Protesting the TSA in Undees

The first fight we are looking at is a local one that speaks with national volume.

Over winter break, fellow University of Cincinnati student, Aaron Tobey peacefully protested the increase of vigilant searching of airline passengers by the Transportation Safety Agency (TSA).

Much more dramatic than holding a sign or distributing informational leaflets, Tobey striped out of his clothes wearing only boxers, sox and the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution, reading:

“The right of the people to be secure against unreasonable searches and seizures shall not be violated”

Tobey was arrested at Richmond International Airport for disorderly conduct.

Opposing the aggressive patting down of passengers and the airport fear-mongering, Tobey showed less than what the airport body scanners reveal and showed less than what is allowed to be felt in pat down.

Tobey’s  arraignment on Jan.10 for the Dec. 30 incident ended in a victory for his cause. His charges were dropped, and his freedom of speech and protest was protected. In a News Record interview Tobey spoke on the case, saying:

“"I think it opens the door for people to begin to speak about issues like this more freely and openly," Tobey said, "without the fear of repercussions for voicing their opinion in a civil and thoughtful manner, no matter which side of the issue they might be on."

This 21-year-old architecture student does not look like the crazed tea partier that people are made out to be if they happen to know a line or two of the Bill of Rights. A beautiful example of nonviolent protest.  Tobey and his ordeal is refreshing example of a person opposing their government in the wake of the Arizona shooting and after the media slander of those that oppose the policies of fear and intrusion.


The News Record's articles covering the protest.