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TSA Security Theatre
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Post by
Discolando
Any other Americans appalled by the newest TSA "safety" procedures? People who have no choice but to fly get to choose between being irradiated and viewed nude, or being sexually assaulted by a TSA agent by literally having their breasts and/or genitals groped.
I think Congressman Ron Paul puts it best here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qwsdq69AHnw
Post by
Squishalot
You don't *have* to fly, in a different way that you don't *have* to get an x-ray on your broken foot.
While I don't agree with the TSA procedures, because I don't think it helps tremendously, it's still what you signed up for when you bought your airline ticket, and you know what you're getting into.
Post by
Adamsm
And if the cops think your 'hiding' something, they have the right to do the exact same thing when they pull you over.
Post by
Monday
And if the cops think your 'hiding' something, they have the right to do the exact same thing when they pull you over.
They do have to have a very good reason to pull you over.
As it is, I'm glad I don't have to fly. But I do think people are getting a little worked up.
Post by
204878
This post was from a user who has deleted their account.
Post by
Sheridan
From what I saw in October, most of the people being scanned were females. I never once saw a guy go in the scanner but I saw plenty of women being told to go in there.
Post by
138638
This post was from a user who has deleted their account.
Post by
204878
This post was from a user who has deleted their account.
Post by
Monday
But what if it's a gay male/lesbian female?
Post by
138638
This post was from a user who has deleted their account.
Post by
Monday
But basically it's like a man watching a woman. That's bad, is it not?
Post by
138638
This post was from a user who has deleted their account.
Post by
Monday
/sigh
Post by
Squishalot
It's supposed to be a random passenger selection.
Having said that, there may be a correlation between gender and choice between the pat-down and the scanner.
Post by
Discolando
You don't *have* to fly, in a different way that you don't *have* to get an x-ray on your broken foot.
If your employer requires you to travel long distances in a short amount of time, you have the choice of flying or no longer being employed. It's not much of a choice for some people.
While I don't agree with the TSA procedures, because I don't think it helps tremendously, it's still what you signed up for when you bought your airline ticket, and you know what you're getting into.
It doesn't matter if it's part of the contract you agree to or not, any contract that explicitly is unconstitutional or otherwise illegal cannot be enforced.
If you signed a contract that stated in the fine print - "The signer of this contract gives me permission to touch his genitals and those of his children" - do you really think it would stand up to a civil lawsuit?
Post by
Adamsm
While I don't agree with the TSA procedures, because I don't think it helps tremendously, it's still what you signed up for when you bought your airline ticket, and you know what you're getting into.
It doesn't matter if it's part of the contract you agree to or not, any contract that explicitly is unconstitutional or otherwise illegal cannot be enforced.
If you signed a contract that stated in the fine print - "The signer of this contract gives me permission to touch his genitals and those of his children" - do you really think it would stand up to a civil lawsuit?
The Patriot Act says 'Hi!'.
Edit: If the gross sarcasm there is being missed: The Patriot act does a run around against the entire Constitution, and is part of the same thing that allows people to be pulled out of their homes and shoved into GitMo without a trial or due process.
Also.....what's really sad? The American public probably hand waved this into position, with the 'OMG! WE'RE ALL GOING TO DIE!' mind set in the aftermath of 9/11; it's probably a 'law' that if the issue of airline security is in 'jeopardy', the security guards can do whatever they like to make the people 'safe'....
Post by
138638
This post was from a user who has deleted their account.
Post by
Squishalot
If your employer requires you to travel long distances in a short amount of time, you have the choice of flying or no longer being employed. It's not much of a choice for some people.
Which is my point about the broken foot - it's not much of a choice, but for some reason, you're comfortable exposing yourself to a lot more radiation. But for the vast majority of international travellers, flying is a lifestyle choice, especially in today's world of Webex, tele/video conferencing and email.
If you have issues about your employer's travel policy, that's something you should take up with them. If they required you to have a medical checkup (including an x-ray) before they let you participate in <insert project here>, would you be complaining?
It doesn't matter if it's part of the contract you agree to or not, any contract that explicitly is unconstitutional or otherwise illegal cannot be enforced.
Sexual assault - unwanted and deliberate physical contact around the genitals.
By choosing the pat down, you are providing consent. Therefore, it's not illegal. Despite Adamsm's sarcasm, you're providing consent. To suggest that it's anything other than consent would be the equivalent of arguing that swinging with people you don't know is rape.
Post by
Discolando
Which is my point about the broken foot - it's not much of a choice, but for some reason, you're comfortable exposing yourself to a lot more radiation.
Do you understand the difference between backscattering x-rays you get at the airport and the traditional kind you get at your doctor? It's not even close.
Sexual assault - unwanted and deliberate physical contact around the genitals.
By choosing the pat down, you are providing consent. Therefore, it's not illegal. Despite Adamsm's sarcasm, you're providing consent. To suggest that it's anything other than consent would be the equivalent of arguing that swinging with people you don't know is rape.
Thank God that someone like Ron Paul is introducing legislation so that the TSA can't hide behind this nonsensical defense anymore. Consent to search does not mean you give the TSA permission to touch your breasts or genitals - even a police officer with probable cause to search you can't touch your genitals.
Anyone else, other than a trusted medical doctor that you to give such explicit permission to touch your genitals, that touched your genitals would be immediately guilty of sexual assault. The TSA should not be exempted, and if Congressman Paul's bill passes, they will be criminally liable if they do.
Post by
138638
This post was from a user who has deleted their account.
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