Thursday, August 18, 2011

Lesson not learned

A journalist, Doni Luckutt, writes of a recent invasive experience with the TSA:
Even with these new and "unpredictable" procedures, I assume none of them would include actions like what I experienced: Virtual crotch-grabs, comments about physical features, and leaning forward so the security agent could "look down" a tank top. By the time we were finished (based on my personal experience, it was an exceptionally long pat-down), I was partially clothed and felt as if I was publicly fondled as men in other lines gawked in amazement. Of course I flashed them the evil-eye I wanted to give my "handler," but for fear of changing a fourth flight in two days and extending my trip home, I didn't dare. Upon conclusion, I was surprised the agent wanted to have a conversation about it — a move that, at that point, felt like pillow talk. I walked away feeling like I was in one of those 1970s movies — with scenes that end with a cigarette and intense cuddling.
But remains convinced that things like the software upgrade on scanners show that we still have our freedom.

When you get molested and can't do anything about it, you don't have your freedom. When the alternative is to be viewed naked (whether by a person or a machine, I care not which), you don't have your freedom. The entire concept of federalized aviation security needs to be thrown in the dumpster. Sadly, nothing will change until people stop believing in the fairy tale of benevolent government.

1 comment:

  1. With our kids living in different cities in the mid-west, Mike and I used to fly quite often, but we have not flown in over a year now. It feels great to tell TSA/government to stick it!

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