Enhanced Airport Pat Down Means Hands On
The Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) starts their new “enhanced” pat downs Friday, October 29th, 2010, for those who choose not to subject themselves to the newer X-Ray system which renders the person effectively “naked.” The enhanced procedures are more intrusive.
First came the Backscatter X-ray technology which allowed screeners to see through your clothing. The machine effectively renders you buck naked in front of a perfect stranger. TSA agents can see all of your body parts including which side you store “yours” on if you are a male. The backscatter technology has been controversial. For example, A TSA employee attacked his supervisor after jokes were made about the size of his penis when he walked through the machine to test it.
Those who don’t want to subject themselves to the virtual strip-search can opt for a physical pat down. However, the pat down just became more intrusive. Instead of using the “palms up” method, screeners are now using the hands method. This includes up and down the inside of the leg, the bra front with females and perhaps a crotch bump. If you have ever been arrested then you have the idea.
The procedures were tested at Logan International in Boston and McCarren International in Las Vegas starting in August of 2010. The TSA says they need the enhanced search technique in order to keep us safe. If you don’t like the new procedure there is one last option. There are some pretty good deals on new cars as dealers get ready for the 2011 season. If you drive you can skip the airport entirely.
Some say, while 911 slowed the wheels of capitalism ever so slightly, the terrorist attack has convinced the American people to hand over significant personal liberties to the government. We have accepted a far broader definition of what constitutes “unreasonable” in search and seizure.
Follow Technorati