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I opt out of naked airport scanner

Posted by
Walter Geiger
in Opinion
Monday, February 21. 2011
Comments (29)
By Robert Heiney

They were herding passengers through the naked scanner like cattle at Atlanta Hartsfield Airport. No one escaped the indignity of having their whole body including all private parts exposed for government scrutiny.

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#1 Darrell on 02/21/11 at 11:51 AM
This was written back in December and should give readers cause to think about where we could go and how much good it really does.
http://www.flyersrights.org/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=275&sid=3b2fbb16deb0bcbd76c179bfa66b8612
#2 Pete on 02/21/11 at 11:52 AM
The alternative to this is driving.
The safety of passengers requires the body scan. The pictures are not stored to a hard drive and are viewed at a location away from the scanning aparatus. It is the safest alternative to a strip search. Furthermore, it is much less intrusive. There is no loss of dignity because clothes are not removed and the scanner is not forced to touch the passenger - thus lowering questionable grabs or pats.
The plane is not safe if one passenger boards with a weapon. All passengers are at risk without the use of modern technology.
#3 Alexa on 02/21/11 at 12:54 PM
Good for you for opting out! I have opted out of this entire sexually abusive and unconstitutional mess ever since November 2010. I cancelled all of my flights, and got refunds for them too! (That was quite a fight in a few cases, but my credit card company sided with me in the disputes.) I've been taking trains and buses only. Luckily I live in the Northeast where that's relatively convenient. Luckily we don't seem to have enough money to burn yet that they are molesting and creating pornographic images of innocent people on other modes of transit.

You are not alone in this fight - many of us are fighting as hard as we can for a return to basic human decency and the fourth amendment protections that our founders fought and died for. Fight!
#4 Mark on 02/21/11 at 01:21 PM
Don't put up with this unconstitutional garbage! It’s all worthless security theater that does nothing to keep you “safe”. Boycott Flying ENTIRELY until sanity returns! Please join us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Boycott-Flying/126801010710392
#5 H B on 02/21/11 at 02:06 PM
It appears to me that the Government is concerned with who brings the most to the party. I feel there is a better way to find the problem items. Metal ones they get on the metal detectors anyway. I feel this is an invasion of privacy.
#6 Bruce on 02/21/11 at 02:38 PM
Your ignorance is almost incendiary. The passengers are at greater risk from the scanner than from terrorists. The greatest threat to our security is the loss of our liberties.

You obviously believe everything your government tells you, even when the government is internally inconsistent.

What evidence do you have that there is no alternative safer than one of these un-tested un-certified un-calibrated and un-maintained contraptions, which by the way only detects guns when operators are paying attention? Do you not understand that safety is an illusion?

A flight would be much safer if everyone had a firearm - rather than only creative terrorists. Firearms routinely get past your "perfect" security.
#7 QuickSilver on 02/21/11 at 03:19 PM
"Due process is a thing of the past." Unfortunately it is and it is so very sad.
#8 Anonymous on 02/21/11 at 04:00 PM
There's a few problems with your post, mainly everything.

First, they can and do store the images:

http://news.cnet.com/8301-31921_3-20012583-281.html

Second, the image is a clear shot of the person. The images they release to the media (like the one posted in this story) is a negative to give the idea that they don't show anything. Simply reverse the image shows that TSA scanners actually see:

http://www.worldculturepictorial.com/blog/content/full-body-scanner-imposes-indecency-displaying-form-

Of course, the truth can be seen in this video. Also, follow up by reading the links in the description.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R5FBCHKu2KU

These bodyscans/pat downs, are not for our protection. I will not fly on public transportation again until they are gone.
#9 Independent on 02/21/11 at 04:17 PM
Sorry, Pete, but there is no right for me to show my genitals to the government before I get on a plane. The LEGAL means, using a metal detector, has been 100% effective since 1962 in protecting us from passengers who carry bombs on planes. Since 9-11, there have been no US domestic hijackings.

If you are truly scared at the zero risk, I suggest you also petition immediately to get rid of all guns in the US so you can be safe when grocery shopping. More congresspeople and civilians were killed just last month than were killed by airline passengers setting of bombs over the last 48 years.

Personally, I think they should have legal searches with metal detectors, than people who want to show their genitals to the US goverment or have their 14-year old daughters's breasts touched by strangers can voluntarily give up their constitutional rights and pay extra for that privilege in a commercial transaction. This means you pay for flights that have this extra layer of security, as I think people who are scared of the risks when using legal means should have the ability to fly also. The naked scanners and groping could be run for certain flights as designated by the airlines, and they can have this equipment at the gates. This would then satisfy everyone as you don't give up your constitutional rights, and those who want extra security can get that too. Win/win.
#10 Miami on 02/21/11 at 05:32 PM
I totally agree with you. These scanners have been shown to not really work. It seems like before long you will need a "Travelers Card" for those pre-approved to travel. Perhaps that will require a home inspection and detailed criminal history, just to make sure that you're not a threat to security.

It seems to be that terrorism has totally won on this front: Making the US gov't turn against us.
#11 Anonymous on 02/21/11 at 05:35 PM
Obviously most of you don't fly often. In over a million miles of flying since 911, I have gone through the body scanner at Hartsfield once and only 3 other times in other airports.

As far as the "show me your papers" comment, if the US had the same screening as Israel (much worse than just showing papers), we could avoid all the other security nonsense. Of course, that would infringe on your right to privacy...

Also, even if the pictures are stored and then released on the internet, does anyone really want to see nude pics of 99.9% of US flyers?
#12 Anonymous on 02/21/11 at 06:46 PM
Maybe someone should invent nude airlines where passengers fly naked. No carry-ons and people disrobe at check-in. Problem solved. Baggage can be scanned.
#13 Robert Heiney on 02/21/11 at 08:42 PM
Thank you Alexa. Sadly, the TSA reportedly has plans to install these scanners at bus terminals and train stations.
#14 Anonymous on 02/21/11 at 10:09 PM
With all the media and nondescript hype about these intrusive scans, I was going to cancel my flight at Christmas to visit my family. I finally bucked up and decided that if a screener was going to grope me I would embarrass them. I was all for naught, I went through the standard metal detection screening, no more, no less.

I think, like sheep we all follow along with what we are told whether it is through media or radical extremists.

I'll continue on my own way, thank you. If and when my rights to travel are violated by the government, I will make the choice to travel another way.

But I will not give into right wing or left wing extremism. I know how to think for myself.
#15 Anonymous on 02/22/11 at 02:47 PM
The ironic thing is Muslims do not have to go through the scanner. They are exempt due to "religious beliefs".
#16 Tonyman on 02/23/11 at 02:52 PM
When was the last time Mr. Heiney encountered anyone remotely resembling the Taliban? I think he may have heard about them through other sources but has no experiences of his own. He makes the comment as if no one reading this article hasn’t actually had encounters with this enemy, which by the way the Taliban governed Afghanistan the real enemy was, is and will always be Al-Qaida. When you attempt to draw parallels, do so in manner that will let you retain your credibility.
#17 Anonymous on 02/23/11 at 06:14 PM
If you HAVE to get groped, fly out of Copenhagen Denmark; they have some mighty fine looking women security staff at the airport & the don't have that prudish US same sex search rule!
#18 Anonymous on 02/23/11 at 06:22 PM
What rock are you living under? No religious beliefs exempt you from TSA scrutiny. If you choose to refuse the boxy scan, you are still subject to the pat down. Doesn't matter if you are Muslim, Christian, Jewish or Martian
#19 Shirley on 02/23/11 at 07:07 PM
It really does not matter. They are going to do what they want to do, just like the commercial. I feel so sorry for my husband when we go thru, because he has a stent, and it always goes off with the metal detecters and there he go'es to be felt on from his head to his toe. Then he feels violated. We want fly anymore, because he has had both knees done, so we would be there forever, but we understand.
#20 Anonymous on 02/23/11 at 07:21 PM
Why is the Federal Government providing security to private companies? The guvment should get out of the airline security business and let the airlines do it themselves.
#21 Anonymous on 02/24/11 at 11:58 AM
What rock are you hiding under? Look it up, don't rely on "mainstream media" to feed you their crap of half-truths and outright lies.
#22 Anonymous on 02/24/11 at 08:18 PM
The government is providing the security since when the airlines provided it, the terrorists flew a plane into a government building, the Pentagon. Plus the government has been subsidizing the airline industry for decades so they are just protecting the investment.
#23 Anonymous on 02/24/11 at 08:22 PM
Not relying on any media, mainstream or other. Just personal observations at the airport watching everyone getting screened
#24 Anonymous on 02/24/11 at 11:42 PM
I cant believe all of the ignorance I am reading...When 911 occured everyone was running around crying, screaming, angry, upset, and wanting to kill everyone that even looked like an easterner. Now that the government/airport/TSA has chosen to take measures that you do not agree on its a problem. Just like everything else you have to find something that works for everybody, if they feel like this will protect the lives of people then why is everyone complaining. Its obviously those of you who do not fly often or for that matter has never flown before. If this is going to protect me and the ones I love I am more then happy to get scanned and they can see whatever the want to see through the x-ray. People please get a grip and stop being so ignorant on here...this blog thing isnt such a good idea afterall...because it sure does bring out a lot of ignorance...something I've noticed with the majority of things on bville.com....its sad how the mind of some of you people work...I say go ahead with the body scanners...so what you feel violated..I would rather be violated and safe then violated and sorry...
#25 Anonymous on 02/25/11 at 12:04 PM
THIS IS PLUM RIDUCOULOUS!!!!!
#26 Robert Heiney on 02/25/11 at 09:09 PM
You are willing to suspend the US Constitution and give up your rights under the Bill of Rights so you can feel safer. And where does it end? The US central government has been steadily whittling away at Constitutional rights for decades. Today, just about everything is illegal except gay marriage, abortion, and church hating.

You need to look at your own level of understanding before you point fingers at others and call them ignorant. Do a little research and maybe you'll discover that your good ole government has much more in mind than your protection.
#27 Anonymous on 02/26/11 at 02:52 AM
"so what if you feel violated"

Really?

The thing that most people forget is that TSA stands for Transportation Security Administration. It's not the Airport Security Administration. There is nothing keeping them from doing these same techniques on the highways. What if to get on GA 400 tomorrow, you had to go through a scanner at the toll booth to make sure you're not bringing any illegal drugs into the area? Would you be ok with that?

The TSA have admitted that they plan on bringing these scanner to train stations next. If a government lockdown under Protective Orders, they can do the same thing anywhere else "transportation" is done.

Whats keeping the government from stepping this far? Right now, nothing.

Theres an old religious quote that fits well here: If you stand for nothing, you will fall for anything.

I think you need to go back and read a little into history before you start giving up your rights. Because giving up your essential rights, makes you a pathetic American.

-If a nation expects to be ignorant and free, in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be. -Thomas Jefferson
#28 Robert Heiney on 02/26/11 at 07:14 PM
Well spoken! And may I add, TSA plans to bring the scanners to bus terminals as well.

Why not bring them to your front door so each time you leave your home, the TSA can make the world a safer place! Yeah!!!
#29 Richard W. on 03/21/11 at 11:03 AM
Great article, Robert!
I am glad to see that the scare tactics employed by the TSA are not going unnoticed by freedom loving Americans. I am all for safety, but I get the impression Have yet to hear of one terrorist being caught by the TSA with their Nude-o-scopes or vigorous pat-downs. Anyone that doesn't realize it is all about social conditioning (sheep herding) and enriching security firms isn't seeing the big picture. Security theatre does not impress me, nor does the fact that the $7.00 water on the airplane side is "safer" than the $1.00 water I bought outside the airport. I have not flown since they instituted these devices (more taxpayers' funds down the toilet) and will not until they go away. Traveling by car or train may take longer, but I know I am not contributing to taking away honest citizens' dignity.
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