Here’s my problem with the new enhanced security measures being practiced by the TSA: they’re giving people the opportunity to bitch about something new. And that’s basically it; as for the rest of what everyone’s complaining about/defending regarding the gropey-gropey pat downs and nekkid-picture-taking scanners… I really don’t care all that much.
Why? How can I be so blind to the erosion of liberty?
Because I don’t think any such erosion exists. We have lots of rights in this here country, but air travel ain’t one of them. Yes, the 4th amendment protects against unreasonable search and seizure, but if you read the fine print on any airline ticket (hell, any train or boat ticket too), you are agreeing to be searched any time the security apparatus sees fit.
I do dislike the way the TSA operates, but mostly because I find their processes inefficient and the screening decisions made by thier employees arbitrary and capricious. I think it’s security theater more than actual security.
Yes, these new procedures are kind of a pain in the ass. No, I wouldn’t be surprised if the naked scanner pictures are being ogled by unprofessional TSA people behind closed doors.
But I don’t think this is any kind of a nefarious plot to bring us closer to fascism. Nor do I think this is the government valiantly defending us from evildoers. What I think is that this whole situation is another example of the government trying to do good, but in actuality acting like the large, uncoordinated, ham-handed, heavy-fisted, obnoxious drunk uncle it so often is.
That’s it, that’s all. Is it too much to ask for people to recognize this for what it isn’t and to move on?