This mini-script was inspired about recent articles regarding the porno-scanners now moving into most American airports. We'll be flying over the holiday season. And we will also be "opting out." We urge you to do the same.



Some of the inspiration for the script:

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2010/nov/11/ta-at-the-tsa/



http://www.boingboing.net/2010/11/11/tsas-new-book-for-ki.html



http://docs.google.com/viewer?url=http://www.npr.org/assets/news/2010/05/17/concern.pdf



And of course, the unattended flight desk.....

http://i.imgur.com/9U5NK.jpg





Life In Our House / Flying With a 7 Year Old Boy & Opting Out



Mama:

Okay! So it’s the great big day! We’re going to find out where all those Monarch butterflies go in the winter!



SON:

Yeah! I think I have everything. Let’s go!



Mother:

Let’s check.



(Mama looks in her son’s back. )



Mama:

Ok! We just have to loosen the strap on your lap top.



Son

Why?



Mama

Becuase we have to get it out quickly for security.



(Son’s shoulder’s sag.)



Son

Oh, right.



Mama

And these cables, let me tidy them up nice. Can you get me a twist-tie and baggie from the kitchen.



Son:

Yes, mama



Mama

Thank you baby



Son

You’re welcome mama



Mama

Okay, we’re ready! Daddy are you ready?



Daddy

Yes.

Mama

Let me check your bags.





(Surly look from Daddy)



Daddy

I’m a platinum card member. I know how to pack my bags.



Mama

Okay!



(They get into the car and drive to the airport.)



Mama

Son, remember all of the security checkpoints?



Son

Yes Mama. Take off my shoes. Put them in the shoe bin. Get out my laptop and ds and put them in 2 bins. Then I have to smile, because I am cute. Then, I have to look at the officers faces and smile. Then I wait until I go through the gate.



Mama

No things are diferent now.



Son

I hate changes:



Mama

You have to wait for Mama to tell you if you can go through the gate.



Son

Okay...why



Mama

Because some of the new gates will give you cancer.



Son

Oh.



Mama

If they want us to go through the new gates, you have to wait for Mama to say, “Opt Out.”



Son

Okay

Mama

When Mama says “Opt Out.” Except everyone to become very rude.



Son

Why



Mama

Because they don’t believe in those songs we like “The Bill Of Rights” and “The Constitution” by www.songs of higherlearning.



Son

Oh. Why?



Mama

Because they didn’t leaqrn what they needeed to learn when they went to school.



Son

Oh, that’s sad. They should really learn that stuff.



Mama

Yeah, but people felt sorry for them and gave them jobs even because they didn’t learn anything important. Mostly because, they count on Daddy to pay taxes for all the other people who don’t want to learn everything to be unhealthy.



Son

That’s sad



Mama

Yes, it is. But, we have to get focused.



Son

Okay



Mama

When we get to the security place, you must continue to smile. All the time.

And when we “Opt out.” Can you repeat what Mama is saying? Opt Out



Son

Opt Out



Mama

Good! When Mama says opt out, you need to be be ready for some kind of agitated, nervous people to come around us.



Son

I don’t like that.

Mama

If it happens, you can have a long talk with Grad dad afterwards....and I can always hear you, love you and support you. Grand dad spent a long time opting out so you can play with Giselle and Gwen without worrying that some one would hang you from a tree until you are dead. Things are so much better today. But, you have an obligation to smile, be polite and let people touch you in your private places.



Son

I don’t want to go.



Mama

Your Great Grandmother was beaten in the streets so Daddy only has to work part of the day. You Grand dad took things to the courts and kept cities from burning. Your mama (until she met Daddy) spoke all over everywhere to say that human beings should love human beings. And Daddy became the best ever mathemagian in the world so people are thinking about everybody being given a chance to learn. So, what are we doing to keep the family legacy moving forward.



Son (dejected, sullen and worried.)

Opting out. And letting strangers touch me even if I feel very bad about it because I don’t want to die from some evil disease.



Mama

Good boy!