I don't have a problem with pat downs if it means flying in a secured aircraft. So many civilians have forgotten about the priviledges we have here in the U.S. It's a shame it has boiled down to this necessity, but with all the terrorism acts occurring it's manditory. If you feel it's an invasion of privacy then take another means of tranportation
I have never been on a plane before, and honestly I do not plan on it anytime soon. I do however like that fact that they are taking extra precautions because of all the attacks and events that has happened in the past. The TSA has the right to do whatever they can to protect people on flight, it is their duty. Though, we as the people who will go through the machines should know about the new equipment ahead of time. We should know exactly how the procedure works, that way when we are there we do not feel as if we were forced to go through this without any awareness. I do know that it could be embarrassing to go through that, but if you think about it, a few moments of being humiliated cannot compare to your moments of being hurt or killed by someone who was not screened. Each and every person should go through the machine, because if one is not accounted for, then others lives can be. People have different views of everything, but I think that everyone wants to be on a safe flight and wants to be alive. So, the moral of this blog is to cooperate, and help the TSA protect YOU and EVERYONE ELSE who may board with you.
I don't get the uproar about this honestly. I have no issues going through the scanner, who cares if someone you don't know and will never meet is seeing an image of your nakedness if it helps to prevent being blown up. I think every single passenger should go through the scanner, and I'm the mom of a young child and I have no issue with her going through it either. Terrorists will have no issues with using children if that's the way they are going to have to do it, so everyone, adult and child should be screened. If you refuse then you get the pat down. It's embarrassing and uncomfortable but it helps to insure we all get from A to B alive. Nothing will ever be fool proof but lets do as much as possible with what we have.
The thing that really bothers me about this pat down search is the fact that you can go into a court house, trigger the metal detector and you get the wand, yet you go into an airport, trigger the metal detector and you get a full body frisk. The TSA is saying that it is basically the same pat down/ frisk that you recieve from a police officer, that is where they are wrong because as a cadet we had to learn frisking and that was not how we were taught. I appreciate the extra security in our american airways, the problem lies in worring about international airports, do they preform the extensive searchs that we do in America? I mean we have flights that arrive at DFW everyday that initiate at an international airport, what is to stop a terrerist from boarding the plane there, highjacking the plane in American airspace and then we have a replay of 9/11.
It is unfortunate that we live in the days of terror. I remember in 1974 getting on a flight from Houston with 4 shock absorbers for a ‘67 Chevy last minute with no security check – no baggage scans – no questioning of the metal cylinders. The item would have been never allowed on today. Then in Detroit in 1990, I was questioned because of an alarm clock in my bag. Coming back from Colorado in 1995, they searched by bag and pulled out everything on a table along with my dirty underwear. I have not flown since 9/11 but I can imagine it is more of an intrusion. The question is: do the privacy rights of a person extend to air travel? Is it the only means of travel? No. Is it designed to harm individuals? No. What is the purpose? It is designed to help ensure the safety of everyone. I understand the concerns of 4th amendment constitutional violations of search and seizure. There is no warrant, but we know that the scan is part of the demands of air travel. People have the option of not flying. I would not like to have the pat down or the scan but it has become a necessary evil. I hope that there will be another means of insuring safety or another type of scan developed. The bottom line is we can still chose to fly or not fly.
I believe that this is necessary in todays world to have these precautions. The only problem that I have with this whole thing is the frisks. I do not want some persons hands all over me and know that a few seconds ago they were on someone else. I don't know if that other person was dirty or has something contagious like staph or something just as dangerous. Yes I am sure that they wear gloves and all of that jazz but from the sounds of it, they don't really have time to keep up with changing gloves at every person. It sounds as if that would take too long and hold up the process even more. I could not trust the frisker to not be lazy and to change gloves every time. To me that is just dirty. I would let them use the x ray machine thing though because why not? It doesn't hurt me any and it helps to make sure that our safety on the plane is secured. I like security in my life it makes me relax and enjoy my time which is what you have to do on a plane, otherwise you would just worry about crashing, something wrong with the plane, or normally someone on the plane that can be a threat. I say go ahead as long as it is done safely and swiftly!
I think the scanner's at the airports are in a sense a general good idea, they are optional to go through and you dont have to if you feel the unnecessary exposure to the radiation. Having to have gone through a lot of radiation treatment for medical reasons I personally wont go through the scanners, for opting out of the scanning the pat down is my other option. being a person who travel's quite often I have been through the pat downs. The TSA members are professional and definitely tell you what they are a bout to perform. The pat downs are done with a latex glove and they use the back of their hands to "frisk" you. Not in any manner did I ever feel like I was being violated. These agents are professional in their demeanor and are performing a task to keep public transportation safe for all. I above all wish we could opt with out this agency in operation like things use to be, but, certain people have made this agency a necessity and I am glad they keep our families and loved ones safe.
Measures like these should have happened long ago. The United States, is a huge terrorist target because of our lax guidelines.
Sadly, there are a handful of weirdos that do work for the TSA and, since the body scan, one has been arrested for masturbating to images from the body scan. Because of how MUCH the body scanner shows, is a large argument against this. I think my travel safety and the safety of others is much more important than my humility. As many people that come and go through airports, I highly doubt that my x-ray picture will be the topic of TSA's water cooler gossip.
I have been patted down in an airport and the manner in which it was handled was very professional.
This country just needs to get used to the security changes that are being made and will continue to be made. I tire of hearing how easy it is to get into our country. I take that to mean that this country comes across as a big pushover.
I really can’t say that this is much of a surprise to me, what will the government institute next? The TSA cannot say that “we’re not molesting people” when a 61 year old man was searched so roughly that his urine bag poured into his clothes and was consequently brought to tears! The TSA president can speak for himself but not for all of the searching staff in every single airport in the U.S.A. And to stay of the note of molestation, homosexual/straight TSA agents, you can’t tell me that these people won’t be getting off by searching someone they find attractive they may be take bets how many “hot” people they will search during the day. If our system is messed up it must be our citizen’s right? Wrong! How about we improve our metal detectors, search people with the metal detector wand, have dogs that actually sniff drugs and bomb particles and encouraged to start barking by the TSA staff. Maybe I’m wrong with my alternatives because it may seem illogical for other precautions to be instituted before we turn our airports and passengers in to jails and suspects. If the TSA could go through all of the trouble in spending funds for 400 imaging units in only 70 airports would it be wrong to say that the TSA could have spent some money on advertisement to inform flyers that they will have to be subjected to a pat down or a x-ray? According to absolutemed.com the starting rate of an x-ray machine is 5,000-7,000 dollars. 5,000 x 400 = 2,000,000. Some of could have been invested in publicity. Somewhere down the road society has become alienated from the very government that was created to protect and provide for society.
Too often, you hear about how people are so upset about this procedures but the fact of the matter it is necessary. I am truly for it without any hesitation for the security and protection of our lives. As for privacy why must our security checkpoints makes it convenience for others. When I travel around the round and visit other countries I don't see them making arraignment to satisfy who go through their checkpoints. If you do not like it, then of course find other means to travels. These complaints are normally done by individuals with type A behavior that do not have patients and only see it from their point of view and forget about the main purpose of the search. Especially those individuals who are (Being Selfish) I see who have the problem. Why not just realize it here and its have it purposes that in the end it will make a difference. We are damn if we do and damn if we do not. Once something happen the fingers goes back to why did security did not catch this or prevent that. As I was once told while working as a Security representative for this country in the U.S. that security is everyone responsibilities and our role is just to enforce the rules established and continue to improve them and do not get complacent.
I think it is a smart thing to do. Yes it is a hassle to go through all of the security but i think it is necessary thing to do. Like the passenger in the blog said, it might take a long time but it is good to know that you are more safe. I do not think people should refuse the x-ray machine because it will only delay things longer and that would be the only downfall these checks. You might have to get there a couple of hours earlier but I would rather do that and feel more safe. Also, I went to the youtube video where they searched the little kid and yes it is wrong. But that is what this country has come to. You never know if the parent is hiding something that is not allowed on the plane on there child. So yes it is bad but I think all of it is really necessary.
I don’t understand what people are complaining about. We live in a time where people are using bombs and disregard human life. Terrorists are out there and they are not going anywhere. These measures are for our safety, as a whole. No ones time is more precious than another’s. If you feel that you’re going to be late getting on your plane, arrive earlier. I believe this is what is needed to help assist in keeping our planes, airways and citizens safe. A few extra precautions will not hurt, they are a benefit. For those who feel like it is a privacy issue, get over it. Would you rather get x-rayed or have the chance ending up on a plane with a terrorist? I mean, be serious people always have to complain about something. Theses procedures are for protection and nothing more. People really need to get over themselves. My boyfriend works for the TSA and he has had no one complain. This is all media framing and causing an issue out of a few complaints.
This issue just blows my mind and it is difficult to keep emotions out of the debate. It appears there will always be people out there that, no matter how many times we are attacked by terrorist foreign or domestic, continue to raise these kinds of complaints. There is one price we have to pay to continue to be a super power and remain free and that means losing some of our privacy to ensure safety for all Americans. It is clear that no matter what we do to attempt to stop terrorism in our country, those that have an agenda against us will always find new ways to attack. It is so important for us to stay ahead of them. The issue before this has always been claimed of "profiling" whether color, religion or the way someone is dressed. The best way to foil that claim is to investigate all so noone can say they have been singled out. All people who choose to fly in our skies and land on our soil should be scanned to ensure everyones safety. There have been complaints about the past processes being time consuming. This new process takes seconds and should a person have no hidden agenda, he/she should welcome the measures and rest assure they are safer. As long as we are America, we will always be subject to terrorists who are out to bring us down. If we choose to do nothing to nip these attacks in the bud before they happen, we are just asking for another attack on our people. I find it especially funny that one of the people who started these protests had the nerve to say "I just don't think the government has the right to look under people's clothes with no reasonable cause, no suspicion other than purchasing a plane ticket,"! "No reasonable cause"???????? More than 15 men JUST bought airline tickets 9 years for NO reasonable cause other than to take America down. They are still sitting back and waiting for idiots like that protestor to help their cause. What is most sad is when that day comes again, he will be the first one to ask why his government stood back and did nothing....better yet, he will probably claim it was orchestrated by our government! Very sad :-(
I really do not mind the scanners of the pat downs as long as I know I'll be getting a plane with others that have been pat down and scanned as well. It makes a more controlled enviroment. To know that you'll be on a safe flight.
Pat downs or scans really don't bother me. I have flown for years, and because of all the unfortunate terrorist things that have happend over the years we need to understand why they must do this. One they are trying to keep us safe, and also our country we live in. People need to just be cooperative with this, and even though it may be uncomfortable for a minute, in the long run it is for each of our benefits. If we did not have pat downs or scans, who knows what would happen to our loved ones. I would rather know I was on a safe flight, than have question about what kind of people are on the plane with me.
I don't have a problem with the extra precautions airports are taking now with passengers. Everyone remembers 9/11 so the pat downs and scans are absolutely necessary to prevent a disaster like that from happening ever again. If someone doesn't understand why airports are getting more serious with security maybe they shouldn't be flying in the first place.....but it's America. People would complain if airports weren't doing enough security measures and they would complain if they were doing "too" much.
I love to fly and I would rather want to feel safe than worrying about some nut job trying to blow up the plane or something. Honestly, I would feel a little weird about both the body scan and pat down, but if it's going to keep me protected then I'm for it. If people are going to complain about the body scan, then get a pat down. If they complain about getting a pat down, then get over it and do the body scan or just don't fly at all! Why complain? There's already a lot of that on a regular basis. If it's not one thing, it's another! We have seen how easy it for someone to sneak bombs and other things on planes. We know we're always a main target, so we have to step it up to insure that we will be safe. If you can't get with it, then get out! Ok maybe not get out, but if you can't get with it then go rent a car or take your car, and drive for centuries to get where you're going!
I don't understand what the big uproar is all about. I'm all for this safety measure. I much rather board a plane feeling safe then worrying about some crazy person trying to hurt me and all the others on the plane. These procedures are a necessity these days and I do not have a problem following them. If these screenings and pat downs are going to keep terrorist or any individual for that matter from bringing weapons, bombs, etc on a plane than I'm on board. If someone is uncomfortable with the screening than opt out for the pat down. The TSA are professional individuals and explain the procedures that are about to occur. I am glad that these safety measures have been introduced. It makes me feel safe to fly.
My dad works for American Airlines as a plane mechanic and has for over 25 years, so I have had the opportunity to board airplanes many times in my life, and have travelled all over. Since 9/11 there has been a tremendous amount of changes in security at the airports. I remember when you use to could meet people at the gate when they came off the plane; there is no chance AT ALL of that even happening now. Modifications to security continue to change daily as a passenger or as an employee at airports all around the country. I personally have no problem in the “pat downs” or anything else (minus totally stripping, unless necessary) that would better protect me or my loved ones as they board an airplane. In reference to Melanie Bickham’s post….are you really going to put a courtroom setting and an airplane on the same level? That is ridiculous…..they are two completely different circumstances. In a courtroom at least you have the option of moving around, where as a plane you have no one to help you (police officers) and can’t move anywhere but in your seat and YOU ARE IN THE AIR for goodness sakes!!!
Everyone complains about the added security, until something happens and then they are complaining that there wasn't enough security. It is difficult to make everyone happy, just do what you need to do.
I am with the two-thirds of Americans that support the use of full body scanners. The added security makes me feel safer in an environment that is not the safest to begin with. There is enough of a chance of an accidental crash without the possibility of letting terrorists board a plane. I feel that the time saved by flying to any destination makes it a luxury and that the security measures are part of the expense, just like the price of the ticket. If you can’t afford the air fare or the slight infringement on your privacy, then you need to find another means of transportation. Don’t complain, just do what is best for everyone involved.
Alisa:> you hit the nail on the head!!! Everyone of the peopl complaining about the body scans and the pat downs will be the first ones up and screaming about lax security when someone slips through these measures and we have a repeat of 9/11. I would safely bet that they were one of the ones in the months after 9/11 fighting for these added security measures, however they were not wanting them for the average American (whatever that is). These people were wanting seperate security protocals for non-Americans and Americans. There are many people out there who think that we should have been beefing up security against people of Arabic nationality and decentent. There was call for a type of war camp round up just like we had here in WW2 for the Japanese nationals here in America. There is no way to please all of the people all of the time, and I am to the point of believing that there is no way to please any of them at anytime.
I feel like people should not be making such a big deal about this particular issue. If the pictures the scanners produce are the same as what has been shown on the news is not that bad! If a terrorist was allowed on a plane and an incident happened people would be raising hell that there isn't being more done at airport check-ins! Now they are complaining that the technology is too much. Not everyone is going to be satisfied with anything our government does. I personally would much rather deal with the scanner than a pat-down. I believe the pat-downs are a little much and very invasive. The pictures the scanners produce do not show detailed pictures under the persons clothes.
But something else that we should think about is why don't they have hand scanners that could detect the same thing the body scanners are looking for. While it may take longer it will be less invasive for the people who have a problem with these scanners. Or why does the full body scanner have to take a picture? Couldn't they develop technology that just alerts when they detect something? Then from there they could use further security measures to see what it is setting the machines off.
I do agree that maybe a different security measure could be used. But I also think that the scanners are not something we need to be fighting against at the moment. People should not opt-out during check-in because like it said in the article it slows down people getting to see their loved ones!! I am not going to waste my precious time I could be spending with family and friends I obviously do not get to see that often to make a statement like that! I feel like it just makes the people look idiotic. Choose your battles wisely. And this battle isn't a wise choice.
Terrorism is not going away, and we are either going to have to deal with some invasions of our privacy for the better good, or we will suffer like we did on 9/11. I said it before but if going through a scanner and having a stranger I will never see again seeing an image of my naked self than so freaking what. Every single person flying should have to walk through that scanner - barring true medical reasons- and if you refuse that then you get patted down plain and simple. Will there be random issues, of course and I feel awful for that elderly man who went through that ordeal, but for every one issue there are thousands with no problems at all. As this smooths out and travelers become more comfortable with this the problems are going to not be front page news. I mean remember the months after 9/11 where all you heard about was how awful flying was with all the security measures, it dies down when the news finds something else to scrutinize. We are not safe anywhere from terrorism as the tree lighting in the NW shows. So if there is ANYTHING that can be done to even slightly increase my families safety than I am all for it.
I personally don’t have a problem with the body scanners. I think they could be a bit invasive but there is not much we can do about it. I prefer that over the pat down in front of people. I think that TSA employees can be rough and ill mannered at times. Their attitude can be disappointing. The story of the cancer survivor that had the contents of his urine bag spill on him was disturbing and plain wrong. That kind of behavior should not be tolerated. That poor man was horribly embarrassed. Situations like this one should be further investigated and the employees should be reprimanded. I myself, have experienced ill behavior when passing through TSA. It makes it a definite hassle to travel.
If I personally had to choose I would choose the scan. To be completely honest even though this is meant to protect us which it probably will, all it’s really doing is creating a state of fear. When 9/11 occurred airports started stepping up their security. Many rules and regulations were put into place that was quickly enforced. Its 2010 and now we have full body pat downs and body scanners that can see through your clothes. This is supposed to protect us but all it’s really doing is making a lot of people scared and upset. We are slowly losing our rights to privacy if we haven’t lost them already. Even though this is meant to protect us its makes you wonder, why wasn’t this put into effect with all the other rules and regulations when 9/11 occurred? Why was this put into effect 9 years later?
You either get touched where you don't want to be touched, or seen where you don't want anyone to see you, but regardless, it's for the safety of the people of our country. I was once used as a demonstration for what a pat down would be like. The only thing that was different in that situation was that I volunteered for the demonstration and that it was a male who patted me down. I'll admit, it was a bit embarrassing at first and way out of my comfort zone, but I got over it. When dealing with being pat down, I believe males should pat down males, and females should pat down females. The scanner is something different. No one touches you inappropriately. There will be someone who will see if your body is carrying anything. I guess some people would rather have their comfort bubble maintained instead of traveling safely across the states, as well as across the ocean to foreign countries. It's all about the priorities.
I travel quite often, about 3-4 times a month OFTEN, so I see the good and the bad side of how passengers act when it's their turn to go thru the metal detectors. Then I see the reactions of those awaiting to follow, when the detector is set off, ALERTNESS is all around, you can smell the fear in the air. When everything is safe and secure, the tension goes away. When nothing goes wrong, everyone complains that it's time consuming, is it necessary, they will miss their flight, etc. But when something happens as little as a bag is left unattended, everyone feels action needs to be taken at that very moment. If nothing is done, we complain and wonder where is all the homeland security is and why nothing was performed to prevent such a tradegy to happen. I am all for the safety of myself and others around me, as well as loved ones to travel in a safe and secure country. You dont like it, find a third world country that has no type of security for their love ones and move there. I do have to disagree with the new scanning machines through the clothing line being out in the public and random scannings if not needed, IF IT'S NOT NECESSARY, THEN WHY PUT THEM IN THE SCANNER? But at the same time, getting scanned rather than being patted down in front of the whole USA in the airport is something that will be less time consuming, only if someone sets off the metal detectors that is. As for comparing the airport to the court house and any other facilites, we should take it just as seriously, anyone can set their mind to do anything to harm a person, a building, a city, a state, let alone a country in a matter of seconds. It only takes just seconds to perform such an ill act, so we need to weigh all situations that involve being scanned or patted down at any facility just as serious whether it's up in the air or on the ground.
I personally have absolutely no problem with all the extra security measures that the airports are doing. I travel a lot due to my job, and every time I jump in the plane I pray to God I land back safe. All these people are making such a huge deal about it, until something really bad happens. I rather wait an extra 20-30 minsutes in the security line, but I want to make sure everyone that’s in the plane with me is CLEAR!
Well I think the scanners are cool. The pat downs are not too much. I wish we could use more of this technology elsewhere to maybe even help curb some gang problems. We could use it on the borders for smugglers. People may object to this because they are traveling but what if they were pulled over and searched by police. Would this be an issue then or would they complain. The society asks why we did not prevent the attacks from happening and this is why. Can you imagine if the country was never attacked and the government would have tried to implement these precautions? People everywhere would be in an uproar. The scans are necessary and for those that want to complain and not do the scan the pat downs are the next step. If I was in charge and they wanted to keep acting a fool the next step would be a strip search. The people went from the least invasive to the most extreme. What can you do? You cannot make everybody happy.
TSA chief: Resisting scanners just means delays There are two sides to this issue one it is like an invasion of privacy, and make people feel uncomfortable. These scanners show everything and I do mean everything. Either way when you’re going to the air port you’re screwed either way by scanner or pat down. So why not just make things go a lot faster and go through the scanner. Beside everyone always have other options of transportation: bus, train, car, boat, etc. so stop complaining and just suck it up, that’s life Or If something bad does happen again like 9/11 everyone will be like why were there not better measures taken to prevent something like that. People are going to complain regardless if we increase safety measures. Or this whole idea of safety is controlled by the elite. What if the terrorist are not even going to attack again through the air. This whole thing could be a just another way the man is holding people down (lol sorry had to slide that in there somehow). There is no 100 percent proof solution that is going to make everyone happy, so let’s just all stop completing and just either deal with whatever happens next.
I am completely okay with a pat down or scanner if it helps prevent a terrorist attack. My only complaint is that our Country places us in danger by trying too hard to be politically correct. Profiling potential terrorist would allow use to be more effective and not exhaust our limited resources, but instead we choose to waste our resources on patting down grandma or Joe the plumber. We should study how the Israelis provide security for their airports and passengers. Israel is located in a hostile region and yet they have a high success rate in preventing attacks on their airports, mainly due to profiling methods. Many would argue that Profiling is unethical and others would say body scanners violate our rights, I think this is simply just the beginning for “Big Brother”.
I agree with the last two statements. We need a little less worrying about being politically correct and come up with better ways to use our resources. The human rights sometimes get in the way of safety. We are so worried about hurting someone’s feelings that we would rather risk them dying over protecting them. I am sorry put a few perverts ruins it for the whole bunch. You want to talk about wasting time. A male is not looking at the monitor if it is a female on it but yet a female can only pat down a female. That can be time consuming. It happens in the police force and military. Our lives are at risk because we have to wait for a person of the same sex to do searches. There is this thing called professionalism. When you go to the doctor, OBGYN, or wherever you don’t have the opposite sex. It does create jobs though by making it necessary that you have an equal amount of female and male positions.
I am glad that the airline system is becoming more strict, but I wish that they would have done this before 911. To many times we as a country don't do anything until something tragic happens. 911 wasn't the first time terroist attacked neither will it be the last. I remember traveling before 911 and to be honest it was not that hard for terroists to attack. I am sure most people our happen with the continuing progress by airlines to make sure that another event will not happen. The truth is history repeats itself, not saying it will happen again, but most likely they will try the same thing again. The only thing we can do is be more prepared in the future, so that innocent people will not die.
I agree with most that the TSA scans are an inconvenience. SO!!! I would much rather be inconvenienced than harmed by some ridiculous terrorist act. Sometimes I believe we (Americans) are so spoiled. We have taken our safety for the most part for granted. We want to be and feel safe, but we don't want to go through the trouble of being inconvenienced to achieve it. I agree with TSA that if you refuse to be scanned or patted down you need to find another form of transportation! We are going to be a bunch of crybabies if something happens and then we will say, that the government should have provided stricter screening processes. Let's all remember 911 and try to learn from that.
we are willing to have a x-ray done to see if we have a broken bone, or cancer, but not to see if someone is carring a weapon to cause problems? sorry if it means keeping my family and I safe when we fly so be it. the same with pat downs, if you have nothing to hide why create such a fuss? those are the ones I definalty want checked out. I mean there is nothing to be embarresed or scared about, its not like you caant have it done in private by someone of the same sex. i mean come on people do you want to live in fear while on the plane or be a little inconvienced by someone touching you?
does anyone remember the reason of why we have all this security going on? does anyone remember 9/11 or the towers falling or the 4 PLANES that were brought down by terrorist? or is that an inconvient little fact to keep up with? remember that next time you lose 10 minutes waiting in line for your plane to see your families.
I don't even want to get started on this subject. But here's the fact, what happened on 9/11 was a success, because the terrorists have done their jobs, we are terrified not of their organization but of a group the Muslims, because people label other people (sounds a lot like the labeling theory). And now we are subject to these body scanners a result. As someone who potentially is about to be doing a lot of flying I will let you know what I really think of them once I have been subjected to them. And Alice it's not 10 extra minutes it's more like 10 extra hours now.
Without a single successful attack since 9/11 it astounds me how the TSA feels the need to continually heighten security in airports. Acting seemingly against all logic, the TSA utilizes a massive amount of manpower to basically terrorize holiday travelers. Nearly ten years have passed since the attack that started all of this and I doubt the TSA were instrumental in halting any further attacks. Logically if a terrorist had the desire to, they could smuggle weapons and cause severe damage say at a football game or at a government building. Yet the TSA further exacerbates the issue, perpetuating a fear that has darkened this past decade. What makes this issue even worse is the apathy of the majority of travelers who say this breach in human rights is not that big of an issue. The result of apathy is the growing anti-american treatment of travelers into airports.
I don’t have a problem with the body scans or full body pat downs. If the person doesn’t want to submit themselves to these type of seaches they are not being forced to do so. Every person has the right to refuse and travel by other means of transportation besides airplane. I agree with the searches and believe that it will create a safer sense of security for airline travelers. 9-11 changed the levels of invasion of privacy that citizens will allow in order to feel that their safety is safegurarded by security officials.
I travel a couple times a year and my husband travels a all the time for work. I am glad that are safety is taken seriously and I don't have to worry about my husband or family when they are flying. This is the world we live in now and it will never go back to the way it was. We consistantly lose liberities in this country, but at least this one is for our safety.
I agree with what Kathy stated. This is the world that we live in now and we must deal with it. In retrospect, although i said before that its is a hassle, it is for our own good and I should be thankful that we take the measures that we do to ensure our safety.
While travelling over the thanksgiving break, I was interviewed at DFW airport by a local news station asking my thoughts on the new TSA body scan procedures, as well as the more thorough pat-down checks at security. My initial thought of there being so much press surrounding these reforms was one of surprise. Taking into account the increasing security fears surrounding airports in recent years, I think that such increased security measures are fitting to ensure that people feel safer with air travel. Sure there is an invasion of personal space with the increased pat downs, and the exposure of the person’s body with the use of scanners. However, these are all implemented to keep the fear of travelling Americans at a low. People may protest against it, however, no one is forcing people that disagree with these security measures to fly. If someone has a strong disagreement with where these security measures have been taken to reassure travellers of their safety, then there are other means of transport that they can take to get to where they want to go. The U.S.A’s poor security measures at airports led to one of the most tragic events in its history in 2001. If body scans and more thorough pat-downs help ensure that this will never happen again, then I fully support it.
I think this is ridiculous and will it definately deter me from flying because I know how it feels to be singled out and searched. It seems every time I get off the plane in Frankfurt, Germany.... I am pulled aside and frisked. Last time they opened my suitcase and inspected it. I was up against the wall with my hands extended side to side. As irritating as that was in a foreign country I can't imagine feeling like that in my very own home. I know we shouldn't take it personally but it is difficult not to. Its frustrating that others actions impede on our way of life. I have had to go through the little poofy machine and I didn't mind but a full body scan I am not going to do. On my last trip, we were approached with a frequent flyer program where you do not have as many security check points and the process is much less than a regular check in process at the airport. I am definately registering for this program in the hopes that I won't get this body scan because I am not going to participate in this. I believe there are other ways to go about this especially with the advance technology that we have and are capable of surely there is some other method besides this method of intrusion.
If you don’t like the pat downs……then don’t fly. People need to understand that if you are going to fly in an airplane then you will have to do specific things, no matter what your beliefs are or how “violated” you feel. These guidelines include having your bags checked or gone through, going through a metal detector, and the patting down of your body. These precautious measures are for the safety of not only you, but the rest of the passengers on the plane. It is annoying that people have to always bitch about something. If they didn’t search enough then there would be a higher probability of something happening, but when they do specific strategies to help the situation, it is looked at it in a negative way.
It is sad that it took such a tragedy such as 9/11 to get this done. If these security measures were taken long ago, then maybe this tragedy could have been avoided. For those that have a problem with this then they don’t need to fly.
I don't have a problem with pat downs if it means flying in a secured aircraft. So many civilians have forgotten about the priviledges we have here in the U.S. It's a shame it has boiled down to this necessity, but with all the terrorism acts occurring it's manditory. If you feel it's an invasion of privacy then take another means of tranportation
ReplyDeleteI have never been on a plane before, and honestly I do not plan on it anytime soon. I do however like that fact that they are taking extra precautions because of all the attacks and events that has happened in the past. The TSA has the right to do whatever they can to protect people on flight, it is their duty. Though, we as the people who will go through the machines should know about the new equipment ahead of time. We should know exactly how the procedure works, that way when we are there we do not feel as if we were forced to go through this without any awareness. I do know that it could be embarrassing to go through that, but if you think about it, a few moments of being humiliated cannot compare to your moments of being hurt or killed by someone who was not screened. Each and every person should go through the machine, because if one is not accounted for, then others lives can be. People have different views of everything, but I think that everyone wants to be on a safe flight and wants to be alive. So, the moral of this blog is to cooperate, and help the TSA protect YOU and EVERYONE ELSE who may board with you.
ReplyDeleteI don't get the uproar about this honestly. I have no issues going through the scanner, who cares if someone you don't know and will never meet is seeing an image of your nakedness if it helps to prevent being blown up. I think every single passenger should go through the scanner, and I'm the mom of a young child and I have no issue with her going through it either. Terrorists will have no issues with using children if that's the way they are going to have to do it, so everyone, adult and child should be screened. If you refuse then you get the pat down. It's embarrassing and uncomfortable but it helps to insure we all get from A to B alive. Nothing will ever be fool proof but lets do as much as possible with what we have.
ReplyDeleteThe thing that really bothers me about this pat down search is the fact that you can go into a court house, trigger the metal detector and you get the wand, yet you go into an airport, trigger the metal detector and you get a full body frisk. The TSA is saying that it is basically the same pat down/ frisk that you recieve from a police officer, that is where they are wrong because as a cadet we had to learn frisking and that was not how we were taught. I appreciate the extra security in our american airways, the problem lies in worring about international airports, do they preform the extensive searchs that we do in America? I mean we have flights that arrive at DFW everyday that initiate at an international airport, what is to stop a terrerist from boarding the plane there, highjacking the plane in American airspace and then we have a replay of 9/11.
ReplyDeleteIt is unfortunate that we live in the days of terror. I remember in 1974 getting on a flight from Houston with 4 shock absorbers for a ‘67 Chevy last minute with no security check – no baggage scans – no questioning of the metal cylinders. The item would have been never allowed on today. Then in Detroit in 1990, I was questioned because of an alarm clock in my bag. Coming back from Colorado in 1995, they searched by bag and pulled out everything on a table along with my dirty underwear. I have not flown since 9/11 but I can imagine it is more of an intrusion. The question is: do the privacy rights of a person extend to air travel? Is it the only means of travel? No. Is it designed to harm individuals? No. What is the purpose? It is designed to help ensure the safety of everyone. I understand the concerns of 4th amendment constitutional violations of search and seizure. There is no warrant, but we know that the scan is part of the demands of air travel. People have the option of not flying. I would not like to have the pat down or the scan but it has become a necessary evil. I hope that there will be another means of insuring safety or another type of scan developed. The bottom line is we can still chose to fly or not fly.
ReplyDeleteI believe that this is necessary in todays world to have these precautions. The only problem that I have with this whole thing is the frisks. I do not want some persons hands all over me and know that a few seconds ago they were on someone else. I don't know if that other person was dirty or has something contagious like staph or something just as dangerous. Yes I am sure that they wear gloves and all of that jazz but from the sounds of it, they don't really have time to keep up with changing gloves at every person. It sounds as if that would take too long and hold up the process even more. I could not trust the frisker to not be lazy and to change gloves every time. To me that is just dirty. I would let them use the x ray machine thing though because why not? It doesn't hurt me any and it helps to make sure that our safety on the plane is secured. I like security in my life it makes me relax and enjoy my time which is what you have to do on a plane, otherwise you would just worry about crashing, something wrong with the plane, or normally someone on the plane that can be a threat. I say go ahead as long as it is done safely and swiftly!
ReplyDeleteI think the scanner's at the airports are in a sense a general good idea, they are optional to go through and you dont have to if you feel the unnecessary exposure to the radiation. Having to have gone through a lot of radiation treatment for medical reasons I personally wont go through the scanners, for opting out of the scanning the pat down is my other option. being a person who travel's quite often I have been through the pat downs. The TSA members are professional and definitely tell you what they are a bout to perform. The pat downs are done with a latex glove and they use the back of their hands to "frisk" you. Not in any manner did I ever feel like I was being violated. These agents are professional in their demeanor and are performing a task to keep public transportation safe for all. I above all wish we could opt with out this agency in operation like things use to be, but, certain people have made this agency a necessity and I am glad they keep our families and loved ones safe.
ReplyDeleteMeasures like these should have happened long ago. The United States, is a huge terrorist target because of our lax guidelines.
ReplyDeleteSadly, there are a handful of weirdos that do work for the TSA and, since the body scan, one has been arrested for masturbating to images from the body scan. Because of how MUCH the body scanner shows, is a large argument against this. I think my travel safety and the safety of others is much more important than my humility. As many people that come and go through airports, I highly doubt that my x-ray picture will be the topic of TSA's water cooler gossip.
I have been patted down in an airport and the manner in which it was handled was very professional.
This country just needs to get used to the security changes that are being made and will continue to be made. I tire of hearing how easy it is to get into our country. I take that to mean that this country comes across as a big pushover.
I really can’t say that this is much of a surprise to me, what will the government institute next? The TSA cannot say that “we’re not molesting people” when a 61 year old man was searched so roughly that his urine bag poured into his clothes and was consequently brought to tears! The TSA president can speak for himself but not for all of the searching staff in every single airport in the U.S.A. And to stay of the note of molestation, homosexual/straight TSA agents, you can’t tell me that these people won’t be getting off by searching someone they find attractive they may be take bets how many “hot” people they will search during the day. If our system is messed up it must be our citizen’s right? Wrong! How about we improve our metal detectors, search people with the metal detector wand, have dogs that actually sniff drugs and bomb particles and encouraged to start barking by the TSA staff. Maybe I’m wrong with my alternatives because it may seem illogical for other precautions to be instituted before we turn our airports and passengers in to jails and suspects. If the TSA could go through all of the trouble in spending funds for 400 imaging units in only 70 airports would it be wrong to say that the TSA could have spent some money on advertisement to inform flyers that they will have to be subjected to a pat down or a x-ray? According to absolutemed.com the starting rate of an x-ray machine is 5,000-7,000 dollars. 5,000 x 400 = 2,000,000. Some of could have been invested in publicity. Somewhere down the road society has become alienated from the very government that was created to protect and provide for society.
ReplyDeleteGiovanni Monsanto ^
ReplyDeleteToo often, you hear about how people are so upset about this procedures but the fact of the matter it is necessary. I am truly for it without any hesitation for the security and protection of our lives. As for privacy why must our security checkpoints makes it convenience for others. When I travel around the round and visit other countries I don't see them making arraignment to satisfy who go through their checkpoints. If you do not like it, then of course find other means to travels. These complaints are normally done by individuals with type A behavior that do not have patients and only see it from their point of view and forget about the main purpose of the search. Especially those individuals who are (Being Selfish) I see who have the problem. Why not just realize it here and its have it purposes that in the end it will make a difference. We are damn if we do and damn if we do not. Once something happen the fingers goes back to why did security did not catch this or prevent that. As I was once told while working as a Security representative for this country in the U.S. that security is everyone responsibilities and our role is just to enforce the rules established and continue to improve them and do not get complacent.
ReplyDeleteI think it is a smart thing to do. Yes it is a hassle to go through all of the security but i think it is necessary thing to do. Like the passenger in the blog said, it might take a long time but it is good to know that you are more safe. I do not think people should refuse the x-ray machine because it will only delay things longer and that would be the only downfall these checks. You might have to get there a couple of hours earlier but I would rather do that and feel more safe. Also, I went to the youtube video where they searched the little kid and yes it is wrong. But that is what this country has come to. You never know if the parent is hiding something that is not allowed on the plane on there child. So yes it is bad but I think all of it is really necessary.
ReplyDeleteI don’t understand what people are complaining about. We live in a time where people are using bombs and disregard human life. Terrorists are out there and they are not going anywhere. These measures are for our safety, as a whole. No ones time is more precious than another’s. If you feel that you’re going to be late getting on your plane, arrive earlier. I believe this is what is needed to help assist in keeping our planes, airways and citizens safe. A few extra precautions will not hurt, they are a benefit. For those who feel like it is a privacy issue, get over it. Would you rather get x-rayed or have the chance ending up on a plane with a terrorist? I mean, be serious people always have to complain about something. Theses procedures are for protection and nothing more. People really need to get over themselves. My boyfriend works for the TSA and he has had no one complain. This is all media framing and causing an issue out of a few complaints.
ReplyDeleteThis issue just blows my mind and it is difficult to keep emotions out of the debate. It appears there will always be people out there that, no matter how many times we are attacked by terrorist foreign or domestic, continue to raise these kinds of complaints. There is one price we have to pay to continue to be a super power and remain free and that means losing some of our privacy to ensure safety for all Americans. It is clear that no matter what we do to attempt to stop terrorism in our country, those that have an agenda against us will always find new ways to attack. It is so important for us to stay ahead of them. The issue before this has always been claimed of "profiling" whether color, religion or the way someone is dressed. The best way to foil that claim is to investigate all so noone can say they have been singled out. All people who choose to fly in our skies and land on our soil should be scanned to ensure everyones safety. There have been complaints about the past processes being time consuming. This new process takes seconds and should a person have no hidden agenda, he/she should welcome the measures and rest assure they are safer. As long as we are America, we will always be subject to terrorists who are out to bring us down. If we choose to do nothing to nip these attacks in the bud before they happen, we are just asking for another attack on our people. I find it especially funny that one of the people who started these protests had the nerve to say "I just don't think the government has the right to look under people's clothes with no reasonable cause, no suspicion other than purchasing a plane ticket,"! "No reasonable cause"???????? More than 15 men JUST bought airline tickets 9 years for NO reasonable cause other than to take America down. They are still sitting back and waiting for idiots like that protestor to help their cause. What is most sad is when that day comes again, he will be the first one to ask why his government stood back and did nothing....better yet, he will probably claim it was orchestrated by our government! Very sad :-(
ReplyDeleteI really do not mind the scanners of the pat downs as long as I know I'll be getting a plane with others that have been pat down and scanned as well. It makes a more controlled enviroment. To know that you'll be on a safe flight.
ReplyDeletePat downs or scans really don't bother me. I have flown for years, and because of all the unfortunate terrorist things that have happend over the years we need to understand why they must do this. One they are trying to keep us safe, and also our country we live in. People need to just be cooperative with this, and even though it may be uncomfortable for a minute, in the long run it is for each of our benefits. If we did not have pat downs or scans, who knows what would happen to our loved ones. I would rather know I was on a safe flight, than have question about what kind of people are on the plane with me.
ReplyDeleteI don't have a problem with the extra precautions airports are taking now with passengers. Everyone remembers 9/11 so the pat downs and scans are absolutely necessary to prevent a disaster like that from happening ever again. If someone doesn't understand why airports are getting more serious with security maybe they shouldn't be flying in the first place.....but it's America. People would complain if airports weren't doing enough security measures and they would complain if they were doing "too" much.
ReplyDeleteI love to fly and I would rather want to feel safe than worrying about some nut job trying to blow up the plane or something. Honestly, I would feel a little weird about both the body scan and pat down, but if it's going to keep me protected then I'm for it. If people are going to complain about the body scan, then get a pat down. If they complain about getting a pat down, then get over it and do the body scan or just don't fly at all! Why complain? There's already a lot of that on a regular basis. If it's not one thing, it's another! We have seen how easy it for someone to sneak bombs and other things on planes. We know we're always a main target, so we have to step it up to insure that we will be safe. If you can't get with it, then get out! Ok maybe not get out, but if you can't get with it then go rent a car or take your car, and drive for centuries to get where you're going!
ReplyDeleteI don't understand what the big uproar is all about. I'm all for this safety measure. I much rather board a plane feeling safe then worrying about some crazy person trying to hurt me and all the others on the plane. These procedures are a necessity these days and I do not have a problem following them. If these screenings and pat downs are going to keep terrorist or any individual for that matter from bringing weapons, bombs, etc on a plane than I'm on board. If someone is uncomfortable with the screening than opt out for the pat down. The TSA are professional individuals and explain the procedures that are about to occur. I am glad that these safety measures have been introduced. It makes me feel safe to fly.
ReplyDeleteMy dad works for American Airlines as a plane mechanic and has for over 25 years, so I have had the opportunity to board airplanes many times in my life, and have travelled all over. Since 9/11 there has been a tremendous amount of changes in security at the airports. I remember when you use to could meet people at the gate when they came off the plane; there is no chance AT ALL of that even happening now. Modifications to security continue to change daily as a passenger or as an employee at airports all around the country. I personally have no problem in the “pat downs” or anything else (minus totally stripping, unless necessary) that would better protect me or my loved ones as they board an airplane. In reference to Melanie Bickham’s post….are you really going to put a courtroom setting and an airplane on the same level? That is ridiculous…..they are two completely different circumstances. In a courtroom at least you have the option of moving around, where as a plane you have no one to help you (police officers) and can’t move anywhere but in your seat and YOU ARE IN THE AIR for goodness sakes!!!
ReplyDeleteEveryone complains about the added security, until something happens and then they are complaining that there wasn't enough security. It is difficult to make everyone happy, just do what you need to do.
ReplyDeleteI am with the two-thirds of Americans that support the use of full body scanners. The added security makes me feel safer in an environment that is not the safest to begin with. There is enough of a chance of an accidental crash without the possibility of letting terrorists board a plane. I feel that the time saved by flying to any destination makes it a luxury and that the security measures are part of the expense, just like the price of the ticket. If you can’t afford the air fare or the slight infringement on your privacy, then you need to find another means of transportation. Don’t complain, just do what is best for everyone involved.
ReplyDeleteAlisa:> you hit the nail on the head!!! Everyone of the peopl complaining about the body scans and the pat downs will be the first ones up and screaming about lax security when someone slips through these measures and we have a repeat of 9/11. I would safely bet that they were one of the ones in the months after 9/11 fighting for these added security measures, however they were not wanting them for the average American (whatever that is). These people were wanting seperate security protocals for non-Americans and Americans. There are many people out there who think that we should have been beefing up security against people of Arabic nationality and decentent. There was call for a type of war camp round up just like we had here in WW2 for the Japanese nationals here in America.
ReplyDeleteThere is no way to please all of the people all of the time, and I am to the point of believing that there is no way to please any of them at anytime.
I feel like people should not be making such a big deal about this particular issue. If the pictures the scanners produce are the same as what has been shown on the news is not that bad! If a terrorist was allowed on a plane and an incident happened people would be raising hell that there isn't being more done at airport check-ins! Now they are complaining that the technology is too much. Not everyone is going to be satisfied with anything our government does. I personally would much rather deal with the scanner than a pat-down. I believe the pat-downs are a little much and very invasive. The pictures the scanners produce do not show detailed pictures under the persons clothes.
ReplyDeleteBut something else that we should think about is why don't they have hand scanners that could detect the same thing the body scanners are looking for. While it may take longer it will be less invasive for the people who have a problem with these scanners. Or why does the full body scanner have to take a picture? Couldn't they develop technology that just alerts when they detect something? Then from there they could use further security measures to see what it is setting the machines off.
I do agree that maybe a different security measure could be used. But I also think that the scanners are not something we need to be fighting against at the moment. People should not opt-out during check-in because like it said in the article it slows down people getting to see their loved ones!! I am not going to waste my precious time I could be spending with family and friends I obviously do not get to see that often to make a statement like that! I feel like it just makes the people look idiotic. Choose your battles wisely. And this battle isn't a wise choice.
Terrorism is not going away, and we are either going to have to deal with some invasions of our privacy for the better good, or we will suffer like we did on 9/11. I said it before but if going through a scanner and having a stranger I will never see again seeing an image of my naked self than so freaking what. Every single person flying should have to walk through that scanner - barring true medical reasons- and if you refuse that then you get patted down plain and simple. Will there be random issues, of course and I feel awful for that elderly man who went through that ordeal, but for every one issue there are thousands with no problems at all. As this smooths out and travelers become more comfortable with this the problems are going to not be front page news. I mean remember the months after 9/11 where all you heard about was how awful flying was with all the security measures, it dies down when the news finds something else to scrutinize. We are not safe anywhere from terrorism as the tree lighting in the NW shows. So if there is ANYTHING that can be done to even slightly increase my families safety than I am all for it.
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ReplyDeleteLis S...
ReplyDeleteI personally don’t have a problem with the body scanners. I think they could be a bit invasive but there is not much we can do about it. I prefer that over the pat down in front of people. I think that TSA employees can be rough and ill mannered at times. Their attitude can be disappointing. The story of the cancer survivor that had the contents of his urine bag spill on him was disturbing and plain wrong. That kind of behavior should not be tolerated. That poor man was horribly embarrassed. Situations like this one should be further investigated and the employees should be reprimanded. I myself, have experienced ill behavior when passing through TSA. It makes it a definite hassle to travel.
If I personally had to choose I would choose the scan. To be completely honest even though this is meant to protect us which it probably will, all it’s really doing is creating a state of fear. When 9/11 occurred airports started stepping up their security. Many rules and regulations were put into place that was quickly enforced. Its 2010 and now we have full body pat downs and body scanners that can see through your clothes. This is supposed to protect us but all it’s really doing is making a lot of people scared and upset. We are slowly losing our rights to privacy if we haven’t lost them already. Even though this is meant to protect us its makes you wonder, why wasn’t this put into effect with all the other rules and regulations when 9/11 occurred? Why was this put into effect 9 years later?
ReplyDeleteYou either get touched where you don't want to be touched, or seen where you don't want anyone to see you, but regardless, it's for the safety of the people of our country. I was once used as a demonstration for what a pat down would be like. The only thing that was different in that situation was that I volunteered for the demonstration and that it was a male who patted me down. I'll admit, it was a bit embarrassing at first and way out of my comfort zone, but I got over it. When dealing with being pat down, I believe males should pat down males, and females should pat down females. The scanner is something different. No one touches you inappropriately. There will be someone who will see if your body is carrying anything. I guess some people would rather have their comfort bubble maintained instead of traveling safely across the states, as well as across the ocean to foreign countries. It's all about the priorities.
ReplyDeleteI travel quite often, about 3-4 times a month OFTEN, so I see the good and the bad side of how passengers act when it's their turn to go thru the metal detectors. Then I see the reactions of those awaiting to follow, when the detector is set off, ALERTNESS is all around, you can smell the fear in the air. When everything is safe and secure, the tension goes away. When nothing goes wrong, everyone complains that it's time consuming, is it necessary, they will miss their flight, etc. But when something happens as little as a bag is left unattended, everyone feels action needs to be taken at that very moment. If nothing is done, we complain and wonder where is all the homeland security is and why nothing was performed to prevent such a tradegy to happen. I am all for the safety of myself and others around me, as well as loved ones to travel in a safe and secure country. You dont like it, find a third world country that has no type of security for their love ones and move there. I do have to disagree with the new scanning machines through the clothing line being out in the public and random scannings if not needed, IF IT'S NOT NECESSARY, THEN WHY PUT THEM IN THE SCANNER? But at the same time, getting scanned rather than being patted down in front of the whole USA in the airport is something that will be less time consuming, only if someone sets off the metal detectors that is. As for comparing the airport to the court house and any other facilites, we should take it just as seriously, anyone can set their mind to do anything to harm a person, a building, a city, a state, let alone a country in a matter of seconds. It only takes just seconds to perform such an ill act, so we need to weigh all situations that involve being scanned or patted down at any facility just as serious whether it's up in the air or on the ground.
ReplyDeleteI personally have absolutely no problem with all the extra security measures that the airports are doing. I travel a lot due to my job, and every time I jump in the plane I pray to God I land back safe. All these people are making such a huge deal about it, until something really bad happens. I rather wait an extra 20-30 minsutes in the security line, but I want to make sure everyone that’s in the plane with me is CLEAR!
ReplyDeleteWell I think the scanners are cool. The pat downs are not too much. I wish we could use more of this technology elsewhere to maybe even help curb some gang problems. We could use it on the borders for smugglers. People may object to this because they are traveling but what if they were pulled over and searched by police. Would this be an issue then or would they complain. The society asks why we did not prevent the attacks from happening and this is why. Can you imagine if the country was never attacked and the government would have tried to implement these precautions? People everywhere would be in an uproar. The scans are necessary and for those that want to complain and not do the scan the pat downs are the next step. If I was in charge and they wanted to keep acting a fool the next step would be a strip search. The people went from the least invasive to the most extreme. What can you do? You cannot make everybody happy.
ReplyDeleteTSA chief: Resisting scanners just means delays
ReplyDeleteThere are two sides to this issue one it is like an invasion of privacy, and make people feel uncomfortable. These scanners show everything and I do mean everything. Either way when you’re going to the air port you’re screwed either way by scanner or pat down. So why not just make things go a lot faster and go through the scanner. Beside everyone always have other options of transportation: bus, train, car, boat, etc. so stop complaining and just suck it up, that’s life
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If something bad does happen again like 9/11 everyone will be like why were there not better measures taken to prevent something like that. People are going to complain regardless if we increase safety measures. Or this whole idea of safety is controlled by the elite. What if the terrorist are not even going to attack again through the air. This whole thing could be a just another way the man is holding people down (lol sorry had to slide that in there somehow). There is no 100 percent proof solution that is going to make everyone happy, so let’s just all stop completing and just either deal with whatever happens next.
I am completely okay with a pat down or scanner if it helps prevent a terrorist attack. My only complaint is that our Country places us in danger by trying too hard to be politically correct. Profiling potential terrorist would allow use to be more effective and not exhaust our limited resources, but instead we choose to waste our resources on patting down grandma or Joe the plumber. We should study how the Israelis provide security for their airports and passengers. Israel is located in a hostile region and yet they have a high success rate in preventing attacks on their airports, mainly due to profiling methods. Many would argue that Profiling is unethical and others would say body scanners violate our rights, I think this is simply just the beginning for “Big Brother”.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the last two statements. We need a little less worrying about being politically correct and come up with better ways to use our resources. The human rights sometimes get in the way of safety. We are so worried about hurting someone’s feelings that we would rather risk them dying over protecting them. I am sorry put a few perverts ruins it for the whole bunch. You want to talk about wasting time. A male is not looking at the monitor if it is a female on it but yet a female can only pat down a female. That can be time consuming. It happens in the police force and military. Our lives are at risk because we have to wait for a person of the same sex to do searches. There is this thing called professionalism. When you go to the doctor, OBGYN, or wherever you don’t have the opposite sex. It does create jobs though by making it necessary that you have an equal amount of female and male positions.
ReplyDeleteI am glad that the airline system is becoming more strict, but I wish that they would have done this before 911. To many times we as a country don't do anything until something tragic happens. 911 wasn't the first time terroist attacked neither will it be the last. I remember traveling before 911 and to be honest it was not that hard for terroists to attack. I am sure most people our happen with the continuing progress by airlines to make sure that another event will not happen. The truth is history repeats itself, not saying it will happen again, but most likely they will try the same thing again. The only thing we can do is be more prepared in the future, so that innocent people will not die.
ReplyDeleteI agree with most that the TSA scans are an inconvenience. SO!!! I would much rather be inconvenienced than harmed by some ridiculous terrorist act. Sometimes I believe we (Americans) are so spoiled. We have taken our safety for the most part for granted. We want to be and feel safe, but we don't want to go through the trouble of being inconvenienced to achieve it. I agree with TSA that if you refuse to be scanned or patted down you need to find another form of transportation! We are going to be a bunch of crybabies if something happens and then we will say, that the government should have provided stricter screening processes. Let's all remember 911 and try to learn from that.
ReplyDeletewe are willing to have a x-ray done to see if we have a broken bone, or cancer, but not to see if someone is carring a weapon to cause problems? sorry if it means keeping my family and I safe when we fly so be it. the same with pat downs, if you have nothing to hide why create such a fuss? those are the ones I definalty want checked out. I mean there is nothing to be embarresed or scared about, its not like you caant have it done in private by someone of the same sex. i mean come on people do you want to live in fear while on the plane or be a little inconvienced by someone touching you?
ReplyDeletedoes anyone remember the reason of why we have all this security going on? does anyone remember 9/11 or the towers falling or the 4 PLANES that were brought down by terrorist? or is that an inconvient little fact to keep up with? remember that next time you lose 10 minutes waiting in line for your plane to see your families.
ReplyDeleteI don't even want to get started on this subject. But here's the fact, what happened on 9/11 was a success, because the terrorists have done their jobs, we are terrified not of their organization but of a group the Muslims, because people label other people (sounds a lot like the labeling theory). And now we are subject to these body scanners a result. As someone who potentially is about to be doing a lot of flying I will let you know what I really think of them once I have been subjected to them. And Alice it's not 10 extra minutes it's more like 10 extra hours now.
ReplyDeleteWithout a single successful attack since 9/11 it astounds me how the TSA feels the need to continually heighten security in airports. Acting seemingly against all logic, the TSA utilizes a massive amount of manpower to basically terrorize holiday travelers. Nearly ten years have passed since the attack that started all of this and I doubt the TSA were instrumental in halting any further attacks. Logically if a terrorist had the desire to, they could smuggle weapons and cause severe damage say at a football game or at a government building. Yet the TSA further exacerbates the issue, perpetuating a fear that has darkened this past decade. What makes this issue even worse is the apathy of the majority of travelers who say this breach in human rights is not that big of an issue. The result of apathy is the growing anti-american treatment of travelers into airports.
ReplyDeleteI don’t have a problem with the body scans or full body pat downs. If the person doesn’t want to submit themselves to these type of seaches they are not being forced to do so. Every person has the right to refuse and travel by other means of transportation besides airplane. I agree with the searches and believe that it will create a safer sense of security for airline travelers. 9-11 changed the levels of invasion of privacy that citizens will allow in order to feel that their safety is safegurarded by security officials.
ReplyDeleteI travel a couple times a year and my husband travels a all the time for work. I am glad that are safety is taken seriously and I don't have to worry about my husband or family when they are flying. This is the world we live in now and it will never go back to the way it was. We consistantly lose liberities in this country, but at least this one is for our safety.
ReplyDeleteLiz S
ReplyDeleteI agree with what Kathy stated. This is the world that we live in now and we must deal with it. In retrospect, although i said before that its is a hassle, it is for our own good and I should be thankful that we take the measures that we do to ensure our safety.
While travelling over the thanksgiving break, I was interviewed at DFW airport by a local news station asking my thoughts on the new TSA body scan procedures, as well as the more thorough pat-down checks at security. My initial thought of there being so much press surrounding these reforms was one of surprise. Taking into account the increasing security fears surrounding airports in recent years, I think that such increased security measures are fitting to ensure that people feel safer with air travel. Sure there is an invasion of personal space with the increased pat downs, and the exposure of the person’s body with the use of scanners. However, these are all implemented to keep the fear of travelling Americans at a low. People may protest against it, however, no one is forcing people that disagree with these security measures to fly. If someone has a strong disagreement with where these security measures have been taken to reassure travellers of their safety, then there are other means of transport that they can take to get to where they want to go. The U.S.A’s poor security measures at airports led to one of the most tragic events in its history in 2001. If body scans and more thorough pat-downs help ensure that this will never happen again, then I fully support it.
ReplyDeleteI think this is ridiculous and will it definately deter me from flying because I know how it feels to be singled out and searched. It seems every time I get off the plane in Frankfurt, Germany.... I am pulled aside and frisked. Last time they opened my suitcase and inspected it. I was up against the wall with my hands extended side to side. As irritating as that was in a foreign country I can't imagine feeling like that in my very own home. I know we shouldn't take it personally but it is difficult not to. Its frustrating that others actions impede on our way of life. I have had to go through the little poofy machine and I didn't mind but a full body scan I am not going to do. On my last trip, we were approached with a frequent flyer program where you do not have as many security check points and the process is much less than a regular check in process at the airport. I am definately registering for this program in the hopes that I won't get this body scan because I am not going to participate in this. I believe there are other ways to go about this especially with the advance technology that we have and are capable of surely there is some other method besides this method of intrusion.
ReplyDeleteIf you don’t like the pat downs……then don’t fly. People need to understand that if you are going to fly in an airplane then you will have to do specific things, no matter what your beliefs are or how “violated” you feel. These guidelines include having your bags checked or gone through, going through a metal detector, and the patting down of your body. These precautious measures are for the safety of not only you, but the rest of the passengers on the plane. It is annoying that people have to always bitch about something. If they didn’t search enough then there would be a higher probability of something happening, but when they do specific strategies to help the situation, it is looked at it in a negative way.
ReplyDeleteIt is sad that it took such a tragedy such as 9/11 to get this done. If these security measures were taken long ago, then maybe this tragedy could have been avoided. For those that have a problem with this then they don’t need to fly.
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