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Do You Trust Airport Security? (Goodbye Civil Liberties)

Posted by NWSO • January 7, 2010 • Printer-friendly

In response to all the craziness that went down over the holidays, it seems that the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) is finally about to step their game up. But at what cost?

In case you missed the memo, Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, a Nigerian man, boarded a Detroit-bound plane on Christmas day with explosives strapped to his underwear. The only reason the 23-year-old was caught was because the explosive powder failed to ignite properly and his pants caught on fire.

Then, about a week later an unidentified man managed to get past airport security in Newark by walking the wrong way through a checkpoint exit. As a result, the TSA wound up grounding all flights for several hours and forcing everyone in the terminal to go back through security.

Needless to say, these separate incidents exposed just how lax airport security is and how badly America is failing at its nine-year “war on terror.” Clearly, something had to be done and that’s where the idea for full-body scanners came into play.

Just like the name suggests, these devices basically scan passenger’s entire body like one big X-ray machine. In the name of security, it sounds like a great idea, but in terms of people having any kind of privacy, this things sucks.

Take a look at the picture at the top of the page. ^^^ That’s what you’ll look like going through one of these full-body scanners. Yup, whoever is sitting behind the control panel that day will have a clear view of all your goodies and unmentionables—and I mean all.

I’m all for safety, but I’m not so cool with the idea of some random TSA agent, or whoever happens to be glancing at the screen, checking out my junk. I mean seriously, look at the picture; you can clearly see the woman’s breasts and her love box if you stare hard enough. Not to mention her lumps and crevices. Can you say embarrassing and humiliating?

Still, in the face of ever-evolving terrorists, this may be the best way to provide real security. I happened to be traveling the day after the underwear bomb threat and view airport checkpoints more of a nuisance than an actual effective deterrent.

In fact, flying back to New York on New Year’s Day I had to go through three separate checkpoints but all the security guards did was do a light pat down and moved a few dirty boxers around. If I really wanted to sneak something through (not that I would ever have a need or desire to) I probably could if I really wanted to.

With that said, part of me understands the potential effectiveness of a full-body scanner because there’s not much you can hide when you're butt ass naked with socks on on a computer screen. But I still feel conflicted about the invasion of privacy.

The mini conspiracy theorist in me feels like the two holiday events may have just been a catalyst to get these full-body scanners implemented. Maybe not so much with the underwear bomber, but the wrong way traveler in Newark could have easily been something staged to get people riled up so that they’d be more open to the idea of giving up their civil liberties.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that’s what happened but it’s not that far outside the realm of reality. I’m sure there are a heck of a lot more people willing to submit to full-body scans now than there were a year ago just because people are now scared of bombs in someone’s underwear.

It’s just my thoughts.

What do you think about the use of full-body scanners at airports? Do you think they can enhance security or won’t make much of a difference? Would you be self-conscience about some stranger looking at scans of your semi-nude body every time you boarded a plane? Would you be scared of some perverted TSA agent keeping the scans for his/her personal pleasure? Do you think the underwear bomber and the wrong way traveler were rare incidents or were bound to happen eventually? How confident are you in current airport security procedures?

Speak your piece…

UPDATE:

Airport security caught circulating nude scans of celebrity. (CLICK HERE).

BODY SCAN SCENE FROM TOTAL RECALL

Tagged as: airport security, bomb threat, conspiracy theory, flight, terminal

http://www.metanotherfrog.com/?cat=15 Sam Sharpe

I was flying American Airlines a week after 9/11 and I was shocked that for all the talk of tougher security, it really seemed like business as usual. It was almost as if the security officer's were just going through the motions and putting on a show to give the appearance of actually doing something.

Having said that, I believe that these body scan devices are an invasion of privacy. As far as I can tell, the problem is not that existing security systems aren't good enough. The problem is that they are not being implemented properly. If all the security checks were done properly, there's no way dude could have smuggled a bomb on the plane.

You can have all the security systems you want, but it's really about how it's being used. It doesn't matter how good a tool is, if the people using it are incompetent.
http://spinsterstravels.wordpress.com Spinster

What do you think about the use of full-body scanners at airports?
- Invasive.

Do you think they can enhance security or won’t make much of a difference?
- If someone (or some people) really wants to do something, they'll do whatever it takes to get it done.

Would you be self-conscious about some stranger looking at scans of your semi-nude body every time you boarded a plane?
- Yes.

Would you be scared of some perverted TSA agent keeping the scans for his/her personal pleasure?
- Yes.

Do you think the underwear bomber and the wrong way traveler were rare incidents or were bound to happen eventually?
- Freak accidents, so to speak.

How confident are you in current airport security procedures?
- Felt more confident with overseas airport security than in the U.S., and my experiences with overseas airport security has NEVER been NEARLY as invasive and ridiculous as it is in the U.S.
da ThRONe

Maybe it just cause my body looks great(LOL) ,but this body scanner doesnt bother me at all. It seems like a very tiny price to pay for self assurance. I dont need some quack with gun powder inbetween his nuts to make me think this is a no brainer. If some female(or perhaps male I dont judge) checking me out is the price I have to pay for more security that doesnt slow me down I am all for it. If you wanna protect your civil liberties then drive or sail! Nobody forces you to board a plane.
http://spinsterstravels.wordpress.com Spinster

There are people like me who enjoy traveling the worldwide seas, and not every single place can be reached by car or train or boat. So it's yet another annoyance for us to put up with and for what?
Elle

Funny. Ans is the first one to say - well write - what came to my mind when I heard about them implementing these body scanners. Something feels a little fishy here. They tried having them on airports months ago and the general public wasn't having it. And now ... whoops ... something happens and all of a sudden we think it is a good idea? Very strange.

Reminds me a little too much of the procedures surrounding the Patriot Act and the pipeline in Afghanistan. Maybe I am too much of a conspiracy theorist - who knows. But this world is allllll politics and who knows who is behind the company that developed/distributes these scanners.

All in all I think these security measures are BS. Call me an idiot but I do not believe in them increasing security. Governments of our time love using the scare tactics to convince us they only have "our best interest" at heart. Right. To me it is just a hassle and yet another means of invading my privacy.
Besides, I am always blessed with extra security checks anyways - not sure if it's because of my name or something. But I always receive extra attention So I am feeling a little salty towards the security checks.

I keep it like Taxi driver's in Istanbul ... if God wants me to die, I'll die. There is nothing I can do about it. And if I am meant to die in a plane crash, so be it. I can live without the extra security BS.
BMW2K

There are both pros and cons to this initiative. Yes, it will make us safer and most likely deter the Joe Idiot would be terrorist. From that perspective it does not bother me.

However, for those die-hards who are going for godly glory, this will just make them look for more creative ways to harm others. From that perspective, it might make it even more difficult to detect when someone means us harm. Even with this full body scanner, the serious terrorist can get items on the plane. So what is the next step? A scanner such as the one shown in your clip? Body cavity checks? I am curious as to where the invasion will end.

From that perspective, i would agree that our current security measures are not what they should be from a process perspective. My base airport is Philly and, until recently, our security was a convoluted mess. Travelers are finally seeing some improvements in the check-in process, but I don't necessarily feel safer.

i would prefer, though, the full scanner to the current methods. My husband is constantly stopped (except when we go to the Carrib or WE). We think he is profiled because he is of non-descript ethnicity and could easily be of Middle Eastern decent. It would be nice to have him just pass through security
Potato w/ Jive

"And if I am meant to die in a plane crash, so be it. I can live without the extra security BS."

Damn girl. So you're indifferent about dying in a plane crash but salty about the inconvenience of extra security checks? Wild.

I dunno if i can cosign that. I mean, c'mon how terrible is it really to walk through a scanner? Its security officers. I mean if you get frisked by cops, they actually TOUCH you. Dare i say a little jiggle here and there (fellas back me up) Anyway, that's MAD invasive. This new method of looking doesn't seem half as bad.
Potato w/ Jive

And on another note, in reality these new scanners may deter many would be terrorists but even with a full body scan, what happens when terrorists get wise and start using the still-out-of-sight hiding spot we ALL are born with? Y'all know what i mean.

All you need is a small amount of liquid to blow up an entire plane. Just sayin...
Remi

I travel state side a lot and i am coming the realisation that i may be walking though security naked. This body scanner is very invasive, i have a few special piercings that strangers behind a screen dont need to know i have!
Momof3

Invasion of privacy or not I think it's a good idea... If you don't like it stay home or go Greyhound... America has a lot of enemies right now and they'll do anything to hurt us. We're all screaming with outrage when the government is trying its best to protect us, what if they hadn't reacted at all? We'd still be crying foul... Seems like a catch 22 to me and until you come up with something better just accept it for what it is...
Rastaman

I used to enjoy traveling by airline but that enjoyment has been slowly eroded by the combined efforts of the TSA and piss poor quality of airlines.

The partially disrobing and the 3oz btl. requirements are not security. But an illusion of security. All instituted to sate the gullible public view that all that time and resource devoted to get you through airport security is actually effective. It is mostly misguided and most people who fly into or in the US find it more of an hassle than a comfort.

I am no conspiracy theorist but I have to say I am doubtful of the effectiveness of our current airport security protocol. I think many of the personnel are inadequately trained and the security resources are poorly allocated. So the only thing i can conclude is that some of this proposed body scanner type security are boondoggles. Ineffective technology being advocated as a security panacea to secure taxpayer money for wealthy investors.

I don't claim to know the answers because I am no expert but I travel enough to know that much of what we has travelers experience in the name of security borders more on hassling than anything else. We are pretty much advocating the use of a hammer to solve an ants infestation.
sanqura

I do not agree with it at all. In the age of youtube and camera phones who knows where these images may show up. And I don't want somebody looking at my damn near naked body. What if some ass who is viewing these images decide to post these images online thinking that it is funny.
~C.

Do I think full body scanning is necessary? YES Should it be this particular machine? NO

I've seen other types of body scanners on the news...one which was far less intrusive and showed something that resembled a sketch of the persons body, with very few physical details. You certainly couldn't see all the goodies like this one ^^^
I would certainly prefer to be scanned than patted down. I would certainly feel better if other people were scanned. Just like that Christmas fool, people can hide all sorts of things in their underware and other unmentionables and get past security because they aren't going to touch you there.

I like your conspiracy thinking Ans...it makes sense that the loss of some untold millions would entice them to to use scare tactics in order to convince us of how much we need their product. I'm not convinced, there are definitely better products out there to use.
Malia

I don't believe that these scanners will be implemented at most airports because the airline industry knows it will put a cramp on casual travelers.

We all talk about our personal privacy being violated and the people who are high frequency business travelers will either adapt or there will be some sold service/pass to opt out (like the now defunct Clear Card).

But with full body scanners, you will definitely decrease family travel, as families will be concerned about pedophilia/child porn, running their kidlets through a scanner.

Airline ticket sales will drop drastically as vacationers choose short distance vacations that involve cars, buses or trains so as to not risk a security breach that has their little one's goodies on a perv's computer.
Missg

actually they've changed what the body scan images look like on the screen so that they look more lik blw up dolls that actual body parts.
Missg

actually they've changed what the body scan images look like on the screen so that they look more like blow up dolls than actual body parts.
da ThRONe

I agree a huge problem is the people not being competent when doing their jobs ,but if this scanner makes a dumb ass look like Sherlock Holmes than so be it. If this cut down on the number of shoe removing and 30 trips through a metal detector so be it.

I am so what of a conspiracy theorist myself. And wouldnt be the least bit surprised if one if not both were stage but it doesnt stop the fact that it happens.

If you perfer privacy over living that your own business. I have nothing to hide and if I do I know where to hide it at. This is a service and as such you arent force to use it. If I come into your house and you want to invade my privacy its your house but I guarantee I wont stay long and probably will never come back. I have an uncle(by marriage) whos is always in your business when you visit I went once and never went back.
da ThRONe

@Maila

What does child porn have to do with body scanners? Wouldnt that be in your bags?

@sanqura

Serious? How would you tell one person from another? And if you did you sue TSA and get paid. They are responsible for their employees actions.
Kwana AKA OrangeStar AKA Phoenix7

I been said to "Total Recall" that sh8t right after 911..has anyone else noticed how Arnolds movies back in the day are coming to pass in reality.....like all these reality games shows = Running Man etc
Artivist

Why is security at airports proactive instead of reactive? They appear to implement new annoying "security" protocol only after someone attempts a new way to take down a plane. Surely someone must know better ways to provide true security. All I know is that when the next would be terrorist attempts to board a plane with explosives in his anus-- I am NOT submitting to a cavity search.
da ThRONe

@Artivist

Because the people who make the decision have private planes and dont give a shit about you or me until something makes them. The majority of this nation are reactive. People here are complaining about their privacy and liberties even after something happens. Imagine trying to implementing something new that invades people privacy or slow them down for no reason.
Ruby

As a person with a severe phobia of flying (from the time I was 9 and someone told me if the plane goes down I can't jump out and parachute to safety so I go down with it) the idea of people intentionally bringing down my plane has kept my feet firmly on the ground. So to me, regardless of the ploys and tactics they have or have not used to get these scanners implemented I say anything that can help improve the odds that people will be having safe flights is an awesome idea.

Not for anything, but I think I would rather them see a pic of my unmentionables then do one of their "thorough" searches and have to be firmly rubbed up in said areas. I mean, as was said, trying to implement a mandatory cavity search or full body strip would be going waaayy too far and I think that is extremely invasive. An X-ray type picture that couldn't even be traced back to me because it looks nothing like me and is in black and white and isn't pornographic in detail? Meh. If it gets me through the line more quickly and makes security even vaguely more effective and efficient then its not a thang to me.

And really, anybody who doesn't like it doesn't have to fly...flying isn't a right, it's a privilege (like cell phone or car ownership)...you can live without it, and if you can't you'll suck it up and deal with it and eventually get used to it like everyone does with everything
shor5ty1

I say it don't really matter what or how you feel about it we are just the traveler on their airplanes, and if they can afford the machine then they are gonna have them. Then the only choice you have is to fly with them are not. No matter how you feel they will still basically do what they want to in the "name of security."
bogart4017

No i don't trust security but what can i do about it?
ArtistActivist

I have always thought that the fully body scanners were inevitable. Real talk, ever since I saw Total Recall!

As for the scanners' effectiveness, I don't see how anyone could get something past them. In that respect it's a good thing. But, on a gut level, I feel like there is something a bit sinister about their widespread use. I can't even really be more articulate than that about it at this point. It just doesn't feel right...
Leigh

The day I heard about this dude setting his boxers on fire, I figured that we were on the path of going through airport security buck naked.

On a serious note, the government seems to put security measures in place (3 oz. liquids, removing shoes), etc. only to find that they are not effctive. If someone is on a mission they will get creative.
menluvmysmile

Much like technology evolving so does the way of the terroist. The restrictions placed by governments and airports coupled staff who at times can be incompetent only proves as a challenge to those who are still in the want of terrorizing innocent travellers.

@ Elle I totally agree with the Istanbul cabbie's philosophy!

What do you think about the use of full-body scanners at airports?
Another costly instrument dependant on humans = human error.

Do you think they can enhance security or won’t make much of a difference?
The only thing they will do is make clearing security wait times much longer.

Would you be self-conscience about some stranger looking at scans of your semi-nude body every time you boarded a plane?
Yes I feel its short of cavity search.

Would you be scared of some perverted TSA agent keeping the scans for his/her personal pleasure?
I'd be more creeped out than anything else. I think those that are monitoring travellers should be monitored themselves; only seems fair.

Do you think the underwear bomber and the wrong way traveler were rare incidents or were bound to happen eventually?
A litle bit of column A and B.

How confident are you in current airport security procedures?
Honestly I am so jaded and cynical about it. I really don't enjoy taking my shoes off to place my clean feet on a dirty floor .
SassyNoLA

What do you think about the use of full-body scanners at airports? Do you think they can enhance security or won’t make much of a difference?
- of course it's an invasion of privacy. but so is patting me down and essentially copping a damn feel. at least these scanners will be effective. other techniques rely on the person performing them to do it well. these full body scanners leave much less room for human error. i'm okay with that... especially if i don't have to take off my shoes anymore showing my holey socks or un-manicured toes. however, i'm also an exhibitionist, so someone looking at my full body, no matter how intimately, wouldn't bother me as much as them patting me down and putting their hands on me, so i realize that i may be out of the norm.

Would you be self-conscious about some stranger looking at scans of your semi-nude body every time you boarded a plane? Would you be scared of some perverted TSA agent keeping the scans for his/her personal pleasure?
- not really. men have a distinct way of very obviously mentally undressing you anyway. now, the upside is that i'd probably have fewer flaws in creepy man's mental picture, but eh. again, i feel more violated having someone physically pat me down or look through my underwear.

Do you think the underwear bomber and the wrong way traveler were rare incidents or were bound to happen eventually?
- wrong way traveler doesn't surprise. i could have done the same thing with so many exit check points not being properly manned. the underwear bomber did surprise me. someone was bound to slip through security cracks even if they'd been done extremely well, however, security checkpoints and procedures are not done well or thoroughly. they do them just thoroughly enough to be a nuisance without actually being effective. fuck that. scan me and be effective. thank ya!

How confident are you in current airport security procedures?
currently, not confident at all. full body scanners, i would definitely be more confident.
MsKaosI’

I dont mind the scanners honestly if they increase safety. I do mind a TSA agent feeling me up for his/her jollies!
asj

Hey i think this idea is kinda creepy but at the same time, if it will prevent terrorist activity then so be it. PS: havent had a lot of time until just recently so i fell behind on your blogs. but in a matter of less than 2 days im all caught up! keep up the good work!
Siante J

Did we really have civil liberties to begin with?

The only options left would be to either not fly into or out of the USA or travel by train or car to some other country then take transatlantic flight. Costly, but it's the other only option.

And unless the government can really forecast and telegraph how resourceful the terrorist are (you don't have to have a liquid conbustionable or metal to blow things up), this will only be a means to an end and not the end itself. (CIA and FBI, your jobs just got harder under bureacracy)
Malia

@ Da Throne

Taking bodyscan pictures of children could arguably be considered child porn. Think about it for a second: While YOU may be perfectly OK with YOUR goodies on a screen, would you say the same if you had a 12 year old niece flying with you?
da ThRONe

@Malia

Ofcourse the idea of having my niece(or anybody for that matter) being scan isnt something that thrills me. At the same time I would perfer that if it helps ensure she will land in one piece. Some people get off on children swinsuit catalogs. Are we suppose to stop having children model swinsuits? If some sicko is getting off to my love ones photo like the one posted above how is this hurting my love one?
Malia

@Da Throne

----
Are we suppose to stop having children model swinsuits?-
---

That's not the same. The reason I brought it up is because it's a legal issue on one hand (if it could arguably be considered child pornography) and also it is an issue for parents. It will affect family travel.

The top objection most people have to body scanning is the reality that the TSA's execution of security standards can be spotty, so it's invading us all and still may not stop that kind of terrorism.
http://www.squitoo.com ForDating

Hmmmm. Definitely this kind of check has both good and bad points. But I think in general it's good because it will make flights much safer. If that's what it takes, then I guess that's okay.

It's definitely not going to be comfortable and it's definitely some kind of privacy invasion, but It's only one person seeing kind of half-naked you.

But I think some people could get discouraged and would choose other means of transport (those who are insecure or are overweight).
Elle

More security? They wish. I really do not buy it.

Besides, a journalist tested airport security these past couple of days. He had all sorts of powders, fake detonators and such in his carry on luggage - or in other words: he had the "ingredients" to build a bomb dummy.

With these items hidden in his laptop, the handle bar of his bag and the powder openly in his carry on item for every one to see, he flew back and forth between major airports (Amsterdam, London, Frankfurt and such).

Result: nothing. Nobody checked him more thoroughly even though they must have seen what he had hidden on the x-ray of his bags. Instead, everyone focusses on these body scanners now. But what good is a body scan if airport security doesn't know how to identify a detonator or g4 when they see it on an x-ray? What good are body scans if you are not carrying the bomb on your body?

The journalist even went as far as dangling the bag with the powder in front of the security guys asking if it was ok for him to take it with him. All they did was ask what kind of powder it was and he replied "dried milk". "Yea, no problem. Go ahead."

WTF?

Body scans don't increase security. They are yet another means of making us give up bits and pieces of our freedom. Before they see right through our clothes they better learn how to work properly with the security means they already have until they add another half-assed approach to the mix.
http://www.glassesusa.com Eyeglasses

They should learn from the Israelis... for real. They don't take anything lightly. Full body scanners are an invasion of privacy. I don't like em. I have nothing to hide but I don't need anyone to see my goodies.

I'm all for an increase in security if the people who get paid to work security actually do their job!!!
Rick

We lock the doors on our home but we know we are only locking are friend out, people who would break a window to get in. Burglars want in they get in. Terrorists will find a way in. They have already caused public humiliation and large sums of money invested out of fear.