More on Nude Machines and Grope Searches

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Now that the new procedures are ten days old, more and more travelers are noticing and protesting. USA Today has an article here, the pilots union is protesting, and the flight attendants union is protesting. The issues are privacy, sexual assault to board an aircraft, and the cumulative effects of high doses of radiation from the scanners. 

It is distressing to read in the USA Today article that some say, “anything for security.” So, lets get down to the bottom line: Are the nude-o-scopes and grope searches necessary for security? My answer is no and here is why:

From September 12, 2001 to October 31, 2010, there wasn’t a single hijacking or similar event on any flight originating in the United States. While I continue to believe we need to strengthen the scrutiny of cargo carried on passenger jets and of those that service the jets, the system was working. 

But, you might ask, what about the “underwear bomber,” the “shoe bomber,” and the liquids plot? All of those were on flights to the United States.

Now, let us assume a bad guy got through security. Things are much different than on September 11th the cockpit door is reinforced, there is a significant chance there are air marshalls on the plane, and the passengers would challenge and fight (as they did with the shoe bomber and underwear bomber).

Ben Franklin said, “those who would give up their liberty for security deserve neither.” While I would not go that far, the nude-o-scopes and grope searches are completely unnecesary to prevent hijackings and they take violations of our human and legal rights to a whole new level.

What is next? The TSA requiring you to touch your nose with your finger while standing on one leg and singing the Star Spangled Banner? When are the citizens of the “land of the free and the home of the brave” going to demand this stop?

I continue to urge you to contact your elected representatives as that will be the only way this will end. 

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