An institutional metaphor

...that's how I'm starting to see TSA, and government in general.  Both act to ensure they can sift through your stuff whenever they choose, and both tend to grab whatever goodies appeal to them.  I realize there's a difference in pocketing the occasional Rolex and seizing someone's bank account, but it's only one of degree, not kind.  In fact, TSA may be providing recruiting and training opportunities for future IRS personnel for all we know...

A Transportation Security Administration officer has been indicted on five charges in the theft of four watches and a pre-paid debit card from luggage at Los Angeles International Airport, officials announced Friday.



A federal grand jury indicted Paul Yashou, 38, of Torrance, on two felony and three misdemeanor theft counts Friday afternoon.

Yashou is alleged to have stolen the items from luggage going through security at LAX’s Terminal 1, the U.S. District Attorney’s Office said. According to the indictment, one of the watches was valued at about $15,000, another at $5,000 and two at $1,000. The pre-paid debit card was valued at $1,000.

Authorities arrested Yashou on June 23 at his home after an investigation revealed the $15,000 watch had been sold to a jewelry store that had tried to sell the item on EBay.