Looking forward to airplane travel, full body scans and pat downs?
(PHOTO CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES)
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
Two million people a day are expected to travel through this nation's airports Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving. I am very happy I'm not one of them.
Airline travel this holiday season is shaping up to be a nightmare, thanks to the government's new airport security measures, which include full body scans and invasive pat-downs.
A growing backlash to these measures is coming from all corners, from pilot and flight attendant groups to civil rights and privacy advocates.
Even Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who hasn't gone through airport security in decades, admits she wouldn't want to submit to an enhanced pat-down if she could avoid it.
Passengers are sharing outrageous stories that show just how embarrassing and invasive all this is:
A flight attendant and breast cancer survivor says she was asked to remove her prosthetic breast during a pat-down, while a bladder cancer survivor wound up soaked with urine during his pat-down.
The latest example comes by way of a viral video of a shirtless boy getting a pat-down from a TSA agent. A partially disrobed child forced to submit to groping by a strange adult. It's just disgraceful.
The TSA insists it's trying to strike a balance between security and privacy concerns. Really?
One industry expert tells the Associated Press that the agency is working under an unachievable mandate since the risks constantly change when terrorists use new tactics. This means the TSA is always in crisis mode, adding new policies to respond to the last terror plot.
And on some level, Americans do get their dilemma. A recent CBS poll shows that four out of five Americans support the use of full body scans.
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Craig in Arizona writes:
Since 9/11, I have chosen to fly less and less for both business and pleasure. I keep my business relationships close to home and vacation where a car will take me. This latest intrusion is all the more reason to avoid air travel. All of this could be avoided with common -sense profiling, but America does not have the stomach for it and continues to treat all Americans as if they were terrorists.
Harry in Texas writes:
I cannot thank the TSA enough for keeping us safe. I travel so much that I want all of the security I can get. Once the door is closed on the aircraft, we are all along for the ride.
Jon writes:
We murder each other at the rate of about 30,000 gun deaths a year. We slaughter tens of thousands more on the highways. People die from all strange kinds of screw-ups every year. No outcry over this stuff. What's the BIG deal about this plane security? Terrorists could very easily attack churches, schools, malls, hospitals, theaters, etc, But they don't. I think this madness at the airports is seriously a knee jerk reaction and should be ended.
Lou in South Carolina writes:
The groping of the youngster is beyond appalling – a pedophile's dream job all in the name of "safety." Every pervert in the country is probably applying for jobs right now, and some will get them! If Israel can do it without all this embarrassment and humiliation, why can't we?
Andrew writes:
Four out of five Americans support body scans – but would the same number support them if you asked, "Do you support being exposed to radiation for a body scan?"
Carolyn in Illinois writes:
I may not be flying real soon, but I have flown a lot in the past. The terrorist threat is REAL and it scares me to death. I am so glad the TSA is using aggressive procedures to help ensure our safety. The complainers need to grow up. I am also a breast cancer survivor and use a breast prosthesis. And if the inspector wants to touch it to ensure some terrorists hasn't removed the gel and replaced it with explosive material, have at it!
Queen in Utah writes:
Jack, I'm 307 pounds. I'm more worried about getting kicked off the plane than blinding the agents with my hot body.
@jackcafferty on Twitter
Not flying and have no interest in doing so. Not until the Feds end the illegal wars, and end this nonsense called the war on terrorism. Ron Paul is right again: until we end our meddling in foreign countries and affairs, we'll never escape the specter of "terrorism". Of course, if we end such meddling, then people like Chertoff won't be getting rich on our gullibility...
Jack: I will probably not travel by airplane any time soon, but I would opt for the full body scan. I can answer question more easily when ask questions about my personal scan. I do not blame men and women not wanting the pad down, but one or the other is going to happen before a person is allowed to board an airplane. It is part of our post 9-11 world.
Maybe these ridiculous search practices will lead to a return to the good old days of rail travel.
I look forward to airport screenings about as much as most women look forward to their annual visit to the gynecologist.
RB
Chino Hills, CA
We have decided not to fly anymore.We will drive or take a boat from now on.
Hi Jack,
Frankly, I think that the plane blowing up is a far worse issue then getting a body scan or pat down. People seem to forget that there are many in the world who would like to kill all American. Please remember that extremists have no problem using kids as weapons.
My Mom as an artifical knee and goes through the pat down every time she flies. She has always been treated with courtesy and respect. How about people quit whining and let TSA do their jobs. Do you really think that they enjoy touching all the fussing, whining sweaty people. God knows I wouldn't want to!
I'm thankful for three things this week, Jack: 1) I have a job after 10 months of unemployment (a number of months with no income at all thanks to House and Senate Republicans); 2) I have wonderful friends that kept me from starving during that time and that are the family I do not have; and 3) I've been too broke to fly and suffer these ridiculous security measures.
I haven't flown since the government set it's unconstitutional foot in airports and I don't intend to fly again until the government and it's minions begin to respect their oaths of office to obey, defend and protect the constitution. If enough sheeple let this most recent sexual assault go unchallenged, we'll begin seeing these same tactics employed in all federal, state and municipal public buildings.
The TSA claims the boby scans and pat downs will guarentee to keep us safe. Who pays the bills if they don't keep us safe. What they are doing is no more than they did in the past with dogs and metal detectors. Secondly are they changing gloves between people during the pat downs. If not they can spread a desease or medical issue from one person to the next. I am allergic to certain soaps and detergents and all it takes is touching the residue of it to cause me to go to the hospital with a serious respitory issue.
I maintain any way you travel you are doing it at your own risk. They don't do this with other modes of travel likee busses, trains, cruises etc. Why the government is even involved with this at taxpayers expense is reduculous.
Jack, the people that are most loudly complaining about body scans and pat downs are the very same people that would complain about lax security if a terror incident would happen on a plane. They are also probably the same people who are against any type of profiling as being politically wrong. And Jack, what about the poor TSA emplyoyees who have to do all the "touching" – there are some people that get on a plane that you wouldn't want touch with a 10 foot pole!
Roy, Jacksonville Fl.
With all of the added costs the airlines have added to the price of a ticket, who can afford to fly anyway.
The uproar regarding the new airport security measures could easily be silenced. TSA and airlines depend on the public to succeed and grow. If the public were to be so fed up with these new measures simply don't fly. When the numbers fall I assure you they will come up with another approach.
The long check -in lines of several years ago cured me from flying. This latest intrusion makes me glad I gave it up.
the american people are becoming brain washed all this securety at air ports but we have open borders where they could have a army in the country and the gov . would not know
Ho, Ho, Ho, happy holidays. Another very personal greeting at the airport. What an example of government over reacting "make work" projects. It's like a chess game. The terrorists make a move and we fall all over ourselves hiring more people and buying more x-ray equipment, and subjecting citizens to a further reduction of their freedom of movement. A different kind of "checkmate." What a country.
Jack,
I am hearing CNN report that a large percentage of Americans favor the new "aggressive" pat-downs. I am curious to know if this majority percentage includes Americans who never fly, occasionally fly, or frequently fly. I would be interested in a survey of frequent air travelers who may actually be subjected to these pat-downs. Thanks.
Peter – New York
If this maddness stopped a bomb from going onto a plane full of people then the naysayers would be jumping for joy just like the terrorists are. Perhaps if we had been doing more back in 2001 there would be a lot more people alive today.
Zilch. I don't travel by plane unless it is an emergency. Give me my dear old car anytime. I can go when and where I want at any time, stop when and where I want also. It is wonderful, everyone should try it.
I am looking forward to traveling and being patted down to more than I am looking forward to having to wrest control of a plane from hijackers and forcing them to crash it into a field in Pennsylvania. I wonder if the passengers of Flight 93 that forced their hijacked plane to crash land in a field in PA, thereby sacrificing their very lives to protect innocents, would have rather just been given a thorough pat down.
I am a frequent flier and do not object to anything that can help make the flying experience safer. Let us all not forget that the worst terrorist attack in US history occurred on DOMESTIC flights.
If it wouldn't cause a scheduling nightmare, I would go along with having people who don't want to be scanned or patted down on one flight, and those of us who don't mind being thoroughly screened on another. Let's see how many discontented fliers choose to be screened then.
As a frequent viewer of CNN, I would appreciate a little less fanning of the flames of discontent, and a more balanced view...perhaps even a way to help by encouraging people to remain calm and giving as much time to passengers who don't think that any of this is a big deal, as you do to the people who are offended and upset.
See me.
Feel me.
Touch me.
Heal me.
(Repeat twice)
I am looking forward to traveling and being patted down to more than I am looking forward to having to wrest control of a plane from hijackers and forcing them to crash it into a field in Pennsylvania. I wonder if the passengers of Flight 93 that forced their hijacked plane to crash land in a field in PA, thereby sacrificing their very lives to protect innocents, would have rather just been given a thorough pat down.
Statesboro GA
Chris Booker
As a former United Airlines employee who was working during and after the 9/11 disaster, all of us Inflight Services pilots and flight attendants were subjected to constant and almost monthly recurring, multiple backgrounds checks, birth certificate conformations, revised employee photos, fingerprints, biometric finger scan checks, and other redundant criteria, just to identify and confirm that we were not a threat to airline security. With all the government agency and private industry computers and database information being stored on each one of us, why not create a system where every American citizen can be thoroughly "vetted" as a loyal, tax-paying, proud member of this society and then be provided a fraud-proof travel card/passport that exempts us from the intrusiveness of an overreaching TSA and expanding government dictatorship?
Been there, done that, Jack - and it really didn't bother me until everyone started screaming about how much I should be bothered. It will take time to work out the kinks in this. Until then, we will have a daily does of outraged people, justified or not. I think that someone if wearing a urine bag should know to tell a frisker that it could be a problem. I think TSA needs to think through prosthetics and the like more carefully. I just look forward to when the court of public oipinion decides that I can going back to not being bothered by this - and that I was wrong to have been bother by this at all..
Jack, TSA will bankrupt the airline industry. People may choose car or trains instead of airlines. Then we will have Government Airlines just like we already have Government Motors.
Minesh Baxi – Troy, MI
The current policy on body scans is amateurish and stupid. While it must be safe for Americans to fly, the screening should be random and involve a statistical sample of high risk individuals.
Stepping on the Constitutional rights of a majority of decent Americans by invasive, insulting measures is more like an erotic, Third Reichish experiment than 20th century Americanism.
Screenings should occur far less often and should only be done when intelligent, evidence gathering points in a specific direction.
Hell Yeah! I love to show the TSA my beutiful abs!!
I guess the upside of not being able to afford to travel is that I won't have to submit to being felt up by the TSA. For this I am thankful.
I certainly don't look forward to the sexual assault that is now part of the price of an airline ticket.. Anyway, terrorists can also blow up trains, boats, and buses, and when we travel in these, we don't get the same treatment.
Jack, I'm 307 pounds. I'm more worried about getting kicked off the plane than blinding the agents with my hot body.
Absolutely Jack - I haven't had a good feel in years.
Gary in Scottsdale, Arizona
I feel for the travelers in the U.S. these days, its like watching the Jews of WWII line up at a concentration camp. They are stripped of their goods as well as their dignity. It couldn’t be more disgraceful.
“Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both”. Benjamin Franklin.
"Two million people a day are expected to travel through this nation's airports tomorrow and Wednesday before Thanksgiving. I am very happy I'm not one of them."
If at all possible (and only because of an emergency), I don't EVER plan to fly commercially again...and I'm a retired pilot. Because it's recommended that you arrive 3 hours early to stand in line to get groped or scanned with radiation, I have chosen to drive...which is sometimes faster than flying. Does this answer your question?
Thanks to the TSA, etc., the only form of travel that appeals to me anymore is to see the USA in our Chevrolet.
We have yet to be told exactly how much of a danger the body scans represent and with the new and improved pat downs, travelers are apt to feel the need for a cigarette, afterwards. Ugh.
It is reprehensible that children are being partially disrobed and that cancer survivors are being embarassed and humiliated. As a cancer survivor, no way I would tolerate either of these methods.
The TSA is bordering on their own type of terror. Unacceptable. Oh~exactly how constitutional is all of this? Does anyone even care, anymore?
Many have paid the ultimate price to keep this country and its people safe from terrorists. I don't think the loss of a little dignity is too much to ask from the rest of us to help make air travel safe. Although I realize that it isn't possible for some people, there are many others who have an option- if you don't want to be scanned or patted down, stay off the damned plane!
Who cares..pat down or x ray...if a plane blew up because someone feels that thier body is different then others what would they do then. it's sad that we have to travel like this, but at lease we get to. JB Tampa
Government needs to keep their hands off of my body, out of my pocketbook and my business..... Once again, this administration has zero common sense so it resorts to extremes in everything it does....
Jack,
First and foremost this is security theater. the fact that Pilots and Flight attendants were ever subject these idiotic screening procedures should be an obvious indicator of the lack for for thought put into TSA protocols. This whole thing is about corruption and profiteering by manufacturing and hyping fear nothing less.
Second What happened to the Constitution? Seriously if the government will not live by the contract it has with the people they they do not have consent of the governed.
I'll be posting anti-TSA signs over the Holidays Jack have fun celebrating in your own way.
As you point out, this isn't making us safe so would a better question be, "Should we let the Arabs have their oil and adopt a real energy plan?"
Here's a tip for all of you flying this holiday season: after being poked and probed and patted and scanned, try to forget that 95% of the cargo beneath your feet hasn't been checked at all.
For Pete's sake Homeland Security go to Israel and have them teach you all how to protect the Airports.
They can assist with the borders as well.
The way you handle things are so immature, however show a will to CONTROL Americans.
Joanie
Wi
Thanksgiving likely won't be greatly affected by the creepy new security procedures, because the vast majority of travelers have already purchased their tickets. Only a very stubborn person would risk missing a flight in some ineffective attempt to rebel against the TSA (or perhaps someone very clever who actually doesn't want to visit family).
The American airline industry would be foolish to underestimate the effect these awful new procedures will have on their profits. Watch closely the airline passenger volume beginning in January.
Airline profits may fall faster than the value of Bernie Madoff's hedge fund.
Jack tell me one thing is not so. The same people with compaints about the increase in security for their safety would not be the first ones to complain about why was nothing done if forbid something does go wrong. Everything changed on 9/11 the only thing that is wrong is TSA and other law enforcement are not alloud to profile.
I may not be flying real soon, but I have flown ALOT in the past. The terrorist threat is REAL and it scares me to death. I am so glad the TSA is using aggressive procedures to help ensure our safety. The complainers need to grow up. I am also a breast cancer survivor and use a breast prothesis. And if the inspector wants to touch it (and everyone's else's) to ensure some terrorists hasn't removed the gel and replaced it with explosive material. Have at it! Get your mind out of the gutter! After all, falsies are displayed on the shelf in department stores! I suppose these persons accuse their doctors of Sexual Assault and groping when they do breast exams and pap smears, etc. Thank God for them, they saved my life by finding my cancer. The inspectors intent is also to save my life, your life, and hundreds of others. I am not looking forward to my next flight, but I will grit my teeth and do what is required. Wake up, quit complaining, or stay home. Decatur IL
Hopefully the TSA agent who pats me down is blonde and cute!
I think it would be a great idea to let all these people who object to these security precautions get on the same plane(s). Be sure and advertise which plane it is. Then when some nutcase gets on and tries to bring down the plane, let's hear them bitch about how their privacy was compromised!!!! As for me, I will opt for the best technology available to get me SAFELY from point A to point B.
I look forward to watching it on TV. I have a 12 pound turkey and all of the trimmings and I will enjoy the holiday at home.
Since 9/11 I have chosen to fly less and less for both business and pleasure. I keep my business relationships close to home and vacation where a car will take me. This latest intrusion is all the more reason to avoid air travel. All of this could be avoided with common sense profiling, but America does not have the stomach for it and continues to treat all Americans as if they were terrorists. Americans do not strap bombs to their children. Grandma does not have an AK-47 sequestered away in her nylons. Perhaps when the TSA begins to perform full cavity searches the madness will end. To my knowledge the TSA has not caught one terrorist with their vulgar methods. And I suspect they never will. While they are shaking down the elderly and the disabled, an evil doer is strutting through the line with nothing on his person, but with the intent of getting it on the other side. And why would a terrorist try to get on a plane when they can slip their mahem into the cargo hold virtually unchecked. All of this is a smokescreen and great theatre, but will not make anyone any safer.
you get what you ask for,
Let me see if I have my facts correct. 1) All of the worlds terrorists are Muslims and 90% of them are men from the Middle East. 2) Despite this exacting detail, TSA feels it more important to strip search a 10 year old boy rather than profile passengers. 3) Muslims want Federal assistance to build their mosque within blocks of the WTC site but are completely insensitive to how this act might offend survivors of those killed on 9/11. 4) I hear more from Muslims about how they are discriminated against than how their religious terrorists are indiscriminately killing anyone they can is completely unacceptable. Assuming just one of these statements are true, I can only conclude that we Americans must be idiots.
As I seem to remember, the Underwear Bomber was caught nearly a year ago. Why are they just now starting these invasive searches? If it was triggered by the bombs found recently, I remember that these were all on cargo aircraft. The former Homeland Securuty chief, Micheal Chertoff has some kind of interest in the company that makes the scanners. I smell something fishy here.
Thankfully I'm not flying. However, having a few friends who do work as screeners for the TSA, I do not envy their job over the next week either. As I recall, when the liquids ban came into effect, there was this similar kind of backlash. As well as the removal of shoes. And now, people fly everyday and think nothing of these procedures, so my guess is this too shall pass.
It is ridiculous! TSA workers, in Philadelphia I believe, put fake weapons or drugs in bags as they checked them "as a joke." They did not lose their jobs! We are supposed to take them seriously?
The groping of the youngster is beyond appalling - a pedophile's dream job all in the name of "safety." Every pervert in the country is probably applying for jobs right now - and some will get them!
If Israel can do it without all this embarrassment and humiliation, why can't we?
Looking forward to it? No. No one in their right mind would look forward to it. But I'm also not bothered by it. I'd rather have a few seconds of embarrassment than get blown up. People need to quit whining and grow up.
While traveling on orders to Berlin in 1972, my family and I went through pat-downs(kids too) in Frankfurt, and I was in class-A uniform! Security concerns and methods were taken for granted.
Grow up America. Stay home or take a bus!
I am a retired airline captain who used to fly for a major airline. my wife and I have full travel benefits and we only use them IF it's some family emergency.
since the forming of the TSA after 9-11, the so called "airport security proceedures" have become a HELL for the flying public and esp for airline pilots and flight attendants. that was a major reason I retired 3 years early from my job. even though I was making a six figure income, it was no longer worth the hassle. can you imagine IF you had to go through a virtual "strip search" not only every time you went to work BUT also several times a day while you were at work? that is what happens to airline flight crews EVERY DAY they are on the JOB.
AND when the airlines contracted out security, IF you had an overbearing screener who routinely harrassed flight crews at an airport, the crews could go to station management an get them FIRED. NOW, as govenrment employees, they are "The Bureaucrat Rocket – doesn't WORK, you can't FIRE it".
(I know. TOO long to read on the air but PLEASE POST)
Jack,it is really simple,if you don't like it,don't fly!
Scan away, just keep me safe. I'll grin and say cheese. Oops, wrong end.
I don't believe the CBS poll is accurate, Jack. I believe that CBS made up the numbers and is in bed with this administration and just playing the party line. Too many people are being assaulted in our airports. If the TSA were really concerned with safety it would be looking for terrorists and not groping grandmas and small children. What would happen if a terrorist with an explosive hidden in a body cavity walks right on through because he hasn't been randomly selected to be screened. While the TSA gropes grandma, terrorists are free to strike at any time. The TSA needs to look for terrorists and not innocent individuals.
Jack,
I find you guilty of being a partisan hack and sentence you to 20-to-life of being groped at 0'Hare's TSA checkpoint and lap-dance kiosk.
We murder each other at the rate of about 30,000 gun deaths a year.
We slaughter about 50,000 people a year on the highways.
People die from all strange kinds of screwups every year.
No outcry over this stuff.
What's the BIG deal about this plane security? Terrorists could very easily attack churches, schools, malls, hospitals, theaters, etc, etc, etc. But they don't. I think this madness at the airports is seriously a knee jerk reaction and should be ended.
I welcome pat downs,full body scans externally and internally, what I'm not looking forward to is another 9/11!
They don't sound fun but I AM in support of them in an attempt to keep us safe. I guess if you can't handle it, stay home!
Jack,
Its past time to have a cursory look at everyone and a more thorough look at the types of people that have been involved in terror attacks or attempted attacks on the US or its citizens. We can have equal invasiveness of our bodies or unequal invasiveness - I vote for unequal based on the trends.
Jack, when I was a kid, we began having hijackings, now, it's bombings. If this kind of scrutiny saves lives, then I'm all for it. If there's another way to keep fliers safe, let's hear it.
Jack if you don’t like it then don’t fly. I know security measures have changed, but so have the times "If you want the plane to safely come down, then take the pat down." Flying is a privilege not a right, as a former airport worker, believe me when I say TSA employees don’t want to touch you no more then you want to be touched. This is more work for them with no pay increase.
Eric R.
Washington, D.C
Most terrorists are coming from outside the US. Aren't there security measures in place....full body scanners and invasive pat-downs perhaps in those countries? Why isn't anyone talking about the security that is or isn't taking place in foreign countries...specifically those from which terrorists are coming from? Think about it. Once these people have entered our country its just a little to late. Don't ya think? When Americans are being subjected to the humiliation of full body scanners and invasive pat-downs from the TSA, the terrorists have definitely won. Wake up people! No is ever really safe!
So the TSA has implemented "full" pat downs. Now the terrorists will move to putting explosives inside their bodies. So, will the TSA move to full cavity searches? Why bother to pack or get dressed to go to the airport? We'll have to do both right there in front of God knows how many people. When does this nonsense stop? When are we going to finally hear the truth that there is nothing the TSA can do to make us perfectly safe and that there is still going to be a risk? I think our government has finally gone over the edge.
I certainly wish this gentleman would acquire a different vocation rather than irritate the public at large with his insignificant prattle daily on this site and also on TV.........HE definitely is the one who has coined the word "boring" most appropriately................
For that matter, President Obama, while supporting them, has expressed ambivalence about the new measures... I suspect that they won't last long.
It is ridiculous to think the TSA is going to correctly calibrate the amount of radiation (on the full body scanners) based on the person's size, etc. We already have a big problem with mammograms being properly monitored, calibrated, etc. I have no confidence that the TSA is going to monitor these machines, I do not plan to ever put my health in the hands of the TSA. As for the CBS poll, come on, I'm sure the TSA has hired a PR firm, much like big tobacco and big pharma has in the past, to create a FAKE grass roots group of some kind, all with the intention to say things like they support the new measures. I simply do NOT believe it. Look what happened to Michael Moore/SICKO, even the NY Times fell for it.
Looking forward to airplane travel, full body scans and pat downs?
NO, neither am I good with being suspected of terror, and searched without probable cause or being considered innocent until proven guilty!
What I am looking forward to, is having all field and administrative intelligence agents in the USA being given as much weapons as they can carry, and a parachute put on their backs, and having them all dropped in the Hot Spots of threat against the USA, and told not to come home until they kill all the threats!
America is more than willing to submit to enhanced security in times of war. The problem is the "war" was never declared and no end to the "war" is in sight. Unfortunately this has nothing to do with security and everything to do with a social conditioniing program being implemented by our global overlords. Pat downs of children? Queue up the Star Wars evil emperor music..
So...if most of us get it, why doesn't CNN? Quit hyping this stuff. Find something newsworthy and then report it minus your bias. Same goes for Fox and the rest of the media. I'm about ready to quit reading or listening to all of you until we really have a crisis. You thrive on hype...I don't!
Chicago IL
The 4th Amendment to the United States Constitution (verbatim): The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated. . .
What part of that plain language statement is so hard for TSA to understand?
This boils down to 1) keep our freedom and accept that freedom entails some risks, or 2) give in to fear and move closer and closer to a fascist state. Looks like we're going for the latter. So much for land of the free and home of the brave. Look what the terrorists have already dragged us down to. We can stop worrying about what they're going to do, just the threat of more attacks has already got us running scared and this is exactly what they want. The terrorists have already won it seems, courtesy of our fear.
I think it's ridiculous!! What"s next, if someone tries to hide something in their hair so then we all shave our heads??? I think it is way past the time to follow Israel's lead and profile so TSA doesn't wand my bare feet again ...I kid you not!!
Ridiculous air fares, horrendous waits, extra fees for baggage, rude and insensitive airline personnel and now this. I'd say the terrorists are the big winners here, because they have us jumping through hoops and humiliating ourselves. Clearly they are the victors.
The only way this will improve is for the public too stop flying. When no one buys an airline ticket, just watch how fast they will come up with a new system, more user friendly. Personal feeling is that the government is testing the people too see how far they can be pushed. What if they decide to do body cavity searches. How many people will still fly. What about chipping all people in order to know where everyone is at all times, or what about putting cameras in every household to spy on folks. How many people will be willing to be subjected to this? Bet the jews in Germany didn't think much was happening at first either, and put up with the small inconvenience. Boy were they wrong, as we will be, if we keep putting up with having the government take our rights away.
Four out of five Americans support body scans - but would the same number support them if you asked, "do you support being exposed to radiation for a body scan?"
Personally, I'd rather be humiliated than blown up. Only those people who refuse to go through body scans or who set off metal detectors go through the extensive pat downs. Here's an idea: don't wear jewelry or watches, empty your pockets, don't wear a belt. Yes, I sympathize with those who feel invaded and some have legitimate gripes, but I really don't want to wake up Christmas morning and read that a plane was blown out of the sky. I'd feel a lot worse for those people.
So how exactly will your strip searches find "internally concealed" bombs? Detonators can be fashioned from cell phones and can be non metallic. Are full X-rays and cavity searches next ?
This is nothing but theater to line the pockets of political friends.
So how exactly will the strip searches and "gate rape" patdowns find "internally concealed" bombs? Detonators can be fashioned from cell phones and can be non metallic.
This is nothing but theater to line the pockets of political friends.
A much bigger deal is being made about this than truly exists. If you go through the full body, scan you do not get a pat down unless you are carying something suspicious or something that could not be identified in the scan. If you refuse a body scan, you will get the pat down, and rightfully so. If you want to avoid both, stay home, drive or take alternate transportation. I make more than 20 trips per year for business, and although I see inconsistencies in inspection proceedures from airport to airport, I'd rather go through a little inconvienience to reduce the chance of my life ending at the hands of some crazed ahole. Stop complaining and suck it up.
Jack stop the media foolishness, there is no news here, there is no issue here. 80% of the people do not have an issue with the airport, stop making an issue where there is none to increase your ratings. Report the facts, what % of travelers actually go through the full body scan or the pat down. Its a small %, do not mislead people into thinking that everyone goes through these procedures
If you don't like the safety measures in place for flying, you could always drive. But I would imagine all this anti search hysteria will disappear the first time a jet goes down at the hands of some terrorist. Then it will be why did the government give in to all the tea party loud mouth types. Could these people be sued if something untoward happens because of their actions to do away with these safety measures?
Until the TSA learns how to effectively profile suspicious passengers, the process will continue to be flawed and porous. Learn from the Israelis. Profiling is much more complex than focusing on ethnicity.
Jack, people need to get over it and stop this nonsence. Terrorist are now using explosives that cannot be sniffed out or picked up by traditional metal detectors. So if we don't use the body scanners or pat downs how are we suppose to find these guys? Mark my words, the first plane that blows up because these explosive were'nt detected the American people will be screaming "where is the government, the TSA, someone must be held accountable". We have been lucky. I would rather have someone "touch my junk" than blow up my plane.
Pensacola Fl..next they'll be complaining that TSA did not do a good job when the US is invaded again by terriost....They all need to be thankful that there being pat down the guy next to them could blow up.......
The TSA lacks COMMON SENSE. They need to apply "systems thinking" to solving this difficult problem. They claim they have layered security, but in fact, randomly subject people to scanning and or pat-downs when they have NO reason to believe that they are a risk. They need to re-look at what they do, and make sure that they are at least dealing with people that are perceived to provide a serious risk to security.
Gary
Vienna, VA
The terrorists have won when we're patting down grandmothers, children, and making women remove their prosthetic breasts. Shouldn't we invest in intelligence, rather than pat-downs, and be arresting the terrorists BEFORE they ever get to the airport?
I just got back to the states from a 10 day trip to France to visit a daughter going to school in Strasbourg. I can tell you I am glad passengers are being checked / patted down / scanned. When leaving France, I went through about 5 layers of passport checks, then personal item checks. It did not bother me one bit as long as I knew that someone was doing their best to protect us. This world has changed in the last 10-15 years. I remember a time when my parents let me (age 12) ride my bike from West Palm Beach to Palm Beach without a worry. No more! You can't let your kids out of your site even at places like Walmart. Also, in the airport in France I did not see one person complain about being check...must be an American thing.
I haven't had a good pat down in years!! How many times can a person go through and have one of these pat downs?
Americans don't know what they want. They want security and patriotism but they don't really know what that means. Mostly we are a 'me first' country. I want everything my way. We want security on our terms but there are so many versions of security. Let every citizen have a national photo ID and scan the rest of the people.
My question: How many people who fly on a regular basis are in favor of the enhanced security? When a survey indicates that 4 of 5 people are in favor of enhanced security measures, does that include those who have never flown or fly so infrequently that they aren't concerned about being groped and/or humiliated? Pardon me...I am just asking.
Joseph L. Williams
Huntington, WV
Jack,
The government has again crossed the line. It is time for the American people to say enough and drive , go by bus or train .The government needs to go after those people who have proven they are out to hurt America .It is time to end political correctness.
Frankly, the TSA agents I've encountered don't exactly inspire confidence in their professionalism. How am I supposed to feel like my privacy is being respected when the people looking at me naked and feeling me up might not even have a high school diploma and are getting paid $30k/year? We're not exactly talking about America's finest. Replace them with police officers or FBI agents or other legitimate law enforcement personnel and I'd feel a lot better about this.
I love it. You cried "national security" until you were blue in the face, but now the Conservative Repubs have to get a naked picture taken to get in their over-sized, first class seats. Too funny.
I spent 30 years as a psychologist helping people either to deal with past sexual abuse or to prevent future assaults. And now, the federal government is grooming future victims by coercing aggressive pat-downs. Not only is this a bizarre response to terror threats with a not-well-buried assumption that if we make getting on a plane a truly ugly experience, then no one will bomb our planes or cities, but it ignores the recent cargo threats. . . How wrong-headed can you get?
Jack, for 22 years I worked in an Indiana prison. Every day I got patted down and scanned at least twice. That figures out to over 10,000 times. I survived without whining or crying. If people cannot allow themselves to be touched then they should find another way to get to their destination.
4 out of 5 people like the radiation spewing naked body scanners? i doubt that...and if thats true then americans need to stop jumping at all the stupid garbage about terrorism that this government is always trying to force down our throats.
Rerun that poll now that these facts have come out. I doubt most people that answered it knew what they were agreeing to at the time.
Nobody must submit to a body scan or a pat down. Nobody is required to fly. When I fly, I want to know that passengers have been checked as well as possible.
It's ridiculous and overbearing. As usual our government has overreacted with far-reaching, Big Brother strong-armed tactics that are unwarranted.
So just what would the public be crying about if the Underwear Bomber's bomb had gone off?? Why there isnt' enough security, of courrse!
Shut up, go thru the scanner and get on the plane
Aside from the invasion of privacy and degrading nature of these security measures, there may also be unwanted consequences. As someone who would like to visit my family in the US this christmas I will instead opt not to go. The harm to the airline industry and tourist economy will surely be felt as more and more people grow disillusioned with the climate of fear and cease-less invasion of privacy.
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
If our troops overseas are willing to put their lives on the line day-in and day-out in the name of the war on terrorism, then I sure won't complain about waiting in a long line or getting a more comprehensive pat down at the airports just because our homeland security is trying to protect us better. Some folks see these measures as indicating that the terrorists have won, I see the opposite: Terrorists have won if they take down another plane - and all our intel suggests that they are trying. As a country we have to sacrifice our "convenience" a bit. We can deal with it.
Jack, if i remember correctly 9/11 happened not because there were not enough exisiting regulations in place to prevent it, but because the rules weren't followed and no common sense was used.
Nine years later the USA has reacted to every possible blip and we now take off our shoes etc., etc.,etc. Complete nudity and body cavity checks are next and you can count on it.
The TAS and airlines are out of control and no one wants to step up and use some common sense. I voted for Obama, but the wimp won't even stand up for this foolishness. Billions per year for this.
Several thoughts, first none of our lawmakers or their traveling companions will be subjected to a pat down or scan. They will be escorted around it.
Second it is time to get over our political correctness and take a look at who we think (know) are threatening our people and country. The threats come from Muslims. As long as we spend money going through the motions of searching Grandma Al Queda wins.
The next step will be cavity searches
It continues to amaze me that the TSA will not use the interview/profile process that has proven so successful for El Al. Heaven forbid that our pride prevents us from employing techniques used by another country.
If I were a frequent flyer, I might have an objection to more radiation exposure, but the invasive nature of the Pat Downs is a horrible alternative. And between removing breast prostheses, prosthetic limbs and urostomy bag damage, the TSA personnel are poorly trained.
Two Points
1. Maybe its time we "solve" the problem of why we are attracting these so called terrorists. Where is that Rev Wright guy when you need someone to speak up
2. TSA wants to electronically strip us but allows packages in the belly of the plane to go untouched . THAT"S.STUPID at every level. It is sad that our civil servants are idiots...
Please, if they must pee om my leg, fine, but don't tell me its raining
The TSA criticism in the news right now is absurd. Last year, Republicans criticized President Obama for missing the "underwear bomber." This year, those same Republicans are criticizing him for implementing security measures that would stop such an incident from happening again. Would they be saying a word if John McCain were President? No. This is nothing more than political opportunism.
I cannot thank the TSA enough for keeping us safe. I travel so much that I want all of the security I can get. Once the door is closed on the aircraft, we are all along for the ride.
Has it ever occurred to you Jack that this might be a good thing? I mean sure a few people scream to the ACLU but they still keep on flying. Perhaps what was intended by the government is a full court media press to discourage any would be terrorists this holiday season. The government threw out the bait and the media ran with it. How does it feel to be reeled in Jack? Dumb like a fox is what I call it. The more you guys talk about it the more impact it has on the terrorists. I mean do you really think they are doing one damn thing different then they ever did? Nope.
Hey! The terrorist got us where they want us. Because of our deep and "sin"uous love of money (capitalism), they know we will do anything for and run over anybody to get. We're a prime target deu to our greed. Every terrorist attempt we catch is their success....not a failure, every success is their victory. Why? Because we keep increasing what we spend on security. Dong the the same ole stupid stuff. Look at the economy, greedy corps and ceo's....cashing in on our fear and cashing out leaving us broke and insecure. Time to do something radically different....cause we're losin this one.
I have been "patted down" for several years starting with my first knee replacement. Then I had a second knee replacement last year and was patted down twice on a trip in September. The TSA people were very nice to me. Just deal with it, folks. If an ol lady can handle it, so can you. Git 'er dun! Than get on the plane and have a pop or a glass of wine and enjoy a safe trip!
Jack,
I'm a middle-aged disabled grandma who flies fairly often, sometimes overseas. I've experienced both the scanner machine and a random pat-down, and I really don't see what the fuss is about.
As for the scanners, if some guy watching the screen gets his jollies looking at an image of my slightly overweight bod, I hope he has fun! I'm not at all body-conscience.
My hubby and I have agreed that the TSA should hire more good-looking young people for the pat-downs – a guy for me and a gal for him, and then bring them on!
All kidding aside, as long as it adds to our safety, I don't mind these minor inconveniences at all. What I'm concerned about is getting through the line as quickly as possible and getting to my flight on time. I've got places to go and grandbabies to see!
Marla in Seaside, Cal.
Hi Jack, I would like to see an ID issued for all law abiding American Citizens that allows us to go through a normal metal detector and security screening. The law abiding citizens of the United States, should not have to be treated like suspected terrorists. Peace.
Please give some examples of terrorists stopped by groping. Yes, I have heard the lady who claimed that she felt safer knowing that she was not carrying a bomb. But to get 4 out of 5 people favoring the policy on average, surely the pollsters must have measured 6 out of 5 in many samples to offset the zero out of five among folks I know.
These Draconian measures the TSA keep trying to justify will not solve anything. Treating the flying public as if they are the enemy is not the way to go. If the terrorists want to create chaos they will find a way. No amount of groping or naked scans that will inevitably find their way on YouTube will stop them.
disgraceful says it all. If it weren't for my grandfather, I would not be flying.
Jack,
Next we will have these maniacal suicide terroists swallowing explosives and detonating themselves in the air.
People, do us other travelers all a favor-just shut up and go through the scanners
Lol, no thanks Jack. If I'm looking to get an invasive pat-down, I need look no further than the nearest cop. No point wasting gas going to the airport. ^_^
Jack, what is the question? Also, why does the media feel the need to hype, sensationalize and dramatize this decision that no one has the ability to change? Would you like some cheese with your wine?
Travel MUST be safe !!! If YOU donrt want airline pat-downs, take a damn bus !!! personally, i want to be ALIVE when my plane lands. You whiners need to take alternate transportation if you dont want pat-downs and security in USA airports !!
If I was flying this holiday season, I'd forego the body scan and opt in for the pat down, if I could pick a good looking man to do me.
Travel is a privilege, not a right and body scans and pat-downs are an inconvenience, not a violation of your civil rights. If this isn't something you can deal with, find an alternative route (bus, train, car etc). Is travel a part of your job? These new measures are a part of travel, and therefore a part of your job as well. If that doesn't suit you then work out an alternative or seek different employment.
Jack, the problem is that there simply is no way to be completely secure. These scanners and pat-downs will not detect explosives inside a human body, so what happens when someone places a bomb inside themselves? Will the TSA then want to scope airline passengers? Where does this insanity end? At some point, we have to yell, "No more!", and now seems to be well past that point.
Marion
Tuscaloosa, AL
I don't think people would support these if they understand that children under 12 if they fail the body scanner have no choice but to submit to a full pat down, including genital grope- potentially away from their parents. No TSA agent is feeling up my daughter or checking if my son has something between his testicles. No flying for us until this is changed.
Jake
Somis, CA
Europeans must be laughing over American puritanical prudishness. Our enemies, meanwhile, are high-fiving.
The terrorists are winning with this one. People wil get so disgusted with the hassles that they just won't go or they will drive. I'm one of those people. A popular airline used to fly direct from Philly to Columbus Ohio. Now,I'd have to go from Philly to ChicagoMidway and have a layover,St.Louis with a layover,or someplace in Tennessee with a layover. They took a one hour flight and turned it into a six hour ordeal. My solution,in the summer my husband and I drive and we just don't go right after the holidays. The airline isn't making any of my money,nor are hotels or restaurants. Instead of stimulating our economy,these fools are hurting it.
I don't think pat down and full body scan is a problem if you do its correctly...but I think TSA group is a waste of the govt. money. The TSA group doesn't generates money as we should look into a business way. Its cost so too much of our tax money for those machines and all the fancy tech. Second of all, some of the lead and supervisor get pay over 100,000 dollars and too much over times hours....I think our tax money is a waste of having these TSA, because it's doesn't GENERATES MONEY....
The TSA is damned if they do and damned if they don't. Those screaming the loudest in opposition to the search techniques will be the first to scream if a lapse in security occurs. I don't have a problem with the current regime, however, it does appear that there have been incidents where TSA employees exercised very poor judgement. The TSA should acknowledge the mistakes and train better.
Paul
Houston, Texas
I too am thankful that I won't be travelling this holiday. I'm hoping that by the time I am plan to fly again the TSA will have modified their procedures. However we are blaming the wrong people for this situation. We blame the government when the real blame belongs to the terrorists, and the terrorists are winning – they are taking our freedoms away from us!
For the people that are so terrified of a terrorist harming or killing them on a plane I ask; how do you even get out of bed in the mornings. Since you are more likely to be killed driving to work, or the airport, or the stray golf ball. How do you convince yourself to leave your home in the morning.
The poll is probably ridiculously invalid, due to the fact that 60% of the polled dont fly or have TSA encounters. In the meantime, the disabled are the real victim. With chances being good that they must have metal on them or in them most of the time, the choice of pat down or scan is automatically taken from them. This creates a de facto state of discrimination for that population. Unfortunately for the TSA loving Politicos, they are a voting population. Strip the TSA, not the public!
This is reaching the point of the obscene. The full-body scanners are a form of strip-search and the "enhanced" pat-downs are nothing less than "custody searches". In law enforcement, both require a bit more than purchasing an airline ticket. Worse, after they grope and probe us, the TSA agents don't even take us out to dinner. Gee, hope it was good for them...since the TSA has never caught a terrorist, why are we going through this?
I am traveling to Europe in June and I hope they have this groping stuff out of their system by then. My cow died I don't need their Bull.
I'm amazed to see how many people will trade privacy invasion for convenience. As long as it speeds up their day, people don't care what the TSA sees or touches. Has the 4th amendment really become so irrelevant? When Americans' shallow comfort and the illusion of security trumps our civil liberties, it's hard to argue that the terrorists haven't won.
Chris
Madison, WI
Every American suddenly has a right to dictate air safety procedures? Under what authority?
Just like the right to Health Care. The right to unemployment insurance. The right to social security and food stamps. Enough already. Do as you're told, sheep.
Jack, you get what you pay for. Everytime there is a near terrorist incident, there is a public outcry to change the entire system so that it never happens again. No one wants to accept that you can't be totally safe. The more the public clambors for more security, the more the government will erode liberties and remember, once you lose a liberty, you never get it back. Can anyone say, "Patriot Act."
Stop complaining. I would remove my prosthetic breast and would, indeed, let my child be searched. The parent removed that child's shirt to speed things up, I am told. I do not want to die in the air. I am flying to Sun Valley in December and will be glad someone is out there looking to protect us. JC
Looking forward to staying home. Nothing, and I do mean nothing could persuade me to fly again. Ever. Eff em if they can't take a joke.
Jack,
I'm looking forward to being on that plane so that I don't have to keep on hearing about it on TV.
William, Washington, DC
I do not mind going through security that will protect myself and other passengers in the sky. What I do mind is ignorant people that will "boycott" the security measures adding only more chaos and vulnerability, let alone take time out of my travel plans. The TSA is protecting the safety of Americans. The 9/11 attacks were blamed in part on airport security faults. Now the TSA takes some good action and they get ripped apart. Make up your mind America!!
Seems to me like the terrorist have won. We have lost our freedoms because of fear. I will never fly again as long as the full body scans an pat downs are in force.
Give me liberty or give me death
Most of the people that support pat downs probably don't fly...
Jack, I don't look forward to it because it just ain't gonna happen. I made my last commercial flight in October 2009. I will never again venture on to a commercial aircraft. I have been a licensed pilot since 1937, and I am more than willing to give up my love of flight in lieu of being manhandled by a bunch of perverts.
Jesse Callahan
Brookeland, Tx
You want to drink? Don't drive.
You want to drive? Take the test.
You want to fly? Grow some wings.
Everybody...anybody; but me. Grow up and stop crying about everything. There's give and take with all we do.
Let's see who submitted answers to that poll, when, and the exact wording of the question. That's a ridiculous source to credit as justification to these pat downs and screenings, seeing as not ONE person I've spoken with about this has supported it. Also, last I was aware, the underwear bomber went through security in a FOREIGN COUNTRY to get in with his faulty panty-liner explosive. Don't make us all suffer here because security was lax in AMSTERDAM.
Groping little kids, subjecting people to full body scans with potentially negative health ramifications, strip searches for people with blurry images? Come ON. Up the security elsewhere. Let's take a step back and look where this is going, or have the policy makers have their privates fondled and/or their nude bodies scrutinized.
Jack,
I'd rather have a root canal done – without Novocaine...
Hmmm... Better make that five or six !
Pat-down? Invasive body search? Or chance of a plane exploding in mid-air? I thought about it......... I'd rather be embarrassed.
Horrendous. It really boggles my mind how we are first terrorized by the terrorists, then we are terrorized by our own country. The American Mind can't take much more can it?
What happened to profiling? I mean isn't it possible to plant powder inside a bra in front of nipples? They aren't checking there, yet.
I doubt I'll ever fly anywhere again on scheduled flights, Jack, especially because of the overly-aggressive TSA activities, and I'm sure I'm not alone. Wonder how the airlines will like losing money because of that kind of decision by would-be travelers?
Well Jack, I don't like the idea of having a total stranger touching my kids. I think they should do the full body scans, yet keep it reasonable. I honestly feel uncomfortabole having a chuild get patted down by adults. It just seems wrong.
Air travel never was one of my favorite things, but 'i' now prefer to travel by car.'i' retired so 'i' got lots of time & there's still country 'i' haven't seen.
Going to Padre Island in march – would normally fly – not no more – starting a week early – so 'i' get there on time.
Austraila is going to be by cruiseship; 'i' get to smoke, drink, & be merry!
Jack, lay off the bird, "U" already gooble enough!
Jack, what am I missing. If you don't want to abide to the added security measures...........don't fly.
well the 70 year old lady living next door canceled her trip to see her grankids this thanksgiving because of whats going on with the new pat downs. im just woried what will happen this christmas when my grandparents come in to see me. i wonder about the interesting stories they.re going to say when they get here.
Whether we believe it or not, we have been compelled to change our way of life. Although this is still the land of the free and home of the brave, for now we are encapsulated in a bubble of fear.
America. Really? Really? GROW UP. Bob in Sacramento CA
We've lost 46 soldiers this month in Afpak. 46. Shut up, quit the nonsense, and get on the plane. Seriously.....enough.
all the people up in arms over these body scans and pat downs, where were they when the patriot act was passed? the patriot act is more intrusive than any airport body scanner/patdown could ever be!!
Despite what the TSA says, the infamous 'pat downs' (and they don;t pat you) are not optional for those of us with implants. My wife will be molested every time she passes thru security – even though she submits to the scan. All because she has a hip implant. As usual, the TSA did not implement their procedures properly. They have a simple pass/fail process. The new machines can identify implants. The observer should be able to id the implant and, if necessary, have the agent confirm it. But the agent has no business fondling her breasts or grabbing her crotch.
What we really need is a Trusted Traveler program where the publiic could apply for a permit (just like a gun), pass a background test and be given credentials to forgo the patdowns.
I am an airline pilot and therefore security is incredibly important to me – it's literally my livelihood and my life! However, a balance must be found between common sense security measures and ridiculous virtual strip searches and overly-intrusive gropings. Imagine if this ludicrousness were occurring on/in the streets/stadiums/schools/businesses in cities across America! Something needs to be changed immediately before the government gets used to stepping over the line in other ways. BAD TSA!
People don't have to fly! I am thankful that we have the technology to screen people without a strip search. As for profiling vis a vis El AL...it is much easier to do with a fairly homogenous population of Israel than it would be in this Country.
We Americans are now at the place the founding fathers would never have considered. We are so afraid of everything that we are willing to give up our constitutionally guaranteed rights for security. Too bad most Americans don't know that once they give up their freedom they will have neither. the founding fathers are surely turning over in their graves, realizing they sacrificed everything for freedom and now we don't want it.
Don't like what they do there are other options, take a train, take a bus, drive of stay home. Haven't cared much for airport security for many years so I don't fly. Can't wait for the next Christmas bomber to show up and listen to the wacko Media go crazy about how lax the government is with security. Maybe it's time for government to get out of the security business and leave up to the airlines and pass the cost on to the fliers.
All of the uproar relative to enhanced security is absurd and uncalled for; let one person slip through the "cracks" you will have disaster...Don't like it, then take Greyhound..... and by the way Obama will then be accused of being soft on security. Enough administration bashing...it's getting old!
I am not travelling over the holiday so I don't have to worry about it at all.
San Mateo, CA
How about pat-down flights and non-pat-down flights? Let the passengers decide how private and how safe they want to be.
It's very unfortunate that Americans don't like these scans, but unfortunately, Americans gave up their right to protest these scanners when they didn't protest George W Bush's signing on the Patriot Act, which allows for this sort of intrusion by the Government on the basis that you will be protected from terrorism.
The American public even thanked the President that took away more Constitutional freedoms than any other President in history by reelecting him in 2004.
The Patriot Act was passed less than six weeks after 9/11, I don't think there's ever been a bill passed so quickly and with so little opposition before or since.
Now, Americans are just starting to find out how many of their rights have been taken away, and realize that they don't like it, but it's too late.
Hi Jack If the government will not profile how about this? I heard a comedian tell a joke a few years back that we should all be allowed to carry anything you want on board the aircraft and let the terrorist do the profiling and figure out "who's packing" I am not laughing now.
I am a pilot and not only are we subjected to these screenings daily but we have to watch as the TSA distroys our industry
Security is something you want when flying. Being molested however, is not. I have been involved in training when it comes to security screening, and pat downs. In my opinion the TSA agents are doing this wrong. Being searched is one thing, but being subjected to someone putting their hands directly on you private areas should never be acceptable. It is understandable that the TSA has to adapt to the ever changing threat landscape, and that much of these new techniques and scanners are due to the incident with the man that had the bomb in his underwear. I shudder to think what will happen if they discover a terrorist with a charge hidden in his rectum. I also question why they do not utilize bomb/drug sniffing dogs, as well as the sniffer technology that is used on luggage. I for one would be more comfortable with a dog sniffing me and my kids, then some complete stranger who has the authority to strip me and my children. How many freedoms are we to give up to stay free?
I would suspect that a job that requires the patting down of private parts might attract those who find unhealthy enjoyment in that situation.
My question is who is screening the screeners?
It's like trusting a mall cops to have the ethics and sensitivities of medical professionals in respecting personal privacy.
Have you noticed how mute the ACLU is regarding this debacle...they can't wait for the TSA to begin profiling so they can unload, but they can't muster any defense of John Q Citizen for this kind of personal invasion? Amazing!! No, I won'r be traveling by air this holiday season!
My mother is 81, has Alzheimers, and has a pacemaker. How the hell do I explain to her that a TSA agent will grope her because she cannot go through the xray machine due to the pacemaker? We're flying on 12/21 and I sure hope the TSA gets its act together soon. The lack of consideration for children, the elderly, the disabled, those with artificial joints or limbs, and cancer victims is appalling. Implementing a new process without considering the needs of those with special situations is just ridiculous.
Jack: I'm not going to mess with the airlines, I'm planning on taking the DOG (Greyhound). Takes about as long for my trip and is alot more comfortable. Happy Thanksgiving. Enjoy your show.
I am not looking forward to giving up any 4th Amendment rights to travel this season. As a matter of fact, I am contemplating driving more than 900 miles – over 16 hours – so I don't have to be subjected to either "pornographic" radiation or a criminal sexual conduct in the 4th degree. The real sheep are the people who keep saying "stop whining and do it" and "whatever it takes so my plane doesn't blow up". What constitutional rights have to be taken away before those folks try to say enough? The warning should be that by then, it will probably be too late.
We're looking forward to traveling to Iowa, via air, to visit my father. Also looking forward to standing in line with all congress and senate members, as well as the Presidents family, going through the same airport security approaches we will be subjected to. Oh,....wait....are they not subjected to "normal" security routines....?
I am beyond frustrated with the new TSA policies with body scanning and pat downs. I have to travel for business and simply must fly. I believe in security but not at the expense of invading my body.
I don't think our President would enjoy the pat downs and body scans either, but oh wait he has air-force one so what he does not have to endure he does not have to be worried about.
Groping passengers every day for a living has to be the pits. How do you list that on a resume? Really Jack, anything we do on the ground beats being a big fire ball that lights up the sky.
"The TSA insists it's trying to strike a balance between security and privacy concerns."
No, the TSA is acting like a typical government bureaucracy, utterly indifferent to the damage and outrage it's causing, and equally indifferent to the effectiveness–or lack thereof–of what it's doing to cause that damage and outrage. They're "only following orders," exhibiting, collectively and individually, exactly zero judgement. They're, by definition, irresponsible because there's no requirement that that they act responsibly.
I understand the need for security, safety, etc etc.but I will NOT allow another pat down, [yes, I've had one. It was more than I would allow my date for the evening.] I guess my solution to the problem is I will no longer travel by plane if I can help it. Wausau, Wisconsin
Lets talk about unaccompanied minors! Who is going to watch those enhanced pat downs on the 13 to 17 year old group? WE parents have entrusted our children to scout leaders, clergy, teachers, school bus drivers and coaches for overnight trips, serving mass and a number of other events, only to have our trust trampled on. What makes anyone sure that the TSA screens their employees for pedophiles ? Mary
I am an Iraq War Vet amputee who has many different body parts put back together with bolts and screws. For three years I have had to under full body pat downs and most recently the more thorough pat downs. I have never once felt "violated". TSA has always been cuteous and asked if I wanted a private screening. People stop whining or don't fly. It is not a right. Your right is to NOT fly. If I, someone who actually strapped on a ruck and a weapon and fought for this country, can undergo a simple pat down everytime I fly, then those who refuse the new scanner can just deal with it. As for the lady with a prosthetic breat implant, I have taken my "leg" off several times and am proud to do it. Complain now...get blown up like me and you won't complain about our security anymore!
Jack. Im all in favor of all screenings. Pat downs ex rays or what ever.The last thing a want is a passenger with a bomb up thier butt. We dont live in Kansas any more. Thank you.
Jack,
Yes, I agree with an earlier comment about the terrorist are the winners. We will always be behind, trying to foil the next attempt, always playing defense. Of course we must protect our security.
As for my thoughts, I will constantly be seeking alternative travel modes. Just how I feel.
Jack, if you or I touched a person the way some of these pat downs are conducted we would be in jail for sexual assualt and be forced to register as a sex offender for the rest of our lives. I guess in the name of security anything goes. I just wonder what is comming next. ???
The pat downs are way too extreme, they take way too long and will cause some people to miss their connecting flight. happy thanksgiving.
Not looking forward to it at all, Jack. Now, travelling every now and then between France and Canada, I try to avoid correspondance flights that take me through the US, as a matter of fact. The security measures and constant paranoia remind of the bad days of Eastern Europe a few decades ago. With a fence between the US and Mexico, no personal freedom to speak of when confronted to the Patriot Act, the scans and pat downs, etc, it becomes increasingly hard to tell the difference, to tell you the truth.
Ben, British Columbia. Canada.
Jack,
Why is everybody missing what is 'actually' happening. Everyone has been balking at full body scans. They have not been accepted. President Obama, Secretary Clinton, TSA, and Americans don't want pat downs even more. So, they instituted them to get everyone to finally accept full body scans. Mission Accomplished.
Brian
Virginia
Jack
The TSA is caught in a no win situation. We have gotten complacent. People will object to these screenings until there is a successful downing of a USA passenger plane, and then everyone will ask why the TSA was not more thorough. An xray of my body viewed by some one who cannot see or identify me is no big deal. The anatomy of humans should not be a mystery to anyone. I certainly don't have anything special.
The TSA can keep their radiation scanners. As for the pat downs, in any other situation this is considered a sexual assault. Let's see them go through a pat down themselves and see how it feels! I refuse to fly until something changes. I find the CBS poll is flawed. How many of Americans want their children, wives, daughters and elderly groped? I think not. Americans need to say NO! They need to stand up and defend their liberties. You have a greater chance of being struck by lightning than to be attacked by a terrorist. This is purely a power grab and a way to condition Americans into submission. Most importantly, I haven't seen one interview from any airline CEO standing up against the TSA. Is that because they are afraid due to accepting bailout money?
Another thing to consider is that there is no way the explosives in someones underpants could possibly bring down an airplane. None. They might hurt a couple of passengers – but that is about it. AND – Pistole used the underpants bomber as his example. The problem is that guy boarded his plane overseas. He didn't go thru our security. Why is he causing all of us so much grief?
Also, the TSA has it backwards (are we surprised). They should be beefing up cargo screening and leave the passenger screening alone – or even relax it somewhat.
Jack,
I recently got the "pat down" from the TSA and was outraged by their behavior. I chose not to go through the full body scanner, because at the time I had a choice. Because I chose the traditional metal detector, I was pulled out of line, forced to do the full body scan, and then the TSA agent detained me, questioned me, and proceeded to steal second base without my consent. The guy actually put his hand down the top of my pants... twice, as if the first time wasn't enough. I told him he should be ashamed of himself and asked him if he felt better. It was a total disregard for my civil and human rights.
I would never allow my girlfriend, wife, or child to be exposed to that type of search, seizure, and invasion of privacy. Travelers beware, there are some scary things happening right now in our airports.
Big brother is gawking!
Jack the only thing i can say about air traveling in America is why the hell are we the people being terrorized by our on countrymen (TSA)? the way to pin point this security problem we are in is to instate "PROFILING" the gov't needs to get their act together and admit they are lost, these poke and hope measure just fuel terrorist ego's, we have become entertainment for the terrorist with our stupidity,when will it end?
Flying is NOT just a privilege. "A citizen of the United States has a public right of transit through the navigable airspace." - Title 49 USC, 40103(a)(2). Stop spouting that line please.
Looking forward to airplane travel: reminds me of the Geico commerical, "travel by 'air' "U" cann't (see it), (smell it), or (hear it) – –
& "U" pay plenty for it!
They forget that once the terrorist are in the terminals they have already failed to protect people at out airports! All of this is for show they are putting it on so that they can say that they did their best when they clearly did not anything to protect the people of our country, just like what is happening at our borders it is all for show!!!
I agree we should profile like every other country. If a one legged grandma wants to blow up plane, how can we stop her? If you are scared, don't fly. I carry a gun while at home and am able to take of myself. So it really bothers me every time a TSA agent asks me to raise my arms, turn my head and cough. However, the TSA should be commended for catching the "Tater" with bottled water on several occasions. Good job TSA!
"Many have paid the ultimate price to keep this country and its people safe from terrorists."
The TSA is doing far more damage to the country, economically and in every other sense, than terrorists have ever managed to achieve.
The blue rubber gloves the TSA inspectors wear may keep them safe from infectious STDs when they paw inside a traverler's underwear, but it doesn't protect a passenger from disease when the inspector then puts these same gloves inside your underwear.
I had a grade school friend that could pass gas on command any time, anywhere. A highly valuable and entertaining feat, especially for his adoring audience (6th grade boys).
How much fun would that be to be able to treat the pat-downers to some real razzberries while they worked!!!
TSA has still not explained why they suddenly need (a year after the "underwear bomber") a more intrusive pat-downs than I would usually get when they called "male assist" after the alarm went off. When the rapiscan devices do not detect that an attempt was made with a swallowed item, will we then be subjected to body cavity searches? I will go through the new devices, but only when I am assured that the radiation level is properly recalibrated, like any medical device, before each passenger is screened.
Seems the American People are really in a catch 22. We are damned if we do, and dead if we don't. Tell me they can't come up with something a little better than this?
How about securing the borders so those terrorists that are being allowed to come in, aren't allowed to cause all of US turmoil, when they are trying to get out. We are scrutinzing the wrong people here folks. Exactly who are we siding with here? You don't think muslims are absolutely hysterical watching all of this? Think again.
Americans get slapped, and then slapped again.
Just what they want.
......If body scans and pat downs were in place on the morning of 9/11, history would have been less tragic had those box cutters been discovered... There can be some adjustments.., However, if these bothersome to critics measures are relaxed, where are the fingers going to be pointing, if God forbid, another bunch of baddies take over some planes?? Be careful what you wish for.....
I just returned from a weekend with family in Chicago. I went through security twice on my trip. Once at Denver International, and again at Chicago-Midway. The lines were fairly long at both airports, however, I did not see one "pat down" being perfomed and everyone bypassed the full body scanners. I was not required to take of my belt, empty my pockets or take out my laptop. It was the most "lax" securtiy I've seen in years. Are the press and a few unhappy travelers blowing this subject out of perportions, or was I just lucky?
Christopher from Denver
Here is the solution the the airport TSA problem. Lady's get patted down by Chippendale dancers and the guys by Hooters girls. The only problem then will be almost everybody will want pat downs.
To paraphase one of our "Founding Fathers...." People who sacrifice liberty for saftey deserve niether safety or liberty. I am amazed at the level of support for these measures. I am not sure that Americans don't deserve much worse though. It will be interesting to see what we are willing to sacrifice in order to be safe.
Two thoughts. #1 How well are the government approved gropers investigated before being allowed to perform actions that would get them arrested any place else? Remeber TSA employees have been arrested for stealing....
#2. Why not speed things up by allowing people to apply for a TSA "pass". Like a passport, only with a background investigation. The airlines already collect some info–creating these Passes could provide jobs for investigators, and a fee of $100-$200 to help the government cover costs, and perhaps make a small profit (every little bit helps). Could be renewed every couple of years with fee–more money for the deficit.
Because of this I am, sadly, not going to attend the graduation of my granddaughter in January from college.
SSummers
If before 9/11 the governement had fully funded Sky Marshalls on all planes; instead of talking about pat downs we would be asking who is so stupid to bring a box cutter to a gun fight. These "searches" are nothing less than LEGALIZED SEXUAL ASSUALT.
Thank hevens I'm not travelling. These Pat-Down tequiques were concepted by the FAA durning the Hi-Jacking period late 70s and used in "Hostile Airports" at the time. These clowns at the TSA just reintroduced the same procedures, so it goes to show how they waste the taxpayers money on nothing but old and failed ideas. Now they amend it for the Crew (pilots), remember the Flight Attendant that exited down the shoot OH! What about the Checked Baggage and Cargo that's on board that got no screening at all? Clowns I say Clowns!
John AZ
I don't see a problem with the scanners but Its obvious that the pat-downs have got to go. The head of the tsa claims that he is and will be trying to balance freedom with the public's safety but he also says that he will not be changing these policies. There is no way that he can balance freedom and safety if he does not change how he is preventing terrorists from getting bombs onto planes.
I will not submit to a full body scan or a pat down. I have no expectation of security or safety when I fly. I recognize that my security and safety are my own responsibility; if I was concerned about these things then I would not fly. The truth of the matter is that these security screenings will not stop the next terrorist attack. The only thing the screenings succeed in is violating our privacy and stripping our dignity.
The vast majority of Americans comprehend that airline searches are necessary to ward off terrorist attacks. Media organizations like CNN are trying to blow a story out of proportion. These procedures are the result of changing times; passengers unwilling to ensure public safety are indolent and stubborn.
I do not fly often, but a full body scan would present no problem for me. I'm in my late 60's and have nothing to hide!
Jack, my sister and I are traveling Dec. 5th and Dec.9th. I'm not jumping with joy with the thoughts of a super patdown or the whole body scan (I will opt for the scan if given the option). Hopefully, we'll just go through the metal detector as always. I tell the agents all the time I'm coming naked the next time, so it's one of those "watch out what you wish for" ordeals. But, seriously, what would we be screaming if another "underwear" bomber actually got to try his wears this time......I know these special health devices are embarrassing to reveal, and I am sorry for the problems some have had....but stop and think, terrorists are master minds....they wouldn't think twice about faking a body prosthesis or bag....TSA does need to learn how to be a little more sympathetic though.
It is hard to believe that this is even a topic for debate in the "land of the free" – a virtual strip search or a groping to fly in a plane – the arguement that "if it keeps us safe then I'm all for it" is bogus. CDC reports in 2000 that there were 52,487 deliberate and 23, 237 accidental non fatal gun shot wounds in the US – In 2005 there were 10,100 homicides commited in the US by firearms - if you apply that same logic from the airport a banning of firearms would save all that blood shed every year – yet few reasonable people would support this approach so why is the same approach ok when it comes to flying on a plane - whats next – trains, buses
Choosing between a pat down and a grope is like being asked whether you'd rather be shot or hanged. NEITHER! Take a bus? That's great if you're going to Boston. But what if you're going to Rio or Istanbul? Travel as a privilege, not a right? You've go to be kidding. With the mounting evidence that the new TSA procedures do little or nothing to increase our safety, we're being treated to security theater at its most cynical. TSA is scrambling around to create the illusion of security to disguise their inability to deliver authentic security (as in the case of Israel.) Personally, I felt more secure when our constitution was still in effect...
I support the new body scans and pat-down methods TSA has implemented. If they implemented them 9 years ago, we'd be over all the grumblings.. Air travel is a choice, not a right. If people don't want to be subjected to these proceedures, then drive a car or take the train. I, on the other hand, will be traveling with a little more peace of mind.
We are a nation of romanticism. A people who have beliefs and values until we are faced with the first speck of fear.
We learn a romantic and bold quote from our past as children, "give me liberty or give me death". And this is ingrained in the American conscious.
That is until that speck of fear rears it's ugly head. Then all liberty and human dignity can be damned.
Just who the hell are we?
Jack:
I am concerned as to whether the TSA agents have to declare their
sexual orientation on their resumes. I trust that they have top security clearance.
However, what is their psycological outlook at the end of the day, when they have grouped and touched so many genitalia day after day.
Does one become asexual at the end of your career?
I suggest we send every Congress Person through the process.
Mervyn,
Reston, VA.
Jack:
Fly naked, that will satisfy the TSA that you're "not packing"
I'm thrilled about the full body scans. It's been a while since I've had this kind of motivation to get back in shape. Unfortunately, I've had to push back my Thanksgiving travel until the middle of January because a man-girdle shows up on the scanner, right? Hopefully that should give me enough gym time to protect my vanity.
People have lots of questions.
I have to travel with my teen children and 85 year old mother and 94 year old father and I'm scared that something may sent off the alarms and one of my family members will be subject to a "pat down" and we will be separated.
We normally travel by air every year for vacations and holidays. This will be the last trip that any of us take on an airplane until things change.
Long ago they made air travel unappealing. This just pushes it to the point where I'll do just about anything to avoid it.
A few years ago this would be just unimaginable. This is just one instance of many where government just doesn't seem to be in touch with planet earth.
As others here note, the Israelis – who deal with a way higher threat of attack than the U.S. – manage to keep their airports safe WITHOUT treating law abiding citizens like criminals. If they can do it, why can't we?
For those who say "it's worth it" to keep us all safe – speak for your own cowardly self. Seeing arthritic grandmothers struggle to remove their shoes and half naked kids getting felt up by guys in uniform does not make me feel safe. It makes me feel like I live in the former Soviet Union.
"Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety"- Benjamin Franklin
Somewhere along the line, the TSA has forgotten that we, the American people, are NOT the enemy. Since the beginning of time, the world has always been an unsafe place...so what's new?! It is an mipossible task to protect anyone 100 % of the time; a parent learns that quickly, and to strip Americans of their Constitiutional guarentees and freedoms under the guise of "safety" is really treasonous.
Jack:
Subject: TSA Clown Show
While pat-downs are catching the headlines, let’s not forget that the root cause of the commotion is the naked scan. I have two daughters ages 13 and 16 and we are traveling over the holidays to Grandmas. I am sickened about having to watch my daughters in the scanner, knowing that a hidden TSA clown is admiring the image. This is particularly tough to take as a Dad – make that an American dad. President Obama must understand this emotional stress since he also has two young daughters. But oh that is right; they get to skip the clown show at the TSA circus. Lucky them.
Frank
Houston, Texas
After going through one of TSA's pat downs after being scanned three times and my legs being felt twice, the agent wanted to do it again at which time I demanded a supervisor. I have a complete knee replacement and told these clowns and asked them to look at my medical ID, they refused to view the ID. Additionally, I am a retired member of the US Military and retired Criminal Investigator with more ID to verify who I was but none of this matter. I am far from any person that could be remotely associated with any undesirable group and would react positively to any action I deamed a risk to myself or others around me. TSA has just gone to far. They have no leadership at the local level and the people in Washington need to be replaced with people who can handle the positions with common sense.
As a pilot for a major national carrier I am embarrassed for my fellow crew members and passengers who are treated in this manner. Everybody is presumed 100% guilty until they clear the TSA process – how is that allowed in our justice system? Do they screen Amtrak, subway, or any other mass transit passengers in the same manner? No!
This is all window dressing & a facade to scare away the last threat, The next threat won't be what they are screening for now. It is a huge waste of money and resources for little gain in perceived security.
Fortified cockpit doors, FFDO's, FAM's secure your passenger cabin, increased baggage and cargo screening should be the focus of the future.
I would think that all pat downs are being filmed and this should minimize the inappropriate groping. I plan to fly just after Thanksgiving. Guess I will get my Christmas GOOSE early this year!
Steve TN
Is that a gun in my pocket or am I happy to be pated down? That connot be safe which is not honnorable. Most Americans want security in yhis country , not liberty
I don't travel by plane anywhere any more. I'm disabled and use a cane to walk so I sure can't even opt for the body scan and there is no way I will allow someone to touch me. The TSA has basically placed the majority of disabled people on a no fly list unless they will be willing to be groped by strangers.
I will not be traveling in America this week, but if I was I would not be a willing participant in the tyranny your government is imposing on its citizens. If the rebels of 1776 reacted to the tea tax in the same manner, according to CBS, as four out of five of your citizens are responding to the TSA's edicts, it is likely you would all be known as British or even Canadians. Your founding fathers must be rolling in their graves.
Perhaps the TSA's action are part of a larger conspiracy. Your government has sold billions of America's debt to China, making China a very large shareholder in America's future. Perhaps as part of this debt arrangement, your government has promised China a compliant population when they arrive on your shores to collect on their investment. If so, airports are only the beginning. "God Save America" is now more appropriate than "God Bless America."
Toronto Canada
I'm glad the fool only tried to injure his private parts last year. What would the security measures be if he swallowed it like a balloon full of cocaine? Or the other end? Where do these TSA admin's draw the line?
Flying is highly stressful for me anyway, not because I'm afraid of flying, but because of the general stress it entails. It's expensive, too, and I've been saving up my money in case I have to fly for grad school interviews. But now, I don't think I will fly.
As a sexual assault survivor, the pat down is NOT an alternative to a body scanner. To me, it's coersion: "Go through the scanner, or we're going to make you relive one of the worst nights of your life." And since I don't want to take the risk that I'll be one of the people selected to go through the imaging machines, I can't take the risk of flying at all.
I resent the TSA's insistence that they will not change these security measures. Israel is able to keep their planes and airports incredibly secure without imposing such ridiculous measures on innocent citizens. It's pathetic that we're too proud to admit that someone else might have an idea worth emulating.
I rather see the airlines fail altogether. I live in California, my family is in New England I just as soon take a train or drive. The TSA is using KGB and/or Nazi tactics here in the land of the Frightened and the Home of the disillusioned. The fear and awe instituted by the Bush Kingship has left a lasting black eye on the American Public. I for one don't fear death I do fear losing more and more of our rights Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. not Beware, Dependance, and living in Fear.
I highly doubt that the TSA agents are thrilled about these procedures, I can only imagine how many seemingly unsanitary people are going to require a pat down. Would you want to get close to their crotch?
The whole thing is crazy. The TSA are largely a bunch of rejects who if they didn't some how land the government jobs would be chasing carts in the WalMart parking lot. And lets face it; we are hypocritical too. If the agents doing the "patting" were Hooters waitresses, we would all be good with it. A little profiling would be good; they always stop me–the middle aged white guy, but let the guy in the turban or sombrero tugging a mule behind him through with no questions asked–because they don't want to "upset" them, but the middle-aged white guy middle class shmoe is an easy target and meets their quotas.
Cant say it any better - Those Who Sacrifice Liberty For Security Deserve Neither – Ben Franklin
4 out of 5 did not agree to being groped and sexually assaulted, and I'm sure many people did not understand what being scanned means. How about those wands they used to scan over you with to detect metal, or the walk-through metal detectors. 1 out of 5 Americans think the sun revolves around the earth.
Those TSA checkpoints are filthy, TSA "Agents" wearing same bacteria laden gloves, for who knows how long, next lawsuits will be from people who have medical issues and their immune systems are compromised, recent surgery, etc.being searched by people with dirty gloves Before we had minimum wage private employees doing the security, now they work for the Government and are called "Agents"
Maybe they should have a radiologist sitting there looking at the scans.
You could get your cancer screening while you travel.
1) You do not have a constitutional right to fly
2) Your right to bear arms (or explosives) ends at the airport
3) Your ticket is a contract; If you don't abide by the terms, you default
In short, my safety trumps your right to privacy. You can always take the bus....
This conversation has gone on too long! This country has bigger problems than someone complaining about being checked when boarding a plane. Simple solution, either comply with those who want to make sure the flying public is safe or see if Greyhound or Amtrak can schedule your travel! I have just gotten back from Europe and the Middle East 3 weeks ago and did not see a problem with being checked. Some folks need to honestly get a life!
Ready for travel drama? Nightmare. invasive pat-downs. Growing backlash. Terrorists. Take your choice America. When I get on that plane all I want to worry about is what they serving for a meal. Strip me down, look anywhere you please, I have nothing to hide. I want to be safe. End of story. CNN does this story and situation a disservice by giving voice to the complainers in the world. When my son or daughter is boarding a plane to come home for Thanksgiving I want to believe that every precaution was taken in order for them to arrive safely at our home so we eat too much, drink too much, argue and fight with out the fear mongers telling us that everything, everywhere is go to hell in a hand basket.
I don't like the Pat Downs but can deal with the body scans however if these procedures are stopped and a plane vanishes from the sky there will be little to scan of the debris. I'll take the scan.
Jack,
Please remind me from where the two airline bombers flew (Richard Reid and Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab)? I believe that Reid came from England and Abdulmutallab from Nigeria via an European airport.
Unless all worldwide airports that fly airliners (directly or indirectly) into the US use the same full body scanners and invasive patdowns, we are logically at continued great risk (according to TSA standards). Oh, and who is going to these many countries and to tell them that they must use the same process and procedures for their/our security that we now use in the States? Oh, and who is going to pay the bills for this new world-wide security? Yemen?, Pakistan?, Nigeria? Saudi Arabia? Yeah, right!! Give me a break!! Seems like Bush's wonderful legacy keeps on giving (just in time for our Thanksgiving). Priceless!!
The TSA doesn't have a clue how to do screenings. Being groped and touched in inappropriate areas is disrespectful, degrading, humiliating, etc. Yes, we need improved security.Why not take lessons from Israel who have the best security in the world–that might be cost effective and preventative than what the TSA orders but they won';t listen just like our elected NONrepresentatives.
Jack, it's about the money, it always is. There are many ways to detect a person intent on doing you harm, El Al does it everyday. We seem intent on removing humans from detective work and relying on our technology. One day our love of technology is going to get us killed.
Jack, I appreciate that you share your perspective but you're not helping our nation's security . You should be promoting cooperation instead of consternation. I can think of worse things than full body scans and pat-downs such as the downing of Pan Am flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland and the equally as horrific plane crases into the WTC Towers on 9/11. I happened to know fairly well two people who were terrorist victims of these awful events. Granted, the bomb that blew up Pan AM flight 103 would not have been detected by a pat-down or body scan but we need to shut off all opportunities for terrorists to commit terror. I fly a lot and I'll take a body scan any day to live another day.
I think all the people saying that the objectors should just suck it up or not fly so that THEY can be safe completely miss the point. There is no evidence whatsoever that this makes them safer. In fact, it is more likely to make them LESS safe because it can lead to a false sense of safety which gives way to complacency.
Quit telling the rest of us to suck it up for your FALSE sense of safety and start demanding some positive action to stop this extremism instead of the fearful REactions that have the terrorists laughing at us.
It has already been determined that even with these new procedures, the underwear bomber might have gotten through anyway. The next loser will swallow or insert the explosives and that would go completely undetected by scanner or manual search. Although I don't know why someone would bother to try and bring a bomb through the inspection line to maybe kill 200 people on a plane - they would do a lot more damage just setting off their bomb near the security line during busy holiday travel. How will these panicked intrusions into our underwear help us then?
Jack, I've made a decision that as long as the TSA is carrying on like they are . . . I'm not flying. Train, car or bus are just fine with me.
Has anyone ever thought about just staying home for the holidays?
?? 🙂
Two simple facts that people overlook. The first is that the TSA has to my knowledge NEVER stopped an attack. The shoe-bomber and underwear-bomber were stopped by the passengers. We're tossing millions of dollars and a lot of grief at people who have never succeeded when it mattered most, in the hopes that next time will be different.
Second, we have an enemy who is determined to be shocking and unpredictable. We won't be able to stop them with rigid, well-documented, and predictable procedures. The next successful attack will, almost by definition, be done in the manner we least expect. To think otherwise is to ignore the lessons of history.
Jack, we are asking the TSA to do the impossible, and then we're complaining at the ridiculous and excessive things they try. Our politicians like Obama and Janet N. don't care because they've exempted themselves from the process. It's only the undesirable, low classes that get scans and sexual assault style pat-downs. You know, the people like you and me, who work and pay taxes.
Has any one heard of our constitutional protection against unreasonable search and seizure. We are allowing the terrorists to erode our very ideals on which this country was founded.
If I needed to be 100% safe 100% of the time, I would telephone the local precinct for an escort whenever I wanted to cross a street. There are many risks we take every day for which the odds of death or injury are immeasuareably higher than the risk that a madman with explosive shorts is on our plane.
The same people crying foul about the enhanced security (the right wingnuts) are the same ones who plowed through the Patriot Act, which actually did take away liberties. If we are willing to start wars in other countries, killing countless civillians in the name of combating terrorism then we should be willing to entertain some minor humiliation. If Bush was president it would be unpatriotic to question TSA, right?
I fly at least monthly, and have for years. When TSA took over, it was great! They were happy, polite, and, without exception, seemed to enjoy their jobs. What has happened since? Now, if you even ask them a simple question, like "How much radiation am I being exposed to?" they cal a manager, and delay your flight while you are rudely "patted down". But if someone did a "pat down" to you or I in public, they would be arrested for sexual molestation. This invasive, degrading procedure has done nothing to make flying safer, and has done everything to encourage the government's interest in taking away our freedoms and expectations of privacy. Need proof? Gizmodo posted 100 x-rat screening photos last week. How is that possible if, as the TSA claims, the images can't be stored?
Here's a question... why are members of Congress exempt from this illegal search? Just last week, GOP's John Boehner was guided past the metal detectors and hand inspections given to other passengers on his flight home to Ohio. Why?
No concern to me. I haven't flown since 9/11 and am not anticipating doing so.
I am a flyer, not frequent by any means but do enjoy flying when I can. And I don't understand all the hoopla about x-ray and or body scans. I figure it this way, I would do either or both if need be to make sure I have done my part to make a flight safe. Also, I have other options as well as others, fly with the policies provided for your own and others safety, take the amtrack, drive your car, rent a car if you don't own one, heck fire, hitch hike if need be. there are options other than complaining and whining about everyones safety flying!
Do a full body scan all you want. (I spent too many years using an Army latrine to worry about that.) Just DON'T TOUCH ME! Enough is enough.
Stupid sees as stupid does, said that great philosopher Forrest Gump and it fits the government to a tee. In many cases, if you follow the money, you will find the root of the problem. I read in one of the many media sources I check every day that the guy who sells the machines to the government is a lobbyist or one with special interests in mind or one of those with his hands in the cookie jar. Security is not 100% reliable, so the billions and billions wasted on security could be put to better use, not treating the citizens as if we all were terrorists. If security is paramount to our liberties, we are going out it in the wrong way. We should copy, in this case only, their security measures. They work many times better than out lite and hard core porn. Let's bring back sanity, civility to our ways. Stop all this nonsense.
As I travel in a wheelchair, I have had these so called "enhanced pat-downs" many times. They are very professional and compassionate. Give them a BREAK!! Do you really think they want to touch hundreds of people a day? Also you can bet every one of those security screeners have gone through the same pat-downs in their training. And that was with people they know and work with everyday. People, get over it!! If you don't like it, DRIVE!!
Jack,
First let me say that the young boy whose shirt was removed had that shirt removed by his father, at least that is what CNN (your own station) said this morning. Your story made it appear that the TSA agent forced the child to disrobe, which was very misleading and only adds fuel to this story. Maybe that was your intention.
Also, I am required to go through the scanner or invasive pat down every time I travel due to having an artificial joint. I personally am very willing to do my part to ensure that the flying public is as safe as possible. This is about security people. The small percentage of Americans complaining the most about the extra security will be the first to complain that there isn't enough security if and when a terrorist attack occurs. This is just another example of the American public wanting to have it all and acting like teenagers when they don't get it.
Last time I travelled with my 7 month old I was asked to remove his shoes, then they asked me to taste his bottles and I informed them that I wasn't about to drink my own breast milk!! Fortunately the woman sympathised with me and didn't enforce it – at least she showed some common sense!
Our airport security has run amuck. Screening like they are doing is wasting money. Your point about what other countries do is the most appropriate. We have the wrong people in charge making decisions right now. Screening randomly as they do know is like sifting through some of your trash can to make sure someone doesn't throw something important away. a) you might miss something and b) if someone really wants to get rid of something they will. Right now, I'd like to hear of one case, just one, where TSA screened and found something like a weapon or a bomb and it thwarted a terrorist act. there have been zero or at best nothing close to what would justify what they are doing for screening. Guns and knives can be detected by a metal detector – further screening of people who make that go off is warranted. Bombs are caught by baggage screening. Further screening of suspicious baggage is warranted. If we continue on the existing logic used by safety screeners, we should not be allowed to bring anything on the plane at all; we should not be handed aluminum cans of pop; we should all be given bike helmets to wear on the flight; seats should have shoulder harnesses or the over-the-head bars like on amusement park rides; the cabin should be segmented into separate compartments so you can't access more than 12 people at a time. There is risk. And there is reasonable risk. We've lost our grip on reasonableness.
Jack, I could give a damn about pat downs or full body screens and I think that that segment of society that's raising hell would be the first ones to gripe if we had another airline attack by Al Quadi. If it makes me safer, then I don't care and neither does my wife. You cannot satisfy everybody and this is a perfect example. I say: "refuse either and go home to fly another day." End of story.
About as much as I would look forward to a proctological exam!
How many terrorists have been caught with body searches? None. This is a result of insane political correctness...never profile anyone, no matter if you have a profile in hand! NO I don't look forward to any of this. Valerie Craig, Norfolk, CT..
Ontario, Canada.
Last week our family (2 adults, 2 kids) was preparing to buy our vacation (flight,hotel, rent car) from Toronto To Fort Lauderdale. We both got vacation time from our work and had bugdet ready. Then we started to see all these enhanced pat down videos appear online. I wanted my kids to be ready – so I showed them these pat downs performed on kids. Both of my kids decided that they don't want to go through that. They are ready to drive 2 days to Florida, but they will not fly there! Because we had just 5 days off, we cannot drive to Florida, so we cannot go on vacation. I kept vatching TV all week hoping that "pat down" procedures will change, but this did not happen. Cheap flight tickets that we were monitoring disappeared on Sunday. That means we will not go on our vacation.
To our family J. Pistone will always be remembered as a Grinch who stole our Christmas (vacation).
HI JACK!
Last Time I checked it isn't your civil right to fly, if you dont like feeling safe on a flight its your right to take a bus, car, or train! For crying out loud TSA is already under enough pressure trying to keep up with the evolving threat, contant testing and weird hours and OH BY THE WAY holiday travel!!! GROW UP PEOPLE OR TAKE A BUS!!!
So happy not to be traveling this year!
Not sure why this type of exam is necessary, and why it is tolerated. Are we safer than the Israelis because we do this and they don't? I think not. I think the idea is the gov't is more comfortable with irrritating the masses than being perceived as targeting a single group. There is a strong case to be made for profiling here, but the feds are afraid to utter the word.
Still in all, it proba bly wouldn't be so bad if 1) we understand the rules so we could prepare and 2) we were treated in a appropriate fashion. The application of rules is inconsistenly applied airport to airport and many of the TSA agents are rude and crude with no discretion. Being that we pay their salary I would we are deserving of more respect than that.
The comment that Sec. State Clinton had not gone through a security check-point in decades says it all. Congress has absolutely no idea the effects of their laws, as they are never impacted by them thanks to special privileges such as VIP parking, private jets, Cadillac health care coverage not available to the general public (I'm sure its not subject to the "Cadillac health care tax") . Force Congresspersons to travel like the general public and see how quickly it changes.
I will avoid air travel in the USA if this is what it is evolving into. Why aren't they using dogs to sniff for explosives? It seems to me that these overly intrusive pat downs are really just to embarrass people so that they do the full body scan. I hope people just quit flying and the airlines go bankrupt. I would expect the airlines to be screaming about this, but I havn't heard that yet.
We're constantly told by our government that 9/11 happened because of a radical group of people hate us because of our freedoms that our constitution is suppose to guarantee us. When our country went to Iraq, I like many american's understand that the KIDS & their families are making the ultimate sacrifice to protect those same freedoms. I don't believe any of our service men and/or women should die in vain, however that's exactly the case when here in america we have been forfeiting many of our constitutional rights since 9/11. What happens when we find someone with a underwear bomb at the Mall of America? Do we then put full body scanners at every mall in america? Terrorists are having much more success by forcing us to give up our freedoms protected by our constitution than any other physical attack against americans.
What, exactly, gives TSA screeners impunity from laws governing sexual contact? Travelers are not under arrest when they are screened. Inappropriately touching my 14 year old grand-daughter is child abuse and sexual assault, regardless of the context. Why can't the screener be arrested for child abuse? TSA officers are not law enforcement officers or healthcare workers. The only authority they have is to prevent you from proceeding.
Jack, my 'junk' and I are ready to go! Flights over this holiday weekend AND next week for more personal travel. I anticipate some longer lines ... but hopefully I'll be 'Sky Priority' and it won't be too bad!
My husband had a procedure of implants for prostate cancer, what are they going to search when the alarm beeps? Believe me, he cannot hide a bomb in there!!!
I flew this past weekend between El Paso, Texas and Washington, DC and had no problem whatsoever with TSA or security in general. In fact, the most confusing part of the whole experience was on the way back, when we were told to put our shoes on the conveyor belt directly, not in a bin.
In El Paso, everyone went through a scanner. The agents were very nice and calmly explained the process for first timers. And then, once scanned, you stood and waited for all of thirty seconds with another TSA agent before they were told via radio that you were free to go.That's right- the people there don't even have access to the imaging- the pictures are being displayed somewhere completely separate from the agents at the security check point, and reported back. Perhaps even more importantly, even the person looking at the pictures can't see you, just as you can't see them.
So what's the big deal?
They didn't have scanners or pat-downs in Reagan... just the regular old metal detectors, though I imagine plans are to soon replace those.
The paradox of the American people- we want to hold the government personally responsible for anything that goes wrong (see: Detroit bomber last year, anyone?) but as soon as the new regulations to prevent just such a problem again impose upon us personally, we pitch a fit?
why they don't keep a fly without securety,for those who do not want go
thru that ,see how many will get on it,
Fear and the surrender of dignity does NOT jive with your "Land of the Free, Home of the Brave" lyrics.
All of these complaints are so darn petty. Think about the consquences if they miss just one bomber. I'd rather be inconvenienced even if it includes a thorough check of a prosthetic device. But they should have curtained rooms. The only big deal here is the drama. Elections are over and everyone is bored.
Jack,
I am sure the terrorists are salivating at the Americans and their complaints about being patted down including grandma, grandpa and the kids. I can see the terrorists now – planting bombs on their kids and cutting off breasts and other body parts to replace with prosthesis. And how about the young lady who successfully past through security looking like an elderly man with all his wrinkles? Yep; I am sure the terrorists are loving this!
Rita Grace Williams
Southfield, MI
I have a prothesis and set off the alarms regularily which means for years I have had a pat down. Trust me, it is the attitude of the agent doing the pat down that can make a huge difference in how one feels about the procedure. I have had agents that were gentle, others that were rough, and others that just lingered too long.
Jack,
All of these new security measures seem to be kneejerk reactions to incidents that originated outside our country. Why are we being penalized for another country's lack of adequate screening? The shoe bomber and the underwear bomber did not pass through a US security checkpoint. How many possible attacks have been caught at our checkpoints prior to these new screening procedures? NONE! If a foreign terrorist decides to pack a condom with an explosive agent in a foreign country and board a foreign plane for the US, will we all be subjected to a body cavity searches when we go to visit our loved ones over next year's holiday season?
I really do not get why there is so much outrage over these scanners. It's as if people are assuming every TSA agent looking at the scanner screens is a deviant. I for one would rather go through a scanner than be groped. And I'd prefer the scanner over only metal detectors or a system where they profile people. I find it hypocritical that these people in favor of profiling are against being looked at more closely themselves. I'm sure Muslims will detest being harassed every time they fly just as much as anyone else would. They are not second class citizens!