TSA Under Pressure To Stop Baggage Theft (washingtonpost.com)

If you have traveled recently you know that you are now required to leave your baggage unlocked so that the TSA can search your bags before they are loaded on a plane. Of course we are told that we can trust the TSA, they have only our safety in mind. Apparently, according to reports, the TSA is concerned for more than just the safety of the plane, but for the wellbeing of the American people. Particularly several agents in the TSA seem to be concerned for our backs. They want to make sure that Americans don't throw out their backs by carrying heavy luggage around, and so they are removing items from our luggage to help lighten the load. OK, that was a little sarcastic, but according to The Washington Post TSA agents are stealing stuff from people's bags. Here is a quote from the article:

When John Latta flew to Reagan National Airport from Miami last month, he discovered that a $1,000 pair of binoculars was missing from his checked luggage. "What can I do?" he asked an airline agent who took a report. Her answer, Latta said, was: "Nothing. Zero."

You would think that maybe the TSA is cracking down on this behavior. Well they are to some degree. While the article reports that they have fired two agents for stealing, they are also working with congress to limit their liability. Thanks TSA, now instead of just being inconvenienced at the Airport, I can also be ripped off and have my rights to receive damages limited to $2500.00 per incident. I think it's time for a comeback of the great American tradition of the road trip!