PILOT SPIN
Pilot Zone => Pilot Zone => Topic started by: PeterNSteinmetz on October 05, 2021, 08:33:36 AM
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Since a number of posters seem to be interested in my 2014 protest against the TSA at the Phoenix Sky Harbor airport, I will post a few responses and links here. (I tend to think of it as old news).
Firstly, let's clear up some facts. This was a deliberate political protest against the TSA constantly harassing innocent travelers in which I carried an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle directly in front of the TSA security line which is indicated on the floor. The rifle was carefully and appropriately handled at all times and was never pointed at anyone. Indeed, the case for that allegation was so weak that no charges were ever even brought. Furthermore, my arrest record was subsequently cleared by court in what is known as "declaration of innocence", which is rather rare in Arizona.
My reasons for doing so are more fully explained in my op-ed piece on the subject at https://www.azcentral.com/story/opinion/op-ed/2014/11/22/open-carry-sky-harbor-airport/19344603/
Several interesting aspects of what happened at the airport. It took the police about 20-30 mins to find a person walking around with an openly carried AR-15. Most people didn't even notice. Prior to arresting me, the police were looking for some cause for arrest and literally said "go ask those women over there if they would be willing to be a victim".
It was certainly a controversial thing to do, as protests often are, and frankly generated more publicity than I anticipated.
Since this forum tends to focus a bit more on politics I will make a few comments though tend to confine my interests here to aviation related politics. (I suppose the TSA qualifies.)
I am an ultra-libertarian and regard basically everything being done by the TSA as an intrusion on citizens rights. I am also a strong advocate for our second amendment rights. Sadly of course I think our civil liberties have been even further eroded since 2014.
As to a few of the posts here. To post a link to the arrest without noting the subsequent clearing of the arrest record is arguably libelous. To ignore the substantial coverage of the political aspects, such as our nearly immediate press conference and my op-ed, appears to be misleading at best and mostly an attempt at a personal attack.
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So you’re one of those kind. Always have something you’ve gotta prove and are willing to take extraordinary measures and possibly risk jail time for. Let’s see, what did this accomplish? Absolutely nothing. I’ve gathered that you’re a neurologist by trade, but after reading these articles about you, I’m suggesting that you’re the one who needs to go see a neurologist. Protesting against the TSA by bringing a loaded rifle into an airport is beyond insane. I normally refrain myself from posting on these message boards, but I feel impressed to reply to this.
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Peter, you are clearly a troublemaker.
Love it!
;D
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Have to say, of the various message boards I’ve been a part of, this one has the most hateful and bitter bunch of people. I suppose that’s the benefit of being behind a keyboard, as I know each of you can’t be so ugly in person. Or maybe you are. Now I’m wondering why I hang out here. I’m sure there’s better places for pilot discussion online. And yes, I’m sure this post will be met with more hateful remarks. What a bunch of sour apples.
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Peter, I admire your conviction!
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Have to say, of the various message boards I’ve been a part of, this one has the most hateful and bitter bunch of people. I suppose that’s the benefit of being behind a keyboard, as I know each of you can’t be so ugly in person. Or maybe you are. Now I’m wondering why I hang out here. I’m sure there’s better places for pilot discussion online. And yes, I’m sure this post will be met with more hateful remarks. What a bunch of sour apples.
Well well well.............look who's talking.........
Your hatred of a member on another forum brought you here so you could continue to attack him and discredit him. And since we aren't your beloved cancel culture/ban hammer types your feelings are hurt.
Go look in the mirror.
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Peter, I admire your conviction!
Well, he wasn't convicted. 8)
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Peter, you are clearly a troublemaker.
Love it! ;D
Peter, I admire your conviction!
Thank you both for your kind words. I think it is important that we use the remaining rights we have to push back against these increasing and constant intrusions on our liberties.
I think I appreciate this forum more and more as it allows a fuller discussion of the underlying issues. Although it does become heated at times and required some blocking.
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Well, he wasn't convicted. 8)
Yes, wasn't even charged and subsequently declared innocent. This protest was performed carefully to be within the law but in a very challenging manner.
When doing so, one will occasionally run into over-zealous police officers who feel they need to do something. In this case, prior to looking for someone willing to be a victim, they actually stated "we have to stop this now. What can we charge him with?" and then discussed a variety of possible charges. Finally settled on the universal "disorderly conduct".
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Here’s another case of an overzealous police officer:
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Have to say, of the various message boards I’ve been a part of, this one has the most hateful and bitter bunch of people. I suppose that’s the benefit of being behind a keyboard, as I know each of you can’t be so ugly in person. Or maybe you are. Now I’m wondering why I hang out here. I’m sure there’s better places for pilot discussion online. And yes, I’m sure this post will be met with more hateful remarks. What a bunch of sour apples.
No one gives a shit what you think.
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Here’s another case of an overzealous police officer:
Yes, it is seriously out of control. Very many examples of same. The Phoenix PD which works at the airport has basically told reporters that they will look for some excuse to arrest anyone openly carrying a firearm at the airport -- despite the fact that they know it is perfectly legal.
I suppose if they try that again their qualified immunity might fail in a wrongful arrest lawsuit. Given my case, they should be perfectly well aware.
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Here is a link to a longer talk I gave about the details of what happened in the airport and how it was handled. My part of the talk starts at 22:50. https://www.freedomsphoenix.com/Article/168077-2014-12-15-arizona-breakfast-club-december-6-2014-dr-peter-steinmetz.htm
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Have to say, of the various message boards I’ve been a part of, this one has the most hateful and bitter bunch of people. I suppose that’s the benefit of being behind a keyboard, as I know each of you can’t be so ugly in person. Or maybe you are. Now I’m wondering why I hang out here. I’m sure there’s better places for pilot discussion online. And yes, I’m sure this post will be met with more hateful remarks. What a bunch of sour apples.
Are you even aware of your hypocrisy? You are brand new to this board, having posted a whole 3 times, apparently all of which are in attacks against Peter, who I presume you knew at POA. Why are you even bothering coming here, unless it’s to try to destroy another poster, for no reason whatsoever except for libel.
Take your hatred and bitterness somewhere else if it bothers you so much.
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Here is a link to a longer talk I gave about the details of what happened in the airport and how it was handled. My part of the talk starts at 22:50. https://www.freedomsphoenix.com/Article/168077-2014-12-15-arizona-breakfast-club-december-6-2014-dr-peter-steinmetz.htm
Good talk.
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Good talk.
Thanks. It was nice to finally be able to speak out after several months of negotiating with the county prosecutor.
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Well well well.............look who's talking.........
Your hatred of a member on another forum brought you here so you could continue to attack him and discredit him. And since we aren't your beloved cancel culture/ban hammer types your feelings are hurt.
Go look in the mirror.
Thank you.
But welcome hummingbird! ;D
Thanks Peter. I am also a 2A advocate and active in my Commonwealth's 2A advocacy group. You're move took a lot of guts. If we lose our remaining gun rights we are doomed.