Since today is such a busy travel day, I would like to address the issue of the TSA “safety procedures.” The good news is the advanced imaging technology, full body scan, is optional. The bad news is if you refuse to go through the full body scan you must endure an intrusive “pat down” procedure, where the TSA agent runs the palm or his/her hand all over your body including your gentiles. That’s right. If you do not want someone to see you naked you can have someone grope you instead. Some people after going through the full body scan are called over for a “pat down.” Some people cannot go through the full body scan, do they have a choice? Yes, a “pat down” or an $11,000 fine, possibly detained, and they can’t fly.
The 4th Amendment to our Constitution protects us from unreasonable searches. We use this to protect our homes all the time. Police cannot enter our homes without reason. TSA has said these measures protect us from people like the man who hide explosives in his underwear. That man was on the no fly list. They had reason to check his underwear. They had reason to not let him fly. Why do we and our children have to endure this intrusive “pat down” procedure? If we do not let people search our homes without reason, why would we let them search our bodies and the bodies of our children?
There have been court decisions saying we have less constitutional rights in an airport because of public safety. The first thing I have to say about that is, should we have less constitutional rights anywhere? Ben Franklin said, "Those who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety." Secondly, those decisions were made because of metal detectors and searches through bags. This “pat down” procedure is far more intrusive.
I wish had had gotten this blog up sooner. Many of you have probably already endured the new “safety” procedures. For those that have not, here are some things to know:
If a child under 12 is called over for a pat down, they can receive a “modified pat down.” Everyone else receives the “enhanced pat down.” Be sure to ask.
Wearing baggy clothing increases your chances of getting a “pat down.”
Be sure to remove EVERYTHING from your pockets.
If you cannot walk through the body scan machine and/or stand with your arms above your head, you will have to have a “pat down.”
If called over for a “pat down,” ask why?
Come armed with information from www.tsa.gov. What is actually happening at some airports does not line up with the information TSA is putting out.
If you decide not to fly because of these procedures, call the airline and tell them why you will not be flying.
By Laura Kennedy
The 4th Amendment to our Constitution protects us from unreasonable searches. We use this to protect our homes all the time. Police cannot enter our homes without reason. TSA has said these measures protect us from people like the man who hide explosives in his underwear. That man was on the no fly list. They had reason to check his underwear. They had reason to not let him fly. Why do we and our children have to endure this intrusive “pat down” procedure? If we do not let people search our homes without reason, why would we let them search our bodies and the bodies of our children?
There have been court decisions saying we have less constitutional rights in an airport because of public safety. The first thing I have to say about that is, should we have less constitutional rights anywhere? Ben Franklin said, "Those who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety." Secondly, those decisions were made because of metal detectors and searches through bags. This “pat down” procedure is far more intrusive.
I wish had had gotten this blog up sooner. Many of you have probably already endured the new “safety” procedures. For those that have not, here are some things to know:
If a child under 12 is called over for a pat down, they can receive a “modified pat down.” Everyone else receives the “enhanced pat down.” Be sure to ask.
Wearing baggy clothing increases your chances of getting a “pat down.”
Be sure to remove EVERYTHING from your pockets.
If you cannot walk through the body scan machine and/or stand with your arms above your head, you will have to have a “pat down.”
If called over for a “pat down,” ask why?
Come armed with information from www.tsa.gov. What is actually happening at some airports does not line up with the information TSA is putting out.
If you decide not to fly because of these procedures, call the airline and tell them why you will not be flying.
By Laura Kennedy
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