I understand that the Transportation Security Agency is not the enemy. I also understand that they are using methods to protect the public and our country.
But here is my question. Each time I book a flight to travel, I am asked to verify my birth date for validation that I am who I am. Additionally, over the past several years, I have been cleared by the FBI, the US military, the OSI, etc. to represent my country both in the USA and abroad. I have also obtained a security clearance to work for the State Department and been cleared numerous times to be in the presence of Presidents of the United States and other dignitaries. All of which include extensive background checks. My husband and other family members who have and are serving this country as military members, and their families, have been cleared multiple times as representatives for this country. Why are we continually subjected to any of the full body scanners and/or pat downs? Why are we continually required to be humiliated and harassed?
I have other questions, but time and space do not permit a full discussion.
However, it is time to stop all the politically correct nonsense and follow the advice of the consultants our tax dollars employ. According to these advisors, body scanners do not reveal the information we need to stop bombings such as the most recently prevented attempt at the tree lighting festivities in Portland, Oregon. Employing techniques like those tried and proven in Israel that profile and observe behavior work.
For true security we should profile and observe behavior while asking questions, more questions and still more questions. We should coordinate the information we have on individuals and focus our effort on those people whose profile is questionable. This will deter and protect the traveling public with the minimum hinderance on their ability to transit through our country.
What do you think?
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I agree with you, until proved otherwise, the intensive and highly personal invasion of our bodies has not revealed a cessation of bombing attempts. The TSA agents are doing their jobs, however the "training" is questionable and I will not be felt up by a sweaty, fat person who in many cases cannot pose a decent question with proper grammar. They in many cases abuse their position and use their authority to humiliate and threaten the paying customer. There are better ways to insure safety while traveling.
ReplyDeleteI got this article this morning through John Lewicke:
ReplyDeletehttp://myhelicaltryst.blogspot.com/2010/11/tsa-x-ray-backscatter-body-scanner.html
well worth reading.
Some questions and comments for thought...
ReplyDeleteProfiling - this is a very basic and elementary form of security implementation, regardless of whether it is politically correct or not. Should it be done? Absolutely! The best method to catch a true killer is to understand them before they even arrive at the airport. Our CIA and FBI should be working outside of the airport and determining threats way before they reach the point that a person walks in an airport with a bomb strapped to them. Not everybody has the materials and knowledge to make strong enough explosives that they could fit on their bodies and take an airplane out of the sky.
Personal Rights verses Public Safety - These are at conflict with each other, and finding the right level of right and wrong on this may be difficult. Personally, I think body searching each passenger is ridiculous and being paranoid. This is causing a mistrust and resentment between a public and its government - horrible idea! I would rather take more risk of dying on a plane than living under complete scrutiny. History has shown that any form of totalitarian governance has ALWAYS fallen into the hands of the corrupt, at the peril of the citizens and the honorable insiders. Our mission should be very clear - PROTECT FREEDOM FIRST! I believe that hiring undercover armed gaurds on flights makes MUCH more sense then violating everybody who wishes to get from point A to point B! Sealed Pilot cabins -Great! Armed Pilots - FINE! Grabbing the private parts of each passenger, and scanning with machines that pretty much unclothe people - NOT RIGHT AT ALL!