My 2c on the TSA
If given the option between the backscatter scan and the enhanced patdown, I'll take the scan. I'm willing to subject myself to the continually-argued-to-be-safe level of radiation, and I'm willing to have my naked image saved on a hard drive somewhere in perpetuity. I'm really not thrilled at the thought of a stranger touching me while I'm trying to catch a flight and wondering if I have time for a beer first. At least the scan I imagine to be quick. (Please correct me if I'm wrong!)
One of the chestnuts being trotted around comment threads is that "by purchasing the ticket, you've agreed to the security protocols." Except, I didn't.
See, when I purchased our tickets for Thanksgiving, the introduction of the scans and the searches hadn't yet been announced. Or at least, their start date hadn't been. So I had no way of knowing in September that I was consenting to policy about to be enacted. If we're talking "consent," that's a whole lot of dub-con.
Now, making that argument for tickets yet-to-be-purchased for Christmas? Totally valid. By buying those tickets (which I haven't yet done, I know, I'm dumb), I'm acknowledging what the policies now are and passively consenting to them. Even if they really sketch me out.
Now, one more thing.
For the people who have problems being touched by strangers for whatever reason? This isn't going to go so well for them.
I'm really looking forward to (in a sarcastic, I'm really angry this has to happen, but I know it will way) the issues the airports have as people have meltdowns in the security lines. It's going to happen. They may not all be full-blown terror fits with screaming and thrashing, but I'm fairly sure that at least once a day at every airport with these protocols, someone will React BadlyTM. Someone will miss a flight. Or cause others to miss a flight. Or miss work. And then the lawsuits will start. Oh wait! That last already happened!
And to do all this right before the busiest travel season? To scores of passengers who bought their tickets long before they knew they'd be subjected to Hobson's Choice?
I smell Impending Doom for the TSA and related agencies.
This will not go well.
Cross-posting goodness! Comment where you wish!
One of the chestnuts being trotted around comment threads is that "by purchasing the ticket, you've agreed to the security protocols." Except, I didn't.
See, when I purchased our tickets for Thanksgiving, the introduction of the scans and the searches hadn't yet been announced. Or at least, their start date hadn't been. So I had no way of knowing in September that I was consenting to policy about to be enacted. If we're talking "consent," that's a whole lot of dub-con.
Now, making that argument for tickets yet-to-be-purchased for Christmas? Totally valid. By buying those tickets (which I haven't yet done, I know, I'm dumb), I'm acknowledging what the policies now are and passively consenting to them. Even if they really sketch me out.
Now, one more thing.
For the people who have problems being touched by strangers for whatever reason? This isn't going to go so well for them.
I'm really looking forward to (in a sarcastic, I'm really angry this has to happen, but I know it will way) the issues the airports have as people have meltdowns in the security lines. It's going to happen. They may not all be full-blown terror fits with screaming and thrashing, but I'm fairly sure that at least once a day at every airport with these protocols, someone will React BadlyTM. Someone will miss a flight. Or cause others to miss a flight. Or miss work. And then the lawsuits will start. Oh wait! That last already happened!
And to do all this right before the busiest travel season? To scores of passengers who bought their tickets long before they knew they'd be subjected to Hobson's Choice?
I smell Impending Doom for the TSA and related agencies.
This will not go well.
Cross-posting goodness! Comment where you wish!