TSA: Nabbing Terrorist or Grabbing Travelers
Picture: AP
The Fourth Amendment gives U.S. citizens a right to privacy; the Patriot Act takes it away under the guise of anti-terrorism. The new enhanced pat-down policy and AIT (advanced imaging technology) scanners leave nothing to the imagination of the traveling public. Advanced pat-downs are a new synonym for groping and the back-scatter imaging scanners are mandatory peepshows. Where is the line drawn for going too far in personal invasion? The TSA has crossed that line according to recent travelers that have been traumatized by this governmental, warrantless search and seizure. Is it time for the citizens to put their collective foot down and demand reform?
I can remember up until 2001 being able to go through a security checkpoint with a coffee in my hands, my shoes on, my computer and video camera still in my bag. Anyone could pass through with a Costco bottle of shampoo in their bag, and anyone that wanted to see them off. Today, a traveler is lucky to get through with their dignity. On the U.S. Governments TSA website, there is a link to an article on the USA Today website, stating “Most OK with TSA full body scanners”(USA Today”). The article quotes a Gallop Poll showing that “of 542 adults, 78 percent of travelers approve of the use of full body scanners”(USA Today). In a CNET News article entitled “Backlash grows over TSA’s ‘naked strip searches’”, TSA spokeswoman is quoted saying “We have received minimal complaints”(CNET). The article goes on to say that “the Electronic Privacy Information Center, a nonprofit advocacy group, filed against the TSA and Homeland Security last week”(CNET), claiming that the traveling public crying foul. The American Civil Liberties Union’s website reports TSA pat-down guidelines changed October of 2010, “The TSA has recently changed its guidelines and these pat-downs are now much more invasive. Screeners are now authorized to use the front of their hands and to touch areas around breasts and groins”(ACLU). The ACLU is in the process of compiling complaints via their official website. The data is being gathered to support their position while they continue to file complaints against the TSA and The Department of Homeland Security. On the subject of the new pat-down procedures, the official statement given on October 28, 2010 is
On the topic of Advanced Imaging Technology(AIT), the TSA had this to say, “TSA has implemented strict measures to protect passenger privacy, which is ensured through the anonymity of the image”(TSA). Basically, the device has software that will fuzz out the image of the passengers face.
Terrorism is real and it has become a part of our everyday vigilance. Most people carry fear with them on a regular basis trying to be aware of those around them that may pose threat. This vigilance has also become paranoia. If you apply the theory of cultivation, you can realize that the amount of media coverage has created an unrealistic fear of terrorism in our daily lives. The media has spoon fed us as a public to feel that the threat of terrorism can happen to anybody at any moment. This simply is not true. If you look at your life over the last six months, how may terrorist acts have you witnessed?
People will argue that they feel more confident flying with these extreme measures of security. They will tell you that they are fearful of a terrorist being on their flight. I have flown over 200 times since 2001 and have never seen a terrorist or had my life in danger of a terrorist threatening my life. The fact that a TSA agent that I have never met before has more liberties with my body then a person that I am on my second date with, is a huge concern.
If you are going to travel by air, be prepared, you will quite possibly experience an invasion of your privacy and freedoms. If you are expected to submit to nude imaging, or search of your genital areas by a complete stranger with no regard for your privacy or dignity, something is wrong here in my opinion. Yes, I hold the government and the air industry responsible for providing a safe transportation product, but at the same time I feel that there is a limit to the amount of personal violation that should be acceptable. The Patriot Act appears to be a broad brush that cannot be easily challenged and can implement pretty much anything under the guise of anti-terrorism. We the people need to exercise our freedom of speech and get out and convince our political leaders/ policy makers that this is absolutely unacceptable!
