TSA Molestation

Congressman X,

I am writing to ask for your consideration on what I believe to be an extremely important issue.

As you know, the Transportation Security Administration recently has been deploying what are known as backscatter x-ray scanning devices at airports across the country, which have the ability to take high-fidelity images of passengers' naked bodies. These scanners are already deployed in many major airports and on their way to becoming standard practice. It is my opinion and the opinion of many others that this invasive technique represents a violation against Americans' privacy, decency and the constitutional protection against illegal search and seizure. Furthermore, the TSA has so far made going through one of these scanners an optional procedure, but recent information from the Administration and an outpouring of passenger reports of inappropriate and abusive behavior have made it clear that the TSA plans to make 'opting-out' of these scanners even less palatable than being irradiated and recorded in the nude by strangers.

Congressman, I am asking you to take a stand against this theft of Americans' liberties. I understand that in our times we must be vigilant against those who would wish to do us harm. However, our security must not come at the cost of those things which make our country great, and these scanners represent a huge step away from the ideals of justice and freedom that are our heritage and mandate. Furthermore, those tasked with our safety must be held to the very highest standards of ability and behavior. Therefore, I urge you to take a firm stand against the use of backscatter x-ray devices or any similar method that debases American freedom, and to insist that the TSA deeply reevaluate their practices and their standards for hiring. Additionally, an independent committee should be established to evaluate the TSA for conduct and overall effectiveness.

No one has forgotten that our world is a more dangerous place than it once was. But we must not in our fear parcel away our liberties and our dignity for a false semblance of security. Americans are better than that. We're stronger than that. I hope you will do the right thing.

Sincerely,

Sarge wrote:I think I also read that they just found gigabytes of pictures on some airport system that someone had saved when the system wasn't supposed to be able to (oops!).

Flying is just a huge pain in the ass now. Let's get high speed rail up and running so I don't have to do it ever again 😀

BoingBoing wrote:And now we have backscatter technology to fix the holes. It is humorous to me that this is the device that causes the most outrage us because it exposes us physically. I don't personally mind if some TSA agent in a back room sees the size of my schnitzel. My issue with the scanners is that it is more of the same bullshit heaped upon the existing pile of bullshit we already take for a security system. Shoes, liquids, printer toner, nail clippers, whathaveyou. All are smoke screens to have us not ask the harder questions about issues of what actually makes us secure. It is that general feeling that we are not doing security in the right way and that in itself makes us feel insecure.

The Fourth Amendment (Amendment IV) to the United States Constitution is the part of the Bill of Rights which guards against unreasonable searches and seizures. The amendment specifically also requires search and arrest warrants be judicially sanctioned and supported by probable cause. It was adopted as a response to the abuse of the writ of assistance, which is a type of general search warrant, in the American Revolution. Search and arrest should be limited in scope according to specific information supplied to the issuing court, usually by a law enforcement officer, who has sworn by it.

Atomm wrote:That is awesome!

If I fly, I'm getting one of those.....