How in the world is this not a violation of constitutional rights? Aren't warrants supposed to be issued for this kind of thing? And how in the world is this not a physical assault on innocent people considering the radiation involved?

[Electronic Privacy Information Center] Demands Documents from DHS about Mobile Body Scanners, Use of Devices at Trains Stations and Stadiums
EPIC has filed a Freedom of Information Act request to the Department of Homeland Security, demanding that the agency turn over documents concerning the use of body scanner technology by law enforcement agencies in surface transit and street-roaming vans. EPIC cited previous DHS testing of body scanners on New Jersey's PATH trains and the development of street-roaming backscatter vans. EPIC has also filed a lawsuit to suspend body scanner program. EPIC has called the devices "invasive, inefffective, and unlawful." For more information, see: EPIC: Whole Body Imaging and EPIC: EPIC v. DHS.

If you go to the van manufacturer's web site, you will find images showing that Homeland Security is misleading us about the capabilities of the whole body scanners being introduced in our airports.

I don't think I'm being paranoid. I'm a sensible person, and I rarely get this agitated. I'm just disturbed to the point of feeling ill by the way TSA's civil rights abuses are spreading to other parts of the community. Excepting Ron Paul, who recently introduced a relevant bill, Congress seems to be largely insensible of the danger to our freedom. I watched the video of the 11/17 Senate Commerce Committee TSA hearing, and one senator actually referred to the patdowns as "love pats." Unbelievable. Sickening.

I'm rather afraid that I won't get to see my folks for Christmas this year. I will attempt to fly home, but I can't promise I won't object if I am asked to go through the whole body imaging scanner or cooperate with the "enhanced" patdown. They should have a warrant or probable cause before they treat me like a criminal, right?

That's enough ranting for 4 a.m.

What's ironic to me is that US politics have become so polarized that, except for Dr. Paul, those who are complaining loudest about this are those who defended the patRIOT act, and those who are defending this are those who attacked that act. When our side does it, it's OK, but when your side does it, it's not. Unfortunately, the excesses of Shrub have paved the way for the excesses of Obama.

The worst thing about it is that most civilian security experts agree that this is far from the most effective way to enhance security. The comments to the effect of being okay with it if it keeps us safe really annoy me, because it's a huge infringement of rights for a microscopic increase in safety.

That being said, I will not stop flying. I'm not a threat to do anything, so I've nothing to hide. I'll do the body scanner if asked (already have a couple of times). It's slow but that's really the worst thing about it. I'm not embarrassed about someone seeing my junk, and if they get their jollies that way, that's their problem, not mine.

(11-27-2010 07:01 AM)Owl 69/70/75 Wrote:  ...The comments to the effect of being okay with it if it keeps us safe really annoy me, because it's a huge infringement of rights for a microscopic increase in safety...

My thoughts exactly. You hear words to that effect every time the media does a story on these scanners and it's ridiculous. I would like to hear a follow-up question such as, "What if it doesn't make you any safer? Are you still in favor of it?" I can imagine the dumbfounded looks the reporter would get in response to that question.

I thought the Democrats were going to repeal the Patriot Act.

(11-27-2010 02:59 PM)OptimisticOwl Wrote:  I thought the Democrats were going to repeal the Patriot Act.

ha. ha.

I really like the argument that when you purchase a Place Ticket, there is "Implied Consent" to the X ray scans.

I looked at the Statutory Language and Legislative Intent behind the Aviation and Transportation Security Act of 2001 and there is nothing about any "implied consent" to be searched in this manner.

A metal detector and a X ray of carry on baggage seems "reasonable" but the XRay "porn machines" is over the line IMO.

What's staggering about what Calleigh posted is that it's hard to imagine you'd get ANY useful information from it. Seriously, driving around randomly and inspecting people with fuzzy backscatter machines (which it's been shown operators aren't trained to properly use)? How the hell is that going to accomplish anything other than dosing people with radiation? Sickening, indeed.

(11-27-2010 07:01 AM)Owl 69/70/75 Wrote:  The worst thing about it is that most civilian security experts agree that this is far from the most effective way to enhance security. The comments to the effect of being okay with it if it keeps us safe really annoy me, because it's a huge infringement of rights for a microscopic increase in safety.

if you're correct about its value, then what would offend me is the expense that was spent on these ... They can't be cheap ... Versus the value, in addition to the invasion of privacy.