Patiently waiting for luggage in baggage claim at San Francisco International Airport recently, I had a chance encounter with Major Garrett, formerly of Fox News, now back to print at the National Journal. In a brief -- yet engaging and civil conversation -- Major Garrett and I discussed the tumultuous business of journalism, our respective work and the nuances of TV vs. radio vs. print. Two reporters simply assessing the state of media at a major U.S. airport -- but I'm willing to bet money that upon his return flight from San Fran, Major Garrett wasn't religiously profiled like I was.
Standing in a seemingly-endless security line at SFO last week, I was entrenched in the tedious process of taking off my shoes and placing items into several bins that so many of us have grown accustomed to in this day and age. As I removed my press credentials from around my neck right before walking through the metal detectors, a TSA worker approached me and stated that he needed to swipe the palms of my hands to check for residue from explosives because I had been 'randomly selected'. Surprised and taken aback by his request, I of course complied and dared not question his true motivation for I knew it would only lead to some sort of unnecessary conflict.
For the next 10 minutes or so I watched as the brown man near me was 'randomly selected' for the same process, as was the brown man two people down from him, and the brown woman several people away from him. Each one of us, blatantly of Middle Eastern/South Asian decent was singled out by TSA workers in what can only be termed racial/religious profiling. In that extensive security line, there were many young men who fit the profile of a Jared Loughner -- the accused Tucson Shooter -- but never once were any of them 'randomly selected' to have their hands swiped with some substance that we can never even question.
After arriving back in NY, I opened up my luggage and noticed things were disheveled. While in the Bay area, I had a meeting with a thriving U.S.-based publication targeting American Muslims and those seeking to learn more about this often-misconstrued segment of the population. Intricately tucking away copies of the magazine deep under clothing in my suitcase due to lack of space elsewhere, I instantly noticed that two of the magazines were placed right on top as I opened my bag. Someone had been in there.
Turns out, a private security firm, CAS, is apparently contracted by the TSA to inspect 'suspicious luggage and items'. Covenant Aviation Security is the official title of this firm that boasts itself as 'one of the top 30 contractors to the Department of Homeland Security'. Partnering with such companies as the 'Trinity Technology Group', CAS services SFO Airport, Tupelo Regional Airport, Sioux Falls International Airport and provides 'perimeter security' at JFK and LaGuardia Airports according to its own website. And in my luggage, I discovered an official 'Notice of Inspection' from an agent of CAS -- the agent's ID number illegible of course.
In an era of uncertainty, if we must enhance our security measures to protect us all, isn't it time we know what the true criteria is for one to get 'randomly selected' for screening? Perhaps we need an investigation into how many Muslims or individuals with Muslim-sounding names are 'randomly selected' in airports across the country. If the last few major acts of violence in the U.S. were committed by White men, and if conservative militia members are deemed one of our biggest threats after the election of President Obama, why is it that they are not scrutinized just as much as those that appear Muslim/Arab or simply 'other'? The unfortunate truth of the matter is that this random selection process is simply a façade for open racial/religious profiling.
The morning I departed San Francisco, President Obama was also leaving the area after meeting with prominent business leaders. As a member of the media on the White House press list, I could have covered the president's departure if requested by my news director; instead, I was profiled and treated like a second-class citizen by someone with TSA inscribed on his jacket and another with CAS somewhere in the cargo area.
But this isn't about me; it's about the greater disturbing context of the situation. The unfortunate reality out of this whole incident is that no matter what American Muslims achieve in their country, whether it be Senator, Congressperson or whatever, they will more often than not be reminded that their patriotism and allegiance can be questioned at any moment. And that should trouble every American -- Muslim or not.