Search we must......
Nov. 23rd, 2010 08:26 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
poltr1I've been following the ongoing story of the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and their most recent stepped-up efforts to thwart terrorists. Specifically, I've been focused on the full-body scanning devices and the pat-down searches.
There have been a few horror stories that have received a lot of press -- a father taking off his son's shirt during a search, a bladder cancer survivor getting soaked by his own urine, a breast cacncer survivor forced to show off her prosthetic breast, allegations of fondling, etc.
What bothers me is that these searches are done "by the book", with no care or compassion exhibited by the screeners.
The full-body scans aren't that much better. The government assures us that the faces are masked out, that these images are viewed in a remote area, and that there is no way to save the images. Can I believe and trust the government? Only about as far as I can pick it up and throw it.
If I traveled by plane, I probably wouldn't object to either screening, because I know what's at stake and I don't have anything to hide. But at the same time, I'm reminded of Banjamin Franklin's quote about security vs. liberty (something like "Those that give up liberty for security deserve neither"). And if I stripped naked at the gate, I'd probably be arrested for indecent exposure.
But there has to be a better way, one that doesn't involve expensive technology.
For years, Israel has used a more human, look-you-in-the-eye approach. And as far as I know, they haven't had any problems with terrorists getting through. Why couldn't we have adopted their approach? Because the company that makes the scanners, L3 Technologies, spent lots of money lobbying Congress.
The last time I traveled by plane was 1994. If I really want to get somewhere, I'll either drive or take the bus or train.
There have been a few horror stories that have received a lot of press -- a father taking off his son's shirt during a search, a bladder cancer survivor getting soaked by his own urine, a breast cacncer survivor forced to show off her prosthetic breast, allegations of fondling, etc.
What bothers me is that these searches are done "by the book", with no care or compassion exhibited by the screeners.
The full-body scans aren't that much better. The government assures us that the faces are masked out, that these images are viewed in a remote area, and that there is no way to save the images. Can I believe and trust the government? Only about as far as I can pick it up and throw it.
If I traveled by plane, I probably wouldn't object to either screening, because I know what's at stake and I don't have anything to hide. But at the same time, I'm reminded of Banjamin Franklin's quote about security vs. liberty (something like "Those that give up liberty for security deserve neither"). And if I stripped naked at the gate, I'd probably be arrested for indecent exposure.
But there has to be a better way, one that doesn't involve expensive technology.
For years, Israel has used a more human, look-you-in-the-eye approach. And as far as I know, they haven't had any problems with terrorists getting through. Why couldn't we have adopted their approach? Because the company that makes the scanners, L3 Technologies, spent lots of money lobbying Congress.
The last time I traveled by plane was 1994. If I really want to get somewhere, I'll either drive or take the bus or train.
no subject
Date: 2010-11-24 03:34 pm (UTC)I just expect the system would get demagogued if it were ever put in place in the U.S. I could be pleasantly surprised.