The Transportation Safety Administration’s (TSA) decision to implement body scanners, and intense body pat down procedures is a threat to our way of life in the United States. Not only do these measures violate our privacy and remove what little dignity remains in our nation’s airports, they offer chilling philosophical implications with concepts straight out of The Siege, a fictional movie released in 1998 involving a transgression from modern day NYC to the declaration of martial law due to a wave of terrorist attacks.

What is Terrorism?

terrorism (-noun)[1]

the use of violence and threats to intimidate or coerce, esp. for political purposes the state of fear and submission produced by terrorism or terrorization a terroristic method of governing or of resisting a government

The Constitution

Whether we enter a government or private establishment we are still afforded the protection of the Constitution. Our Constitution exists as a tool to protect United States citizens against a tyrannical government, which thankfully, includes unreasonable search and seizures.

Probable Cause vs. All Passengers are Criminals

Previously, when we arrived at the airport security checkpoint, we put our belongings on the conveyor belt to be x-rayed, and walked through a metal detector. If the alarm went off, you were required to endure a handheld metal detector or “wand.” If the wand did not satisfy security requirements, probable cause was created, and additional measures would be taken.

Because of the TSA, the days of “innocent until proven guilty” are no longer. If you choose to travel using a commercial airline, you are a criminal until proven innocent. Probable cause no longer exists at the airport. How long until the same measures are required on buses, trains, and boats?

The TSA is forcing passengers to endure invasive pat downs, which give government agents permission to touch genitals, as well as body scanners which allow the government to look at your nude body before you, your daughter, your son, your wife, your girlfriend, your boyfriend, your mother, etc., can get on a plane.

79% Think the TSA Has Gone Too Far

A recent CBS poll found that 79% of U.S. citizens feel that the TSA has gone too far with respect to the invasive pat downs, and body scanners. On the flip side, TSA likes to cite an earlier CBS poll conducted prior to the public backlash, which found that most people are in favor of the body scanners; however this poll said nothing of context. Additionally, the poll did not ask people if the body scanners should only be used in the most extreme circumstances. A Reuters poll found that 96% will change their travel plans to avoid the nude scans and lewd touching.

Does it Make Us Safer?

At this time, there is absolutely no evidence to suggest that these machines make us any safer. If a person chooses to use the nude scanner, he or she will be exposed to radiation. According to Dr. David Brenner, head of Columbia University’s Center for Radiological Research, the TSA has underestimated the cancer risk caused by these scanners about 20-fold. Perhaps the TSA will catch a few people with pocket knives or other “prohibited” items, who may or may not be security risks, but overall it is nothing more than security theater.

Peeping Tom or Sexual Assault?

There are only two people who should ever be allowed to see you naked, or touch your private areas—your doctor, and your significant other. Well, thanks to Janet Napolitano and John Pistole, you can add your local TSA agents to that list. If a person opts out of the nude scanner, he or she will be subject to a pat down, which would be considered molestation or sexual assault in all but these circumstances.

If the passenger is female, her breasts will be touched, as well as her nether region. The scanners can detect “sanitary napkins,” which may cause concern and warrant further investigation. Yes, ladies. That means, if you have your period, the TSA agent will know all about it. Male passengers will have their “junk” touched, as John Tyner, the man who famously refused an X-ray scan, eloquently put it.

Constitional Rights vs. “National Security”

Is the goal of the government to make us safer by trampling our Constitutional rights, and shredding the last of our dignity when flying? Are we willing to give up these rights to merely get on an airplane to fly across the country? What will stop the government from implementing these procedures in bus and train stations? Does the government have the right to force its citizens through nude photography and genital touching? What happens if a person was a victim of sexual abuse or assault, and that person does not feel comfortable going through the nude body scanner or submitting to a feel-up by a government agent?

Is the ultimate goal of the government to scare or terrorize its citizens into submission? Have the terrorists of the Middle East won in destroying our way of life? If terrorists haven’t won, they have at the very least started chipping away at our freedoms by taking advantage of a reactive political body.

The American Traveler Dignity Act

There’s a lot that Ron Paul and I disagree on; however, this is one issue we stand together on. The issue of the TSA assault on humanity is a nonpartisan issue. Ron Paul just introduced the American Traveler Dignity Act, which will protect Americans from these gross violations. Read Ron Paul’s statement on the American Traveler Dignity Act

Personally…

As one might have guessed, I am completely and utterly disgusted by the new restrictions, to the point where I’ve begun questioning the viability of the TSA altogether. At the very least, I would like to see the top officials at the TSA replaced with people who actually have respect for our Constitution, and humanity in general. I would like to see both Janel Napolitano, and John Pistole fired.

I’m not willing to give up more of my dignity, privacy, and rights, so that the government can conduct security theater and pretend they are making us safer. I do not want my future children, nor my family or girlfriend, to be subjected to subhuman procedures such as those implemented by our government.

What Can We Do?