Nobody messes with the TSA -- or else

CNN correspondent Drew Griffin has reported a number of stories recently detailing the failures and incompetence of the Transportation and Security Administration, and the TSA's desperate attempts to muzzle its internal critics.

Now Griffin finds himself unable to fly without extra screening and special authorization.

"Coincidentally, this all began in May, shortly after I began a series of investigative reports critical of the TSA. Eleven flights now since May 19. On different airlines, my name pops up forcing me to go to the counter, show my identification, sometimes the agent has to make a call before I get my ticket," Griffin reported. "What does the TSA say? Nothing, at least nothing on camera. Over the phone a public affairs worker told me again I'm not on the watch list, and don't even think that someone in the TSA or anyone else is trying to get even."

While the TSA claims that the airlines -- apparently all acting on their own initiative -- are the ones who have singled Griffin out for special treatment, the reporter argues convincingly that his name has been added to the TSA's bloated "watch list" of potential terrorists as an act of retribution for his critical coverage.

Of course, the TSA is just doing its best to keep us safe, right? You can always trust our fearless leaders with a little extra power ...