Re: [Harp-L] Re: Airport security and harps

[Joe and Cass Leone <leone@xxxxxxxx>]

So I left Ft, Myers airport without a problem and landed in Newark.
Upon my return from Newark, the following happened:

I was pulled out of the line and sent to the screening room where I had 
to take my clothes off.
The only case I was carrying was a converted tool case from Home Depot.
It wasn't very large and contained all the stuff I would need for my 3 
days at Garden State Harmonica Festival.
I was wearing my sport jacket from the saturday night dinner on my body 
as there was no room in the case.
It started with me being asked for my ticket ad I.D. I produced a 
Florida drivers license.
I was told the search was "routine"
The case was unlocked and I told them at the counter that they could 
open it...no problem.
After being searched, I was left with a couple suspicions, which 
included (but were not limited to the following):

a... Were they searching me because the case was metal?
b...Were they searching me because they thought I was Cuban (and from 
the Miami area)?
c...Did they search me because I had a deep tan (and didn't look like a 
"Real" white guy)?
d...Did they think I was Italian (and originally from New York)?
e...Was it because I was well dressed?
f...Was it because I was early enough that it wouldn't cause any 
hold-ups?
g...Was it a female ticket agent trying to stick it to a male for some 
imagined retribution?
h...Did they (in true movie stereotype) think I was a hit man or bag 
man?
i...Was I "profiled"

Meeeeeanwhile, I found that I wasn't the only one this was done to. The 
ONLY 3 other people (out of HUNDREDS) were from Russia, Nigeria, and 
Colombia. When I went to board the plane, the check in agent called 
(loudly) to someone IN the boarding hallway that "Mr Leone is coming 
through". I was held up there as they checked my papers again (with 
everyone looking on inquisitively). I wasn't Quite as bothered then as 
I was exactly one year later when the very same thing happened again. 
Naturally Delta has lost my business.

If I go to the New York area again...I DRIVE it. Am I cutting off my 
nose to spite my face? probably, but It's the principal of the thing.

smokey-joe