Food for Thought: TSA Full Body Scans and Pat Downs
The United States Secretary of Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano, and the team of experts have implemented full body scans and extensive pat downs recently as part of their security plan to provide a safer flying experience for Americans, so they say. Those arguing in favor of these extensive and evasive measures might argue it necessary in response to Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab (aka the underwear bomber) of … December 25, 2009. Others will argue a more recent event in October of 2010 concerning ink cartridge bombs, which are now banned from cargo. For the sake of nostalgia, recall the shoe bomber of 2002 (Richard Reid) which brought about the restriction and limitation of certain liquids and the removal of shoes and jackets before walking through security. All of these reasons, at a glance and without much thought, seem like good, solid preventative measures …
The truth about the full body scanners: Although the radiation aspect of the full body scanners are of concern, the health argument alone does not do the debunking of these machines justice. These scanners cannot detect low density items which might include certain powders, liquids, and thin plastics; the scanners are also not built or guaranteed to detect all forms of explosives, only the classic, run-of-the-mill explosives. Radiation is of concern for frequent fliers or those with additional exposure to medical related radiation.
The questions regarding full body pat downs: Are pat downs necessary? Does it make sense to pat down small children and elderly woman? What about the flight crew? Frequent fliers?
This issue has prompted an uproar by Americans as well as the media; Republicans and conservatives are especially vocal about the new TSA full body scans and pat downs. If, and this is a strong if … If the TSA full body scans and pat downs are withdrawn and a terrorist threat or attack were to occur, who do you think would be to blame?
My prognosis. If we were to withdraw these ridiculous and extensive TSA measures, we would need to consider revamping security altogether. I suggest one word that will surely make all liberals cringe and every Republican light up with a smile: profiling. It seems to me that every time a terrorist threat is discovered, the TSA enforces some useless security measure just in time for terrorists to scheme up another tactic of bomb smuggling; every time, the terrorist trumps the security measure. Next up, butt bomber: explosives shoved up anal cavity or prosthetic leg bomber: bombs hidden within prosthetic legs or arms. Look out America, please have your rears ready for an anal cavity search and be ready to remove any prosthetic or artificial limbs for further inspection. Why are we ignoring the one advantage we have on terrorists? History has shown a predominantly male population of foreigners! We need to stop groping toddlers and the elderly while trying to think of ways to not offend the Muslims or the people of Islamic faith. Not only are we on a mission to not offend, but the United States has long been on a mission to cater. We need to adopt the Israel model for airport security.
On a final note, I have been extremely disappointed with the anger and vulgar directed to those performing the full body scans and pat downs. We must remember that these people are doing what they’re told for the sake of their job, and for most, for the sake of retaining that job to feed and support their families. The people performing the pat downs are not the ones implementing this policy. Please treat these people with respect and write your representatives or please follow this link https://contact.tsa.dhs.gov/talktotsa/talktotsa.aspx … and submit your concerns and frustrations to the people behind the scenes.
go to the source
http://www.consumertraveler.com/columns/tsa-full-body-scanners-are-a-bust/
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/19/business/19security.html
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/tsa-chief-vows-no-change-in-screening-policy/
