Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving Flying, Everybody!

From the Associated Press: TSA pat-down leaves Michigan man covered in urine. I can't think of any better way of heralding in this year's Thanksgiving Day travel disaster season than this story.

ROMULUS, Mich. – A bladder cancer survivor from Michigan who wears a bag that collects his urine said the head of the Transportation Security Administration called to apologize for an airport pat-down that caused the bag to spill its contents on his clothing.

Tom Sawyer, a 61-year-old retired special education teacher, said the experience left him in tears before he caught a flight to Orlando, Fla., on Nov. 7.

"I was absolutely humiliated. I couldn't even speak," the Houghton Lake man told MSNBC.com.

Sawyer said TSA chief John Pistole called him Monday and apologized on behalf of the TSA. Sawyer told The Detroit News that he "very graciously" accepted Pistole's apology.

"Here I am, just an average citizen from a small town," Sawyer told the Detroit Free Press. "I told him, `I only want training for the agents on medical conditions.'"

Sawyer said that once he got through security, he changed his bag, but didn't have time to change his clothing and had to board the plane soaked in urine.

And if this is what those TSA guys can do to Tom Sawyer, just think about what they would do to Huck Finn or Becky Thatcher. Yeesh.

In all seriousness, having already witnessed the beginnings to the holiday chaos in airports across the country this week--good luck out there and have a safe Thanksgiving holiday! Just remember: it's crazy out there--make the most out of even the most uncomfortable travel situations.

8 comments:

Josh S. said...

Was he in a rush?

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

I think the real story is that his name is Tom Sawyer.

MR.F said...

Oh I just got that, lol.

Fred's Brim said...

well played, Josh.

Steve Sax said...

Although I appreciate the pun I can't believe Rush and "well-played" are referenced together. I hate that whiny-ass band.

Fred's Brim said...

But Saxy, I thought you were a fan of Canadian nerds!

Steve Sax said...

Nerds, yes. Canadians, not so much.

spank said...

I hate that song.