CNN reported this morning that both the motorist group AAA and IHS Global Insight project more than 42 million people will be traveling at least 50 miles from home for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. This is an increase of more than 11% from last year's 38 million people, who traveled during the 5-day holiday period. While I don't see the immediate benefits of this "improving" economy, I'm sure that the 1.5 million people who are expected to fly are fretting about it. Many recent reports have come about the ill-received new security measures at several major airports. You've seen the pictures:
I've always wondered why none of these people look happy. Ever. It's the same in every airport photo you see. The people boarding appear to be nervous, angry, on edge, etc. And now with increased security measures, it is documented that boarding a flight may take even LONGER.
So exactly what are these new security measures you ask?
Well, by now, I'm sure you've heard mention of the full body scanners currently in place at over four dozen airports throughout the country. The media has done several stories on the fears of radiation exposure and the outrage over invasive "virtual strip-search" style images that the machine displays. (See below)
(To me, this looks like an elevator with no door. Not quite as imposing as I expected it to be)
(Okay, the detail of these images is a little disturbing. Plus I'm not even going to ask if that's
a tail coming from between the legs. Lol)
Hoping that these annoying machines will go away with the public outcry? Think again. In June, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) had spent well over $80 million for about 500 machines, including 133 now at airports, with plans to install about 1,000 by the end of 2011. Which means the scanners are here to stay. But what most passengers don't realize, is that you can always refuse.
Which brings up the pat-down.
Just this month, TSA's new screening procedures began including a full-body pat-down, performed by administration officials of the passenger's own gender, and only if the passenger refused exposure to the full body scan or set off the alarm of a security device, such as scanner or metal detector, while passing through. Critics charge that the new procedure is excessively invasive, as the pat-down touched the genital areas. Or according to ACLU legislative counsel, passengers must now choose between "a virtual strip search and a grope".
Of course you could refuse both. But then you become this guy:
Meet John Tyner, also known as Mr. "If You Touch My Junk, I’m Going to Have You Arrested". Tyner was simultaneously thrown out of San Diego International Airport on Saturday morning for refusing to submit to a security check and threatened with a lawsuit and a $10,000 fine if he left without submission. That's because once passengers present their identification and their ticket, they have to finish going through security. If the passenger changes their mind and wants to leave because they don’t want the body pat-down, they’re subject to a hefty fine. TSA officials claim that this is in place because it doesn’t want terrorists probing the security system. Of course Tyner has since reached the hallowed halls of YouTube fame, by recording the entire ordeal with his cell phone. There are multiple videos, but I felt the best way for those interested to get the full story is from Mr. Tyner himself.
http://johnnyedge.blogspot.com/2010/11/these-events-took-place-roughly-between.html
So, basically if you avoid the full body scanner, you're subjected to the pat-down. If you refuse the pat-down, you're at risk of being sued by the TSA. Sounds lovely. (Insert dripping sarcasm here)
Remember the good old days of standard airport security? Well guess what, those days are gone. The TSA measures may seem invasive, extreme, and any other adjective you can think of to let people know that you don't like it, but the bottom line is that it's for safety. We live in a world now where the threats have changed. Smarter criminals require evolving measures in order to assure maximum protection. Maybe refusing these measures is the last thing we need right now.
Personally, I've never been on a plane. But I'd feel safer knowing that there are such in-depth security measures in place than the same old ones that have been bested for years. In the next few days, millions of Americans will be traveling to see loved ones in order to share in a celebrated tradition of giving thanks for the things we appreciate the most. If being irritated by some revealing virtual images or patted down by a security agent ensures safe delivery of those who we give thanks for, then I'm all for it. Remember everything is a progression. Eventually the measures will get better and less invasive. Until then, we have this:
I guess if you're still outraged, you could participate in an online campaign calling for a National Opt-Out Day on Nov. 24, the day before Thanksgiving and one of the busiest travel days. Personally, as I think of all the travelers attempting to get to Grandma's sweet potato pie, I think their campaign will fail. If you're buying a plan ticket this holiday season, then you're subject to the rules and regulations of that binding contract. Point blank. If you don't like the security measures, don't fly. You can always take the bus.
Enjoy your holiday travel, and above all else, be safe.
the Rare Poet
