Erroneous Conclusion of Travel Survey

The survey described in this article, "Is The TSA Becoming More Tolerable?," is discouraging. But the author makes the wrong conclusion. That people don't hate the TSA as much is a sign that people become complacent and adjust, even under objectionable conditions. It is not a sign that the a abusive bureaucracy is doing a better job of being nice.

Americans don't want cancer

As you know, I think the health aspect of the scanner controversy is secondary to the argument from natural rights. Nonetheless, I think the fact that the government wants to irradiate everyone who flies without any concern for health effects is a valuable lesson in whether the government is benevolent. Because it's not, and that's my point.

But, there's a new poll out that specifically links the risk of cancer and the "security" of x-ray scanners. It's nice to know that,

Even if X-ray body scanners would prevent terrorists from smuggling explosives onto planes, nearly half of Americans still oppose using them because they could cause a few people to eventually develop cancer, according to a new Harris Interactive poll conducted online for ProPublica.

It's unfortunate that a third of Americans still strongly support the scanners.

Cartoon-image software poll

Newark just got the software upgrade on their naked scanners, so the local paper ran a poll:

Do you feel more comfortable going through the new body scanner at Newark's airport?

Yes  47.54%  (29 votes)  

 

No  52.46%  (32 votes)  

 

Total Votes: 61

What do you think of the TSA's self-congratulating remarks?

That's what FedSmith wants to know.

TSA deters all flyers

I doubt this poll is scientific, but it is telling that it is on a website that caters to federal workers:

FedSmith.com is an information portal for sources of information impacting the federal community. The site provides links to daily news headlines, original articles from our writers, Federal Retirement information including a TSP (Thrift Savings Plan) tracker and a TSP Portfolio tool, as well as quick links to pages of interest to the Federal community and those interested in the Federal Government's activities.

Here's what they found:

Since the TSA-required enhanced screening and pat-downs at airports went into effect in 2010, have you changed your attitude toward flying for personal (as opposed to business) trips?

I fly more	2.3%
No change	8.0%
I avoid flying whenever possible	89.7%

Do you believe the TSA-required enhanced screening and pat-downs at airports make it safer for Americans to fly?

Yes	7.5%
No	77.0%
Not sure	15.5%

Read the rest.

Poll: (Don't) Like the 'Trusted Traveler' idea?

Weigh in at Sodahead.

Crying wolf

The problem with trying to keep people in a perpetual state of fear is that they become desensitized and stop believing (or caring about) what they are told they are supposed to fear. Here's a story on a recent poll of travelers (emphasis added):

In April alone, the U.S. State Department issued nine travel warnings, cautioning Americans about the risk of being victims of violence while traveling in places like Iraq, Syria and Mexico.

In the case of Syria, the department urged all U.S. citizens on April 25 to leave the country as quickly as possible because of the violent clashes between protesters and government forces.

But it seems few Americans completely change their travel plans in response to such warnings, according to a new online poll conducted by the Minneapolis-based travel company Travel Leaders.

 The article continues:

Of those polled, 72% said they had no concerns about the use of full-body scanners that can look through clothing to spot hidden weapons. In a similar survey conducted last year, 82% said they had no concerns about the scanners.

Among travelers who worry about the scanners, the top reasons were fears that radiation could pose health risks; privacy issues; and security delays.

Poll on TSA thuggery

Sodahead asks the following:

Should It Be a Felony for a TSA Agent to Give an Invasive Pat-down?

Click through to vote and register your comment.