I am concerned about the new Transport Security Administration (TSA) processes implemented last week. Either I have to enter a screener that basically strip searches me or have an extensive grope session in front of fellow uncomfortable passengers. Hmmm. This is not only degrading but can it be questioned whether my rights are in jeopardy?
I have chosen to fly and therefore am subject to those terms and conditions which includes extreme tactics to maintain safety. I am all for safety but how much will this aid the process versus just take additional time to get through the gate and appear to improve safety. Is my body meant to be private? I wonder why we are not yet flying nude (though crevices will still remain a problem). Why maintain personal privacy and modesty if a government agency can require you share it with these hired officials? If I went however to check into my flight while naked, I would be arrested. This is a hypocritical policy that I doubt will largely deter those who want to compromise flight safety.
I want to continue but I have to work...
it sounds like it is an expansion of the Patriot Act of 2001 (description from wikipedia):
ReplyDeleteThe Act dramatically reduced restrictions on law enforcement agencies' ability to search telephone, e-mail communications, medical, financial, and other records; eased restrictions on foreign intelligence gathering within the United States; expanded the Secretary of the Treasury’s authority to regulate financial transactions, particularly those involving foreign individuals and entities; and broadened the discretion of law enforcement and immigration authorities in detaining and deporting immigrants suspected of terrorism-related acts. The act also expanded the definition of terrorism to include domestic terrorism, thus enlarging the number of activities to which the USA PATRIOT Act’s expanded law enforcement powers could be applied.
Scanners strip searching you were being trialed in UK when we left for Europe. They are now to be widely placed everywhere i assume.
This article is quite recent and talks about the same thing
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2010/nov/01/airport-security-necessary-inconvenience
I basically agree that if these measures are annoying (i havent been through a strip searching scanner yet though...,)lenghty and that it will not deter some people from putting bombs on plane, what else can airport authorities do? just put down these meaures and let everyone be paranoid about what could happen?
I am pretty sure that these measures are going to get worse and worse considering that the terrorists play a game with security.
In order to be successful they have to "innovate" (and they will) which will mean more measures logically.
In the end security seems to prime over personnal well-being and respect in this case. I couldnt say if it was a good or bad thing though.
interestingly there was an article about it in the blog section of the economist,
ReplyDeletebasically the same kind of point but from a man,
enjoy
http://www.economist.com/blogs/democracyinamerica/2010/11/airport_insecurity
I really like the article. Thanks for posting it :) I have to think more about which I would prefer. The last flight I took I was shuffled into the plain metal detector line and there was no hassle there. My upcoming flight might be different. I will likely have to make that choice. I think that both are humiliating and encroach on my privacy. I do not have the option of boycotting aviation so I do what I must...
ReplyDelete~PB