s Department.
A bomb squad arrived within five minutes and determined there were no explosive materials in the watch, Nelson said. The checkpoint was closed while officers secured the area.
McGann was taken to Santa Rita Jail in Dublin where he was charged with possessing materials to make an explosive device, sheriff’s officials said. He was still in custody Friday night and could not be reached for comment.
McGann told Transportation Security Administration officers that he’s an artist and the watch is art, Nelson said.
I’m not sure why an artist insists on traveling with art with wires, switches and fuses. But I also don’t poke bears with sticks. I suppose everyone has there own limit even if McGann chose an unfortunate way to protest.
I didn’t stop flying until I was required to remove my shoes (supposedly because of Richard Reid). That was the final insult. I’ve had enough mileage points to fly for free for years, but no inclination (unless it’s a one way flight out). From the photos I’ve seen it appears that many people freely consent to being groped regularly. Of course I still drive and get detained in the “Constitution-free zone” because I’m not ready to give up on travel in the USSA.
Hotel stay are becoming interesting as well:
http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20121110/17435521005/dhs-fbi-present-you-might-be-terrorist-if-hotel-guest-edition.shtml