The intrepid and independent war journalist was making his way through Seattle when he got picked up at the airport. From Yon’s Facebook page:
Got arrested at the Seattle airport for refusing to say how much money I make. (The uniformed ones say I was not “arrested”, but they definitely handcuffed me.) Their videos and audios should show that I was polite, but simply refused questions that had nothing to do with national security. Port authority police eventually came — they were professionals — and rescued me from the border bullies.
For his troubles, Yon gave them a casual review of their manners.
When they handcuffed me, I said that no country has ever treated me so badly. Not China. Not Vietnam. Not Afghanistan. Definitely not Singapore or India or Nepal or Germany, not Brunei, not Indonesia, or Malaysia, or Kuwait or Qatar or United Arab Emirates. No county has treated me with the disrespect can that can be expected from our border bullies.
Yon added this post later:
Actually…the Gold Medal for border harassment goes to Israel. The U.S. gets the Silver on border bullying. Among the most professional that I’ve encountered is UAE (United Arab Emirates) and also Singapore. Very professional. UAE confiscated my body armor during one trip, but took good care of the armor and gave it back at the airport when I left.
Keep in mind, a week ago a man was able to board a plane with a crotch-bomb using his own name – while on the no-fly list. If you’re of the mood, hit Yon’s tip jar.
Our tax dollars at work.
Here is a good description of airport security from the Rifftrax of CASINO ROYALE. (Relevant part begins at 5:43 or 5:44).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rxc3r1PEXUw
On behalf of all who reside in the NW corner of Washington state, I would like to apologize for our airport idiocy. This is not the first example of their idiocy, but it is, perhaps, the most egregious. *head slap*
And yes, I’ll hit his tip jar.
Tracy, don’t play Eric’s video with your kids in the room!
Good point, Mike. Just cut straight to the 3:34 mark, wherein lies some gen-u-ine acting displays. Riveting.