The "necessary evil" of the TSA invasive groping and naked body scanning of Americans who travel by plane is not necessary. It is not necessary because there is such a thing as profiling. Though we're told that racial profiling is against the Constitution and, therefore, prohibited, we are also shown that invasion of privacy by the government is allowed regardless of the Constitution. (Side note: Targeted criminal profiling is not the same as racial profiling.)
There also is such a thing as trained dogs. Since trained dogs can detect many dangerous items which pat downs cannot, they would do more for our safety than the scans or searches; and they would be a lot less hassle for the average American.
But Janet Napolitano thinks a humiliating invasion enforced by government onto a free people is all fine and good as she calmly relates:
"It's all about security. It's all about everyone recognising their role."
In fact, as she reflects on liberty vs security and that "Terrorists are going to continue to probe the system and try to find a way through," she is thinking of the future and of expanding the program:
"I think the tighter we get on aviation, we have to also be thinking now about going on to mass transit or to trains or maritime."
TSA Chief John Pistole believes the same thing. He told USA TODAY subways and rail cars can pose an easier target than heavily secured planes.
"Given the list of threats on subways and rails over the last six years going on seven years, we know that some terrorist groups see rail and subways as being more vulnerable because there's not the type of screening that you find in aviation. From my perspective, that is an equally important threat area."
There is also talk of a full body scan at courthouses for those people having to go there to testify, get a restraining order, or even just to pay a ticket.
"Although we have no current plans for deployment, the U.S. Marshals Service believes in the technology," said Washington-based Michael Prout, assistant director for judicial security for the U.S. marshals. "We will continue to explore the use of body scanners as a security measure for the federal judiciary."
While Pistole says that if someone doesn't want to have screening before they board a plane, they have no right to get onto a plane, what is he going to say about someone needing to get into a courthouse?
About this flaky protection racket, Ron Paul has echoed the outrage felt by many, that "If we tolerate this, there is something wrong with us." He is right. As long as we helplessly submit to this intrusion upon our freedom, we drift ever more like cattle away from the American mindset. Then what's next? Whatever it happens to be, it is certain that calculated efforts will be taken to make sure we're primed for it.
Note: Mobile backscatter x-ray scanners are already being mounted in vans and used on American streets.
"In Israel, racial profiling doesn't warrant debate," click here.
Full body scanners popping up at courthouses," click here. "However, privacy became an issue when it was learned the images were stored. The Marshals Service received a request for the information under the Freedom of Information Act, but it wasn't immediately known who made the request."
Comments
Yeah Kara I heard about this. I also heard about the backscatter machines being in vans and they go around x-raying cars and unsuspecting motorists. This just needs to stop.! Thanks for keeping us informed!
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