Best Halloween costume I've seen so far this year...

Posted By John Rambow on October 29, 2008, 1:45 PM

You have the right to decline it, and request a secondary pat down by a TSA agent if you're not comfortable with the machine. That's what you have to ask for when you're carrying marijuana or other contraband these days!

Posted By Adam on October 30, 2008, 10:03 AM

I don't see the need for a full scan. I think that
a partial scan would be sufficient. However you want the half scan to be completed, as long as you
don't violate some ones privacy.

Posted By Robert J. Fiorello on October 30, 2008, 1:02 PM

I think it is horrible. How much more are we going to put up with in the name of security? What are they looking for they can't find with a pat down or wanding? If they are looking for drugs - why are they spending national security dollars for a failed drug war?

Posted By Mary T on October 30, 2008, 2:29 PM

Its better to be subjected to a full body scan than to be subjected to a terrorist on your flight!

Posted By Rick on October 30, 2008, 2:31 PM

I could see using this if there is someone who really seems suspicious, or if they felt something during a regular 'pat down', but not for every 10th or 20th person.

Posted By Julie on October 30, 2008, 2:31 PM

No. Enough is enough. They can already paw through everything I own, no matter how personal. I grant them that right. But I'm not subjecting myself to this type of screening.

Posted By Sandi on October 30, 2008, 2:33 PM

This type of scan should only be used as a very, very last resort. Being overweight I was terribly upset looking at the pictures. I would feel totally raped if this happened to me. I want our country and everyone in it to be safe though and if this was the only way I would support it.

Posted By Cathy Bittel on October 30, 2008, 2:34 PM

I thought porn was banned is the US.

Posted By Eva on October 30, 2008, 2:36 PM

Yes, I do think it invades my personal privacy and if any airline wants my business, they will go to something else. Why should I give the airport workers something to laugh at all day when they are already stealing us blind taking our personal "disallowed" belongings.

Posted By jojo on October 30, 2008, 2:39 PM

I was recently asked to do this at Tulsa International Airpirt. I had not heard of this device until that day. I found it strange that I was one of only about 6 people going through security at the time. I found it even more strange when the 10 TSA agents (all men) were leering at me as I stepped into the booth. I think it's disgusting, personally. I wasn't aware of the graphic detail these images provide... I think it's perverted and has a high chance of being abused by TSA agents with voyeristic tendancies.

Posted By cindy on October 30, 2008, 2:39 PM

Much rather have TSA embarass me than pick up gobbets of my flesh to be identified by dna and dental records.

Posted By Jeffrey on October 30, 2008, 2:40 PM

Seriously, is this really the kind of world we want to live in?
How can the American public, and the rest of the world for that matter, sit idly by while our rights are being stripped, in this case literally, from us one-by-one? Why are we letting this happen to us? Where is this all headed? I feel the time for revolution is upon us.

Posted By Thomas on October 30, 2008, 2:40 PM

Definately violates a person's privacy...I would take the "pat down" over a full body scan....

Posted By Mary on October 30, 2008, 2:42 PM

Besides violation of privacy, this looks like x-ray photos. Are we exposed to x-ray radiation everytime we are radomly scanned?

Posted By Alfredo on October 30, 2008, 2:43 PM

I think it's creepy, but I'm more concerned about possible health-risks than about invasion of privacy. And I guess I'd rather be scanned than groped. Ewwww!

Posted By Cyn on October 30, 2008, 2:44 PM

This is scary; it's like passive aggressively asking you to strip down to your underwear. And why should some guy in front of a monitor get to see the definition of my breasts via x-ray? Just picking random people to go through these machines seems a bit... random. Either everyone's a threat or they're not. Pick one and stick to it.

Posted By Becca on October 30, 2008, 2:47 PM

If they what to see a naked body of a fat 60 year old woman be my guest. I understand that the scans are erased so have at me.

Posted By eileen on October 30, 2008, 2:48 PM

This is absolutely unnecessary and everyone in the airport should be willing to have patdowns instead of this nonsense. Ugly and typical of the unnecessary and invasive personal abuses pioneered by the Bush adminstration. Germany's reaction should be all you need to know. The tsa does what it wants and is a law unto itself. Will this continue under a new president. Dont be optomistic.

Posted By john wetherhold on October 30, 2008, 2:50 PM

I see nothing wrong with the scan.
Would you rather be a statistic due to an airline disaster because a passenger was carrying hidden explosives or an IED?

Posted By Bob on October 30, 2008, 2:51 PM

Frankly, I would be less concerned about the use of this type of body scanning if I were confident it would not be misused for the TSA officers' prurient purposes. Random scanning means they pick the people. I've made probably 500 air trips since TSA inspections were instituted and had maybe 25 other than routine encounters with TSA officers, including several where my laptop computer ended up on the floor during inspection due to the officer's carelessness. In each of these encounters the officer behaved with an arrogant, disrespectful, and thoroughly unprofessional attitude, although my demeanor was courteous. So who's to say that the officers be choosing the people they want to look at, ogling or making fun at the inspectee's expense?

Moreover, there is real evidence that the whole TSA apparatus is an expensive sham, which will catch only the most stupid terrorists. Do we really think someone determined to bring down an airplane won't find a way to miniaturize the contraband so that it will fit into a body cavity? When I see TSA officers at different airports enforcing different standards regarding the 3-1-1 rule, extremely different levels of care inspecting bags, it adds to my conclusion that the billions being spent on technology would be much better spent on professionalizing and training and effectively managing this workforce and figuring out how to protect other targets such as subway systems, where one well placed explosive could kill thousands.

Posted By Morris on October 30, 2008, 2:51 PM

It's sad that the world has come to this, but better to be safe than sorry. And I don't think a secondary pat down could be nearly as effective without being very intrusive. In my opinion it's the price we all have to pay for the privledge of flying

Posted By Rick C on October 30, 2008, 2:54 PM

Actually they have you hold your arms up, like you're being held up.
Still guys could carry thru a medium ceramic knife tucked behind the jewels.
I would refuse to go thru it too unless they have a totally passive one (body heat etc.)

Posted By masimons on October 30, 2008, 2:56 PM

That it is a violation of privacy should be clear to anyone. But isn't my having to open my bag, my laptop, my suitcase also a violation? Isn't finding a note in my suitcase informing me that it was opened without me ever being asked or informed beforehand also a violation of privacy? Yet, we now tend to take it for granted. Whether security has actually improved because of these measures I don't know. I'll never know, because the information is classified anyway. Do we have an option? Clearly not. In fact, security can strip search you if they so like. It would just take too long, so they found this way. The real question is how much they can get away with. And I think the answer is, if they can present a good excuse, they can probably get away with anything. Which sadly limits our freedom and democracy to complaining about it in fora such as this. But my keystrokes are probably recorded as I type, so maybe I should stop here.

Posted By Pana on October 30, 2008, 3:00 PM

Somehow I don't trust TSA and I don't want to be
scanned. They can poke and prode and send me thru
any number of metal detectors they want but spare
me the gory xrays!!!!

Posted By Sue on October 30, 2008, 3:05 PM

I do have to have a pat down each time I travel due to an implanted device in my spine. They have treated me like a terrorist at a couple airports. They do the pat down behind a glass window, so everyone around can watch. This is embarassing enough to have them wiping my shoes looking for "bomb residue". I totally agree that our flights should be safe, but this type of scan goes way to far.

Posted By Lisa on October 30, 2008, 3:06 PM

Ummm...yeah. I don't want ANYONE but my doctor to see my full body scan. PLUS is there unnecessary radiation involved? Is this safe for pregnant persons or women who may not even know they are pregnant? Random searches don't stand much of a chance at preventing a breach and don't make me feel better flying. I'm more worried about the old planes that aren't properly maintained than a terrorist attack.
Why don't we all just strip down naked at the airport security line? This is getting ridiculous....I understand the need for safety but I think there must be a better way.

Posted By Sara on October 30, 2008, 3:06 PM

This is a repulsive invasion of privacy. The government is going overboard in perpetuating the facade of security. Put in place procedures that actually promote our safety, instead of engaging in humiliation of US citizens.

Posted By Cathryn on October 30, 2008, 3:10 PM

"Those who are willing to give up their liberties in the name of security deserve neither." Those of you who support this device, along with the countless other invasions of privacy and rapes of our rights...keep living in fear people. I pity you and your fearful little brains.

The question you have to ask yourself is this: Is this device in the name of the War on Terror or the War on Drugs? If Terror, aren't metal detectors, wands and pat downs sufficient to detect potential weapons or bombs? If Drugs, what are you afraid of, someone lighting up a splif on your plane?

Posted By whatajoke on October 30, 2008, 3:12 PM

Call me old fashioned but I believe that these scans go way beyond decencey and "the need to know". What is the security level of the scans? Are they destroyed immediately or are they filed somewhere where they can be hacked into by any computer geek who wants to get his jollies this way. Who will be viewing the scan? Sorry, but for those of us who are no longer in our 20's and a perfect size 5, this would be humiliating. They say, clothes make the man(woman)and they certainly hide our flaws. Flight security can be assured by other effective means.

Posted By Maura on October 30, 2008, 3:12 PM

Anything that reduces the risk of a terrorist getting on board and downing the plane is fine with me

Posted By Bernard Mander on October 30, 2008, 3:13 PM

Instead of wasting time and MONEY on these machines, use the money to hire TSA employees with BRAINS, and don't let them confiscate our fluid take ons and then sell them or use them personally.

Posted By Gloria M. Wander on October 30, 2008, 3:16 PM

I think this is just another example of what we have turned to in the name of security. At the best it may catch someone hiding something in the body cavity. At the worst it opens the door for a whole host of abuses and we already know that happens with increased frequency. I think only if they are sure someone is hiding something not random checks

Posted By Steve on October 30, 2008, 3:18 PM

I'm all for any technology that offers the security required today. On the other hand...I don't remember any terrorist attacks on us using the current, non-privacy invading technology, so I'm not sure why the escalation and invasion of our privacy? If we've had zero attacks using airlines, airplanes, since 2001 how much more can we improve on that?

I sometimes wonder if it's just not an attempt to raise our comfort levels with intrusions into our lives. Prepare the psychology incrementally, intrude a bit more, until hey we're one big happy fam and our biggest brother is watching us.

Posted By Zane Safrit on October 30, 2008, 3:18 PM

Air travel has sunk to a new low. Is this even safe? Is it radiation? I'll guess I'll see how it goes in 7 days when I go out the Tulsa airport. If I have a choice, I'll now fly out of OKlahoma City to avoid this.

Posted By tracy on October 30, 2008, 3:19 PM

"Those who are willing to give up their liberties in the name of security deserve neither." Those of you who support this device, along with the countless other invasions of privacy and rapes of our rights...keep living in fear. I honestly pity you. It must be uncomfortable to be so fearful.

The question you have to ask yourself is this: Is this device in the name of the War on Terror or the War on Drugs? If Terror, aren't metal detectors, wands and pat downs sufficient to detect potential weapons or bombs? If Drugs, what are you afraid of, someone lighting up a splif on your plane?

Posted By whatajoke on October 30, 2008, 3:20 PM

Totally an invasion of privacy. I wouldn't trust the idiots who have been hired by TSA to destroy each scan after a person passes through. As as for one elderly woman with the last name of Smith who gets stopped EACH time and searched, I don't fit the profile of a terrorist now and still get hassled. One more thing to hassle me with. I won't travel by airplane unless I am absolutely forced to these days. More lost business for the airlines. I'll drive or take Amtrak.

Posted By Mary Anne on October 30, 2008, 3:23 PM

I found the pictures offensive and a definate invasion of privacy. Enough is enough!!!!!!

Posted By Debby on October 30, 2008, 3:26 PM

Somebody with a legal background tell us - what are our rights? Or is it time for someone to step up to the plate and refuse to get scanned and then get arrested to take this to federal court?

You boneheads saying "it's better to violate the civil rights of millions than to get blown to bits" are sort of missing the point with unethical and illogical reasoning. Two terrible wrongs do not make a right.

What if during the 50's we said, "it's better for a few blacks to be illegally lynched than for millions of white women to be raped?" Stupid, unethical logic, eh? Although the crime of voyeurism can't compare to the heinous crime of lynching, the stupidity in the logic is the same.

Terrorists are smarter than this. They aren't dumb - they'll use something that works, then when it gets discovered they'll move on to something else. TSA and our government are always playing catch-up and they're losing, of course.

This is nothing short of heinous.

Posted By Pipercubbie on October 30, 2008, 3:28 PM

I do not feel that this is an invasion of privacy. I would much prefer to under go a full body scan than a pat down.

Also, should it become necessary to strip naked in order to fly safely then so be it.

Just keep our skies safe.

Art

Posted By Art Spencer on October 30, 2008, 3:28 PM

Orwell on steroids!!! The Gov has gone too far!
If there is sound reason to suspect an individual to be potentially dangerous, then so be it - but NOT every so many average citizens. Whats next? Scary stuff!

Posted By Bruchea on October 30, 2008, 3:29 PM

Talk about room for abuse. It legalizes peeping toms. No thank you.

Posted By Lydia on October 30, 2008, 3:30 PM

I feel this is a bit too much. If our doctors limit the amount of diagnostic tests due to radiation accumulation, why would we subject ourselves to routine xrays at an airport? What about frequent flyers who might be scanned multiple times? It is one thing if the health is not compromised, but it is quite another if it is. Wand me all you want, but no x-rays!

Posted By Sharon on October 30, 2008, 3:31 PM

I had this recently at Tulsa, OK airport. I guess I got picked at random. Afterward, every item in my carryons was inspected - and since I only had carryon, that was a bit embarrassing. I did not enjoy the process, but the inspectors seemed professional, and I do want to be safe. However, the process made me very selfconscious, and I felt definitely on display to all the other passengers.

Posted By Ruthanna on October 30, 2008, 3:31 PM

This type of things makes one not not want to travel.
Being exposed like this is an invasion of one's rights as well as the health risks we are exposed to!
I hope other's will protest this type of exposure!

Posted By June on October 30, 2008, 3:36 PM

How is this an invasion of privacy? Let's examine the facts: 1) Flying is optional -- if you don't want to be subject to security provisions, drive or stay home. 2) The scan is optional -- you can still opt for a simple, standard pat-down. By the way, I've had the scan and appreciated the ease and speed much more than the "traditional" method.

Posted By Josh on October 30, 2008, 3:36 PM

Better than a pat-down. Probably safer than a terrorist. Who cares about a few government agents who don't care who the hell you really are. I like it. Let them leer - they'll get over it.

Posted By Charly on October 30, 2008, 3:37 PM

First, it's definitely an invasion of privacy. Second, altho I don't know the "X-ray" source, if it's ionizing radiation (e.g., X-ray), it's dangerous. Personally, if chosen for the full scan, I will opt for a pat-down!

Posted By Bobette on October 30, 2008, 3:37 PM

Regarding Bernard's comment:
"Anything that reduces the risk of a terrorist getting on board and downing the plane is fine with me"

I respect your opinion and I don't mean to single you out personally, but I have an honest question: To ensure no one is smuggling anything on board, would colorectal exams for everyone every time you fly be okay with you? This is a serious question. My point is, I assume you'd answer "No." Therefore there is a cut-off limit for you too.

The question we ought to be asking is: where is the cut-off limit for our society? For me personally, this device is miles beyond the cut-off limit. What troubles me more is that every time our society is willing to give another inch in the name of security, it's not long before The Powers That Be ask us to give yet another inch. When will enough be enough?

Posted By whatajoke on October 30, 2008, 3:37 PM

Scan baby Scan!!! Just Keep Us Safe

Posted By Ron on October 30, 2008, 3:40 PM

Art,

Since you are willing to be strip searched every time you fly, would you also be willing to undergo a full cavity search?

Just curious.

Posted By whatajoke on October 30, 2008, 3:41 PM

Invasion of privacy? You bet. Big brother is definately here and we should realize that in the name of terrorism, our privacies are invaded terribly, which is a shame to each of our elected officials. Government should TRUST american citizens, but is so so so paranoid! Unhealthy! Why so much electronic surveillance needed on phones and on the internet? And ouch on the cost of it all! We (the citizens) get to pay for these intrusions!

Posted By Phil on October 30, 2008, 3:41 PM

This type of things makes one not not want to travel.
Being exposed like this is an invasion of one's rights as well as the health risks we are exposed to!
I hope other's will protest this type of exposure!

Posted By June on October 30, 2008, 3:41 PM

I think they should go back to good old profiling, which is the basis for any decent police work. Stop scanning the 80 year old blue haired ladies and pay careful attention to the Mullah who sounds like he is ticking. Or the guy coming from Jamaica who is sweating like a pig. Leave the rest of us alone. There are clear profiling indicators which should not be overlooked in this process, even if some people think it unfair. What is unfair is that the majority of us are bothered for the few who feel singled out. If you fit the profile, you are being singled out for a reason. Assimilate or take a bus if you don't want to be picked on.

Posted By DrMarc914 on October 30, 2008, 3:41 PM

Thanks for all your comments so far.
In response to reader comments about the safety of these scanners, I want to add that the TSA and the machine manufacturers told Aviation.com that, "the amount of radiation during the scan is equal to 15 minutes of exposure to natural background radiation on a sunny day." That is significantly less than a traditional X-ray.

Posted By Blog Editor on October 30, 2008, 3:45 PM

Way too invasive. Way over the top security. At age 77, or at any age, I do not need to be the subject of nudie shots. It is a lack of decency and respect.

Posted By Eileen on October 30, 2008, 3:45 PM

This is insane and offers NOTHING for safety, preying on the fears that many of these respondents have about security. What they already do is bad enough and has never made me feel "safer". Many of the TSA agents are rude and abuse their position often (I am a Road Warrior). Giving them the right to take naked photos of passengers with a technology that undoubtedly has NOT been evaluated for safety (to the passenger) is disrepectful, perverse, obscene and totally uncalled for. The next step is for these egotistical Washington Home Security idiots to demand passengers lay down naked and run through the scanner. What a waste of tax payers dollars for the sake of pornographic intent.

Posted By john zahradnik on October 30, 2008, 3:52 PM

I remember them saying the same thing about the safety of X-raying feet at shoe stores years ago. I say, show me the data on the short and long-term effects of this absurdity.

Posted By john zahradnik on October 30, 2008, 3:54 PM

I find these x-ray images highly offensive and would refuse to be subjected to one. Without reasonable cause and a search warrant, no one should be subjected to this. What do you think the TSA slugs will do with these images during their downtime? What happens when the male TSA agents continually pull over good looking well endowed women for an xray? This is absurd.

Posted By Mike on October 30, 2008, 3:55 PM

This is brought to us by the same organization (Department of Homeland Security) whose former chief had demanded that the breasts on the statues in the Capitol be covered for the sake of modesty! I would feel a lot more comfortable going through one of the scans if every memeber of Congress went through and allowed the image to be published. (not that I'd really want to look at them.)

Posted By Irony on October 30, 2008, 3:55 PM

Ben Franklin:
"They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety."
Or to put it another way...
"They that can give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety."
"They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety."
"Those Who Sacrifice Liberty For Security Deserve Neither."
"He who would trade liberty for some temporary security, deserves neither liberty nor security."
"He who sacrifices freedom for security deserves neither."
"People willing to trade their freedom for temporary security deserve neither and will lose both."
"If we restrict liberty to attain security we will lose them both."
"Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both."
"He who gives up freedom for safety deserves neither."
"Those who would trade in their freedom for their protection deserve neither."

Posted By Sharon on October 30, 2008, 3:55 PM

"Freedom is not free."

I would rather take liberty over security.

Posted By Anna on October 30, 2008, 3:55 PM

What are you people thinking??? Who cares, and why do you care? Get the scan and get on a plane feeling a lot safer. Nobody knows or cares who you are.
The only thing as good would be profiling, and that might offend the P.C. crowd. They would rater die than offend a terrorist

Posted By gene on October 30, 2008, 3:56 PM

I also believe this goes to far I want to be safe as the next person but not that way I will always avoid airports that do this.

Posted By Tracey on October 30, 2008, 4:02 PM

Creating a country of cattle through hysteria.

I currently fear my government more than any terrorist, our rights are slowly being removed, soon we all may have nice little matching uniforms provided by big brother.

OK I'm paranoid, get over it.

Posted By Dennis on October 30, 2008, 4:02 PM

This oversteps in so many ways. If we are really serious about protesting this, one of the most effective things we can do is contact airlines and let them know they will be losing our business because of these TSA idiocies. The only thing the government listens to these days is pressure from big business.

Posted By Ally on October 30, 2008, 4:03 PM

I never cease to be amazed by how many people are short-sighted enough to willingly give up every shred of privacy and dignity for the vague sense of FEELING safer. Simply astonishing and ridiculous.

Posted By MP on October 30, 2008, 4:04 PM

gene,

The thing is, I wouldn't be getting on the plane feeling a lot safer. I'd get on the plane feeling even more violated and manipulated by the TSA. They need to spend time on things that actually WOULD make flying safer (e.g. implementing a universal bar code on boarding passes so not just any Joe can edit a pass and stick his name on it).

Posted By Ally on October 30, 2008, 4:07 PM

If another couple thousand Americans are killed by terrorists who highjack a plane, people will be screaming and yelling about how these machines were not used to prevent the attack.
Most people seem to forget that in order to fly safely we gave up our right to privacy years ago. For anyone to blame anything on Bush after 9/11 is absurd. People demanded better security. The 9/11 highjackers out of New York failed both the walk through metal detector and a hand wand scan and were still allowed to board the plane. The gate inspectors failed to do their job and people paid for it with their lives.
I would prefer inspectors who are trained to profile people who are acting out of character. The technology could then be used to scan those people. For me a random search is just to hit or miss.
As always, you have choice. If you don't like the intrusiveness, then don't fly.

Posted By Zippo on October 30, 2008, 4:10 PM

I'm an x-ray Tech and work with x-ray daily. This device gives you a false sense of security. If it looks obviously like a bomb, OK, we have you, but this will not distinguish a pack of cards from plastic explosives. Any radiation should be kept to a minimum. Radiation has very bad effects on the unborn. If you don't know you are pregnant, you are risking birth defects on your unborn child. Pat me and everyone else down.

Posted By CJ Morehead on October 30, 2008, 4:17 PM

Good afternoon. Blogger Bob here from the TSA Eos Blog. I wanted to clear some things up. These are not the images that our officers see. To read more about the technology and to see the correct images, please go here: http://www.tsa.gov/blog/2008/05/which-is-it-millimeter-wave-or.html

Thanks,

Bob
TSA EoS Blog Team

Posted By TSA Bob on October 30, 2008, 4:21 PM

I feel a full body scan should never be arbitrarily enforced on innocent flyers. If there exists a 'reasonable' suspicion, then by all means require the scan ... political correctness be damned. The stakes are simply too high for concern about 'profiling'.

Posted By Deleano Benjamin on October 30, 2008, 4:21 PM

So what? If it keeps some nut from boarding a plane with dangerous materials, it's fine with me. I will gladly undergo such a scan. It's a new world of travel, kids, get used to it.

Posted By Flyer on October 30, 2008, 4:25 PM

If it is random, what is the point? Add to the plot, "they will miss the terrorist"/put in last 30 min of budget B movie. Why am I having thoughts of never flying anywhere again? It is becoming just plain (plane) ugly. I am just old enough to remember plane travel as exciting and, well, enjoyable. You know, all those friendly skies. And don't blame it on terrorism. Airport security has been tighter for decades everywhere in the Western World except U.S. Let's face it, this type of scanning can easily trigger voyeurism and comments we would rather not hear. As I read somewhere months ago. Just fly naked. Problem solved.

Posted By Kathleen Guest on October 30, 2008, 4:27 PM

Unacceptable. This is an invasion of privacy. These comments should be sent to the TSA and the appropriate government officials. This is going to far.

Posted By Beth on October 30, 2008, 4:29 PM

This is a Total invasion of privacy as well as our personal rights. Our fear of whatever has gotten out of control. I agree with Germany and it has to come to this I would reluctantly agree to a pat down over a scan. Not to mention the fact that I don't want to discovery several years later that this IS a serious health risk and not as they want us to believe!

Posted By JerryS on October 30, 2008, 4:44 PM

Someone please give me a good reason why someone touching my body is preferable to someone ogling images of my body.

For the record, I think this technology is a bit too invasive. I think scan can be just as effective without SO much detail.

Posted By Lili on October 30, 2008, 4:46 PM

Unfortunately we will always have the threat of terrorist action against aviation, and if there is the possibility of preventing another 9/11 because of these scanners, then I am all for it. I have 2 children that I would like to come home to after my trips. I don't view this any differently than going to a Doctor's office. If people don't like the idea, then perhaps Amtrak is a better alternative.
Wendi Tremblay
(Flight Attendant for a major carrier).

Posted By Wendi Tremblay on October 30, 2008, 4:47 PM

As Americans we have become so anaestheized to having our rights and liberties chisled away at that we think full body scans are fine. Will these scans find a tumor growing in my body?? Fine. But it will not. Does anyone really terrorist will be caught this way? Most terrorists aren't stupid, they're sneaky.
Remember after 911 how the pretty and shapely young female passengers were being RANDOMLY search?Thank God I'm fat and old.

Posted By Kehaulani on October 30, 2008, 4:49 PM

I feel the same as Dr.Marc posted 10/30 at 3:31 ! Secure us all in the same way, but only scan in this manner if there is a suspicious character . . The usual suspects should use a mirror if they don't want to be singled out . .
No matter how you view it, TSA should have hired more qualified, and courteous people.

Posted By Janie on October 30, 2008, 4:52 PM

This is just another way to give the TSA agent's more power, they abuse it and humiliate passenger's you can't even sneeze the wrong way or they will make your travels a trip to remember. It's a shame what we have to submit ourselves to, all in the name of security.

Posted By Nerina on October 30, 2008, 4:52 PM

Today these scanners are random and optional (in the sense that you can opt out). But who is to say about tomorrow. One day soon these invasive scanners could be mandatory for everyone.

And who is to say they will limit them to airports. What if these scanners are put in place in all federal buildings, followed by our children's schools. would you still feel comfortable with a security guard looking at scans of your teenage daughter or son?

Posted By whatajoke on October 30, 2008, 4:53 PM

This is definately an invasion of privacy! If you refuse will you be put on the No Fly List? I realize the importance of stopping any terrorist, but this is too much. The airlines had better find something else less invasive, I've already halfed my flying time, now it will be down to only once every 2 years, so I don't have to put up with such invasion. I'm 69 yrs. old & have been already subjected to a body search, after seeing people half my age passed up. How many 69 yr. old women have you seen hijacking airlines?

Posted By Mary on October 30, 2008, 4:55 PM

If they're going to do it, they have to have female officers who do it for women and male officers who do it for men. Like the woman who said she was "leered at" by 10 male officers while stepping into the booth... it's not right.

Posted By Melime on October 30, 2008, 4:56 PM

AS SOMEONE WHO HAS DONE THE SCAN... All I can say is "Get over it." A female security member asked and I agreed to a scan less than 2 weeks after the London transit bombings - Yes, you do have the right to refuse. I also asked questions of their usage and confidentiality while being scanned. To this day, I am still satisfied with the security members' response. By the way I went through security check/verification 4 times as did all other passengers.

This year while traveling India - flying 5-8 times, I was frisked by female airport security after various bombings and unrest - No, you don't have the option to refuse. They were respectful as possible. Honestly, I'm sure I went through similar measures when entering the US after 9-11.

Drugs and individual rights - there are some valid comments. I travel a lot and have come across some unfortunate times when security has been breached. A hassle, yes, but I'd rather get to my destination than not at all.

eve
female backpacker from the west

Posted By eve on October 30, 2008, 4:57 PM

After a month or so , the agents will so be on 'overdose' of seeing nude people ,
They will ignore penthouse playmates going through .
Don't like it , but the alternatives are worse .
Welcome to 21st century planet earth .

Posted By mary on October 30, 2008, 5:06 PM

"Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety."
Benjamin Franklin
Http://www.FuerteCases.com

Posted By American on October 30, 2008, 5:08 PM

For those of you on this thread that are worried about terrorists, you need to wake up. TSA scans, as they were before the introduction of this invasive piece of equipment, was more than enough to prevent attacks. Also, do you seriously think that anyone could ever pull something like 9/11 again. By the time the first plane hit the first tower, the passengers of Flight 93 were already planning their attack against the terrorists. Now that we know what happened, I'm sure absolutely EVERYONE on the plane would beat the living tar out of anyone that tried ANYTHING on a plane.

I guarantee that if you watch this machine at work, you will see all the male TSA agents crowd around it whenever a hot woman is in line. It is a complete invasion of privacy and I can imagine it won't last long.

Posted By Michael Harden on October 30, 2008, 5:22 PM

I can understand about safety. But what about pregnant women like me? I would be worried and I plan to ask my midwife if it's really safe. I doubt it's safe because radition is bad for unborn child. The same way with seeing your dentist and you can't have x-ray exam during pregnant. I would request to pat me down instead! A few years from now the doctor will probably notice high perecnt of pregnant travlers with birth defects then we know who to blame...right?

Posted By A.H. on October 30, 2008, 5:36 PM

This is not security. This is legalized spying/porn/rape, whatever you want to call it, by Government Perverts.

You can bet this was not approved by women in charge - I can't imagine that any woman in charge would approve of something like this. EVER. And no REAL men would stand by and allow this to happen to their wives, their daughters, their mothers...or maybe you pervs would like your daughter to show her mastectomy to the world?

If someone did that to me, I could not even begin to go on the airplane, and I would think twice about ever flying anywhere again. This is SO humiliating and degrading. We women are not all built like porn stars, and even those who are don't necessarily want to be fodder for airline pervs.

Former cancer patients who have received radiation are supposed to stay out of the sun, and have no radiation that is not medically necessary. At least that is what my doctor told me after I went through 7 weeks of it for BC. So if this is radiation based, then, Happy Lawsuit!

An airport is just the start, gang. Osama's boys could be in the grocery store on a Saturday morning or the mall on a Sunday afternoon. Is that the next place this sort of thing is going to happen? If you want to eat, you gotta submit?

Posted By Legalized Rape on October 30, 2008, 5:44 PM

Just exactly what defines "natural background radiation" does it depend upon where you are standing and at which location? For example radiation exposure levels are different at each of the following locations: driving down the highway when passing a nuclear generator site, or going to a doctors appointment at any nuclear medicine department or radiology department or what about the background radiation on a sunny day being at the beach with no sunscreen? Just how many rads are given off in a "natural background"? And how health damaging can they be? They should give the public the exact figure on how much radiation is being used to produce these full body images. After all do you ever see the operator of this imaging maching standing anywhere near the unit when it is in operation? Think about that!

Posted By karen a currier on October 30, 2008, 5:48 PM

These scanners are an invasion of one's privacy and should only be used in cases of reasonable suspicion. While commenting, I recognise the need for the TSA personnel to be trained in basic manners and common courtesy. They can take example from the British and Italian who perform the same functions efficiently, carmly and with respect for the travelling public.

Posted By john on October 30, 2008, 5:51 PM

TSA, are people to, and as a matter of fact the most invasive "pat down" screening I have ever had was done by a woman (I am also a woman) in an open area of security. I swear she counted the creases in the folds of my underwire channel, and loved boosting my breasts up while doing it (this was at a major PNW international airport). While the most thorough non-physical scrutiny I have ever had, was a random bag check in the teeniest tiniest airport in rural Idaho where the TSA agent actually removed and swabbed every item in my expansive luggage, while I watched. This was also the airport I flew into and was met with national guard soldiers carrying semi-autos, after leaving a major airport where not a gun was evident after 9/11. The time and resources are obviously misdirected to places least likely to need them. This screening tech is simply more of the same...

Posted By Melissa on October 30, 2008, 5:52 PM

I understand why they put was TSA in place,"To protect us" right...
About 3 months ago I see a guy with a 4 inch knife on his hip getting ready to board a plane past the security check point??? I personally think TSA is a joke!
TSA steals from our luggage (it has personally happened to me).
They harass you about items that on their website say are O.K. to travel with.
Our government is taking away any personal rights we have one by one.
Did you know TSA can confiscate ANY electronic device that stores data for their inspection, copy said data and keep your laptop, phone, ipod until they decide they are done with it then return it and there isn't a thing you can do about it. Puts a whole new twist on corporate travel (ie. industry secrets or sensitive data are now in their hands). Who is to say they won't bring your great idea to market before you.
Now they want to invade our personal privacy and humiliate you in the name of "SECURITY"????
This has to stop NOW!!!

Posted By A.E. on October 30, 2008, 5:52 PM

yes it is a invasion of privacy, especially it one of those screeners is a pervert. and i am sure there will a lot of these screeners looking for bodies of naked women. should be stopped and now. probably chertoff the biggest one.

Posted By rick on October 30, 2008, 6:06 PM

This is tragic, that our government accepting this method to supposed secure us. Last time I was pushed
to undress, was as a child, by Nazis during WW II. Let the TSA check me by touching, but nor undressing without
my permission. I'm ftying soon and I do not know how to react. Please advise.
Julian

Posted By Julian Peiper on October 30, 2008, 6:06 PM

This is going too far and should only be used if there is some good reason to suspect someone. It really isn't hard to imagine abuse of this by TSA employees.

Posted By Bonnie Dickson on October 30, 2008, 6:07 PM

If someoneone can refuse the "scan" then those who are trying to avoid having something detected will do just that and law abiding seniors like me in the name of "safety" will be subject to this type of invasive and humiliating searching. I think this should be a "last resort" search, when there is a reason to suspect something is amiss. And, if I wish, they should allow me to wipe away my scan when they are finished if nothing is found!

Posted By Trish on October 30, 2008, 6:11 PM

Those of you who believe that these machines will stop terrorists from getting into the US are living in a dream world. These people are always one step ahead of us. They are not stupid enough to try the same thing twice. Right now we're scared of them getting on our planes but they're already thinking of the next thing to do. Something we're not thinking about. As long as we're just reacting to what they do, we'll never truly be safe no matter how many strip searches or shoe checks are done. If you're going to give up all your rights for a false sense of so called safety, you might as well move to Saudi Arabia.

Posted By RDR on October 30, 2008, 6:26 PM

Let's see how many of you nay Sayers come screaming and yelling at the Federal Government, demanding some kind of financial settlement the next time a plane with one of you loved ones goes down by an act of terrorism!

Of course you will use the argument that they (the Feds) have had this technology for years and never used it.

Meanwhile many of you fail to realize the instant you present yourself for security screening at an airport you have consented to reasonable search of yourself and property. Many of you may be the kinds that fail to fully understand what you even have packed in your bag. Such as a pocket knife, ammunition, razor blades, liquids, and the list go on and on. Innocent mistakes sure, but can a person up to no good also not claim innocent mistake in an effort to penetrate security with the hopes of causing some destruction?

Of course, not knowing what you have packed or even scaling at the idea of security, you will be kind enough to hold up everyone else behind you then claim that the current airport is the only one in the nation that requires you to remove a laptop computer from your bag, or any liquids you may be carrying. Of course it is also the only airport in the nation that will not let you take you knife or can of pop onto the plane with you as well.

So while many of you carry on and on to the TSA agent about how you travel all the time and how said airport has the worst security because they are as I would put it "Doing Their Job", I stand behind you waiting, waiting so ever patiently. Waiting for you to get your act together so I can get to the front of the queue with my properly packaged liquids out, my laptop computer out with any larger electronics and power cords neatly removed and placed next to my shoes, and yes even with the knowledge that I have nothing else in my bag that may need searched.

To be honest, I rather walk into a machine for 40 seconds, get scanned then am on my way verses spend four minutes behind you clambering to figure out your way through screening. Heck that might be 40 seconds of shear joy avoiding someone’s complying words of wisdom, and I bet I get stuck next to you on the plane. Maybe you can then continue to complain the whole time in flight.

Yes, 40 seconds might be nice, and if we are innocent Americans what do we have to hide, certainly not innocent Ted Kosinski, or Timothy McVey. Of course they took down more than just small airplanes. I have never seen an airport pat down every single person in line, and yes although it is random like the body scan, I honestly feel it is less intrusive, more accurate, and thus safer. Call me crazy, I am the kind who like to err on the side of caution. Maybe that is why I use my turn signals and wear my safety belt when I drive.

Posted By Joe on October 30, 2008, 6:31 PM

I can't say it bothers me, and it may be the only way to catch people with wrongful plans. What bothers me is the random part. Who really is that good at telling the person who should be screened. All or none seems better.Done at the same gate as the metal detection is done.

Posted By faith clark on October 30, 2008, 6:33 PM

This is disgusting and is a good illustration of the difference between genius and stupidity: genius has its limits.

Posted By MV on October 30, 2008, 6:33 PM

As an Irish Grandmother I find this search ridiculous, unless they think I'm a Northern Ireland radical. Is the TSA afraid to target obviously potentially dangerous subjects with shifty eyes and no luggage and a 1 way ticket? This procedure does NOT make me feel any safer--just potentially humiliated and one can already note the "power over you/better that you" attitude of some of them already in place--certainly not in Burlington VT, though. Yes it will inevitably lead to abuse. And if they closely examine my image they will see that they are getting the upright digital image of one finger of my hand.
FranC

Posted By FranC on October 30, 2008, 6:53 PM

This is outrageous. If it is a priority to do a full body search in some cities, why not in others. I would never allow this, and I certainly don't trust the TSA people to conduct this search. Wanding is ok, taking off shoes is ok, but leave my naked body alone. They have already seen my underwear, my trip outfits, my sleepwear, and what video I am going to watch while traveling, GIVE ME BACK MY PRIVACY and my lower prices.

Posted By Dannie on October 30, 2008, 7:05 PM

The full body scans are only a further indication that virtually all our rights have been taken away. It is just another move ahead to make us a Marxist state. I don't fly any longer because of this kind of crap from a left wing government.

FREEDOM

Posted By Steve Sanderson on October 30, 2008, 7:06 PM

It is amazing how some people at the TSA get their "jollies".

What's next? Body cavity searches?

I am very sure that everyone wants to be safe when they fly, but the line needs to be drawn somewhere.

Posted By Sharon on October 30, 2008, 7:10 PM

I'd rather be scanned than be terrorized.

And I'm sure it's possible that shields can be installed so that your scan isn't visible to the entire airport, but only to the appropriate TSA personnel.... whom I'm sure will soon be totally bored with the whole process!

Posted By P.W. on October 30, 2008, 7:12 PM

Xray the luggage, Xray the carry on luggage and packages, walk thru the metal detactor, and if there is more, then have the body scans in an enclosed area that will afford privacy. Women with a female attendent, and men with a male attendent. That should take care of the security..except that if a nut would want to blow up a plane, they will find a way to do it, and all the security in the world would not prevent it.

Posted By pete on October 30, 2008, 7:13 PM

Ridiculous! No. I do not see a need for this. Why not do a pat down. How is this any better than checking "the ole fashion way?"

Posted By Wanda Grace on October 30, 2008, 7:17 PM

Not sure about Germany but, in the US, the person doing the scanning & looking at the scan cannot see the individual. Secondly, the images are not stored in any way.

Posted By Lawrence Taylor on October 30, 2008, 7:31 PM

It does seem a lot more invasive than the way it was originally described. I suppose that it's one of the signs of the times and all the political unrest in the world. I wonder if Laura Bush or Barbara Bush would consent to the scan?

Posted By Wayne Kivi on October 30, 2008, 7:32 PM

For all that want to complain about something, this is petty. Complain about all the RADICALS in this world getting on the plane, ship or train with you, and just maybe have explosives hidden in some cavity. Had you rather have a strip and cavity search? I'll have the x-ray please.

Posted By James M. Hall on October 30, 2008, 7:36 PM

People are getting way too out of control on this. Good Lord folks, it's a moment in your life, they're just trying to keep us safe. MOVE ON or don't fly. Really, from the responses I've read, alot of you are just too easily ruffled.

Posted By DM on October 30, 2008, 7:45 PM

I travel internationally quite a bit. I do not believe that this method is any more effective than a pat down, but it certainly is more intrusive. The TSA agents do not always seem to be the most mature and sophisticated people on the planet. I do not see the need for this, and I am not made to feel one bit more secure by the process. They should bag it !

Posted By Jack on October 30, 2008, 7:50 PM

I am an airline pilot and I can tell you this is all eyewash and stage dressing. Most TSA screeners I have dealt with day in and day out are very minimally trained, of little IQ (the target hiring goal is 85 to perform monotonous and repetitive tasks) and poorly lead. Their knowledge of aviation, security and people skills is virtually zero. We are paying for what we are not getting. They are absolute morons and congenital idiots. I have seen them abuse and intimidate my passengers and threaten crewmembers. They operate outside the law. We need to clean this up and terminate a lot of the higher ups. We loose 50% a year at my airport, mostly for theft and drug violations. Call your Congressman - they answer only to Congress.

Posted By robert owens on October 30, 2008, 8:01 PM

I agree with Ben Franklin & What a joke that if we sacrifice out liberties for security we deserve (& will probably end up with) neither.

The potential for abuse with these devices is too great, especially in the face of the abuses I personally witnessed with TSA. I too, have been relieved of items that were perfectly legal as well as gotten to my destination with a contraband item that I didn't even realize was there.

Security in my opinion is in name only, & mostly to make travelers feel safer so the airlines didn't go out of business.

Any motivated Terrorist could pack an explosive "liquid", in an unassuming container, in a checked bag & trigger it with a cell phone. Think about what inconveniences & intrusions we are willing to put up with for convenience.

Posted By Lemay on October 30, 2008, 8:04 PM

The full body scan is no more an invasion of privacy than a pat down is. I have had both knees replaced and the current metal detectors indicate that what set off the alarms is at knee level. I show the card from my doctor and get pulled over to an area where my legs are patted down above and below my knees. I have never found out but wondered how deep I'd be in trouble if I slugged the TSA guy that "patted" me too far above my knees.....

I have heard of and seen women with underwire bras being wanded for what seemed like excessive amounts of time. Is that an invasion of privacy along with undo embarrassment?

Kneepayne

Posted By Kneepayne on October 30, 2008, 8:10 PM

Even a criminally inclined dropout that you wouldn't even let in your own home such as a TSA person likes to be a peeping tom or barring that, cop a feel...

Posted By David S. Schneider-Citizen on October 30, 2008, 8:16 PM

For all those willing to be scanned, perhaps there should be special flights with an added financial cost, and everyone on board be scanned.

Me, I plan on taking the cheaper flight. This is capitalism, the price of additional security should be borne by additional financial costs to those willing to pay for it, not by stealing my dignity.

Posted By Jeff Collins on October 30, 2008, 8:29 PM

Add this to all the other reasons that flying is now my least-favorite way to travel!

Posted By Mitch on October 30, 2008, 8:30 PM

It doesn't bother me at all. It is not for public viewing. The unfortunate security person that is assigned to review these all day will be bored out of their skull. No one is going to care what you look like in the scan.
I am more concerned about the X-ray characteristics of the process. We are always told not to worry about X-ray's but any amount that a person can avoid is best.

Posted By Jerry Compton on October 30, 2008, 8:32 PM

Given the amount of stuff they miss, maybe this will get their attention.

Posted By TomT on October 30, 2008, 8:32 PM

I've been subjected to this form of scan at least twice in various airports. I was vaguely aware that the scan would reveal my body, but I thought it would be the outline, or shape. After seeing these scans, and the absolute details of one's body, I will never allow it again. Pat me down like a criminal... it's only a matter of time before everyone will have to go through the experience, and I'd rather have that than allowing myself to be raped by technology while men stand there and can see my breasts... do they see the scars from surgery on my breasts too? This is a betrayal of our government, and allows under-educated, under-supervised people access to our bodies who would never have that opportunity in any other job, save as a physician. And as to the radiation, many of us use sun block religiously to avoid the harmful effects, even "just the 15 minutes of daylight" that was discussed in an earlier post. Nope, I will ask for an alternate screening from now til forever.

Posted By Marcia on October 30, 2008, 8:37 PM

I don't mind doing ANYTHING towards increased security. Get over it people, step up and do your part. Show your stuff! So what if your fat butt and big stomach are seen by security. I don't think anyone will get turned on by it!

Posted By pooky on October 30, 2008, 8:42 PM

NO way...this is too much

Posted By Billy D on October 30, 2008, 8:46 PM

I agree with the people who have quoted Franklin. I am tired of being forced to trade my liberty for what I think is a bogus sense of security to begin with. I take the train or bus, or drive myself whenever I can. Still, there are times I have to fly, and I am reminded what a nation of sheep we have become. These x-ray strips are idiotic as well as invasive. The next step will be to put electronic tracking chips into all of us. I am hoping we can somehow recover from the fear-mongering of the past 7+ years.

Posted By JTW on October 30, 2008, 9:03 PM

In September, my husband and I were going thru security in Miami. We-- as well as many other passengers-- noticed that a lot of young, attractive women were having to go thru the full-body scan machine that day. Several of us joked that "young, pretty things" must have been on a special profile list or something, because they were certainly putting these girls through the "extra security" in ridiculously large numbers. Seemed funny then-- but not now, after seeing this article

Posted By Marti on October 30, 2008, 9:03 PM

SO THEY SAY IT IS LIKE 15 MINS., BUT SOME PEOPLE LIKE ME WHO HAVE UNDERGONE RADIATION THERAPY ARE LIMITED TO HOW MUCH MORE RADIATION THEY CAN HAVE WITHIN A CERTAIN TIME SPAN OR LIFE. DUH. NOT HEALTHY & IS A VIOLATION OF PRIVACY. WANNA BET POLITICANS/JUDICIAL/ALL POLICE ETC DO NOT GET IT?

Posted By olesarge on October 30, 2008, 9:07 PM

I understand that times have changed, but I feel this is an invasion of privacy. Can anyone standing around see this scan?

Posted By Sue Hall on October 30, 2008, 9:08 PM

Who do they think they are kidding when they say none of these pictures will be saved. Just wait, some scans are going to show up on the internet.

Posted By John Murray on October 30, 2008, 9:12 PM

Passed through 3 airports recently. One took away my walking stick and had to return to front counter then was pushed in wheelchair back to go through again. Have got the cosmetics down pat but some hair clips, and one necklace sends beepers off. I do not like scans unless everyone walks through it. I have had bus stations search worse than airports. They do not seem to profile but are really picky.

Posted By M J Patton on October 30, 2008, 9:14 PM

I find the full body scan very offensive and will decline this scan. I do not want "strangers" staring at my anatomy and making "comments" about my body. This is an invasion to my privacy and is not acceptable!!!

Posted By Sherry on October 30, 2008, 9:19 PM

Let's get real!! The scan is OPTIONAL -- Flying is OPTIONAL --- Flying is not a right and remember, you can take Greyhound!!!

Posted By Ernie Catropa on October 30, 2008, 9:36 PM

I'm all ready required to have a pat-down and a wand search because of a knee replacement. I feel this is an invasion of my privacy. I feel that the government and the TSA have over stepped what they feel is their authority.

Posted By Mariane Reed on October 30, 2008, 9:37 PM

If i walked down the street with that much of my body visible, i would be arrested. They have gone way too far.

Posted By kate on October 30, 2008, 9:38 PM

GET WITH IT PEOPLE. THIS IS THE NEW DEFENSE AGAINST TERRORISM IF YOU DON' LIKE IT OR YOU THINK IT IS AN INVASION OF YOUR PRECIOUS PRIVACY THEN DON'T FLY. DO YOU THE PEOPLE WHO TAKE THESE SCANS REALLY THINK OR CARE ABOUT YOUR SCANS. IF THIS WAS TRUE THEN YOU BETTER START TO QUESTION EVERY HOSPITAL WHO HAS X RAY'S OF YOUR PRIVATE PARTS. SOME OF YOU PEOPLE ARE RIDICULOUS.

Posted By J FLEMING on October 30, 2008, 9:57 PM

I really think that people have forgotten the reasoning for doing all these checks and scans. Are we all forgetting 911, and the damage caused by not being cautious. I have never been scaned, and would welcome it for the safety of all. Until there are wrong doers caught doing evil with the equipment and using it inapropriately, lets give the system a go! In my view, these are XRays, which I believe are outlines and images, and not colored photos. My concern would be that they are destroyed the minute you walk from the booth.

Posted By Art Nadeau on October 30, 2008, 10:00 PM

Scan or no scan, the bottom line is the TSA is spending way more money than it needs to for technology, when they need to concentrate more on training the security employees. The 3-1-1 rule is so inconsistent at every airport it drives me crazy. It's the erratic behavior by the TSA employees that is going to be the ultimate cause of another tragedy. I don't mind following any rules set in place, but good grief keep them consistent. I do not like the scan, but how can I stop that from happening? Travel is a luxury that I do not want to give up so my hands are tied for now.

Posted By Laura on October 30, 2008, 10:04 PM

A little fact checking would show these are not he true images. See TSA's Privacy Impact Assessment on their website
.
http://www.dhs.gov/xinfoshare/publications/editorial_0511.shtm#1

See TSA Whole body imaging.

Posted By Tom Ruckman on October 30, 2008, 10:05 PM

Just don't fly, stop your crying, scanning is coming to your airport soon, like it or NOT, if you don't want to be subjected to any procedures JUST DON'T FLY.

Posted By Flyboyaviator on October 30, 2008, 10:11 PM

I would feel totally violated if this happened to me. What has happened to our freedom? Land of the laws..

Posted By Amanda on October 30, 2008, 10:14 PM

Stripped of your constitutional rights, stripped of any say over how Paulson and the banks spend your tax payer dollars (70 billion on bonuses, buying other banks and paying dividends to the undeserving) based on their blatant lies and now stripped of your clothes and ogled by voyeurs. Just like the IRS played with the tax returns of the rich and famous you know for a certainty that nude photos of citizens and particularly the famous ones going through airport security will be shared up and down the government corridors. The United States of the Stripped.

Who do you fear most? Bush and Cheeney and their political appointees at the White House TSA, Treasury, DOD, CIA, NSA, etc? Or maybe you buy into the fear cult of those who care not for your rights and want to promulgate government control over you and your being.

Posted By cyberman on October 30, 2008, 10:18 PM

This is to much. My girlfriend just went home to Guatemela and she mentioned she had to do this in FL. I can't wait to be the one to show her these photos. Seriously, if someone wants to swallow some "foreign object" and hope they feel normal after....so be it. I hear it's extremely hard on the body to have a "foreign" object inside us. These are all chances we take when traveling by either foot, automobile, train, airplane....life is full of surprises! (check to see if the person is in the bathroom for to long and then start to be concerned) otherwise the little TSA idiots should not have access to use these machines.

Invasion of the Body Snatchers...

On a normal note...I want to go somewhere with white sandy beaches, warm weather, crystal blue water, all inclusive, and cheap! Any suggstions? I keep seeing rain in the Bahamas and Dominican Republic...thoughts and your help would be greatly appreciated!

Posted By Kelly on October 30, 2008, 10:31 PM

WOW, how cool is this..! This is proof airlines are trying to protect their passengers. Mandates are like cartoons.I have several Pen-is piercings and two pen-is ring which might be considered weapons? As an Ex COP, I carry weapons on me now matter where I go.Not illegal either. Not guns or bombs....get real. Just every day items people wear daily. But this, this really *isses me off..!!!! I HOPE oh how I hope that a bundle of money fell on my lap. As I've always said and DONE, whatever I win, half or more goes to charities, etc, but the rest if there was enough would go to buy a ticket and if I was put through this thing, I'd have a ball. I can get out of clothes rather quickly and believe me, I'd strip, bend over ask for a flash light so they could stick their cranium into the tube and search for a wrecked, um, to see if they could find anything!!! Of course, my pen-is and test icles would be wrapped in aluminum to prevent the possibility of radiation "limpness". Oh yes of course I would have a piece of string up the crack of my glutes, like a bikini so I would not be arrested for wearinf a birth day suite. If this article is correct info and is a new procedure, I pray your not behind me, if so, I'll be the almost clothless dude :)

Posted By Dave on October 30, 2008, 11:01 PM

Hopefully the next administration will get rid of Michael Chertoff and the influence of the "Rudy Giuliani" mindset towards Homeland Insecurity.

With the lax vetting of airport personnel who can go anywhere with their photo id badge, a potential terrorist can have their weapon of choice pre-secreted in place and pass through the virtual strip search undetected.

I'd bet not one of the nineteen 911-hijackers could have boarded an El Al flight. Do it like El Al does it: Hire young, enthusiastic, well-paid people who are trained to spot miscreants using pyschological profiling as well as baggage screening devices.

Oh heck, I just forgot-- that would violate civil rights more than the virtual strip search.

Posted By Rick on October 30, 2008, 11:09 PM

I have always kind of thought that the only people who would object to the security measures would be guilty people, but this crosses a line that feels kind of creepy, kind of like peeping Toms in the TSA. If they use it on someone who is actually suspicious, I can see the value of it, but this rediculous random selection they have, because they worry about profiling, is excessive.

Posted By Lois on October 30, 2008, 11:27 PM

Tom Ruckman,
Thanks for posting the link to the TSA's privacy policy regarding its tests of the machines. The TSA currently allows passengers to receive a normal pat down instead of undergoing a scanning. Different machines are being tested. One type of process under consideration is millimeter wave image technology, which is what produced the images shown--those images are from machines being considered by the Germans and come from a German magazine, as was stated in the blog post. Yet that privacy document, on page 4, (http://www.dhs.gov/xinfoshare/publications/editorial_0511.shtm#1) shows an example of a millimeter wave image that's just as revealing as the one we show in the blog post, so I think that the images are a fair representation of what the scans are like.

A few of our commenters claim that TSA officials were sniggering at them as they looked at the image, but TSA's privacy document suggests this could not possibly have happened. The TSA's rule is that the officer "who views the image will be located remotely from the individual being
screened so the [officer] will not be able to see the actual individual." Officers do not show the scans to anyone and the scans are not recorded and are not kept up on a screen for any length of time. The purpose of the scan is to identify a place for additional search measures. Scans are not kept in files or databases, according to the report.
--Sean
Blog editor

Posted By Blog Editor on October 30, 2008, 11:36 PM

This is absolutely crazy!! And, I will NEVER consent to this. They're going to have to pat me down, while I'm complaining the entire time. This is ridiculous!! And, Flyboy, who said we can stop flying...yea...that's exactly what the domestic aviation industry needs, is for people to stop flying...that way, you can endure another pay cut, etc.

Posted By SoEffingTired on October 31, 2008, 12:08 AM

I agree with the people who have quoted Franklin. I am tired of being forced to trade my liberty for what I think is a bogus sense of security to begin with. I take the train or bus, or drive myself whenever I can. Still, there are times I have to fly, and I am reminded what a nation of sheep we have become. These x-ray strips are idiotic as well as invasive. The next step will be to put electronic tracking chips into all of us. I am hoping we can somehow recover from the fear-mongering of the past 7+ years.

Posted By JTW on October 31, 2008, 12:45 AM

disgusting, a definite invasion of privacy and another example of the Bush administrations efforts to control the populace under the guise of "security"

Posted By rod roberts on October 31, 2008, 1:33 AM

This is absolute craziness. Anyone who thinks this is acceptable needs to explain it to my 88 year old mother who wasn't even comfortable having her HUSBAND looking at her naked body! The terrorists are not stupid and will not be thwarted by this bad theatre. We should be ashamed of ourselves!

Posted By Mickey and Sarah Martin McConnell on October 31, 2008, 2:06 AM

Last time I came through SFO security, one TSA gal
wanted to take my only carry on out of sight to search it since it had a laptop..Personal papers, extra funds, some jewelry, etc. were in there too,so I asked to witness her search, after all, do they go
through 2 months of intensive screening such as police applicants, to have a job
that invades personal items more than police can do
without a warrant and then only if two are present?
They reluctently let me watch, which shows low character personality. I can stand the scan, but there are other privacy issues to address.

Posted By vick on October 31, 2008, 2:58 AM

WHAT'S THE BIG DEAL?? REFUSE THE SCAN AND TAKE THE PAT DOWN. DUH !

Posted By GERALD RICH on October 31, 2008, 3:30 AM

I dont think anyone has mentioned that there could also be health hazards related to these scans aside from the fact that they are ridiculous and intrusive.

Posted By Robin kyle on October 31, 2008, 3:36 AM

I have to agree with both Morris and Mary T. There is too much money being spent on security measures that are not even effective or consistent. Terrorism is occurring at multiple levels and all around the world, probably in your own neighborhood by people you consider "normal". For all the people living in fear and justifying drastic means of control as purported security measures, learn to live without fear for life can end at any moment, or end as you know it, for any truly random reason. Yes we want to be careful, but we also want to be SMART and humane.

Posted By Beyond Dualism on October 31, 2008, 3:44 AM

I went through this scanner in Schipol airport in Amsterdam on my way to Nairobi this year. It went so fast that I didn't even have time to think much about it. It made the security screening process go very quickly. I have been through many "pat downs" in international airports that I thought I deserved an engagement ring afterwards. I much prefer the scanner.

Posted By D. Duncan on October 31, 2008, 3:45 AM

As we surrender ever more privacy to Uncle Sam, I'd like info on how effective the airport snooping really is. We're never told how many authentic plots are being intercepted. Is it because there are a) several a week, which would terrify passengers if they knew about it; or b) maybe 1 every 2 or 3 years?

Posted By beachcomberT on October 31, 2008, 7:06 AM

This is another indicator that the terrorists won. The sole purpose of the use of terror is to make someone modify their behavior, often to one that makes the victim even more vulnerable.

The new cabinet position, the TSA and all the new employees of the largest employer in the country (the Department of Homeland Security) will still not stop someone bent on doing harm, it will just make them become more creative, and more horrific.

None of this is worth it; Chartoff and Co. should be disbanded and the monies redistributed to developing good intelligence assets - HUMINT or human intelligence assets; centralized and shared collection efforts are the one good thing the government did.

We should be more like the Israelis; make every citizen a front line soldier and tell the terrorists if you strike at one, you strike at all. Come at us and we will hunt you down, and find you, and destroy you, your mother, your brother, your spouse and oh, yeah, your kids, too. Basically, hit us and forget your "raison d'etre," because we will elimnate it. The only way to avoid being vulnerable is to be a hard target, and the only way beat them is to make them pay enough so that the thought of reprisal dissuades them from the attempt because they know we have the fortitude to back resolve up with force, but that is coming from someone who has prepared to wage that kind of war. Most of those blogging here are civilians who don't think that way, and may not have the stomache for it, because they know little of low intensity conflict, internal defense, counter-terrorism, and terrorism counteraction. To paraphrase Sean Connery's character in "The Untouchables," you must determine what cost you are willing to pay.

The full body X-ray is repugnant and it still won't stop someone who is creative and truly wants to do us harm. It is not worth the cost, in terms of money, civil liberties and personal privacy.

Sharon, you appropriately quote one of my favorite founding fathers.

whatajoke, your query to Art is appropriate, I have been strip searched getting on an airplane and the body cavity search could have happened. It occurred when I got on an internal flight in the Philippines during martial law (and not enough magnetameters) under Marcos; it wasn't fun, but then they also sent out a cordon of soldier to surround the plane when we disembarked and embarked, too.

Kind makes you think where this could all go.

Posted By Greg on October 31, 2008, 7:17 AM

Unfortunately it's a necessity of times,would you rather have someone smuggle illegal stuff into your country, it's not only about drugs it's about something more dangerous.

Posted By Zijuzijazijana on October 31, 2008, 7:20 AM

Yes, it is an invasion of privacy. Yes, some TSA employees will get their jolly's off from this machine...but, I don't care. If it makes us safer?

Posted By stlydr on October 31, 2008, 7:56 AM

Another attempt by the government to denude the
individual and provide full power of the government
over the individual.
a) There is no evidence that other procedures
are not effective.
b) The fact that the TSA agents see the person
before the scan is intolerable.
c) The attempt is to scare you so much that
you will concede all rights so that you can
be protected (with no guarantee that the
power will not be abused by the authorities)
You are more likely to die from pollution,
an auto accident, a medical error, or
aspirin. Total protection is impossible
but government control isn't.

Posted By Sheldon Levy on October 31, 2008, 8:11 AM

No one ever informed me that this was an x-ray scan at the airport. What is the risk for pregnant women?

Posted By Chris on October 31, 2008, 8:16 AM

I feel the full body scan is a total invasion of privacy! It's creepy and this country should never allow this to be done.

Posted By Maureen on October 31, 2008, 9:01 AM

Thought you should know and inform your readers that the images you are displaying are not what TSA uses in its whole body imaging programs. TSA's Privacy Impact Assessment on the program can be found at the following link and addressess many of the concerns raised as well as showing what an actual image looks like. Importantly, we've designed the program not to retain any image created and to prevent the TSO looking at the image from being able to see the individual being screened.
http://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/privacy/privacy_pia_tsa_wbi.pdf
The TSA website also contains information on this and other programs your readers might be interested in.
http://www.tsa.gov/approach/tech/body_imaging.shtm

Posted By TSAprivacy on October 31, 2008, 9:11 AM

I looked at the images and found them terrible. I would rather not fly than to have to go through that. What are the health risks associated with this technology? What if you have surgically implanted devices like a pacemaker. Or being treated for Thyroid condition. What about an unborn fetus? I think if you are picked at random you should have the option to request a pat down instead.

Posted By Arnicia on October 31, 2008, 10:07 AM

There is NO question this is an invasion of (y)our privacy.

What is the probable cause, the pretext for the stop, the scan - am I suspect? What evidence exists that I committed a crime? Is everyone a suspect?

Should I be scanned b/c I choose to exercise my right to travel in my "private vehicle" or while walking in the street?

Obviously, THE UNITED STATES is a POLICE STATE, as EVERYONE is treated like CRIMINALS.

When in jail, in order to communicate with the outside world - one must use a CELLPHONE.

Many people use CELLPHONES on a everyday basis!

When the American people allow ATTORNEYS to control the law & banksters to control money - ALL IS DOOMED, as We the People have allowed our voices to be silenced!

The CORPORATE DEFACTO GOVT. is NOT BOUND by law, as it is evil & operated by wicked evildoers, USURPERS, et.al.

Posted By Katman on October 31, 2008, 11:45 AM

Aaron Russo on the airlines: "Let them go broke", also, "Refuse the I.D. chip".

Posted By David S. Schneider-Citizen on October 31, 2008, 1:28 PM

Scan me, please! People need to quit bitchin about it and move on. Its not a violation of essential liberty to be scanned. It is a violation for me to get blown up in the air or at the airport. Keeping this country free and not living in fear is reason enough to allow it, unless you want profiling. This avoids profiling and deters other forms of contraban smuggling. I welcome it and think airlines would be irresponsible for not using it ASAP.

Posted By KC on October 31, 2008, 1:37 PM

These scanners have just one purpose: To remind us daily that we are to be afraid, to be very afraid. So that this administration can take more and more of our liberties away from us without us.

I believe, scanning is more than an invasion of privacy, it is an invasion of our liberty. The majority of airports don't even have this ability. Yet, we are all dumped in a central locations to change flights and air planes without ever going through more security. So please explain how having a random choice of airports using random samples of people scanned can in any way stop a terrorist. You have listed the airports which use these scanners. A half literate terrorist would know which airport NOT to use. These scanners are only for those people who are not terrorists, citizens who are to be systematically intimidated and "frightened."

IF EVERYONE APPROACHED TO USE A SCANNER REFUSES, THE SCANNERS WOULD BECOME JUST EXPENSIVE PIECES OF SCULPTURE AT EACH AND EVERY AIRPORT THEY ARE IN. AND NO OTHER AIRPORT WOULD BOTHER TO HAVE THEM. PLEASE STAND TOGETHER IN REFUSING.

Posted By Karen on October 31, 2008, 1:58 PM

Pro Strip Scan? Big Brother LOVES YOU! They don't typically give back Civil Liberties, you know. Does all this crap makes us safer? If a person wanted to make us safer, he might consider standing against an unjust government that LIED to us about the need for an UNJUST war. The allies we used to have, not to mention the fence-sitters became much more open to the meanies who really ARE out to get us. And do you know what that does for Big Brother? It makes him and His brothers very very rich, while squeezing the blood out of the America Turnips... Make sure to vote for more of that next week. Step right up! Your civil liberties can happily be surrendered...don't you feel better knowing how much safer you are?

Maybe we should get these machines added to our voting booths...

Posted By rEvolution on October 31, 2008, 2:23 PM

I agree with the comment regarding refusing to submit - if a large - not all - number of people refused - or even stopped taking airplane travel - this BS would cease. As many pointed out, this whole program is run by a government which, for now, would probably force everyone to salute with their right arm towards DC (if they could) in the name of anti-terrorism.

Posted By MrBear on October 31, 2008, 3:22 PM

You know, the privacy issue is not the interesting issue to me here, I could care less if TSA officials see my love handles. But I do inherently distrust the safety of the machine itself, as what is and is not safe is best not left to any of these official agencies to determine. Why not put all of this money into proper training of Security personnel instead, as well as properly synchronizing FBI/CIA and other datebases for recognizing the name of a future Mohammed Ata!

My husband has repeatedly gone through security with a kind of boxcutter (really, it's an oversight!) on his person or in his bag, so I just hope that all of the sturm and drang on the way to one's flight is a kind of deterent, as there was no real attention paid to Security before 9/11, more's the pity!

Posted By Qwendy on October 31, 2008, 3:53 PM

I did check out the TSA web site and am not at all reassured. Such an invasion of privacy is not warranted. And the scans can be kept (that function is just currently disabled) and the protections insuring anonymity can also be disabled.

A "feeling of safety" is not the issue. The scans won't increase the safety as they cannot determine the differences between innocuous items and plastic explosives. The scans are just a further erosion of our rights.

Posted By Maggie on October 31, 2008, 5:31 PM

I don't want to be xrayed and I don't want to be patted down. Both are intrusions on my privacy (like the rest of the nonsense they're doing with our belongings). Flying is NOT a privilege. I have a right to board a public conveyance and move about in the world as long as I'm not harming anyone else. Why are people willing to put up with this, but shriek about "rights" when someone says to stop patting down elderly women and start profiling? When was the last time a 70yo caucasian female was alleged to be a terroist? But they get stopped all the time. I think the comment about synchronizing FBI/CIA databases was interesting. I've been reading a book about the founding and development of Google. If you want someone to gather and correlate data - I'd go with them before TSA.

Posted By Sande on October 31, 2008, 5:59 PM

I think this is better then crashing into a building. However I do think TSA people should make sure the scanned pictures are not copied on send elsewhere.

Posted By Gary on October 31, 2008, 6:40 PM

Here is a question that NO ONE seems to be asking...
If, "The officer is unable to print, export, store or transmit the image" is true;
THEN WHERE ARE THESE IMAGES POSTED HERE COMING FROM?

Posted By Julian Philips on October 31, 2008, 6:58 PM

Ask yourself this...
First, how many terroristic activities occurred on ANY U.S. airline since 09/11/2001?
None
Second, how many terroristic activities occurred in ANY other country’s airlines since 09/11/2001?
None
Third, how many terroristic activities occurred on ANY U.S. airport that does not have these machines?
None
Like any other criminal, terrorists will not strike where the government is looking, they will strike where the government is not; trains, cruise ships, tanker trucks, etc.
These machines are a multi-billion dollar wubby; useless and unnecessary.

Posted By Chris Casey on October 31, 2008, 7:20 PM

yes, great you perverts, want to scan my body, only after you agree to a cavity check in the public airport, and then see how your outlook will change, these security people are usually rent a freaks anyway, and now they will just get better opportunity's and get PAID for being perverted freaks, NO THANKS, then forget those airports.

Posted By tonya on October 31, 2008, 8:25 PM

Absolute power corrupts absolutely. where is the checks and balances regarding this gov. agency?

Also, the images maybe erased from the computer, but what about camera phones. It would be easy enough to snap a pic of the screen to share with the boys over coffee.

As for tech. that can and should be used, how about the camera that photographs the person who picks up the boarding pass and transmits it to the gate so the same person is the one boarding (used by Ryan air). Or bar codes or just common sense. I agree with the person who said that a warrant should be needed for this kind of scan.

Posted By K.Hahn on October 31, 2008, 10:37 PM

This is getting ridiculous. We should all refuse to be a peep show for the minimally educated, low paid TSA employees. How many times have government officials, etc., told us one thing only to find out later that it was untrue? I, personally do not want to be exposed to X-rays, etc, unnecessarily, as this really is, no matter how innocuous, ( not sure of spelling right now) those in charge may want us to believe. I also don't want my many body flaws viewed by anyone other than my doctor!

Posted By Robin on October 31, 2008, 11:17 PM

I think every passenger should be required to fly naked, and when you board the aircraft, the flight attendants should issue you a stun gun, to be turned in of course like your headset at the end of the flight. Of course the naked terrorist would also have a stun gun, but he would be more than out gunned! Besides, what self respecting terrorist is going to want to jump up and expose his short comings? He might be laughed off the plane, if he wasn't stunned because of the experience.

Posted By Roy on October 31, 2008, 11:35 PM

You all are worried about this while the East Coast and West Coast of our country are trying to empower a terrorist fellow-traveler to rule our nation? That, plus the fact that you are ready to go to battle over "political correctness"... You're worrying about mice while the jackasses are trampling all over you.
Where are your priorities?

Posted By Nav1 on November 1, 2008, 12:20 AM

If you want to keep a terrorist from blowing up your plane, start by scanning the cargo. All the cargo.

Posted By dave on November 1, 2008, 4:56 AM

1. If you want to be treated like a suspected criminal, that's what you will be treated as. I refuse that, so I no longer fly.
2. If you trust our USA government to protect our liberties, you are either willingly ignorant or horribly uninformed:

Posted By An American Citizen on November 1, 2008, 12:36 PM

I do not like it either. I find it disgusting.
I agree that all the cargo should be scanned.

If we are so worried about terrorists then maybe we should patrol more of the open borders and remove illegal immigrants.

Posted By Alice on November 1, 2008, 6:51 PM

Blog Editor: Officers do not show the scans to anyone and the scans are not recorded and are not kept up on a screen for any length of time. The purpose of the scan is to identify a place for additional search measures. Scans are not kept in files or databases, according to the report.

And you have proof of this? Where? You believe something they *tell* you?

I got some land I'd like to sell ya....

Posted By Legalized Rape on November 1, 2008, 9:13 PM

Just what we need, a government sponsored peep show with a side of radiation, in addition with the probability of some low-life TSA agent snapping photos with their cell phone. Pin a badge on an idiot and all you have is a badged idiot working for the unwilling U.S. taxpayer. Really makes you want to trust your government who also listens in on your telephone conversations and turns loose CARNIVOR on your computer... sleep well my friends, your in good hands. Support your local congressman.

Posted By lance frasier on November 3, 2008, 9:01 AM

Why don't they have us strip naked and run through the airport like it's a death camp?

I went to the TSA website like Blogger Bob suggested, but I don't see much of a difference. Do the screeners really need to know what kind of underwear I'm wearing?

The TSA claims that the example in this story is what the technology is capable of. What stops them from ramping up there machines in a month or two?

Posted By I thought this was a country with individual rights!?!? on November 3, 2008, 9:33 AM

I'm not a modest person but this is just going too far. Considering that the TSA and baggage personnel are already rifling thorough (and in my case pilfering from) our luggage this would just be one more insult to the traveling public.

Perhaps they could use this in place of strip searching when they feel that a strip search is necessary but I say an emphatic "NO" for the use of this device on the general public.

Posted By Jennifer on November 3, 2008, 11:28 AM

Just another reason we fly less and less. These pereverts think a full body scan is ok but they are not allowed to profile for obvious potential problems? Bunch of sick Libs, with screwed up priorities.

Posted By Nick on November 3, 2008, 1:09 PM

It is an unacceptable invasion of personal privacy and must not be used in any general context. No government or any other entity should have the right to use it, period. If an individual is deemed by trained and competent TSA officials to be of such compelling suspicion, then plenty of other practices are available. A ladder of escalating procedures, based on reasonable justification,will protect the rights of all whose right should be protected. This one must be excluded.

Posted By jack on November 3, 2008, 1:12 PM

Yea, Pete! (on Oct 30 @ 7:13pm)

Why have it if one has the right to refuse it? What was wrong with the other methods previously used, especially since things still slip through the cracks? What are the standards used to select travelers "randomly" for scanning?

For once, a good reason to be old and fat - they will get what they deserve when they ogle me in a scanner (months of therapy, at the least!)
To those who object (albeit rightly) to the amount of radiation, get a dr's excuse and carry it with you.

Ernie (Oct 30 @ 9:36pm) - can't take a Greyhound to Spain.
Roy (Oct 31 @ 11:35pm) - I LOVE IT! It's the perfect answer. Only, I am going in January and leaving from Minnesota - can I at least wear a trench coat?
Oh yeah, bloggers, please do a grammar/spellcheck before sending a comment - they are so difficult and confusing to read.

Posted By intrigued by these comments on November 3, 2008, 2:28 PM

This is going too far. So many times I've seen extensive pat-downs and other alleged "security measures" pulled on obviously non-threatening fliers including senior citizens and obvious US citizens, while Middle Easterners go through with out a glance.
As the police say, "If you want to catch drunk drivers, sit outside of a bar." If you want to catch terrorists, stop people who LOOK like terrorists.

We've stopped flying as much as possible.

Posted By Jimmy P. on November 3, 2008, 2:43 PM

Comment on this comment from the Bob of the TSA Eos Blog: "Good afternoon. Blogger Bob here from the TSA Eos Blog. I wanted to clear some things up. These are not the images that our officers see. To read more about the technology and to see the correct images, please go here: http://www.tsa.gov/blog/2008/05/which-is-it-millimeter-wave-or.html

After being lied to and lied to by our government, is anyone ready to believe the above?

Posted By Jimmy P. on November 3, 2008, 2:54 PM

Former East Berlin, Russia, now add the United States to the roster. Our freedoms are eroding every day. This is an outrage. Safety be dammed. I can't believe that this is necessary. Also as an X-Ray tech I do not need another unnecessary dose of radiation.

Posted By Kelly on November 3, 2008, 3:19 PM

I blame Oliver Stone for putting this paranoia against govt in people's heads. The 1% of folks who read this constant paranoia about everything the govt does must laugh as much as I do while enjoying not being attacked since 2001. You folks need to get out in the world more. The truth is that anyone who wants to see naked folks live or on tv or on the web in America has no problem. Naked is the least of the things they can see. As for that guy worrying about his 10 year old daughter or niece, grow up. Everyone doesn't have the same perverted thoughts you apparently do. You're free to request a pat down if your body on a screen disturbs you. It would probably disturb the screeners too even thru the filters. As an American I don't want to be represented by the bloggers on this site who think everyone else is a pervert. Grow Up and enjoy your real freedoms and stop whining about the efforts of people whose job it is to keep you free.

Posted By tazz tassone on November 3, 2008, 5:14 PM

Just what are the specs on backscatter? What's the entrance skin exposure? If I fly 5 times a year, how many R will I be exposed to?

And, how much exposure will the TSA agent get?

Posted By Dillon Pyron on November 3, 2008, 5:59 PM

These scans should be required of every single passenger. Imagine all the terrorists and smugglers who would be revealed. If you embarassed to submit to a security scan, then stay home. Do NOT confuse nudity with sexuality. This is not about sex, it is about security. I think every passenger should have the right to request a TSA agent of their choice of gender . Let's grow up, not blow up!

Posted By ronny on November 3, 2008, 6:28 PM

I am less afraid of the "radiation" coming from the TSA's machine than I am of the radiation coming from an atomic attack by an Arab country!
So, to the TSA, SCAN ON! Remember, people, we have the ARAB MUSLIMS to thank for this!!! I prefer to have a small amount of radiation VS. flying headlong into a skyscraper!

Posted By Pat Butler on November 3, 2008, 7:04 PM

Better a full body scan to keep you safe and alive than an autopsy after the plane is crashed by a terrorist.

Posted By Don on November 3, 2008, 11:14 PM

This is addressed to all the Bloggers who subscribe to the "we have give up Liberty to be safe" idea. No matter how much Liberty you give up, you will NEVER have "security". To think you can indicates you are afflicted with Cognitive Dissonance.

Posted By Sage on November 4, 2008, 11:55 AM

This is ridiculous. If there is really such a concern for safety on the plane then this system should be implemented at the front door of every airport, testing anyone trying to get anywhere near a plane- including a scan of all employee personnel.
Of course that will never happen. This isnt really about terrorists,is it?

Posted By concerned citizen on November 4, 2008, 2:03 PM

I always look at traveling through an airport as a choice and if I have nothing to hide than whatever. I can always take a train or drive or bus it. If someone got through security with something that was potentially dangerous who would the first ones to be blamed? Security.

Posted By yourchoice on November 5, 2008, 10:27 AM

If this is the worst thing that ever happens to me while flying commercial, I will consider myself lucky! When they start doing this to me when I fly my own airplane, then I will be up in arms.

Posted By Don Lovett on November 6, 2008, 9:44 AM

My concern is radiation exposure, not till a completely independent organization measures the radiation generated by this device would I submit to this search. Safety first.

Posted By Walt on November 6, 2008, 2:19 PM

I think everyone should have to be scanned like this. Get over it. I can see a better outline of your breasts by just looking at them. You would really rather have someone run his hands up and down your legs inside and out. After 10 years in law enforcement, I'll let you know that you should feel violated if a patdown is done correctly. They don't want to do patdowns either. But the first rule of hiding something is put it where someone doesn't want to look.

Posted By Corey on November 8, 2008, 11:30 AM

The TSA argues its case by saying the screening system does not keep or store images of the people it scans, but this is insufficient reassurance. What's to stop a TSA agent from taking pictures with his cellphone of the image? Recently it was reported NSA employees amuse themselves by eavesdropping on racy phonecalls. Whose to say a bored TSA agent wouldn't take photos à la Abu Ghraib?

Also, if this system is so great at scanning and detecting weapons, then is there still a need to deny the American traveler the right to fly anonymously? If you know I have no weapons and am no threat to the flight, what need then do you have to track my travels? Where I go is really none of the government's business.

Posted By TN on November 9, 2008, 6:17 PM

It looks like a great way to screen for contraband and weapons or bomb material. yes it may seem a bit revealing, but that is a very small price to pay for the added security. if these searches eliminated one airplane that avoided getting bllsted from the sky, it would vastly outweigh the inconvenience of 1,000,000s of screenings.

Think of the deterrence factor as well as the seizure factor. The screening and the knowledge that a passenger might be screened will deter a lot of smuggling as well as possible disaster.

Posted By Eric on November 10, 2008, 2:10 AM

I'd rather be scanned than patted down. From a security point of view it's quicker, more reliable and arguably less intrusive.

Posted By Brad2 on November 12, 2008, 9:08 AM

Has anyone considered what this really is -- a chance for another manufacturer to make LOTS of money by designing a new "safety" gadget. Welcome to capitalism!

Posted By Carol on November 12, 2008, 1:34 PM

I would hope that those of you who say that you would do anything to make the skies safer would be the ones to stay home. I do not want anyone trying to give up my rights. This government has ruled for 8 years based on fear-mongering and lies.

Let's get this straight. Does anyone believe after 9/11 that any plane full of people would allow a few or even several men to take over the cockpit of a plane with a couple of 4 inch knives and some box cutters (all of which,coincidentally, WERE LEGAL pre-9/11)? The rest of the plane would immediately overtake the terrorists.

The real threat to air travel is explosives in cargo. This scan does absolutely nothing to detect explosives and TSA still doesn't scan all cargo on passenger aircraft. Did any of you I'll-give-up-my-rights-where-do-I-sign-up-types know that?

TSA is the illusion of security. It was intended to keep American air travel in business. Nothing more. TSOs can't be trusted not to steal your stuff. You're going to trust them with images of your naked bodies? I am no conspiracy theorist. This is human nature. We need to go back to what screening was before 9/11. X-ray the bags for weapons and when TSA finally gets to the equipment already in Japan, screen for explosives.

Posted By JL on November 13, 2008, 12:24 AM

Here we go again, creatig the news instead of accurately reporting it. You posted an article on TSA scan machines which was factually incorrect. The images shown on your cover do not reflect the TSA scan images and you know it. You are stirring the pot and in the process chipping away at democracy. You are laeding people in the wrong direction on purpose -- just to get them to read your drab.

Posted By KC on November 17, 2008, 5:25 PM

If the images aren't retained, where did they get the ones that accompany this article? Gosh, the government couldn't be lying to us about this, too, could it?

"They who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security, deserve neither liberty or security."
Benjamin Franklin

Posted By B-dub on November 18, 2008, 12:01 AM

Well, dumbth time, would a person carrying any weapon put himself through a scan like this? Knowing full well that he would be detected! So why subject so many who obviously have no reason to be scanned to such treatment? It seems a waste of money. And what happens to a passenger who may be carrying some suspicious device? Would this have worked to prevent 9/11? It seems a bit outrageous to me, but frankly, if it means not having to be pawed over as someone else has said, I would prefer it to a physical groping.

Posted By janet fauble on November 20, 2008, 1:08 AM

I actually LIKE the idea of the scanning machines!! No need to remove clothes or shoes, faster processing, no hiding anything. Many countries object to the searches on women, while in most places, the women themselves don't like the searches BUT...this is a perfect solution. No physical contact, no modesty issues, no claims of inappropriate touching. Yes, I want EVERYBODY checked before they get on the plane so they can't bring on dangerous materials and NO I don't have any problem with being scanned myself.

Posted By tunatofu on November 20, 2008, 1:31 PM

The terrorists have won.

Remember when we used to put those little locks on our suitcases? Remember when we didn't have to get undressed at the airport? Remember when a tube of toothpaste wasn't considered a lethal weapon?

I know, I know, "the terrorists hate our freedom" and they'll stop at nothing to harm American citizens, but full body scanners sure seem like yet another lame attempt to "protect" us and will ultimately do very little other than provide a few grins for TSA workers and choke even more our degree of personal privacy.

You only have to look back at the government's wire tapping. How did that work out?

If the travel industry hopes to encourage more people on more flights, they're going to have to find ways to make travel more enjoyable and less invasive. Safety is a huge concern, yes. But I'd feel more safe if TSA employees were more courteous and looked me in the eye. You can tell a lot about people when you talk to them. I guess smiles are not a requirement for those jobs - after all terrorism is serious business.

But these days I get the feeling the TSA hates travel more than I do.

If the government wants the full body scans to catch on, they might consider adding a secondary function to them. Like a print out at the end that reads, "LDL ABOVE 160. SEE DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY. "

Posted By Dave Huerta on November 27, 2008, 4:19 PM

I have no problem whatsoever with these measures to protect my safety. There are very bad people using devious means to kill us. My safety and that of my fellow passengers is far more important than a brief moment of immodesty.

Posted By E Page on December 11, 2008, 5:46 PM

There should be technology that allows them to view if someone is carry concealed weapons without viewing their naked bodies. Doesn't a fluroscope provide the same functions without showing the nakedness of the passengers and soft tissues?

Posted By gina on December 18, 2008, 11:32 PM

What constitution? Just more Bush Nazism at work!

Posted By gary on January 8, 2009, 12:53 AM

I recently traveled through the new airport in Indianapolis. They have the scanners in operation there. Contrary to the statements that TSA agents reviewing the images cannot see the person being scanned, their booth with plexiglas faces the scanners which are directly in front of them.

Posted By Schaden on January 8, 2009, 1:00 AM

Well I can see all theese x-ray photos of people being scanned leaking onto the net on some sick fetish sex site for sale. They have better technology than that. Why wont they just have a dog sniff you, The dogs are trained for bomb or drug residue. And with weapons, the loud beepy thing should detect them. Anyways I think the xray machine is a good idea but not when a disgruntled employee is on the other side.

Posted By Chad on January 8, 2009, 1:02 AM

new world order scum think they have the right to track an trace, good decent people in order to enslave humanity, this article is to condition u to accept what is through history regarded as tyranny as perfectly normal, when it isn't, it is enslavement for the sheep by the elite. wake up !!!!

Posted By TROY MINGRAMM on January 8, 2009, 1:06 AM

Well if you have nothing to hide, you don't have to worry about going in it do you? It only takes 40 seconds. I wanna have a safe flight thank you very much. I'd rather be safe than sorry. We're all human and we basically have the same thing. I mean if you have a bomb, hell no you ain't boarding my plane! I wanna make it in one piece.

Posted By coco on January 8, 2009, 1:11 AM

Metal detector, x-ray of the bags, that's ENOUGH!

I'm driving my car now, I avoid flying like the pest.

Posted By bob on January 8, 2009, 1:12 AM

I rather have them be embarrassed of my large member than have a bomb on a plane. Safety comes before invasion of privacy. All images are deleted as soon as the next person walks into the machine.

Posted By steve on January 8, 2009, 1:14 AM

yes, its an invasion of privacy and it should be banned

Posted By steve on January 8, 2009, 1:14 AM

Me, I have yet to go through that machine with work. I work at msp for an airlines and I really wouldn't care about that image. I used to be a TSA officer myself. I think it is interesing that people don't really remember why the Department of Homeland Security and The Transportation Security Adiminstration exsists. Need I remind you about 9/11/2001.

Posted By thumper2488 on January 8, 2009, 1:15 AM

I rather have them be embarrassed of my large member than have a bomb on a plane. Safety comes before invasion of privacy. All images are deleted as soon as the next person walks into the machine.

Posted By steve on January 8, 2009, 1:15 AM

Yes, i find this offensive. This is terrible and violates my rights as a citizen. This is a lawsuit waiting to happen....

Posted By anthony on January 8, 2009, 1:15 AM

i was supprised that see this article on line today. i don't really want to comment on how traveler was search. it was just their job to do what was right or been told to do, but really wrong for them to remove stuffs off your bag. this incident was just happened to me yesterday. it's not really anything but i think it was wrong to remove your stuff without your concense. i only realize that my four pack of cigarettes was missing when i saw a note said that TSA had inspected my baggage. like i said it not costs much but i still think that it was wrong for them to do what they did.

Posted By r t on January 8, 2009, 1:22 AM

I think that there is a problem with giving security guards that much responsibility. They constantly steal in the name of security now they are perving in the name of safety.

Posted By dr frank on January 8, 2009, 1:24 AM

I have gone through one of these scanners and I'd much rather get scanned this way than take off almost all my clothes and walk barefoot through the regular metal detector, any given day! The officer that sees your image doesn't see you in person or even your face, so I don't see a problem with that.

Posted By K on January 8, 2009, 1:26 AM

oh come on people you can not live in a world that seems to be soooo set on killing each other and act as though you do not have to give up some privacy & even rights for safety.....

Posted By tina on January 8, 2009, 1:29 AM

I agree that it is invasive. Also, due to the randomness of the screenings, I believe it can, and is miused by TSA employees.
The only eductional requirement to be hired as a TSA employee is a high school diploma. Obviously, these are not people possessing any high degree of intelligence. It is also "eye-opening" when you see their lack of any real skills involved in making intelligent decisions, and relating to passengers in a civil manner when entering a "checkpoint".

Posted By frank raymond on January 8, 2009, 1:30 AM

Dang straight this is an invasion of privacy. They need to give the option to not have this scanner used and give a full body pat down instead. "Authorities" keep getting more personal in the name of "security", but who is protecting us from them??? By the way, I used to work for the TSA or one of its "sub-contracters". So I do know a little about their rules.

Posted By Kip Sawdy on January 8, 2009, 1:31 AM

I think that this is an invasion of privacy!! I do not agree with this kind of use of technology.

Posted By llama on January 8, 2009, 1:31 AM

Funny how I see people talking about Terrorism. Like it happens daily? You know in the U.S. we have 16-22,000 Murders a year. Since 1995, we have had 3 major terrorists attacks. 1 Called Oklahoma City by a Right Wing Christian named McVeigh. He was white by the way. Two on the Trade centers. One a small bombing and then 9/11. In that same 14 year period, 200-300,000 people have been murdered. So on this logic, guns should be outlawed and only for law enforcement. After all, guns kill far more than terrorists do, right? Better yet, let's outlaw cars too. There are about 40,000 traffic accident fatalities annually. Too scary to drive. Only those 26+ should get their license. The 16-25 year old bracket are the MOST at risk for crashes and death. See the stupidity here. Most of you do, but those yelling terrorism are why we're bowing down to this level of stupidity. Too many Americans have shut off their brains for far too long. Come on people. WAKE UP.

Posted By Justin on January 8, 2009, 1:35 AM

"I'd rather be violated by a machine than violated by a terrorist". Wake up! Would you rather be kicked in the mouth or have your ear bitten off? Why do we settle? Why do we feel this is in our best interest in any way whatsoever? If you were a terrorist, would the machine tell the operator of the machine? No! How many terrorist's would even walk into this machine with any weapon that would be revealed? None! My point is we cannot stop a person set out to do harm to others no matter how many "Naked Scanners" we have.

Posted By snatchum on January 8, 2009, 1:42 AM

I think its a complete invasion of privacy, and would opt for the the pat-down.
These X-Ray machines are just another excuse to sell expensive machines to government entities, which only add to a bloated security apparatus.
The machines are just as ridiculous as not being able to take mouth wash or toothpaste or shampoo through airport security.

Posted By Matt on January 8, 2009, 1:43 AM

To the idiot who said they'd rather go thru this than have a terrorist walk thru with explosives or ied, they have bomb detection when walk thru those metal detectors. Even a faint trace of gunpowder will immediately raise the red flag.

Posted By James on January 8, 2009, 1:44 AM

I have read the comments and went to the TSA Blog page to view the other images. I hear both sides, violation of privacy as well as those that fear a terrorist so much they are willing to let it slide for a feeling of security.

The point is, its just that..a feeling of security. If a terrorist wanted to take down a plane, this scan might not have a thing to do with an attempt at all. You are smart people, you read and watch the news. Biological terrorism seems to be the new upcoming favorite. What will be next? Since you are so fine with being viewed naked, how about a blood test before you are allowed to visit your dying mother? A simple prick test, or a retinal scan?

Seriously, think on this...what if you were randomly chosen for the next level of violations that you voted to allow happen to you as an American, and missed dear old moms last breath because of it or a dying child's? I suppose the scan, the blood test, the retinal scan, fingerprint marker, and body cavity search was worth whil..sorry was distracted, someone working in an airline just placed a bomb threat somewhere.

Now, naturally that last sentence did not really occur, but was written for dramatic purposes. However, due to the decrease in our liberties I am sure that this statement is a necessary one. What a shame.

Posted By Car on January 8, 2009, 1:46 AM

I think that everyone boarding any type of mass transportation unit should be subjected to the full body scan. This would speed the process of boarding up tremendously and ensure that no one is carrying any type contraband. Unfortunately this the world we live in today. A few moments of inconvenience for the rest of our lives.

Posted By Leslie on January 8, 2009, 1:47 AM

there should be a limit on where and when to use it.But when something happens on either side of the issue, people will whine anyway. anyway if someone would like to see me scanned well OK BUT VIEW AT YOU OWN RISK!!!!Life is too short for the half empty glass people and too long for half full ones, so if you take both glasses together ,then everyone would be alright.

Posted By Ross Magargee on January 8, 2009, 1:48 AM

First off, I am a pilot.I go in uniform with crew ID and am subjected to the same BS that the rest of you go through. I will say what bothers me more. Baggage inspection. TSA Opens up everything and screws up the way I packed my suitcase while I am not there. I think Russia has the right idea. They do baggage inspection in your presence. I think think that is the way it should be done. Let's push for witnessed baggage inspection.

Posted By Ian Carisi on January 8, 2009, 1:51 AM

See here is where the problem lies with this method of scanning. No I do not agree with it, and no I will not endorse it. However, the Constitution does not have the word PRIVACY in it. So since that document is "How our country is ran," since that word isn't in it that does tech. give them the right to evade our privacy. No I do not think it is right. Here is the one question I have. Since it is random people that are subject to this scanning are my children going to be scanned by this machine?

Posted By Justin on January 8, 2009, 1:52 AM

You have the choice of driving. However so do the bad guys. And I suspect they do rather than fly, at least while not crossing oceans. I do think randomly selecting people to protect the rights of profiled people is more to be questioned.

Posted By Don on January 8, 2009, 1:55 AM

I think that it is still an invasion of privacy and a gross one at that! Where is it going to stop! I'll tell you what, It won't as long as we remain silent and refuse to protest about this kind of thing.

Posted By mark on January 8, 2009, 2:09 AM

like most things in life,in the name of progress@safty we have lost the right to buy a ticket an fly, I have flown on many international flights an unless its done to everyone NO ONE is safe, this is for the sheep who want to think they are safe!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted By danny joe on January 8, 2009, 2:10 AM

i think only women should look at female scans, and only guys should look at male scans. only if this is the last option.

Posted By sam on January 8, 2009, 2:13 AM

People are very stupid. There are millions of terrorist acts tat can be commited in the U.S. that have nothing to do with an airplane. We gave up our privacy on the phone, on the street, and in the air and you people are still frightened. If we did nothing but lived our lives in response to September 11 how many people would ever be touched by terrorism.

Posted By MikeJones on January 8, 2009, 2:14 AM

This is utterly ridiculous! What about us women who r pregnant? What type of damage will this do to the baby? What about someone who has a pace maker or any type of medically implanted materials inside their bodies? The government had better get ready for some serious law suits! Don't get me wrong I travel at least twice every week on planes & I totally believe security is of the utmost urgency but at the expense of "randomnly" scanning a person?Thats to extreme when if you suspect someone with reasonable "evidence" to make them a suspect then they should b escorted to a designated place & searched thoroughly.

Posted By Dawn on January 8, 2009, 2:14 AM

well i personally would rather go back to the old body cavity searches, i think this is so impersonal and clinical. its time we make body cavity searches manditory on all entrances into and out of this country. this will not only show we care about hidden contriband but that we value good prostrate health

Posted By weird willy on January 8, 2009, 2:17 AM

I had rather have my privacy invaded then to have a terrorist on board my flight....people scream about having their privacy invaded but scream bloody murder when they think the US isn't doing enough to fight terrosrism especially if their family were on board one of those ill fated flights of 911... Had you rather one of your little ones or family members be blown up from ignorant terrorist?

Posted By Tess on January 8, 2009, 2:32 AM

i have a few friends that work at an airport, the one friend showed up with a small box cutter and they let him through security. he was quite amazed because he could go anywhere in the airport with this box cutter. lucky he is an honest person and not a terrorist. i have had a couple times where i was put through the security risk screening. i went through the puffer which blows air at you and after going through that it made me discombobulated. if someone asked "you a terrorist" i would have replied probably yes. that i thought was a intrusive at the time.

know this. im sorry if i had a choice between pat down and this machine i would demand my lawyer both to me when i have had no history of terrorism or temper or anything that would flag me as a terrorist i should not be flagged. we need to make a stand. if we dont start allowing our voice to be heard then government will keep on pushing the limit. till one day we are as george orwell showed us in 1982.
to all you that have said this is an ok machine go ahead and allow it i hope that you will be chosen in line to go through this machine and when you see the look in the TSA eyes you will understand where we are coming from

Posted By aya on January 8, 2009, 2:37 AM

All you posters out there whining and puling about the TSA's invasion of our privacy, GET OVER IT!!! There is absolutely NOTHING you can do about it, it is a fact of life. GET USED TO IT!!! I don't like it any better than any of you, but we have NO rights whatsoever anymore in Amerika, those have been utterly stripped away under the Cheney/Bush fascist regime that is currently ruling Amerika ILLEGALY. Cheney/Bush is using the phony war on terrorism as a means to set up a fascist security police state, and those full body scanners are just the beginning. Homeland Security is Amerika's version of the KGB, and they already have dossiers on all of us, me included. I will probably be shot or made to dissapear for posting this, but I don't care, because I am NOT going quietly into the dark w/o a fight. Of course the mod who oversees this blog probably will delete this post, after all he/she is possibly a Homeland Security/KGB plant. Remember kiddies, DO NOT TRUST ANYONE, especially the government.

Posted By JLG on January 8, 2009, 2:46 AM

haha we used this a lot in iraq in baghdad. this machine can give you a lot of fun when you use it at the right person, if you know what i mean. the images are exactly like that show.

Posted By josh rogers on January 8, 2009, 2:53 AM

I feel sorry for the ignorant individuals in our midst that will put up with things like this without even questioning its validity.

Posted By Roger on January 8, 2009, 2:55 AM

In response to some of the posts below... They are not looking for drugs. They are looking for bombs and explosives. Have people already forgotten about the 2,000+ people that died on 9-11-01? Do you think these people would have cared about more rigorous screening methods if they could have their life back?

Would you rather have you "privacy invaded" or be blown up on a plane? If you think you're being "invaded," don't fly, just drive.

Posted By WakeUp on January 8, 2009, 2:55 AM

LOL. Who cares... They are the ones who have to smell my stinky feet(shoes off procedure) and now see my not so attractive naked body.

Posted By BaltimoreJanet on January 8, 2009, 3:01 AM

LOL. Who cares... They are the ones who have to smell my stinky feet(shoes off procedure) and now see my not so attractive naked body. I feel bad for them...

Posted By BaltimoreJanet on January 8, 2009, 3:01 AM

People wake up, what is next? This is just crazy, they already treat you like cattle and degrade when you fly now. There is no need for this, it is just another invasion of our rights. The governement is infringing day by day, we are losing all the things this country was founded on, all in the name of "terrorism". What a shame.

Posted By Mark on January 8, 2009, 3:03 AM

People, we got to get outta here, this is way over the edge. I fully agree with the female posters on the possibility of abuses, even though I am the opposite sex. If I wanted to be leered at I'd rent a room in one of those motels of mirrors but this way makes one feel like the top leg in a bucket of KFC, greasy,and in the company of rats.

Posted By Dude on January 8, 2009, 3:07 AM

I think its better to die than going through this fake process in which our privacy is particularly targeted. They should find some alternative to this. If they really wanna see naked people, go and visit porn website...don't destroy privacy of noble and decent people...This is not a security measure.go and ask president what will be his reaction if he or any of his family member is asked to do so...shame on those who call themselves civilized but behave in uncivilized way.

Posted By Junaid on January 8, 2009, 3:10 AM

Well, what is next, will we all soon be individually monitored throughout the airport?

This is in my opinion an unnecessary "security" measure. To some extent I think government agencies are seeing just how far they can push us, to see how much control we will give them over our lives, and let me tell you; if there is one thing that the government is consistently successful at, it is convincing us that implementations to society that give them more power, are for our benefit.

Why? because we as a nation highly value our safety, if not, at least our peace of mind; that is why we have allowed things to come to this. It is what some parents are now having RFID chips inserted into their children, because they think it will help them be better parents,to keep their children out of harm's way; but all it really does is subject their children to full government scrutiny throughout their adult life.

Then there are also things that they don't bother to tell us such as the fact that any traveling by air in which we participate is carefully tracked for any "suspicious behavior". At least your records are available to you, although it may take over a year to receive them, you may have to pay as much as $50 to get them, and they won't reveal how they obtain this information. They even know from which IP address you purchased the tickets.

I consider all of this just another way of "stripping" us of our privacy, and I will not further support this invasive implementation to our airports. My message to the TSA is I will not allow you to dictate my level of exposure either physically.

On a final note one reason why we may have allowed this invasive measure is because a vast majority of US citizens trust the government with their lives (whereas they should learn to rust only themselves in that regard) however if one is not aware of the extent of their rights, they will also not know when said rights have been unrightfully encroached upon.

Posted By Jezveli on January 8, 2009, 3:26 AM

Fellow citizens, you have the power to stop this...with your wallet!!! Yes, that's right, stop flying; and as less and less people choose airplanes as a form of travel, because of these invasive machines. Airports and airlines will be losing revenue left and right, and when they start their customer surveys as to why YOU are not flying, these machines will be taken out of the airports. Let's face it, money still talks in the 21st century. And if the airlines are getting your bucks, they will send their powerful lobbyists to D.C. to ask that they take out these machine because "customers are not spending money to fly anymore because of the TSA's invasive machines." Power to the people...by closing your wallet.

Posted By fuerza on January 8, 2009, 3:33 AM

Did the image models displayed here and on the TSA site sign release forms to allow their naked images to be displayed? Are any TSA same-gender gropers that alternatively pat down gay? Does anybody have any bright travel alternatives that I could have utilised to cross an ocean to attend my 22 yr old daughter's funeral when she suddenly died? Amtrack, Greyhound, and an SUV can't quite make that trip yet. The paranoia in the USA is alarming and frightening!

Posted By Val on January 8, 2009, 3:38 AM

This is a clear violation of citizen's rights.

Posted By Lee on January 8, 2009, 3:49 AM

I would first like to address the colorful citizens that think air travel in the US is a privilege.

Privilege: from Latin privilegium; law for OR against a PRIVATE person, from privus private + leg-, lex law
: a right OR immunity granted as a PECULIAR benefit, ADVANTAGE, or favor ; especially : such a right OR immunity attached SPECIFICALLY to a position or an OFFICE.

This is Webster's Definition.

I find it interesting that citizens of this country think that visiting a family member or going on a business trip cross country via air is a privilege. To most citizens it is a necessary means of travel. Privilege? If that is the case, who is it reserved for? I am a PRIVATE citizen, what kind of PECULIAR ADVANTAGE or SPECIFIC POSITION must I obtain to get this PRIVILEGE?

Second I'd like to address those who think that this article is only about a new airport scanner and are so eager to get on board in the name of security.

All of these comments are not about a new metal detector, another traveling inconvenience, about being self conscious, or about conspiracy theories. If you haven't gathered by the outrage on these pages, it is about another form of privacy and freedom being so easily dismissed by invoking fear and terror amongst our neighbors.
So many people have offered their opinions on this subject over the course of months. I have read some logical comments and others that have escaped logic all together. I have not read many comments on the logical reasoning behind using this method as a means of preventing anything that most airport detections would not detect with their current methods. I went to the TSA site. The video displays a male figure that has a knife, gun, and explosive device on his person. They show close ups of the gun for several moments, flash to the revealing male figure, then show the gun close up again. As a finale, they focus on the weapons again as a whole. How many terrorists would wear a gun, knife or explosive device while going thru the CURRENT detectors? If any, most would have some sort of indicators, even if the TSA members were blind.

Point in fact, my sister gave me a pen for my birthday immediately after 9/11. I keep it in a built in pen holder my handbag features. I have traveled with it in and out of the country several times. Only later did I find her gift was more than a pen. I was replacing the ink when I realized it was a knife. Now, we would like to think that since hairspray, cologne, nail clippers and tweezers are a security risk, then a two inch pen knife must be a real high security no-no. Since the luggage x-ray of my handbag did not pick up this real high security no-no, how many others do you think are missed? Would this sophisticated machine have picked it up? Only if the pen were in my pocket, and even then...who knows, perhaps it would just look like a pen.

Security is an illusion, it has been said here by many.

If you prefer to have your blankie, I can understand. Some people cannot travel without one. But please don't trample on my privacy and rights to travel without being naked(in more than one sense)because you require one.

I fear that US citizens give more thought to a new car purchase than whether or not to fight for such a basic right to privacy.

I read all thoughts on this, and am speaking mine. Just one of those privileges.

Posted By READ-THINK-SPEAK on January 8, 2009, 3:51 AM

Scan the cargo.

Posted By Roxan on January 8, 2009, 3:54 AM

It's just another way that the government is taking our freedom and dignity at the same time. All in the sake of terrorism. Also, another way for the government to justify spending money. It is a health risk for the frequent fliers out there. Even though it is a low frequency x-ray... It's still forcing doses of radiation into the passengers body. Homeland Security needs to focus on the Mexican borders. 80% of the Mexicans that are on buses and in their personally owned vehicles are bringing in either marijuana or meth. If not drugs, Mexican nationals that drive while abilities are impaired and killing innocent Americans. Or violent Mexican males that shack up with American woman and when they had enough of her, beats her or just kills her. The government is pulling the wool over the sheep's eyes! The only terrorists is the government. (Wonder how much our Government is making from the Mexican trade of illegal drugs in the USA?) Hey, wake up people. Homeland Security is a communist dictatorship. I'm sorry if that's offensive, but true. Sheep's being led by a wolf in sheep's clothing.

Posted By julie on January 8, 2009, 3:56 AM

"They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety".

Benjamin Franklin.

Posted By Donald Padgett on January 8, 2009, 3:56 AM

This is a big joke. Travelling is such a pain in the ass now. We bitch and moan when the speed limit goes down 5 mph because of the inconvenience and yet that kills 50x more people than any plane hijacking ever did.

Guys you get on a plane, it can crash, it can get blown up. You could walk down the street and get shot (100x more likely). Lets all hide in our basements crying. Live with it you scared wusses. Our grandparents are laughing at us from their graves. Now they make us parade around nude for a buncha grining 6$ an hour monkeys thinking that makes us feel safe.

We really are pathetic. How long til this farce collapses and the chinese come marching in?

Posted By afraid to leave it on January 8, 2009, 3:59 AM

I think this is the most humiliating machine ever. Southwest selected me for this perverted machine. At the time, I wasn't aware of this machine and that it could display such images. I was told that this machine seen something stuffed in my vagina. This machine is outrageous and should be banned. I had a bloody tampon in my vagina!!! I sorry for being so graphic, but my description is nothing compare to this machine exposing all your most sacred body parts. Now that I know what this machine is; I will not allow my body to be exposed ever again!!!

Posted By Nikola on January 8, 2009, 4:06 AM

I also am an Radiologic Technologist. I would like to see the certification of the machine & all its'
records with the specific rem's or rad's.
Obviously, the people involved have no concept of the physics required to produce the images.
Does everyone trust what a sales person tells them about their product?
Sounds like 1984 has become a reality.
Kate

Posted By Kate on January 8, 2009, 4:25 AM

oh ok full body scan,to keep me safe from some middle eastern terrorist with a box cutter, people oh wait poor herd of sheep, its all a lie! Constitution gone your freedom is almost out the door. i will gladly take the challenge of taking a box cutter from anyone on a plane and then handle it old school red-neck ,ganxster, my god Micheal Jackson would have a chance. so believe what the TUBE tells you sheep, GODSPEED

Posted By are you kidding on January 8, 2009, 4:40 AM

So much for flying...I'm staying home! I don't need to travel, so I won't...I won't "see America" with my children, won't visit any destination for a vacation via air and won't take advantage of all those "great deals" on vacation packages, no matter if they are down to $0.03 per week for air/car/room right around the world...

Oh, well, no biggie. We just got used to travel being "easy", even "fun"...Now, it's a drag, a drudgery and an overpriced pain in the hind end, so why bother?

Further, the concept that the novelty will wear off for the TSA screener is not an encouraging one...isn't being attentive the idea? Unfortunately, knowing how men are, we all have an idea how they picture their particular brand of attentiveness...I'd call them pigs, but it would be a compliment to them and an insult to pigs...sorry guys, you will always be men...and you will *always* have THAT problem!!

Posted By bubo on January 8, 2009, 4:49 AM

Well let's look at this. We had people snoop at the records of our presidential candidates. So what the hell will make the average Joe the plumber using these machines any less un professional?

Posted By Tone on January 8, 2009, 5:01 AM

I was born in this country, I am American. My father is from the middle east. I don't enjoy getting picked out in airports when traveling because I look different. On one trip, my friends woudln't even stand next to me coming back home into our *own country because they saw how I had been treated and didn't want to be associated with me!

I've gotten so angry before I have cursed security guards. In retrospect I guess I should consider myself lucky I didn't get sent to Guantanamo bay or something! Perhaps they figured if I was hiding anything I wouldn't be so bold, I dunno.

Anyway, my point is people, if you want to travel, you're just going to have to endure, I have. Let's not kid ourselves, there's not going to be a revolution over this new device. I am surprised if I ever open my suitcase and *don't find a card inside stating that my luggage has been "randomly" searched. My friends are like what's that? I've never seen that before lol. I'm like, I get one every time! I hope they scan me. Give me something else to cuss them over, damn perverts, is this what you wanted to see? lol

Posted By ST on January 8, 2009, 5:43 AM

I agree with safety and security, but this is beyond a joke....as others have said the perverts are the people who are looking and laughing at honest US citizens..enough of this BS.....teach these people decency and manners and treat people as people not animals

Posted By Clive on January 8, 2009, 5:55 AM

The scans are invasive and beyond reasonable.
However given the likelyhood of further attacks on the US in future I can understand the Customs service using them. Unfortunately the danger will come through a weak link like container traffic. Airport security is now much better.

Posted By Steve Castle on January 8, 2009, 5:56 AM

I'm so fed up with those folks who have the attitude of "well, I'm not doing it, so go ahead and look/search me/drug test me/whatever. We have had one terrorist attack in the US...if some terrorist REALLY wants to try the airplane route again, it will happen even though we have to remove our shoes, surrender our metal nail files, leave our gel candles at home, be required to pitch our expensive body lotion, forego our lattes and let the "unmentionables" in our suitcases be searched in public view. What's next full body searches? Common sense by the public and government agencies should outweigh hysteria, but unfortunately, the former is in short supply these days.

Posted By ND Cowgirl on January 8, 2009, 6:01 AM

People are just amazing. We complain when the government doesn't do everything possible to protect us, and then complain when they do. They can scan me all they want, check my bags, and do as many profile checks as they want on my history as long as they make it safe. If you want privacy then stay home!

Posted By Robert on January 8, 2009, 6:05 AM

As the long list of comments show, 9 out of 10 think this is ridiculous, but it wont change a thing. Lets face it, government doesn't care about what we want, or keeping us happy anymore. They sell us anything they want us to buy and all they have to do is invent the reason we need it, followed by a media push. I agree that 9/11 was a terrible event, a tragedy created by insane religious radicals. Still, YEARS after it happened there have not been a single successful attempt, and the few attempts that were tried were stopped with standard means of detection available before 9/11 ever happened. They are selling the idea that this is to stop terrorists, like the patriot act, when in reality it is to spy on our own citizens and attempt to make people FEEL safe. Most of congress admitted to not even fully reading the patriot act before signing! Feeling safe isn't safe at all, its ignorance.

Seriously folks, if they only test 1 out of 10, or even 1 in 3, there is still the chance that 2 of them have something and will get by. Do you think a religious nutjob is going to care if he gets caught, as long as his friend gets through and completes the mission? Just watch, that will be the excuse that comes when they need to sell us the reason they are scanning EVERYONE. America hasn't been land of the free for some time. The only true freedoms we have are unimportant ones. Only a couple major companies own most of everything, only a couple airlines exist today, yet we have 32 flavors of ice cream, 40 versions of SUV's.... gee which one is more important to true freedom of commerce... I understand that there must be some control, but the methods used in the past 30 or so years have just been leaping over the line.

If I wasn't a disabled Vet getting screwed by the VA, and could afford to, i'd leave this country for good (maybe for Iceland or UK, I'm saving up). The appearance of freedom is not freedom. sorry for long post.

Posted By THEANGRYGIMP on January 8, 2009, 6:09 AM

Just ask Howard Hughes about how free our countries skies really are... If you don't know what i'm talking about, I'd suggest seeing the great documentary "The Aviator".

Posted By THEANGRYGIMP on January 8, 2009, 6:12 AM

This should not be allowed in any means. We have to respect & value the human beings. Its against the code of ethics & unreligious act of a society. If we are civilized then we should not walk to the STONE AGES

Posted By Sharjeel on January 8, 2009, 6:16 AM

I sure hope I don't have to fly anywhere because I find this a tad more invasive than I expected it to be. I don't object to be wanded or patted down but the images, even the "correct" ones gave me the feeling of being stripped...in more ways than one.

Posted By E Hansen on January 8, 2009, 6:16 AM

I wear an internal pump and I can't go through any of their x ray scanners. I show them my blue and white card and they are good about patting me down. They are very polite and they explain what they are doing step by step.

When it comes to security on a jet. I really don't care what they do, to make it safe to fly. Think back to 911, if we would have things in place, maybe that day could have been stopped. It is a shame that in the country of the Free we have to go to measures. But then you can always take a bus or train to where you are traveling.

Just recently I was searched twiced before boarding the jet. I was also called into a room to have my luggage searched once again too. I didn't complain, I just went along with it. I knew they were making the sky safe to fly in.

Posted By Denny on January 8, 2009, 6:23 AM

Well, as far as I am concerned the only terrorists that I have found so far are not on the flights, but controlling and taking away all privacy and civil rights. Maybe they can even track down this computer, and come and look for me now. Too bad.

Posted By MM on January 8, 2009, 6:25 AM

Personally i would rather be blown to bits by a terrorist bomb than i would give up all my rights to privacy assuming I have any left now.

Posted By No Mo Jo on January 8, 2009, 6:26 AM

All i need 2 know is that i am safe, save the rest 4 the movies.

Posted By moe on January 8, 2009, 6:43 AM

I am a 63 year old Veteran, go back to letting people carry legal sized pocket knifes. Or issue everyone that is boarding a knife or billy club and they will have the freedom that our generation grew up with. If the passengers on flight 93 had a weapons on them then it would never have been high-jacked in the first place! I am watching our country becoming more like a communist state as freedoms are taking away from honest citizens. It is time to say enough is enough, Our leaders have already passed laws that send our jobs to China and Viet-Nam, I do not need the BIG BROTHER looking at anyone. Go back to the freedoms that we once enjoyed, we can protect ourselves if allowed!

Posted By Robert Carothers on January 8, 2009, 6:50 AM

also why do we have to give our fingerprints.
is that for the records or they can find us without passport ?

Posted By dean on January 8, 2009, 6:50 AM

In other, surely more civilized nations, the citizens would rebel against government agencies' full-blown invasion of privacy, revealed by the data collection activities of border patrol/U.S. Immigration, and conducted under the ridiculous pretext of preventing terrorist activities.

But, the average American imbecile--those are the more than 99 % of our population, made up of insignificant princes and princesses of mediocrity, essentially the hypnotic masses--does not even dare to object to these outrageous measures.
That implies that most of us accept living in a NAZI STATE, in which all civil liberties have virtually been eroded. And our quality of life, both in terms of socio-intellectual and socio-economic criteria, has also gone down the drain.

Companies of some European nations have established assembly lines--mostly in UNION-free redneck territories--in our country, because we have become THEIR MEXICANS (i.e. their source of cheap labor). And our mobile-trash-cans-producing automobile industry is at the verge of bankruptcy for lack of competitiveness. That implies that we have essentially become PIECES OF SHIT to other, more competitive folks.

Are we really inclined to put up with this excessive enforcement nonsense---which is also endorsed by the mythology-spreading religious institutions, by which most feeble-minded Americans are being brainwashed from the earliest stages of their infancy, and without taking their own decisions regarding "club membership" therein (i.e., though baptism)---or is there a critical mass of people willing to voice their rebellion towards these NAZI measures? We need to act before it is too late.
Obama may help us in regaining some of our previously held international respectability---although he can't make any "ad hoc" changes to our virtually fascist judicial system, since those malicious Republican appointments are going to endure---but he is not going to fix our economy, since Big Business is going to be reluctant to deal with wealth-redistribution-type democrats...

Posted By Dr. Federico Dios on January 8, 2009, 7:30 AM

I used to work for the airlines (was working 911)
I believe in extra security, but there has to be a line drawn. I have nothing to hide, but I will Never go through one of these. What about the pervert that likes to look at children! they would love to work there! I worked with tsa at the place i worked and they are not the most professional people. I used to hear all kinds of things from them about customers. This is the worst thing they could come up with. Right to privacy?

Posted By cakcynthia on January 8, 2009, 7:58 AM

Okay folks, stop the presses; Big Brother is taking away another one of our freedoms! Run for your lives; the sky is falling!!

Give me a break!!!

First of all, you don't have to fly if you don't want to...

Secondly, you can refuse to have your bags and/or body scanned and go through the traditional scanning process, of say, having your bags get exampled by hand and being patted down by some groper...

Be my guest. Personally, I don't particularly care who sees what I look like and trust me, I am a tad more than just a little overweight - have at it folks.

Now let me weight in on those of you who are concerned about some voyeur drooling behind some curtain somewhere...

Folks, I really, really like New England Seafood - Lobster and Long Neck steamed clams are a meal made in heaven. I could eat it all day every day...

No, wait a minute, no I couldn't... I'd get absolutely sick of it after about two days.

You see, one can only take so much of a "good" thing. Same hold true here folks. These guys and gals behind the screen are looking at these images all day every day.

It's nothing special, they become immune to leering after a very, very short period and simply look for abnormalities.

Bottomline - this is NOT mandatory folks, but does significantly speed up the process of getting through security.

If you are uncomfortable with going through these machine; simple answer - opt out and go through the traditional pat down

If you don't want your bags going through the x-ray machine; simple answer - opt out and go through the traditional hand search.

Be my guest; as for me? Voyeurs, have at it. I'm coming through - all 300 glorious pounds of me

I'm coming through, so get out you drooling rags and get ready for a real treat...

Like I said Give me a break!!!!!!

Posted By Frenchiet on January 8, 2009, 8:02 AM

"Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety"

-Ben Franklin

Posted By Mark on January 8, 2009, 8:23 AM

The people of the USA have lost already a big part and will lose more of their freedom and privacy with every step which is done in the name of security.
Is it worth it? I think many of these "methods and restrictions" are completely paranoid and out of proportions. Overdone !!

Posted By Johann Merkader on January 8, 2009, 8:36 AM

I don't see anything wrong with this. After a 8 hr shift we all look alike to a TSA agent I would not want the job.
I would lot rather be safe than be blown out of the sky.
I hope they keep the Xray machines

Posted By Philip on January 8, 2009, 8:40 AM

It seems to me the only "right to privacy" remaining only applies to getting an abortion.

Posted By clinton on January 8, 2009, 8:41 AM

if we keep this up pretty soon clothes will be illegal

Posted By sam on January 8, 2009, 8:41 AM

I know that the issue is the training and or intelligence of the TSA screeners. I personally know a guy who does base jumping. He took a commercial flight with his parachute rig. He had to get special permits because of the safety auto deploy rig is basically an explosive. He had to have the rig checked at security. They never noticed the 4 inch knife had had clipped to the rig. They were looking at a guy who had a fully rigger parachute and they missed a 4 inch knife attached to the gear. I don't know about you all but I would have been checking extra carefully the guy who had a parachute.

Posted By Kevin on January 8, 2009, 8:44 AM

Hello. It' s definitely an invasion of privacy!! The Government has no right to invade people privacy!! Who does these politicians and bureaucrats think that they are?!! Didn't Hitler pull the same kind of S@#$%T!!I hate too say it but the U.S. government is got way too much power over the people!! I've also have been searched in the past by law enforcement and the T.S.A. Those people who enforce those rules intend too forget that they we' re once people them selves that liked their privacy too!! AS far as the Airline industry goes!! They' ll never get my business again. I intend to feel sorry for people who don' t know any better that still fly in this day in age and it seems like that they liked too be harassed by our own Government. I don' t tolerate that personally. I' m a very strong privacy advocate for all Americans!! We seemed to have thrown the Constitution and the Bill of Rights out the window. That' s just sad that that we let our own Government push us around. Like if we we' re little kids!! I don' t appreciate being accused for things that I' m not into. That' s why I either drive for my vacation or take the train!! Same thing with business trips!!Thanks,

Posted By Paul on January 8, 2009, 8:48 AM

Next on the list, the lazy governmental agencies will walk into our homes "in the name of National Security" and go thru our belongings. Meanwhile the real terrorists will be blowing cities, trains, hospitals ... etc., but CIA, FBI and other agencies will be spending our tax dollars on making sure that my underware does not have any "anthrax stains" on it.

Posted By leon on January 8, 2009, 9:08 AM

If you don't like the security that they have decided to use, it is very simple don't fly otherwise deal with it.

Posted By WhiteTiger on January 8, 2009, 9:12 AM

thats just sick that should be illegal cause that's not right! we have privacy i wish we could do something bout it?

Posted By kingandy1 on January 8, 2009, 9:14 AM

If you feel violated how would you feel if you were in the air and someone had the control of the flight other than the airline? you have to take a minor xray to possibly save your life are you kidding me it's a no brainer!!!! life or death hm let me think about it. If you have a problem with taking steps to make yourself safer you really need to think about what it would be like to be on a plane that was hijacked. Take 2 min to think about that. You may never see your family again just because of our ignorance as a country to subject ourselves to a goddam xray? take all the xrays you want I love my family far to much to think about what some xray tech thinks about my body!!! Think about others stop being so selfish

Posted By Paul on January 8, 2009, 9:16 AM

I WOULD RATHER FEEL SAFE THAN SORRY, IT DOESN'T BOTHER ME AT ALL THAT THE T.S.A. GOES A LOOKING, AND I THINK THEY SHOULD KNOW WHO GOES IN AND OUT OF THE U.S.A ISN'T THAT WHAT WE ALL WANT TO BE SAFE WHEN WE FLY. KEEP IT UP T.S.A THOSE WHOM THINK IT ISNT A GOOD IDEAL MAYBE YOU SHOULDN'T BE FLYING, TO THINK YOUR BEING BOTHERED AND INTERRUPTING YOUR PRIVACY OH WELL. I RATHER BE SAFE AND GET TO MY LOVE ONES THAT I'M FLYING TO SEE OR THAT VACATION I BEEN PLANNING FOR YEAR. THOSE WHOM DISAGREE GET OVER IT .

Posted By TnnBrowneyes on January 8, 2009, 9:18 AM

We need to grow with the times. 9/11 woke us up, but too many people are falling asleep again and feeling violated. I want to put the fear factor on side of those who wish to do Americans harm, or any other country. Terrorists are not tolerated period.

Posted By Rainy C on January 8, 2009, 9:27 AM

If you have nothing to hide you have nothing to worry about it. So don't be complaining unless you are hiding some thing from us.

Posted By James BaMaung on January 8, 2009, 9:29 AM

The chance of a terrorist affecting your life is far less than a shark bite, a bolt of lightning, a disease, or any of the other supposed dangerous things. I wish there was an airline that didn't put me through this BS I would pay double to avoid it. No plane will be hijacked again because the passengers will not put up with it, and no cockpit door will be open again. 911 solved. I'm sure the next terrorist event will happen by other means, then what will we have the supermarket police? The Library police? This crap has to stop now, our country is being destroyed by gutless Americans and do some politicians. People can't just "not fly" you mindless mental midgets, it's the only form of quick travel available. Are Americans really this stupid now? Are other countries right about us?

Posted By Vincent on January 8, 2009, 9:31 AM

It has gone too far.
I found a way to get even with the people rifling through my luggage.
I packed sex toys, Not one question .

Posted By Cari on January 8, 2009, 9:34 AM

To some extent it is a violation of privacy, but you have to think what type of world we now live in. Let's not forget 911. It has taken us to this drastic measure as we were totally lax in the security area and still are to some degree or another. I feel it should only be used when there is probable cause, but then again it is scary how explosives can be embedded or constructed out of anything, especially items that you would otherwise rule out. We need to take all precautions to avoid another castrophe like 911. We don't want another such incident to make us realize how vunerable we really are.

Posted By Veteran on January 8, 2009, 9:34 AM

I'm sorry but this is violating our privacy. If you feel it's not then go ahead and go through it, but you will not find me letting them scan me. They can pat me down all they want, but they will not scan me. That's just not right.

Posted By jamie on January 8, 2009, 9:40 AM

I can't believe some of the comments on this page. Everyone is claiming losing their rights until a relative is killed on a flight. Then they will complain about the gov not doing enough. What rights are we violating? It's a "shadow" image of you!!

Posted By Dave on January 8, 2009, 9:40 AM

First, it's all a circus. TSA isn't going to stop a real terrorist with intent. TSA miss many things that are in our carryons by MISTAKE! Terrorists will use a new ploy in the future. Shoes off? Waste of time. Liquid in carryon. They won't try that again. Why is TSA so dense? Maybe it's their ploy. Second, I don't have anything to hide....let them check me. I don't care. If you're griping to high heaven about this you must be hiding something. Behave and shut up. Let them do their "job". This time wasting stuff might be boring the terrorists just as much as you.

Posted By Annoyed W/ the Annoyed on January 8, 2009, 9:45 AM

I would rather be faced with a terrorist on a plane than have my privacy breached with my own tax dollars. Our government has greatly overstepped there boundaries. Whats a terrorist going to have on a plane? some sharp wooden sticks? I'll kick his asx! Stop our government from ruining our what could be great country! Any country who gives up basic rights for extra security will have neither, Ben Franklin. Peace

Posted By Bruce on January 8, 2009, 9:45 AM

I went through one of these in Amsterdam, I didn't realize it at the time and when I did I felt extremely violated. The security people even felt me up... not cool!

Posted By Katie on January 8, 2009, 9:47 AM

I would like to say that I am overweight and would hate the idea of getting into that machine, however, if it catches even one person, whether they have a bomb, a knife, drugs, or any other illegal item, then I say go for it. The people that are saying "the government is going to far" and "this is a violation of privacy" are most likely the same small minded people who blamed the government for not doing enough to prevent 9/11. You can't have it both ways. Either allow the government to protect us as best they can or shut up when something happens. Is this machine going to catch everything, probably not, but I feel much better knowing that they are at least trying.

Posted By Reggie on January 8, 2009, 9:53 AM

This screening process is a clear violation of people's privacy. There is NO need to see naked images when the tools like pat searches and metal detectors are in place already at every airport. Just watch out, some sick pedophile who slips through the cracks with his or her buddies will be screening children in the nude just to get their jollies. There is a clear line in a decent public, the line has been crossed here with such a device that should only be used in places like prisons where the risk of harm is much greater than it is for the general public. People have been traveling for many many years with little incident, personally I would be more concerned with a mechanical failure than that of a terrorist attack after all, people are already watching like never before and are prepared to fight back if the need arise!

Posted By SC on January 8, 2009, 9:55 AM

If you don't like the screening either fly in a charted aircraft or drive where you are going. I don't think full body scanning will prevent anything unless you make everyone do it.

Posted By Jeff on January 8, 2009, 10:05 AM

T.S.A. More like a NUT HOUSE where the inmates run it!

Posted By Patrick Hough on January 8, 2009, 10:21 AM

Maybe they should install these at the entry points of every public venue. You know, I'm afraid to leave my house cause you never know when an "extremist" might pull out a box cutter. Those box cutters are a menace to society; we should ban those. In fact, why don't we ban all metal objects. Come to think of it, people shouldn't be able to leave their homes without getting scanned, cause you never know when someone could get a hold of a sharp object and commit acts of terror. I don't care about freedom when I'm safe.

Posted By Jay on January 8, 2009, 10:28 AM

When are people going to wake up? The next mandate is going to be an RFID chip implanted in newborns within 30 days of birth. Are you ok with that?

Posted By lainie on January 8, 2009, 10:31 AM

If these photos are typical, the only problem is that the person being scanned should be embarrassed for being so ugly. If they turn someone on, it is that person that has a problem.
The one thing I know for sure is that the person being scanned is not carrying a gun or other device that would create problems during a flight.
Go TSA! Find those guys. They are trying to kill us.

Posted By B. Rorex on January 8, 2009, 10:33 AM

THIS IS INVASION OF PRIVACY, PERIOD! But, then again, that's nothing new in these United POLICE States of America. This is just a new tool for the failed --and UNCONSTITUTIONAL-- War on Drugs. There are metal-detectors to screen guns, knives, etc. and explosive scent-detectors to keep crew and passengers safe. Stop buying in to Big Brother's LIES! The "sheep mentality" is ruining our hard-won freedom and rights. Why not allow government-monitored cameras and microphones in every room in every building and in every automobile in the US? After all, if you're not violating the law, what do you have to hide, right?

Posted By Fortuenti on January 8, 2009, 10:40 AM

the machine is better than getting stripped searched !!!!!!!!!!! if it happened to me i would add it up in my tramatic experiences file and would relive it every day in my mind !!!!!!!!!!

Posted By a2burns on January 8, 2009, 10:47 AM

I (female) could care less. Are they not seeing on the screen body parts that every other person on the planet has...male or female? Are naked bodies really such a BAD thing...why does it have to be so "private"....? God, people are so hung up on nakedness and "hiding" their bodies...

Are you afraid the male scanners might get titillated? Come on...how titillating did the sample images appear to you?! And after seeing one image after the other, do you SERIOUSLY think these TSA worker are "getting off" on this?! Big deal, so they see the outline of your boobs...your penis....

Are you possibly ASHAMED of how your body looks? You don't want them to see all the rolls of fat? Again, I'm sure these guys have seen EVERYTHING!! ALL kinds of body shapes. So they see you on a screen for two seconds, and then it's over.

If it helps to screen out the bad guys, I'm all for it.

Posted By Lisa on January 8, 2009, 10:47 AM

Everyone I know is 100% behind safety and reducing the risk of terrorism but have the agencies charged with risk reduction done a risk assessment on themselves? Supposing the information gathered for purely professional means would lead to an easy answer but I doubt that is the case. Just like credit cards, computer IP addresses and SSN's we have often yielded this information to a system we know is tainted by failures in personnel security.

Posted By Sergio Howard on January 8, 2009, 10:48 AM

First off, some people here talked about body cavity searches..asking if we'd be ok with THAT. Please. There's a huge difference between the xray scans and body searches. So an OUTLINE of your body shows up on a screen, in a creepy whitish color, so that you look like a sort of "alien". And the person looking at the screen will never see you again after that. Big deal! Also, if people have such a problem with this concept, why can't female TSA personnel scan female passengers, and male personnel scan MALE passengers?

Also, as to the implication that we should not agree to anything that really doesn't make us any safer, do ANY of us here have the stats? Do ANY of us here really know if these scans deter terrorism? Maybe they do work, maybe not.

But couldn't the same also be said of say the current "3 oz only of liquids, all contained in a quart-size ziploc" rule? Look at how we all seemed to fall in line for THAT one? Do you REALLY think that stupid rule helps? The rationale was that anyone with MORE than 3 oz of a liquid could potentially make an explosive. But if you have say a bunch of terrorists who all get on the SAME flight, and EACH of them have various containers with 3 oz of liquid in each of them, if they somehow CONSOLIDATED all of their liquids, maybe they'd have enough to make an explosive.... who knows. So how do we know this "3 oz." rule is really effective?

Nobody likes their rights being taken away, or their freedoms, but the idea of being on a hijacked plane terrifies me. I'm HAPPY to go through a body scan if that's what it takes!

Posted By yip on January 8, 2009, 11:00 AM

Besides being an invasion of privacy there is no way to know for sure that these scans are not dangerous to our health. The current officials will blubber on endlessly about how safe it is and how much safer it will make us but they “DO NOT KNOW”. It might be fifteen years before people who travel begin to show up with weird and deadly diseases. By then it will be too late, those responsible will be long gone.

Posted By Donald Belcher on January 8, 2009, 11:05 AM

This is an outrage! This provides no more thourough a scan than a pat down, which is much less invasive. The big problem i see here is that we are all automatically assumed to be terrorists. I am appalled. And to all you people that say "I'd rather be scanned than have aterrorist on my plane" whay don't you just go into the closet and cower for the rest of your life, because of your attitudes the terrorists are winneg by making you want to give up all your rights in the name of "safety". Get a backbone people and stop being such paranoid babies!

Posted By Logan on January 8, 2009, 11:11 AM

I think I'm OK with that. We have to understand that the security personal did not want to look at your body. THEY'RE JUST DOING THERE JOB. And we want to helping the Government to fight terrorist so that something we has to giving up.

Posted By HVo on January 8, 2009, 11:11 AM

It's conditioning. This is just another example of the government invading our privacy. Remember when everyone freaked out when we found out the government could listen in our phone conversations? Now no one cares. Who knows, soon every 10th or 20th person will be brought in a little back room where they will strip down and have a cavity search done. People will be mad at first and then walk around like a zombie and agree to it once they get used to the idea. You think we have freedom? Yeah right. Americans are afraid of their government. We let them do whatever they want. If the government has so much information on people (which they do because they track every single person who travels in and out of the US) they should be able to track when a target person moves. There's no reason every single civilian should be subject to this. C'mon, don't believe everything the government tells you. They know more than you think. This is all just them controlling us and we let it happen.

Posted By Erica on January 8, 2009, 11:12 AM

Honestly, I could care less if I am going to be asked to go into the machine for a full body scan. I do think some the rules for carry on luggage are extreme and not necessary. Are these methods by TSA and/or the government going to stop terrorists? I hope so but as skeptical as I am, it won't.

Posted By Steve on January 8, 2009, 11:17 AM

I looked at the photos that Bob directed us to. My response is; No. No, they are not that much less invasive at all. Fact 1:We have dangers facing us in the world today. Fact 2: They are trying to protect us (ok possibly control us but that's another story). What I don't get is how the people that develop, approve, and are part of putting things like this in place justify it by only thinking of Fact 1 and Fact 2. Do they not think about allll the other things that are just as important? Such as; human rights, freedom, choice and what America is supposed to be built on? Ignorence is bliss and tunnel vision creates things like this over the top, extremely invasive machine. The justification process is a strong mechanism and almost as dangerous as a nuclear weapon.

Posted By Amity on January 8, 2009, 11:21 AM

So I was made to go through this at the San Francisco airport and I was a month into my prgnancy just recently! I didn't know I had an option and when I asked they said I was selected and had to go through the machine!!! Would this affect my baby? I'm a bit paranoid now!

Posted By Amna Shah on January 8, 2009, 11:32 AM

First off why are we so hell bent on saying every TSA officer ( agent) is brainless, and a thief. There is a listing of what you can and can't take thru checkpoint onto flights. why are passengers so stupid as to keep putting these items in their bags. Yes they will be taken away. as for reselling them. news to me.And for all them people who put pints or quarts of REAL maple syrup in your checked bagged. Be prepaired to have your bag searched. so its best you buy a TSA approved lock for that checked bag , or you will be buying a new lock when you pick your bag up! and last I knew YOU do not get naked for the machine. you go in fully dressed, and the TSA agent who looks at your scan is in another area of the airport. and if there is a problem that is why they have Radio's. I would much rather be safe then sorry.

Posted By Mary WNY on January 8, 2009, 11:34 AM

Ya'll got it wrong. We should be promoting this, more like they do at the theme parks and cruises. The TSA scans and takes a pic of every one, then they can stick the pics up on a board at the end of the flight. If you like it, you can buy it. And better yet, if there is a hot female or male sitting next to you, you can buy a copy of theirs too. It would help pay for the TSA and the airport that way.

Has anyone in the TSA actually read the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, specifically the 4th Amendment, to see how this violates the "Unreasonable Search" clause. You can decide for yourself - see here:
http://www.gpoaccess.gov/constitution/html/amdt4.html

Posted By bearded one on January 8, 2009, 11:40 AM

first of all..being a tsa employee, i would like 2 say that for one...we don't randomly select you, ur airline does this due 2 u meeting one or more red flags. 2nd all of u are crying and moaning about what we do when there has not been 1...NOT 1 terrorist act since we have come into play in 2001. i say all u people need 2 quit b**ching, suck it up and deal w/ it cause at the end of the day...IT'S FOR UR SAFETY. and u go in fully clothed!! u all don't realize that terrorist will stop at nothing to harm u and ur family so in order to stop their efforts, more layers of screening has to be put into play. i can tell by some comments that only self conscious people have problems withe this. if ur not happy w/ how u look or ur weight, DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT BESIDES ACCUSING US AT LOOKING AT U FUNNY BECAUSE HONESTLY, PEOPLE R ALREADY LOOKING AT U FUNNY WIT DEM SAME CLOTHES ON (no body scan needed)

Posted By Billy O on January 8, 2009, 12:06 PM

This is why I don't fly anymore. I live along the coast and there are so many holes in the 'system' that the public has no clue about. This airline security system is sham.

Posted By M. Cates on January 8, 2009, 12:07 PM

Bin Laden is laughing all the way to his cave...

Posted By mooresart on January 8, 2009, 12:10 PM

The person who sees you never sees the image. the person who sees the image never sees you. They're separated by physical barriers, so the opportunity to be titillated by the images is severely limited. It's about as impersonal as you can get. These images have been shown on TV and in newspapers, so it's not like they're pornographic. As soon as the next image is displayed, the previous one is permanently erased, never to be seen again.

Many weapons are not metallic and a metal detector will not detect them. Plastic explosives are not metal and hand wands or walk through portals will not work. This does. It's not necessarily about catching a terrorist, but deterring them from even making the attempt.

Sadly this fails because it's completely optional. No terrorist or smuggler in their right mind is going to agree to being scanned by it. As long as it's optional, it fails as a deterrent.

Posted By JB on January 8, 2009, 12:23 PM

I love how the ignorant patriots really buy into invasion of privacy, trampling of constitutional rights in the name of "security". These mindless sheep I must question if they are real idiotic Americans or are they paid TSA/HomeSec spokespeople? What educated person would believe that scanning people does anything to stop terrorism, when in reality since TSA and Homeland sec inception they have violated millions of innocent citizens and caught ZERO terrorists. Keep forfeiting your rights SHEEP so long as you slumber soundly at night. All these systems do is give the government blanket search/seizure powers under the farce of national security. Wake up people, if you don't think for yourself I guarantee someone else will.

Real Patriot

Posted By Real Patriot on January 8, 2009, 1:05 PM

I wish people would make up their mind!!! Privacy or protection...It's like law enforcement...you call them every name in the book when you don't need them...sure as you need an officer to help you become his number one fan! Get a grip....we have let our nation come to this...pay the consequences! Be thankful someone is looking out for our safety...bet the ones complaining about this are the very ones who complained about the lack of security just a few short years ago! Get real people! or just drive!!!

Posted By Angie on January 8, 2009, 1:21 PM

Private aircraft charters are the best way to go if one can afford them.

Posted By Randy on January 8, 2009, 1:39 PM

Great ... as often as I fly for work I'll be sunburned by the end of the week and have cancer by the end of the year..... Does this mean I'll be eligible to apply for one of our new Bailout programs?

Posted By Donn on January 8, 2009, 1:45 PM

Our founding fathers would have to go through all this as well; what would you believe they would say?

Posted By Randy on January 8, 2009, 1:47 PM

the problem isn't what they are doing with it now its what they will do with it in the future. if we open this door there is no telling what they will do with it in the future. we've made the mistake of trusting people in "charge" before are we sure we wanna do it again

Posted By jim on January 8, 2009, 2:22 PM

Nazi Germany would have loved these invasive toys.

Posted By booger on January 8, 2009, 2:25 PM

1. While privacy may not be used in the US Constitution; it is in many state constitution. And if the state constitution provides a higher level of protection it is suppose to be followed.
2. Enough of this taking away our rights, freedom, and health because of the bad guys. Are we still American or are we Iraq? The government has steadily taken away our freedom but send boys to die for freedom in other countries. crazy! the citizens of this country are allowing our country of rights and protection to be erased because they do not demand the people at the top uphold their rights. is anyone going to ever wake up and actually do anything and get involved?
any radiation inserted into the body of others can kill and there are numerous steps where what your are suppose to get is not that. this is bull, and enough is enough. if we can't have our freedoms and protection, they need to quit taking our young men to give their lives overseas in the name of freedom. freedom is on its way out in America. read 1984, that is our future.

Posted By underscore on January 8, 2009, 2:34 PM

all any of this does is make the general public feel better about flying. If someone wants to take over an aircraft or blow one up I am sure they can get around any thing the Airlines security does. Gee next the airlines will have us strip and fly naked AND charge us extra for a seat we will not stick to.

Personally I would be happy to take my chances, get rid of it all and drop the ticket prices. Flying is so much safer than driving. We the people need to grow some and get the government out of our business and pants.

Posted By aim on January 8, 2009, 2:40 PM

Will we ever be fully safe and secure? At what point do we realize that our safety and security is our individual responsibility and we do take chances when we fly, drive on a freeway or even just walk outside of our door.

There is a really great book available on Amazon.com called "TSA and Me: A Lighthearted Look at Travel Today" - provides a humorous, but unique perspective on the entire process.

Posted By Barnes on January 8, 2009, 2:42 PM

this is a huge invasion of privacy and is against our constitution. I am quite tired of this government coming up with more ways of stripping our rights and wastefully spending out tax dollars.

This will do NOTHING to prevent anything. Our founding fathers a probably rolling in their graves over the large number of rights and freedoms that we have allowed a police state government to take from us.

Posted By buster on January 8, 2009, 2:57 PM

Wow...Are you all serious? Have we all become so self conscious and self adsorbed that we would rather risk another 9/11 and thousands die so that no one will see some scan that shows our shape? This is ridiculous, people will strip in locker rooms and undress for doctors and yet freak over this... I think it should be everyone scanned.
Your so worried lets have it set up males scan men and females scan females. And news flash, they are looking for dangerous materials, not trying to check you out.
So get over yourself and have a safe flight!

Posted By AMAZED on January 8, 2009, 3:02 PM

I would not mind it as long as there was a "fluffer" available before I walked through.

Posted By John Lee on January 8, 2009, 3:09 PM

Blog Editor: Officers do not show the scans to anyone and the scans are not recorded and are not kept up on a screen for any length of time. The purpose of the scan is to identify a place for additional search measures. Scans are not kept in files or databases, according to the report.

Ya, officers don't show scans to anyone... ONLY TO THEMSELVES! I can't trust anybody , especially that there are lots of molesters and perverts in this country. I don't care you work in the highest office of the world...I WILL NOT PERMIT YOU TO SEE MY BODY!

Posted By Mary Sulters on January 8, 2009, 3:13 PM

I went to the TSA site and looked at their images that they propose are different than the ones submitted in this blog. I don't find them to be any less intrusive. I think I would request the pat down. It doesn seem VERY intrusive

Posted By NOT IN A NYMINUTE on January 8, 2009, 3:18 PM

On the surface the scanning machines seem like a good idea. I mean after all they are keeping us safe. Right?

This is kind of an outrage to me. So what if they want to get a better look at my wife or me for that matter. How is that safe? It does invade my privacy, since the scans are random. To live in a free country is to accept the risks a free country opens itself up to. I would rather live with the risks than the alternative which is the loss of individual freedom.

Oh well, all in the name of national security. What's next? They already track our travels.

Posted By Willoughby on January 8, 2009, 3:22 PM

last year i flew to sacrmento a lady that work the front desk told me if they can see my id then she ask me for my ssI then she told me if there is anyone who can tell them im really me and they called my husband at his military work to identify me on who i really am when it was all done me and my friend went to our hotel room. she looked in her purse she found her razor that she use for work for cutting boards and such she forgot that it was there i was like ok wait they held me up for almost an hour while they let her on with a razor.. and they said this is the best they can come up with for safety how was what i went though any better then my friend go on board with a razor if you ask me the air lines are still stupid..

Posted By jennifer on January 8, 2009, 3:24 PM

you know, if this was first introduced in say a country like China, and subjected to travelers including foreigners; you'd get some pretty outraged western passengers, an state department voicing concern over the rights of travelers overseas, and ppl commenting 'thats what you get for visiting communist states, they'd never get away with that here'.
But then again, they probably have more perverts and homosexuals (we get viewed by agents of our own gender) than the US over there.

Posted By rio on January 8, 2009, 3:33 PM

I have read all the comments and I do have to say this is most ridiculous from all stand points pro and con. I have seen the best of both worlds so to say and from seeing more in the governments day to day activites and all the privledges from large to even the smallest of governments in towns, cities, suburbs, etc. This country USA I can honestly say in my opinion is becoming more and more communist everyday. They control what our children are allowed to wear in school, they control how we are supposed to act, say, do etc., they control our holidays and have enacted holidays like Martin luther King and have taken away George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. What happened to the orginal forfathers that made this country. It went all out the window and now they have taken our privacy away. What next?!?! Time to wake up American's of USA. Our country is no longer FREE we are now CONTROLED and just a few steps away from being a full COMMUNIST COUNTRY with alot of overpriced knuckleheads who think they are running it. LOL...wonder how much the taxpayers paid for this one! Must be like the $2000 toilet the government paid for when we can go out and buy one at any lowes or home depot for $100. LOL Welcome Fellow Americans to the new USA communistic and pacifist!!

And as someone else posted:

"Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety"

-Ben Franklin

Posted By fedup on January 8, 2009, 3:36 PM

I have 3 questions and a comment.
I would be interesting to know how many women as compared to how many men think that this is an invasion of their privacy?
If they had this technology before 9/11 how many of the hijackers would have been caught trying to smuggle their weapons onto the flights?
How many of the 9/11 deceased family members would take offense to this type of scan?
For those of you who are offended get over yourselves - this should be mandatory for everyone flying, if don't like it - don't fly

Posted By Russell on January 8, 2009, 3:43 PM

I rather be safe than sorry! I think that they should scan every person. I care about my safety and the safety of my family so what ever helps us to stay safe more power to it!

Posted By Jo on January 8, 2009, 3:58 PM

Follow the money. People that authorize this equipment and allocate funds to put them to use in your local airport DO NOT ride on these airplanes.
The more you (the public) are frightened of a crazy person actually boarding the same plane as you Just to blow it up, the more you will have to comply with ridiculous rules and regulations. If your Job, or Lively hood does not require you to fly, Then Don't Fly. That is the only way the public consciousness can make a point.. Toughen up People, Pointing the finger doesn't work any more. Its like last years Buzz Words. Its used up. Everyone wants to know who is responsible. Well Ill tell you that my neighbor is not responsible for me. What my mother did to me as a kid does not effect the way I conduct myself. Because I had detention in sixth grade, does that mean I am on a bad path? What it all means is that life is not easy, never was, and never will be. People, you are responsible for everything you do, accept it. As long as you are passing your personal responsibility to someone else to handle, then you have no room to complain if you do not like how they have handled it. I agree, with the majority, Life is getting stuffy. I prefer the good old days when you didn't have to worry about locking your car door while you are at the beach with the family. Or deadbolting the doors before you put the kids to bed. Sadly those days are gone. We all know what needs to be done. Everyone is thinking it. The day is here that the majority of the public is slowly beginning to fear our government. We have lost control as a people. It is your responsibility to deal with what has been growing and draining strength from the citizens. Take the power away from criminals. If you personally take more interest in your own safety and family's well being then you will not have government bearing down on your rights. If the neighbor boy has a gun, talk to his mother, take it away. c'mon people get a little backbone.

Posted By laughing on January 8, 2009, 4:00 PM

its amazing how the responses supporting this all have to throw in a "get over it" or "this is life, if you don't like it get out"

no, we will not get over it. just because some here are cold corporate lackies who live in fear does not mean that the rest of us have to sacrifice our freedoms for the PERCEPTION of safety.

if you fight for freedom from terrorism, you do not enslave yourselves indirectly to the terrorists in the process by giving up your freedom...because by the time you "win" the joke is on you and all your freedoms are gone. the freedom you fought so hard for proves to be nothing more than a thing of the past.

Posted By common sense on January 8, 2009, 4:24 PM

As an ex TSA employee - I think the full body scan better than what is in use today..more can be seen and not everyone is patted down - therefore missing material that could be strapped to a body or placed in a body cavity. Also everyone should be screened this way - not random. Still this method will not detect bio terror - i.e., a person carrying an infectious disease. People want to be safe, yet they complain if they are inconvenienced. Can't have it both ways. Better we start looking at the root causes of terrorism and trying to find ways to eradicate that, before people BECOME terrorists.

Posted By bjay on January 8, 2009, 5:13 PM

You must remember we all have the power to change anything in this world.
Do not fly - drive or vacation local - 90% of flying is a luxury or personal choice.
If you must fly for business you are living in the stone age. Video conferencing is the same as being wherever.
When the tree falls in the forest and no one is there to hear does it still make a sound?
If no one flys or enters the scanner will there still be a scanner?

Posted By george on January 8, 2009, 5:16 PM

so very true to the above comments and an answer to the questions "russell" 1. I am a woman and no I don't feel offended as I have stated "I have read all the comments and I do have to say this is most ridiculous from all stand points pro and con."
2. This type of technology wouldn't have prevented it, no matter how many ways you look at it, there was determination in it and I thank all those who perished on flight in PA who stood up to the terrorist to do what they did!
3. I lost many a friend and 5 family members from the flights who do take offensive to this type of scanning but I am not speaking for them. They have their own voice and yes, they do use it!
On the other comments...I am one of the few including my husband who are private pilots who rent airplanes when our money avails and I happened to be on the tarmac getting ready for takeoff and were just about at the end of the runway when we were instructed by the tower to abort our flight when 9-11 happened. That day I will never forget. We heard on news the first instance and saw the rest live, including the smoke from where we were located. But with elected politicians...I vote but as with all times no one or I should say quite a few don't do their homework and research as much of the politicians in all aspects of government are pro communism, pro liberals, pro science, pro pacifist, etc., etc. I could go on and on. #1 Our Freedoms are just about all gone! FACT #2 Our Government is out of Control! FACT
Do you remember growing up, I do. I am in my mid 40's..yes I am willing to admit it. Yes, I remember falling asleep with windows open, doors unlocked, keys in ignition, etc., etc. Friendly caring neighborhoods. But, can we offer our children (have 3) those same amenities..NO...FACT Face it America...These days are just about all but gone...shame shame shame...We as Americans let our Government get out of control in one form or another. It is time to WAKE-UP and REGAIN CONTROL of OUR GOVERNMENT! It is TIME for us as Americans to ask questions and to get answers as we pay the bills for our Government not the Government.

Posted By fedup on January 8, 2009, 5:20 PM

Not no but hell no. They are violating my rights as a citizen of this country. I AM INNOCENT UNTIL ANOTHER REASON PROVES I AM NOT INNOCENT. I feel drug testing is the same thing. You must prove you are innocent without a reason of guilt. I do not do drugs but fought this when I was employed in a Federal Bldg. I buy a plane ticket to go someplace in our country and am subject to having people check out my personal parts. This does NOT protect us from one thing. Many things can be brought on board by several people and be assemled on the plane. Shoot it down with ground to air missles. Oh come on, Bush has thrived on our fear and you all are still feeding into this. Wake up, your rights are gone as a citizen of this country. I am 63 and absolutely furious. I will not fly ever again because of the useless bull they put ya through and steal from you, yes steal. If they confinscate things from me, I'd feel better knowing it was going to the homeless and not airport personnel or into a dump. Meanwhile they are stealing from your baggage. These are the same people "protecting" you from terrorists??? Common Sense people, that is all I ask. Bush is monoriting Americans. I have pulled aside numerous times, I am 63,4'11",110lbs and a grandmother...oh and white since they profile people. I don't or didn't fly often as I hate it to begin with but I do get pulled aside every trip I make. I have never left this country and only go to visit a sick family member on the west coast, where I was born. Haven't even been east of Montana or New Orleans so what makes me look like someone to pull aside? I worked with the VA and do know my way around so I don't mouth off, say anything or do anything but I am truly fed up. My rights I EARNED have been taken away and so I want my Income Tax monies back for the past 50 years. I don't want to support crooks and idiots in the white house.

Posted By greenriverkate on January 9, 2009, 12:01 AM

Where are all these "terrorists" I've heard so much about? I've heard it on the news almost daily for the last 8 years. Ive read of warnings in newspapers once a month telling us to "watch" our neighbors or stay away from the Golden Gate Bridge, Dont go to the Super Bowl, Dont fly! The list goes on and on. Meanwhile our government creates new laws for our citizens. The Patriot act, Military commisions act, And the creation of a new agency known as "Homeland Security". Yet we rarely hear of terrorist activities being thwarted or anyone ever found guilty. So where are the terrorists???????? Washington DC!

Posted By illusion on January 9, 2009, 12:49 AM

This is really horrible. How our president or head of TSA will feel if their wives or daughters will be singled out in the airport for this type of scanning?

Posted By AIJAZ A on January 9, 2009, 12:22 PM

So, out of the millions of airline passengers searched, probed and scanned how many terrorists have we caught?

Posted By Ken R on January 9, 2009, 12:37 PM

Anyone who has traveled knows the quality of the TSA employees at security check points. THey are little more than minimum wage employees who seem to enjoys the so called "power" that goes along with their jobs. Anyone who thinks that there won't be obnoxious abuse of the "random" searches is fooling themselves. These are the people we are supposed to trust to look at our practically naked bodies and not jeer and make comments??? When I think of those, mostly men, "ramdomly" picking out women and teenage girls to practically strip search then all gathering around the machines to view their bounty, it makes me sick. What ever happened to same sex searches??? Would you want one of these perverts strip searching your daughter - NO! Well, it's the same kind of violation. I think a lot of men are viewing this different than women because unless the employees are gay they are not going to be leering at men's scans. In the age we live in, I don't disagree with the ability to do the scans but I agree with everyone else, you should be in a room with the person doing your scan and should be able to see your own image, also you should be scaned by same sex employees. If those conditions were met, I would have absolutely no problem with the scan.

Posted By the2rs on January 21, 2009, 10:25 AM

I go through one everyday that I go to work in IND. I'm a flight attendant with a replaced knee and it is sooooo much easier to go through this than to have a wanding. When I have to go through airports at other cities, I hate it because I have to have a pat-down. Come one, people. What are they really seeing. Can't imagine it would really excite anyone. It is easy. Quit being prudes!

Posted By shelby B on January 27, 2009, 2:03 AM

better than a full body search !!!!!!!!!!!

Posted By andrea on February 1, 2009, 6:47 PM

ALL radiation must be avoided, radiation destroys ALL living matter.
Protect your health and refuse radiation exposure.

Be Happy and Healthy

Posted By John Elliott on February 21, 2009, 9:46 PM

Another completely over the top invasion of our privacy. What do they expect to find that the current levels of searches don't pick up. Give me an example of some serious terrorist threat that can be detected. Is this is simply some attempt to find non-lethal contraband ie:drugs? If we accept this what is next?

Posted By David on February 21, 2009, 9:46 PM

So when are they to begin mandatory echip implantation? What is being implied is that Granny could be a "T" word...........Or the baby with a bottle looks a little funny, Oh wait I can smell what he is doing......Never mind!

Posted By MB on February 21, 2009, 10:10 PM

its not the point that you can decline them, this is a blatant violation of privacy that you never be excused, written off,or tolerated. people who accept this sort of treatment without protest deserve no freedom, and give me a break on al-quida threat issue. everybody with sense knows its just a crock anyway, and if you're that ignorant, than you can just refer to my previous comment about liberty.

Posted By natalia 13 on February 21, 2009, 10:34 PM

I have my full body scan in Detroit. I don't mind it as they do it randomly. A woman TSA will tell you when U past the security that this person was randomly chosen. I think it's OK as long as TSA will do it woman-woman and men- men full body search.

Also, it is better to be safe than sorry.

Posted By ginger on February 21, 2009, 10:40 PM

If it means I can fly without the fear of having my plane taken over and flown into a building, then I am all for it.

Posted By Kurt on February 21, 2009, 10:42 PM

And if you don't like it, you always have the choice of using an alternative means of transportation. yes, it is sad our world has come to this, but our personal safety if far more important than a silly body scan. Amazing how everyone forgets about 9-11 and assumes that will never happen again. With body scans, hopefully it won't. Scan away and maybe it will encourage all of us to take better care of our bodies.

Posted By Kurt on February 21, 2009, 10:54 PM

they should have two separate rooms one for women and one for men and there should only be female tsa agents in the womens and male agents in the mens

Posted By patricia on February 21, 2009, 10:54 PM

I got selected for one of these machines in the Denver airport. While normally I'm in favor of as much security as possible, I've got to say that I also suspect the motives of the TSA guy doing the selection. I wasn't wearing bulky clothing and although I'm not thin, I'm not heavy enough to get pulled out for secondary patdown in other airports. I travel about 20 weeks a year, so I go through a lot of checkpoints and never really attract any special attention. A much younger woman wearing a really light sundress was the next selectee. I found it very odd that no men were being pulled out and it didn't really seem to me that the selection process was focused on people who might be carrying prohibited objects under their clothes. If it ever happens again I'm asking for a patdown by a female TSA officer, because that last experience really made me wonder whether there was valid security reason or simply a guy looking for ways to entertain himself.

Posted By Sue on February 21, 2009, 11:06 PM

Instead of wasting time and money developing technology such as these to help the TSA perpetrate these obvious invasions of personal privacy and the trampling of our liberties, I say that the airlines should just issue a firearm to each passenger that wants one, for the duration of the flight.

If everyone is packing heat, nobody, and I mean nobody is going to hijack a plane. Personally I would feel 1000% safer with "Bubba" packing a piece on the plane in the seat next to me.

As passengers "deplane," the flight attendants collect the firearms from the passengers.

This would save a fortune on salaries and equipment for the slack-jawed TSA and take the rights and liberties of Americans off of the endangered list once and for all.

Posted By True Patriot on February 21, 2009, 11:07 PM

Is the TSA forcing you to fly?!?!?If you don't like what has to take place to keep our people and planes intact....DRIVE to where you need to go. Then you can skip the fancy photo booth!!!!

Posted By Jay on February 21, 2009, 11:13 PM

Hey free medical imaging. Can I request copies for my doctor?

Posted By Nomore on February 21, 2009, 11:23 PM

I think this is way past too far-I agree that they need to be able to see or find weapons of some sort but this is sick and perverted. It smacks of the same dehumanizing acts of the Holocaust.

Posted By Sharon Haggard on February 21, 2009, 11:26 PM

Let me take this one a step further..when leaving Las Vegas I was pulled to a room and searched. This is not the first time this has happened. I have never been arrested,nor am I a member of any suspicious "group" unless you consider the AARP one of the groups under suspicion. I understand the need for security, but there was NOBODY..and I mean NOBODY..that was willing and or able to answer my questions...?

Posted By RLCronk on February 21, 2009, 11:28 PM

TSA has the "right" under law to basically do what they want. The only way to change this is to change the law. Elect senators and representatives that are willing to reinstate the rights of a free person.

Posted By peterpilot on February 21, 2009, 11:51 PM

Homeland Security is a joke as is most everything the U.S. Government involves itself with.

Posted By Ralph Law on February 21, 2009, 11:55 PM

What is next...???? A mouth swab for DNA!!!!!

Screw them!

Posted By samantha on February 22, 2009, 12:16 AM

Ok, Here's one for you. What about the underage kid that gets a scan? So its ok for the TSA to photo child porn?

Posted By Just a person on February 22, 2009, 12:17 AM

soooo many of you are missing the point. who cares how easy and convenient these draconian new methods are. the fact is that this is far too intrusive and violating. it's the ones that say they are ok with it that are going to be led like sheep to the slaughter. it's just a few little rights that they are willing to give up for the illusion of safety after all, so no problem right? how many times over the years have we been forced to keep giving a little more of those rights in the name of security. still, planes have continued to be highjacked. terrorists will just learn how to adapt and we will remain one step behind them no matter how good our technology is. as long as america holds the reigns, there will always be security issues to what we represent. it's the price we pay for being a world leader, and somehow we will feel safer by giving up freedoms that made us so great to begin with? please....the terrorists have already won by making us change the way we live. the media and the bush administration have made it commonplace to perpetuate fear and have us all peeking around every corner looking for our doom. what are we so afraid of? these threats have always been there and aren't going away no matter who we kill. since this technology has not stopped an attack yet, it really just seems like another government contract handed down to waste more of our money and make some fatcat corporation richer. all the while giving the false impression that we are "doing something" to fight that which we can't see coming and couldn't possibly stop. sure, MAYBE we'll foil a plot or two one day, MAYBE we won't. MAYBE the report we get that says we did is just fed to us to justify what we're giving up is worth it. the fact is, getting on a plane is already a risk and you might not land alive whether a terrorist is on it or not. everyone has already accepted that risk by boarding. we send our military to fight and justify that as being the right thing to do whether they return or not. it's all risk that we have decided is warranted. risk is not freedom, and one right is just as sacred as another. if you don't want those rights we all have inherited as being american born, you should be so lucky as to have the ability to disregard them like they don't matter. there are plenty of other countries one could live where you wouldn't have these (diminishing) rights. it is unpatriotic to not stand up and fight for these issues. keep turning the other way and going about your myopic existence, and your children can inherit a beautiful police state to live in one day. you're seeing it happen right now in front of our eyes. come on my fellow americans, stop living in fear and turn off the news, or the tv for that matter. take off the blinders and think for yourself.......

Posted By mark p on February 22, 2009, 12:23 AM

How long will it be before staff members are posting the scans on porn sites and embarrassing members of the public, oh and of course stars ie: "What does Britney Spears wear to fly these days?"

I can see it right now, the security maybe a good method but it's the staff that are not always trustworthy.

Posted By Lee Craven on February 22, 2009, 1:10 AM

I've never flown and don't think I ever will, and this is one reason why. This is going too far although pat down is bad enough. I also have a metal implant in my spine and would be very upset if they humiliated me because of it. You aren't supposed to be singled out for anything else (like race), so they shouldn't single me out for having an implant I had to get because of a spine deformity.

You shouldn't have to give up privacy for security. I'd rather be "less safe" than have some pervert feeling me up or looking at me intimately. Especially if there are others watching.

I see a lot of men posting here who favor this. Well, that's not surprising - men generally have less to be embarrassed about than women. So of course most men wouldn't understand.
Also a lot of people who favor invasive security don't have metal implants. So of course they are less likely to understand.

Posted By Andie on February 22, 2009, 1:54 AM

Only people that work for the TSA would know that someone is looking at your body but it doesnt show no body parts

Posted By christina on February 22, 2009, 2:13 AM

Why don't they just ask everyone to go through security buck naked? This would stop any terrorist, and enable the low-paid TSA rent-a-cops to get their jollies as well as a fringe benefit. This is a terrible invasion of privacy. Another reason to hate Bush for standing by and letting our nation get attacked on 9/11. We should stand up for our rights in the same way he didn't stand up for our country.

Posted By NICK on February 22, 2009, 2:30 AM

It's either this humiliation or get blown away.
I choose the humiliation because I love to see my kids grow up.
We have the same organs afterall. 911 changed it all for us.

Posted By ndidi ihezue on February 22, 2009, 2:57 AM

I don't think that its fair to say that this is an invasion of our privacy. No one in this country has EARNED any right to fly, just like no one earns the right to drive. We have a CHOICE not to fly, thereby not be subjected to a full-body scan. It isn't as if someone is going door-to-door to scan people against their will. The fact that we have a choice not to fly makes this not an invasion of our privacy. It is yet another thing to consider when deciding whether to fly or not. I do agree, though, that it seems at least that this type of scan would not have prevented the 9/11 attacks. I do see the possibility of misuse, and agree fully that precautions should be put into place to ensure that does not occur. And, to the people that have commented that the TSA is "stealing" our disallowed items I would like to say something. The TSA is very clear concerning what is allowed and what is not allowed on a flight. I have never had anything taken from me that was not on their list of banned items. Therefore it is simple to avoid having items taken from you by security. Read the list, and don;t take things through security that are not allowed on the plane.

Posted By rmtemsguy on February 22, 2009, 3:33 AM

I have flown several years now, And I can say that I'm not a bit happy with any of this. Why you ask any fool would realize that this stuff makes us all safer or doe's it. With any system its not fool proof and someone will find a way to beat it so believe it flying, riding on a train our any other form of mass transit is at risk. Sure this may catch the idiots but there are minds out there in this world who can overcome just about any defense that they think TSA can come up with. Here's my point This is in most part a waste of time and money and has changed our lives dramatically at least for those who travel frequently. I wish I could just apply for a travel pass from my government and walk through security. What! this is a crazy Idea? Well think about it we used to just walk through security back in the old days no problems. We why can't we go back to that. Is it feasible to have a travel pass much like a registration to own a fire arm that says I'm not crazy I'm not a terrorist I'm just a regular person who travels. They could at least do this for non International flights. We are living in dangerous times and I by no means belittle the security efforts of the TSA but come on guys have you ever seen or heard of a little old lady from Arkansas being or attempting to or threatening to harm others on board an aircraft. We are such a paranoid society and often go to extremes to try and plug holes yet we often over look a better means of solving the problem.Retinal scanning and finger printing facial and voice recognition software are all out there and should you have a travel pass and fail one or both of the tests then then send you through the stepped up security check in process. Still your carry on is scanned and but no ones looking at your butt.
I have decided that I will avoid flying because I just hate the security check points, Makes me feel like I'm living in a world were Hitler survived and is ruling our lives so now I drive across country instead and enjoy the site seeing.
Just my two cents.
mikej,
Anaheim, CA

Posted By mikej on February 22, 2009, 3:38 AM

My guess is that this is used mostly for the general public. You can bet money that the Politicians don't get scanned. Neither do CEO's, why because they don't go through TSA security check lines any more than the flight crew does.
Another concern I have, is what is the age limit for these scans, do children have to be scanned if their mother uses cloth diapers with steel diaper pins?
The amount of people here that think this is an invasion of privacy need to write their Congress men and Women and let them know how you feel. The other way to let them know your feelings in not fly and bring the air line to their knees. But that would just be another bail out that we have to pay for. You all sat by while the Bush Administration blatantly eroded you Constitutional rights and did nothing about it when you had the chance.

Posted By John A on February 22, 2009, 4:40 AM

I read some of the things here and I agree with almost everything written against these things. 1. TSA agents are going to abuse it big time. 2. Chances of them actually catching anyone are slim to none because they are not that bright. 3. Enough is enough they open my bags and loose stuff then leave little notes saying they were in them. 4. At some point we passed from protecting the public into big brother and this is a good example of it. The fact is we over spend and fall for a lot of security scams. There are giant grave yards of tech-no-stuff the government purchased after 911. Our children will be paying for this for years after were all dead and gone.

Posted By Earl on February 22, 2009, 4:55 AM

i FEEL THIS IS PRETTY INVASIVE AND AS TECHNOLOGY IMPROVES BEFORE LONG THEY COULD OFFER CALENDERS AND MAGAZINES OF THE HOTTEST IMAGES.

Posted By Rob White on February 22, 2009, 5:05 AM

My job takes me to different US cities. After reading several comments, I'd just like to share my opinion, as a seasoned flyer sometimes I get "chosen" by TSA and I'm really thankful for it. Have we forgotten 911? With all due respect, they're just doing their job. Nobody's perfect, but I don't think TSA employees do it on purpose, they're just following rules and common sense. I feel safer if all precautions are taken. I rather be "chosen" every time I fly. I really don't mind. At this point and the way the world is today, it's time to abide by some rules and not be part of a tragedy. We must take all necessary precautions. Thanks to TSA for making me feel safer!

Posted By Ernie on February 22, 2009, 5:29 AM

This is one of many reasons I no longer fly.

Posted By litedave on February 22, 2009, 5:32 AM

first - I think you should take a pregnancy test before traveling now.... pregnant women can't even get their teeth x-rayed!

2nd - let tsa or any other security organization do what they want to guarantee our security but they better guarantee it after all this!

Posted By Lena on February 22, 2009, 5:47 AM

I'm all for protecting my flying experience and controlling hazards to public safety. TSA people have all been courteous to me. My inquiry is why TSA never turns off their program. How many times do they need my travel records and baggage searches and explosive sniffers and body scans before they decide I am one of the responsible citizens who pays his mortgage and taxes? Never? Okay I quit voting because I don't care who gets elected. Does that keep me on the check list forever? How many details about my personal life need to be checked? Which details indicate a possible hazard to public safety? None you say?

I've changed my flying habits. No checked bags. I take only a small carryon with me. No liquids or gels which I buy when I arrive. I wear a suit and carry two shirts. I buy extra underwear and socks and casual clothes after I arrive but I toss them before I return. No more expensive rolling bags. A small cloth duffel is good enough.

TSA needs to make it worry free for everyone.

Posted By Bill Williams on February 22, 2009, 6:19 AM

WAKE UP AMERICA!!!....The Fourth Amendment to the Constitution reads: “the right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures.” It also provides that arrest warrants cannot be granted without probable cause. The operative word, here, is “unreasonable,” meaning that reasonable searches are permitted if a judge believes there to be probable cause to search for evidence of a crime, PROBABLE CAUSE IS : Probable cause basically boils down to a “reasonable belief” that a crime has been committed or that evidence of a crime exists at the place being searched or that a suspect has committed a crime. In addition the alternative offered BEING REQUIRED TO POSED NUDE FOR THE "COMFORT" OF OTHERS SHOULD BE TOO ABHORRENT TO EVEN CONSIDER.Ben Franklin, one of our nation's founders, is said to have put it this way...Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety... and I add...will live to have neither. NEITHER FRISKING NOR RANDOM XRAYS ARE CONSTITUTIONALLY LEGAL AND ITS TIME FOR THE SUPREME COURT TO PUT AND END TO THESE PRACTICES.

Posted By Bill on February 22, 2009, 8:21 AM

I was in a security line at LAX, and my girlfriend pointed out that two of the passengers "randomly" selected for this machine happened to be pretty blondes with what looked like augmented breasts. These two women were standing in line one behind the other, so it wasn't like TSA chose every fifth or sixth person. It was also fishy because in the entire time we were in line, five people were chosen but only one of them was male, while most of the TSA agents were male.

How much you wanna bet the pictures of particularly fetching passengers are shared among TSA agents?

Posted By luc on February 22, 2009, 8:43 AM

I dont see ANY problem with these images at all! By all means go ahead. just make sure that the cost analysis is + and not - !!!

Posted By justyl@aol.com on February 22, 2009, 8:46 AM

I'm a frequent flyer with a knee replacement, so I'm subjected to the demeaning pat-downs and explosive wipes every time I travel. Some TSA employees are outright anal and ignorant, especially at my home airport in PA. At larger, more professional sites I've encountered less inconvenience, but I've learned to live with being a terror suspect simply because I had my knee replaced. Our Big Brother government is using the Chicken Little mentality of the populace to foist their control over our every movement. Orwell was right -- just a little soon.

Posted By Jon on February 22, 2009, 8:49 AM

If you don't want to do the scan, don't fly, we won't miss you.

Posted By Obama on February 22, 2009, 9:11 AM

Fly General Aviation!! It may be a little more expensive, but it is a whole lot more FUN and offers so much more freedom.

Imagine sitting down and getting to know the pilot who is going to take you and your family into their hands BEFORE take off. Talk about freedom, privacy, and choice.

This is an example of the free market in action.

Posted By Chris on February 22, 2009, 9:30 AM

Well, it is better than a pat down, which can easily be abused and faster than wanding, plus more concise.

However, it should be done on everyone. What good does it do to check 1%, 3%, or even 10% of the travellers? What is to prevent one or more the other 90% from being a terrorist? This is totally arbitrary and leaves it completely open. Plus, who is to say that the scanner is not an accomplice to a terrorist and knowingly allows them unchecked passage?

As for the "perverts". Wake up! there are people that get off on shoes, pigtails, dental braces, defecation, etc. etc. Who is to say what anyone gets off on now-a-days?

What I have seen is that scanners actually pick the LEAST likely. It saves time, money, paperwork, and easy to reach quotas.

So basically, I am against it, unless and until done 100%.

Posted By Ted on February 22, 2009, 9:57 AM

Pat them down first... then if there still is reason for suspicion do the scan. Also, how do you expect to catch terrorists if you scan every 10th person? What does a terrorist look like? This is stupid.

Our forefathers warned us of giving up our liberties and the price we would pay. Look at the state of our country. Is it getting better?

"America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves. " - Abraham Lincoln

Posted By Tim B on February 22, 2009, 10:24 AM

What's next, a mandatory anal probe?? I'm sure the people that blindly support this new invasion of privacy would also 'patriotically' bend over for the anal probe if the TSA said they had to.

Come on people, stand up for your rights - this is ridiculous.

Posted By mwilliams on February 22, 2009, 10:38 AM

This would be fine if the images of people's private parts were muted. I object to the detail of the body displayed. This is a gross invasion of privacy. This has nothing to do with being prudish, but being exposed without your free will. I'm amazed how many people give up their rights so easily.

Posted By Concerned Frequent Traveller on February 22, 2009, 10:45 AM

Dang straight this is a violation of privacy. How much longer is it gonna be until we have martial law, government imposed curfews', and soldiers walking down the street for our own protection? A really famous person once said, and I quote, "Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both." you all may have heard of him, it's Benjamin Franklin.

Posted By M. on February 22, 2009, 12:32 PM

This is against the constitution, we have a right to privacy, and this is violating our rights.
It should be stopped.
I'd rather be pat down, then my body being shown to every security.
I hope Obama reviews all this and gets rid of this spying on innocent people. They never caught a terrorist with this system.
Audrey Brown

Posted By Audrey Brown on February 22, 2009, 1:54 PM

No its not an invasion of privacy...they are just openly looking at your naked body with high-tech gadgetry.

I think the Playboy Playmates are all terrorists they definitely need to get a full body scan!

Posted By America Lover on February 22, 2009, 1:58 PM

Next will be full body searches, all in the name of terror. All this intrusiveness is meant to demean and dehumanize. To many voyeurists want to watch and to many want to be seen. Probable cause is gone in the US. Those of you who want to give up any freedoms the Constitution has for safety can move to places such as Russia where the citizens have little or no freedom. I have a feeling that having less freedom does not equate to more safety. Terrorist attacks still happen there, perhaps we should give up all our freedoms in the name of safety.

Posted By Dan on February 22, 2009, 4:08 PM

I'm ever sickenly amazed at the increasing number of sheeple who would welcome such indignities. Fear and ignorance feed the cowardice which produces such obedient subjects. That's how all governments operate. They use fear to justify ALL of their immoral actions, and gain compliance. Either fear the bad guy and give up your liberty so that the government can protect you. Or just plain fear the government so they don't just take your liberty. Those who would sacrifice their liberty for the promise of some temporary security deserve neither liberty nor security.

Posted By Samson on February 22, 2009, 5:45 PM

"Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety."
Benjamin Franklin, Historical Review of Pennsylvania, 1759

Frightening all of the people who think that this kind of thing is okay in the name of "safety"

And people wonder why I drive 12 hours to Vegas rather than fly 1.5 hours... Plus 3 hours at the airport... I'd rather die free and take my chances with a terrorist on the plane. What is this country coming to...

Posted By Jade on February 22, 2009, 8:36 PM

I think its wrong, no proof that this will catch terrorists. Since we are now in a police state, am I allowed to question these things?

Posted By tim brower on February 23, 2009, 10:05 AM

No no, if everyone starts using GA the TSA will take that over as well.

Everything that the TSA has done has not made us any safer, in fact according to several studies airport security is less safe now. What they are providing is 'Security Theater' (kudos to Bruce Schneier) simply making the traveling public think they are safe.

There are no tangible benefits to 90% of the 'security' implemented at airports, however you give up all of your rights by agreeing to fly. If you want to be sheep, go ahead.

I'll drive or pay for a GA flight or simply not go.

Posted By breandan on February 23, 2009, 11:50 AM

i belive it is a violation. because any good hacker could get the pictures and spread them on the internet and then the damage is done and theres nothing you can do about it. because the people who have seen it probably wont change there judgment about you. it screams lawsuit to me.

Posted By jane on February 27, 2009, 11:32 AM

We just returned from a Royal Caribbean cruise to Montego Bay, Jamica. Passengers returning to the ship first passed thru a standard metal detector and then were groped by security guard with particular attention to "private" parts. Unfortunately, the gropers were the same sex! This did not happen at an earlier cruise to Ocho Rios, Jamica & I have to experience at the airports.

Posted By Frank Hallisey on March 11, 2009, 3:28 PM

A gross invasion of privacy.

Posted By vickie on March 20, 2009, 5:32 PM

The day i allow one of these scans is the day i let someone kick me in the nuts. I am a combat veteran of both gulf conflicts and several othere Nato operations, This like being screened simply because you have a one way international flight isa violation, just as is the new standard to buy an airline ticket and give my birth date and my sex
forget the Terrorist support ageny TSA,all these 9 dollar an hr monkeys know about securtiy is shit nothing. at all

Posted By Damon Garland on March 20, 2009, 5:34 PM

Does anyone remember the US Constitution? You know, that document that all law enforcement officers and public servants are sworn to uphold, protect and serve?
It's all we have.
Better take care of it.

Posted By Jim on March 20, 2009, 5:52 PM

BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING YOU

Posted By Scott on March 20, 2009, 5:54 PM

what makes you yhink TSA is telling the truth/ They seldom do. TSA= try standing around...It is a foolish waste of money and just beats paying unemployment...they ought to be inspecting useful

Posted By scott jacobs on March 20, 2009, 5:56 PM

Thanks to 9-11 and a group of Muslim terrorists, they took away my freedom of travel. One sad thing is that I have to throw away brand new unopened bottle of water and sodas. TSA should change their guideline on water and drinks, if passenger showed that they can have a sip from the bottle that they carry, of course no one is stupid enough to drink any chemical at the check point then they (TSA) should allow passengers to bring their own water. BTW! Airlines food are nasty and they charged an outrage price on sandwiches. It's no longer comfortable flighting any more, it worse than going to a whorehouse accept when you're taking your clothes off no one is watching.

Posted By HT on March 20, 2009, 5:58 PM

The TSA people do not see that image. I was pulled out of line a week ago in Atlanta and made to stand in that imaging machine. When I stepped out, I stood in front of the monitor with the TSA official and they just get a report....if this does anything to keep us safe, then they have my vote! It only took a minute of my time and they were professional and pleasant...we even shared a laugh when I asked if I should change my makeup or something and she said "no, you look just fine..this is totally random". I have no issue with that.

Posted By Diane Hamlen on March 20, 2009, 6:00 PM

Scans? Is this for a medical procedure or prevantive measure? From what I can tell most Americans already have provided this information, Social Security, Passports, Tax returns. TSA needs to be revamped, expecially the empolyees, one airport does one thing and another allow something else. Unless I need to have my rights(yah right) violated based on the untanted Constution, thank you very much, done by amendment after amendment, WE THE PEPOPLE, are really missing something.

Posted By PD on March 20, 2009, 6:33 PM

TSA should be more concern about getting the images of the real stuff attached to the body and not look at the whole body, on those images they are still able to see what they are not suppose to see, concentrate on seeing what is most important and not the whole, but looking at those images they are still violating our privacy.

Posted By reaza on March 20, 2009, 6:59 PM

Not even ONE person going through the so-called TSA "security screening" has ever been found to be a credible threat. Not one. Let me repeat that - NOT ONE. Only uninformed persons could think the scan is useful. It's not really their fault they think this way though, they are just SO ignorant of the facts they will believe whatever they're told. Sad, really.

Posted By Rick Gee on March 20, 2009, 8:38 PM

I think that people should never forget what happened on 9/11. There are people out there that want to do as much harm to the United States as possible. Terrorists are still out there!! The only difference is that they look like you and me also. Terrorists are recruiting young people, white, black, indian, mexican, chinese, whatever, to do harm. So the terrorists of 2009 look like your sons and daughters. They even use babies to get their materials onto airplanes. If you think that all is well, you are sadly mistaken. I thank God that TSA is in force and seeking the security of my family. Shame on you for making a farce of an organization that is in place for your security.

Posted By linda johnson on March 20, 2009, 9:14 PM

I commend Germany for doing the right thing. What a democratic country. What is happening to America?? What happens to someone coming, like say from Germany where this is illegal and considered to be demeaning?
What would an American feel like in a foreign country when asked to do this?
Mark

Posted By Mark Plei on March 20, 2009, 10:41 PM

Anyone ever read 1984 ? Cameras on the highways and public intersections WTF? Now we have to subject ourselves to being radiated to travel? If no one travels in a protest, the machines will disappear. It's not about safety, it's about what we sacrifice in the name of safety, one piece at a time!

Posted By Cyrus on March 21, 2009, 12:49 AM

It seems that some of the people are scared. Some are confused. Others are foolish. How can anybody have faith in the words of the Govt. when they lied about 911, the war in Iraq. Torture. Domestic surveillance.The bailout and the bonuses. If Bush and Dick kept us so safe,why are we so afraid? Whatever happened to those warnings before 2004 Elections.
If we can believe that Jesus walked on water, they know they can make us believe anything.

Posted By Judah on March 21, 2009, 3:22 AM

These TSA agents do not need to go to peep shows, they can watch them all day long on the job!!! Must be nice. Invasion of privacy, this is an understatement!!!

Posted By Outraged on March 21, 2009, 5:02 AM

Stop the Madness already! So much is done in the name of security, thats illegal and sad. I think people like Linda are really sad because they live in constant fear and are willing to let go of civil rights in the name of fear and security

Posted By Meg M. on March 21, 2009, 7:29 AM

The Nazis got many of their powers by implementing these little by little small invasions of privacy through - all in the name security!

Posted By Marion Garces on March 21, 2009, 8:22 AM

lol if you want to think of this sexually, get the pat down, if you want security get the scan and the works.

We need the security

Posted By smitty on March 21, 2009, 9:26 AM

I find it incredulous that a lot of the security checks and invasive searching techniques that were thrust upon the rest of the world such as in my country, like Background Police checks for aviation workers, Pilots and Aircraft owners, are now just being proposed or implemented in the Country that originated these obvious intrusions! Incredible.

Passengers passing through either of our two International Airports are subject to random searches and checks and the Airports are in the process of implementing these body search machines all as a result of pressure from the US Government. It is similar to the drug induced sanctions that caribbean nationals face while very little is done to control and reduce the US appetite for drugs. Its all good once it does not affect the average US citizen, is this ok in your mind? I dont think it is but I am only an Architect from Jamaica.

We all hated what happened on 911 we all have suffered the loss of loved ones when the world was attacked on that day. We all suffer from the negative influence of drugs and the crime associated with its use and distribution, but the war on these terrors has to be a united one not a one-sided one. Just my two cents. Blessings all.

Posted By Jason on March 21, 2009, 10:54 AM

Just think of all the pedophiles that are applying for the TSA scanner positions. Getting paid to look at young adolescent and child bodies. Should change the name of the job to "pervy peepster".
Sick and disgusting!

Posted By Millicent on March 21, 2009, 10:55 AM

Everyone is so concerned with, "their," personal rights. I'm concerned withy MY personal safety. If you have a problem with it, then you either have something to hide, or are just looking for something to argue about. Technically while flying you are engaging in a public activity, as evidenced by the other passengers on the plane, unless you're traveling on a plane you own. The service is open to the public for a price, and certain rules can be put in place for the welfare of the public as a whole. To me, a pat down is much more invasive on my personal rights and privacy. The only argument I can plausibly understand is this technology being used by slightly less than mature TSA agents. I'm not fearful for my life, not scared of terrorist attacks, but it really does only take one incident, no matter how small the percentages are, and everyone on this board talking about personal privacy will be singing a new tune. Bottom line, not everyone get's scanned, if you don't want to take the chance, then don't fly...if you want to go from New York to California in less than a week, I'd get over it and take somewhat of a "greater good" approach. As far as I can tell, nobody can say why this machine is illegal, other than it makes people uncomfortable, which in itself is not illegal. If the TSA was scanning homes without warrants, then I see the argument. When you buy a plane ticket you're entering into a contract whereby you agree to these searches. Contracts by nature are negotiable instruments. I suppose if you really have a problem, then try to negotiate the terms of the contract with an actual person selling you the ticket.

Posted By ck on March 21, 2009, 11:13 AM

I find it incredulous that a lot of the security checks and invasive searching techniques that were thrust upon the rest of the world such as in my country, like Background Police checks for aviation workers, Pilots and Aircraft owners, are now just being proposed or implemented in the Country that originated these obvious intrusions! Incredible.

Passengers passing through either of our two International Airports are subject to random searches and checks and the Airports are in the process of implementing these body search machines all as a result of pressure from the US Government. It is similar to the drug induced sanctions that caribbean nationals face while very little is done to control and reduce the US appetite for drugs. Its all good once it does not affect the average US citizen, is this ok in your mind? I dont think it is but I am only an Architect from Jamaica.

We all hated what happened on 911 we all have suffered the loss of loved ones when the world was attacked on that day. We all suffer from the negative influence of drugs and the crime associated with its use and distribution, but the war on these terrors has to be a united one not a one-sided one. Just my two cents. Blessings all.

Posted By Jason on March 21, 2009, 11:32 AM

I am a service-connected disabled veteran. I have a brace on one leg and use a cane. This means that EVERY time I go through security, I get pulled aside. The TSA agents I've encountered have shown a gross lack of courtesy and common decency. I would not trust them with these scans. I have had my bad leg HIT with wands, I have had my cane taken away, I've been told to hop 1-legged through metal detectors. And... all my complaints through TSA have fallen on deaf ears. I think the scans are a huge invasion of privacy, I think the majority of TSA agents are inconsiderate buffoons, and I will not support their tyranny by flying.

Posted By Angela on March 21, 2009, 11:40 AM

As an overweight person, not grossly, but enough that a bikini is out of the question...LOL...as is the beach in genreal, I do not care for this type of "security scan"...

Sorry, but enough is enough. I'd rather have to go
through a 2nd pat down, being wanded than be exposed in this manner.

Good thing I don't fly that much...it has reached the point where individual privacy is a thing of the past and that doesn't say much about the world in general.

Posted By E. Hansen on March 21, 2009, 12:12 PM

If it wasnt' for the TSA, Airports, and Airlines, travel would be great.
No Thanks, I'll do my travel via car on my terms.

Posted By John on March 21, 2009, 12:34 PM

My son and I flew to Burbank for a weekend trip (my birthday) to attend a motorcycle club party. While there we bought support shirts from the club and wore them the next day on the flight home. TSA at Burbank pulled my son and me a side and we both got the wand and the pat down. Talk about profiling!

Posted By MalKo on March 21, 2009, 1:00 PM

Alfredo, did you not read the article??? It says that the amount of radiation you are exposed to is equal to 15 mins outside on a sunny day. That is not even close to X-Ray radiation. DUH!!

Posted By Alissa on March 21, 2009, 1:03 PM

I read the comments. I looked at the images from the TSA site. This is a clear violation of my privacy, and I would decline. I would also decline a pat-down. Do I have the choice to leave the airport and get a full refund for being so insulted & avoid being violated?
If my underwire is the issue, I'll be happy to remove it. But don't touch me without probable cause. The gender of the searcher is irrelevant to me. Their thoughts are not important to me. My own are. I do not want anyone touching me or looking at my nude body without my permission.
I thought the air puffer thing was non-invasive, effective and kinda fun.
I've only flown twice, and each time my bags were searched. I didn't mind. I called the airport and asked what I could bring, what I couldn't and what had to be checked. They were very helpful and told me that my acrylic paints would be searched because they are gels, that I could not bring oils. That was fine. I was upset with the carelessness (2 tubes were busted), but was told to expect that.
I am not a princess who expects others to rescue me. I know exactly how dangerous life can be. I am not the type of person to sit passively by while someone is being abused, violated, subjugated or terrorized. If I am killed by terrorists then either I went down fighting like a true American, or I died unaware. I would sincerely hope that NOT ONE of my family or friends would violate my memory by giving up a single freedom for the illusion of a safer tomorrow.
Yes, I have the choice not to fly. However, I am not willing to trade Constitutional freedoms to 'feel' safer. Inch by slow inch our rights will be legislated and regulated away, if we allow it. I will not stand by and watch that happen. Nor should any of you. We have the responsibility as citizens of this country to safeguard our own liberty.
We talk about being desensitized to violence because of TV, but the reality is that we are being desensitized to the loss of our free society. This IS the 21st century and we have the responsibility to protect our rights, now more than ever.
So don't allow random searches of your person or property. I would prefer to be targeted with probable cause rather than chosen randomly.
Write to your congressmen, senators, judges and TSA officials (many prefer e-mail). Complaining on these forums won't do much good if it stops here, but being an active participant in your country will.
Take the time to read & understand our Constitution.

Posted By Gail on March 21, 2009, 3:11 PM

Dumb statements like this just shows people will give up their freedom and do what ever big brother wants, how dumb can people get.....How is this an invasion of privacy? Let's examine the facts: 1) Flying is optional -- if you don't want to be subject to security provisions, drive or stay home. 2) The scan is optional -- you can still opt for a simple, standard pat-down. By the way, I've had the scan and appreciated the ease and speed much more than the "traditional" method.

Tihs is just about as optionl as paying your taxes whicn by the way will go out of sign with the person in the white house right now spending money like there is no tomorrow. Flying is not optional for people that have to fly to made a living or a number of other reasons. Point is stop being sheeps and sound off to the white house about this type of ****. The person in the white house will made this worse and take more freedoms that you know unless you wake up now.

Posted By DENNIS on March 21, 2009, 7:19 PM

I have no problem with the scanners. I have nothing to hide. If I don't want to be scanned I can always use some other means of transportation. Besides, I think it would be boring to look at those types of images all day, not thrilling.

Posted By Michael J. Doran on March 22, 2009, 1:05 PM

i had to go through one at jacksonville airport march 7th, and didn't have a problem with it.if you have nothing to hide whats wrong with it?

Posted By ron phillips on March 22, 2009, 9:21 PM

I had to go through one at Jacksonville airport march 7th, and didn't have a problem with it. if you have nothing to hide what's wrong with it?

Posted By ron phillips on March 22, 2009, 9:25 PM

If this scan is only to be used randomly, and after everyone has already been through security, what is the point, other than an invasion of privacy? All those who see nothing wrong with it probably don't mind giving up more of their rights -- just don't sign away any more of mine! When do we say "enough is enough?" Stop being led or pushed around out of fear; that is exactly what terrorists want -- to disrupt our lives and for us to willingly jail ourselves!! We're doing half of their work for them.

Posted By DK on March 22, 2009, 9:36 PM

One word sums it all the way I feel about this type of screening, "NO". I refuse to subject myself or my spouse to this kind of harassment. That's all it is. If the TSA continues with this kind of search, I refuse to fly.

Posted By Patrick Smith on March 22, 2009, 9:48 PM

Just who are we kidding here. The terrorists whole plan was to bankrupt us with asymetrical warfare. We are no longer a free people. We hide behind our scanners, sniffers, body searches, security cameras and all the other things we have to put up with. This is because our leaders don't have the stones to do what needs to be done, in oreder to defend not just our bodies and lives but our freedom. They won. We should have nuked the bastards and asked who wants to be next.

Clay

Posted By Clay Leslie on March 22, 2009, 10:01 PM

I understand the issue of privacy and being selected for screening may seem weird, creepy, embarrassing, etc. The photos depicted here are not the images seen by the security officers. The real images are on tsa.gov (millimeter wave or backscatter). The images above are the scanners used in Germany and if you are scared of those images, definitely do not travel to some countries in South America. You will feel totally violated. No matter what screening procedure is done: whole body image, full body pat down, hand-wanding. Passengers always feel uncomfortable and inconvenienced. Should we totally get rid of screening?

What are some alternatives to the methods we are using now? How about starting a blog on other possible security methods. I don't know if TSA is committing a violation or not. But if you can look at the news from other regions in the world, you would be amazed to see how different life is. The number of bombings committed by terrorist groups is numerous from Madrid, Middle East and India. There are groups that hate the lifestyle of the U.S. (Western culture). Believe me life is different from the footage shown on CNN and your local news.

I am glad to be here in the U.S. I am glad to be back.

Posted By LB on March 22, 2009, 10:47 PM

Better safe than sorry. It does not bother me.

Posted By Allan Lee on March 22, 2009, 11:35 PM

Some of this is good and some is bad, very bad. My husband has a penial implant, two plastic knees, I have an asortment of bone that have been fused.
My husband gets grabed and groped enough the way it is with all the metal he has. I have the same problem with the metal in me.

I like the machine for the fact it can detect a bomb or a gun.

every on is just coming

Posted By Carole Saylor on March 23, 2009, 1:00 AM

If they are going to scan they should do it to everyone. All or none.

Yes, the terrist attack was to do exactly what has happend to USA's finances. It was planned all the way.

Most of your terrorists I think, believe that if they die a death like this that they will have virgins in heaven. So, I dont' think your terrorist are going to be Christians in the United States or white people. Aren't most people who believe the above statement from Pakistan or Iran?

Not sure... but middle EaSTERN?

Yeah all the people who helped with the 9/11 and who supported obamah with the 800 billion dollars is laughing.. Americans are stupid they think..
I hope that we don't let the gov take over like Germany did with the Jewish people. THey took their rights away a little at a time. This is what our gov is doing to us.. a little at a time. THey aren't doing it all at once.. they are sneaking up on us.

Signed Leaving America when I can.

Posted By Rena Smith on March 23, 2009, 1:11 AM

"Clearly a VIOLATION of our rights."

THE USUAL LUGGAGE CHECK-IN AND LUGGAGE SCANNING IS MORE EFFICIENT THAN BEFORE DUE NEW TECHNOLOGIES.
"If this isn't working, prove it and find another way." - PEOPLE ARE BEING TREATED LIKE ANIMALS.

CERTAINLY THOUGH, ANY REASONABLE SUSPECT SHOULD BE SCANNED. "But, Who defines reasonable?" No doubt people that do not have to go through the routine.

NO ONE CAN JUDGE ANOTHER by their LOOKS, can they?.

THE FORBIDDING ALL AMERICAN CITIZENS (including our children) OF THEIR EVERYDAY, NORMAL USE ITEMS, definitely HAS NO PLACE IN THIS WAR.

IF 99.99% OF U.S. TRAVELERS ARE NOT TERRORISTS why should CITIZENS be treated with such HARD GLOVES by OVER POWERED PUBLIC SERVANTS?
"Does not make sense."

The only thing being accomplished by instituting more (Did I say More?) STRINGENT CONTROL over U.S, Citizens, is More INVASION of PRIVACY.

This will IN NO WAY, PREVENT or STOP more TERRORISM. This is only one step from having what comes next; "Internal inspections" in EVERY CAVITY OF your BODY. In actuality, this is what a real reasonable suspect might get, just as a prisoner would.

ANYONE THINKING THAT THEY ARE SAFER TODAY BECAUSE OF more Governmental CONTROLS LIKE THESE, IS WAY OUT OF TOUCH with our everyday problems here in the U.S..
YES!, This is definitely another violation of our human rights.

Personally, I'm tired of all the RED tape, hassle's, the inhumane treatment we see everyday. All caused by more and more control that DO NOT truly benefit the people.

U.S. CITIZENS DO NOT NEED ANY MORE ABUSE WITHIN OUR OWN COUNTRY.

Posted By Dr. Ken P. Harding on March 23, 2009, 1:46 AM

I'm really just concerned about the amount of radiation. As others have already said:

Exactly how much radiation is this thing putting off?

Is it safe for pregnant women?

What about people who have went through radiation treatment and can't be exposed to certain levels afterward?

I mean, how do we really know the answers to this? Can we really just take their word for it?
Every time I have an x-ray taken, they put that vest thing on me to protect my body? And growing up, I was always taught and led to believe that you should limit yourself to radiation as much as possible. This completely contradicts everything.

I believe that they should be able to use this machine only after an independent study is done to address these issues.

I also strongly agree that some sort of sign should be placed at every machine, telling you about the radiation statistics, potential risks for certain people, and it should also display a sample picture of what the TSA employee is able to see. I just believe that complete honesty and disclosure on the TSA's part is what matters most. People are scared of the unknown, and many times I feel that going through security is a complete time warp and many times were left feeling completely confused.

Posted By Wmarie on March 23, 2009, 1:47 AM

IT IS OK BY ME. WHATEVER IT TAKES TO BE SAFE!

Posted By JIM on March 23, 2009, 9:06 AM

First of all, the so-called "right to privacy" is not Constitutional, it is the result of many court rulings and set precedents. Pushing the law to the limit, such scanners are not a violation of a "right to privacy." That said.....

Who do you think the minimum wage scan operators are going to "randomly" pick to go into a full body scanner? The obsese man or woman, or the mid-20s well-built hot knockout? I vote for the latter. My point? An unprofessional way to acquire a cheap thrill.

And what if the full body scan is done on a person under the age of 18? Security measures or child pornography?

Third, what is the point? The airlines are saying that someone could possess a weapon in a place where a trip to the lavatory is the only way to retrieve it?

Fourth, take the train.

Posted By GP on March 23, 2009, 9:23 AM

Wake up America; If we the people continue to submit, then we deserve what we get. It is not the question of the radiation emitted of the scanner, the question needs to be what is the intent of the scanner? The answer = not specifically locating contraband. In addition, the government wants your gender and birthdate for travellers starting next month. Consider maybe, if you can, that identifying terrorists is not the intent but rather building data bases is. Ask why and seek the truth. Do your homework and begin to think outside the box, question everything. Remember we have choices now but voluntary will become involuntary in a short while. Don't waste the time trapped in the herd.

Posted By Robo on March 23, 2009, 12:44 PM

i'll tell you what ridiculous, That there is a child that is not ever going to see his father, or a mother who's never going to see her child, Just because a few guy wanted to blow up some buildings with airplanes, so! yes, i'm for the full body x-ray.. and whatever might keep my family or my self save...

Posted By manny on March 23, 2009, 10:43 PM

another great waste of taxpayer dollars...like hiring high-school dropouts helped make TSA (too-many stupied asses) even better...i am sorry, but you want to scan somebody...how bout scanning the idiots that have come from foreign countries to place havouc on our US soil.....call it what what you want...how many US Citizens have tried to take down US planes....thats what I thought...

Posted By keltymedic on March 23, 2009, 11:10 PM

I looked at all the pictures these machines produce, they are a sick kind of porn.

I will never ever fly again. I used to love traveling by air.

Posted By Clark on March 23, 2009, 11:12 PM

The only way to ensure safe flying is to start banning people from all airplanes =)

Posted By TL on March 23, 2009, 11:26 PM

Sick and outrageous. Sexist and abusive of our fundamental rights.

Posted By GetUpStandUp on March 23, 2009, 11:30 PM

I think the TSA is just trying to get there jollys by usimg a full body scan

Posted By Don on March 23, 2009, 11:31 PM

I don't have a problem with the scanners! I have a problem with the TSA staff! Last week I was coming back from New York they asked if I had any liquids in my bag, I said "yes, perfume that was purchased." When I got home the perfume was gone! After I agreed to check the baggage?????????

Posted By Lawnet Pennewell on March 23, 2009, 11:35 PM

I went thru one of these machines lately and had no idea what it was doing. I find it disgusting that the US Government would perform this type of search without even notifying people before they comply. The leaders of TSA should hang their heads in shame over what they have allowed and they should scan themselves and post it on the internet if thery think this is professional conduct...

Disgusting!

Posted By matt on March 23, 2009, 11:55 PM

This article is completely wrong. DCA also has one of these machines and everybody in the right hand line at terminal 1 is forced through it. The officer looks you right in the face as you are strip searched by this machine. I am a man and I was viewed by a young woman. I feel raped.

Posted By me on March 24, 2009, 12:16 AM

I work for TSA and first off I want to say this to passengers that I can't say at work. FIrst we don't want to screen you anymore than you want to be screened. We don't enjoy it but it's our job to hopefully try and protect you and your loved ones from situations like 911. The screening is very random we don't try to pick on anyone. I can say if you are wearing extra baggy clothing you might be picked out due to the fact that we cannot tell if you have anything under that baggy sweater or shirt and since we prefer not to touch you since some people do not know how to properly bath we will put you through the machine. The person looking at the image has no clue who the actual person is and never will since they are in a far off room somewhere looking at grey images. The images are erased immediately after you step out of the machine. I hate when passengers come to the checkpoint and ask dumb questions about the machine because they get the wrong information from articles like this. NO ONE WILL EVER SEE YOUR IMAGE AND KNOW WHO YOU ARE. WE DO NOT ENJOY SITTING IN A TINY ROOM LOOKING AT GREY IMAGES BELIEVE ME WE HATE IT. I would like to know who exactly gets off from looking at grey images all day because we don't and we do have a female officer looking at female images and a male officer looking at male images. If you prefer to get felt up in public by a tso than by all means go ahead but I would think someone would prefer the machine over getting touched all over their body I would think thats more invasive if anything especially in public. Next about us taking your items like we really want used items. If you don't like the rules don't fly or write your president... see how far that gets you. TSA post the rules on our website TSA.GOV take 2 minutes out of your day and read it if you know you will be flying. We have to take items that are larger than 3.4 ounces for YOUR safety not ours so your plane hopefully won't get blown up and For reasons I cannot disclose. If you want to get mad because we have to take a $4.00 toothpaste that is too big. WE REALLY DON'T CARE. We have a job to do let us do it. Are you really going to brush your teeth on a 5 hour plane ride?? Do you not make enough money to buy another $4.00 tube of toothpaste when your plane lands?? If you don't then you shouldn't be flying. Really people grow up. TSA is for YOUR protection. We hope to prevent another Sept. 11 we can't always make promises but we can try give us credit for that. The items we take we throw in the trash in front of your face so for all the dumb people that think we want half used water and toothpaste..... really?? We get paid more than enough to buy our own thank you because believe me if we didn't we wouldn't work for TSA for all the bull we go through with ignorant passengers it would't be worth it. So quit thinking were some menacing people that enjoy looking at grey images of people we will never see in real life because more than half the time passengers are not attractive enough and quit thinking we have nothing better to do than to take your half used water and toothpaste because believe me we don't enjoy it anymore than you do especially when there is more than enough information out there for you to know not to bring liquids,gels, and aresols larger than 3.4 ounces.

Posted By unknown on March 24, 2009, 12:16 AM

I work for TSA and I can tell you that if someone wants to get something on, they will do ANYTHING to do so. I have seen men and women have swallowed and put things inside places you would never feel with a pat down. NO, we are not looking for drugs, only dangerous items that could be put up their butts and in their who has. You would be amazed of the things we see everyday

Posted By April Burrill on March 24, 2009, 12:21 AM

I don't even like taking off my sweater to go through the metal detector. I think this is degrading and a huge invasion of privacy. I would refuse to be scanned and if it came to it refuse to fly if this was required. THey win when we lose our freedoms. This laughs in the face of what many have died for to protect. It is an insult!

Posted By spike on March 24, 2009, 12:34 AM

I will never fly again thanks to these types of civil rights abuse. How could any red blooded American go for this sort of Nazi tactics and complete violation of personal rights.
Once again question everything, the media will put it's nice spin on it but it's wrong, think.

Posted By Steve on March 24, 2009, 12:43 AM

It makes me not want to fly anymore when I see our freedoms being taken away from us in the name of security. What has happened to our right to privacy in this country that we call the land of the free and the home of the brave? They want to scan us to make sure that everyone is safe on planes, but they can't even secure our borders to make sure that the entire nation is safe. I believe that Benjamin Franklin said it best, and I quote: "Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety."

Posted By Cheryl on March 24, 2009, 12:48 AM

Son worked for airport in SLC..yes the TSA agents are uneducated and leering jerks who would force people they want to see naked go through scan. TSA took a friends' memory cards from her check in bag and tossed her europe photos. Her 1st trip there. Airline paid for chips 10 months later...but photos gone forever. I was patted down in San Francisco because I lost weight and my lightweight short sleeve blouse was baggy. I was told all baggy shirted people were being patted down. I am always polite and calm to keep the TSA off my back. I am not the criminal.. I just want to get to my elderly mothers' side when she broke her hip. Saw an 80 yr old man years ago made to take off shoes before it became mandatory. Was he a mad bomber? We have allowed Cheney to orchestrate our loss of freedom of movement in this country under the guise of safety. I don't want to be that safe. LA didn't make me take off my shoes. Cleveland was like a party. Salt Lake is just angry. All airports are different on any given day.

Posted By KH on March 24, 2009, 1:00 AM

They use microwaves, not x-rays, altho they call them "millimeter" waves, so as not to scare us with the word microwave. They are non-ionizing; however, that doesn't mean they've really been thoroughly studied for health effects. Even a few cell phones can pop popcorn, and send water or any hydrophillic molecules spinning.

These images must be able to be saved--if a TSA agent sees something suspicious, they would need documentation to defend their next chosen action, or evidence if an arrest. I suspect eventually, the list of permissible circumstances for saving an image, and the length of archive, will both lengthen--perhaps unknown to us. (Training, persons of potential interest, profiling, predictive models, TSA performance, statistics, cross-referencing, and eventually why not just database them all, we're practically there anyway.)

I wonder how many people who so mindlessly surrender privacy and freedoms for the slightest fraction of safety, would happily surrender conveniences for that safety? Cell phones, carry-ons, long lines? We should use more caution with balancing our principles than our conveniences.

Posted By Willum on March 24, 2009, 1:01 AM

The real problem is that they view SKIN. They see you naked. Since when did this suddenly become a Peep show? I don't appreciate strangers or anyone else seeing me naked, I don't care how much security and training they have. This isn't just about privacy. This is now beyond Big Brother garbage. No one has the right to view you naked like that. Just disgusting. This is a personal body and privacy violation. Your doctor doesn't even see you like that!

Posted By DMW on March 24, 2009, 1:03 AM

Steve S,,,,The Leftist Government that put this type of "security" in place was that left winger George Bush.
And please remember that the "bomb" that took down the towers was passivitiy by passengers and some box cutters. So, with this box to scan you , it is expected that you will show, more passivity.
I guess we are supposed to travel in shorts and flip flops.

Posted By hardwroc on March 24, 2009, 1:11 AM

TSA steals from our luggage (it has personally happened to me).
Did you know TSA can confiscate ANY electronic device that stores data for their inspection, copy said data and keep your laptop, phone, ipod until they decide they are done with it then return it and there isn't a thing you can do about it.

Posted By A.E. on October 30, 2008, 5:52

This is in response to the above. First of all A.E., I'm sure that there are people who work for TSA that steal from passengers luggage but not all TSA workers are thieves and TSA employees aren't the ONLY people who handle your baggage. The airline workers and ramp agents(some who are contracted)also have access to your checked luggage. The only sure way to know its TSA stealing from your bags is to get a TSA lock for your bag.
Secondly, I don't know where you get your information from regarding that TSA can confiscate ANY electronic device that stores data for their inspection, copy data and keep your laptop, phone, ipod until they decide. That's total BS! I've seen people forget their laptops at security so maybe you saw that and assumed TSA was confiscating someones laptop. LOL

Also, everyone sounds as if they are angry with the TSA officers for having to do the body scan but its not the TSA officer who decided this. They are just doing their job. Also, you can choose the pat down instead and to those that don't like being searched in front of other passengers, you can ask for a private screening and that will eliminate that problem.

I travel often and have seen some rude TSA officers but have also interacted with some very polite and helpful ones too and it bothers me to see how people criticize TSA employees as being uneducated. I have met TSA officers who are college graduates, military vets, retired college professors, police officers, etc...

Posted By travelhappy on March 24, 2009, 1:42 AM

is it me or does this remind you of the movie "Return to Mars"? lol! Some things I feel is too far, true. I think a lot is the "inconvenience" in it all. I hate the hassle of having to take my belt,jewelry, cell phones, shoes and etc off me, and unpack my laptop and all, but I do what I have to do. Yea this is a bit crazy tho..if you do it to one, you may as well do it to all. That way you don't feel singled out. You know, it's like taking meds for something. You're body eventually build immunity to that type of meds, and you get it again. Well, the terrorists are not stupid. They will find other means of doing it. They will build an immunity to what the TSA are looking for and find other ways. If that makes any sense to you.
I'd think I'd feel more violated with having someone's hands on me, patting me down. It happened to me when I was a teen. I had all these bangle bracelets on, and kept setting off alarm, and so they patted me down. Um, 14 years old!?! This was loooonnnggg before 9/11. If you have to go thru the inconvenience, then lower the prices for us, so we won't mind as much.
and I also feel violated when they just go thru your suitcases too-making a mess out of it, and putting things out of place. scared to put anything valuable in there!
and another thing that gets me is gone are the days when you walk your family members to gate to say goodbye. You stick one toe over that line and they snap at you! They did to my 9 year old last year. She step over the "line" and they about flipped out!! She wanted to see the airplanes and also see if her grandparents are coming. sorry rambled..its late! lol!

Posted By Bass Girl on March 24, 2009, 4:04 AM

Hey, my question isn't about being seen "naked" but about the amount of radiation I am exposed to. Is this like a regular x-ray? I read that a ct chest scan exposes you to 150 times the amount of radiation you would be exposed to in a lifetime of environmental exposure. It's as if we are a third world country these days. What next, cavity searches for all? What do you think this invasion of privacy will do to the airline's pleasure travel business? I'm thinking it will certainly have a negative effect.

Posted By kathleen shecter on April 10, 2009, 12:26 PM

I'm all for keeping our airlines safe, but I think this is ridiculous.For one thing, what about health issues? I prefer to have as little x-rays as necessary and only for my health. Second, what good does random checking do?
It seems to me that we are being more and more controlled by the government through fear.

Posted By Marilyn Clemenza on April 10, 2009, 2:46 PM

Would this be a health danger for the "frequent" flyer? Too many X-Rays during a short period can be hazardous --- what about these full-body scanners?

Posted By Walt on April 12, 2009, 1:36 PM

While I'm not sure, I think this machine uses non-ionizing radiation, in other words, a radiowave reflection.

This is not the real problem. Those who have argued that flying is not a right, and you can drive instead have a serious lack of insight. This is the pilot program. TSA/DHS is making further inroads into every aspect of private life and travel. We now have chips in passports and must request permission from the government to leave the country in some circumstances. For those who suggested driving or taking the bus, or the train, how long will it be before the next trip you take in the family car will be routed into the freeway weigh station, subject to a complete shakedown by the TSA? They are, after all, charged with "transportation" security and driving your RV/car on the freeway is transportation, is it not?

Carried to its logical conclusion, as the TSA expands scope and intrusiveness, it won't be long before these devices, identity papers and travel permission documents will be required to access the local marina to get to your fishing boat.

Is this what we really want?

Posted By chuck on April 21, 2009, 8:18 AM

Well, I for one don't like it. I have a small package and would be mortified to find out the TSA pervs would be pointing and laughing at mr. tiny. Sheesh. At least with a pat down, I don't feel so lonely.

Posted By Mr. Tiny on April 23, 2009, 6:25 PM

We are done flying if the TSA computer generated strip search is the only way to fly. I am shocked at how many people are nothing more than sheeple--w/no regard for basic human dignity and putting aside the rights we have enjoyed in this country...for another FALSE sense of security. How about the "gel" fill of a Depends undergarment? A menstrual pad? The horror of a child going through puberty when they realize their parent allowed them to be ogled by strangers who may have also captured their nude pictures to enjoy later (like that could NEVER happen)??

And to those who think they'll be so happy when those of us w/dignity aren't flying...we're the kind of people who would get up and stop a terrorist who threatened a plane load of passengers--while you pantywaists who are so lulled into a false sense of security by the virtual strip search would probably throw up your hands and say, "Oh well! Golly, gee--I let the TSA have their way w/me, might as well sit here and let the terrorists do the same."

Enough is enough already.

Posted By Stacey on May 6, 2009, 6:52 PM

I am the father of a disabled son who can't walk unaided through a metal detector. Currently, we it takes us the better part of 15 minutes to go through security with him. He needs to be wanded then patted down and so does his wheel chair. If this procedure would speed it up the security, I would be happy to submit to it. I understand why it takes so long to send him through so I am not complaining, but if we could take care of it quickly with a full body scan, I would be excited.

Posted By pat on May 11, 2009, 11:45 AM

If it speeds up the lines and improves security and safety I'm all for it!

I'm not ashamed of my body.

Posted By David on May 11, 2009, 12:41 PM

Hey, scan, scan, scan if it will keep me and mine safe! Like most Drs. say, "If you've seen one, you've seen 'em all" So what is new?

Posted By scrappingran on May 11, 2009, 1:13 PM

It is Unconstitutional to search anyone without probable cause!
Those rights are not forfeited when you walk throught those airport doors...Read your Constitution Americans.

I realize there is an inherant risk when boarding a plane, or any other form of transportation and I can choose to accept the risks and go, or find another way. Either way, it should be up to me!

Posted By Paul Thornton on May 11, 2009, 2:51 PM

When you are complaining about scan , just for a second think about all these people who died during 9/11 on all those flights, because there were no such things as these scanners. And when you are yelling about your rights and Constitution, remember , that terrorists are not reading Bible and do not follow commandments such " do not kill ".

Posted By I .B. on May 14, 2009, 12:05 AM

I think that all luggage and coats should be checked. The only exception would be prescription medication that one would be allowed to carry on in a plastic see-through bag. Image the time spent being able to focus on the person. Image how quickly we could all get through the screening! Image how quickly we could actually disembark from the plane.

Those who have important documents or other items that can not take a chance on a air carrier losing - send them through a courier service or DHL/Fed Ex etc. ahead to your destination.

Posted By AngelQ on May 18, 2009, 1:35 PM

This is outrageous. When WILL the American people stand up? When there are cameras on the streetlights? When cops can point radar guns at you while you're driving? When people can view your naked body while routinely going through security? While police and government come up with more and more reasons to pull you over or ticket you?

Oh...wait...these things are already happening. Stop letting the government take away our freedom in the name of safety and freedom.

Posted By GRT on May 21, 2009, 11:44 AM

Next will be the mandatory rectal exam and colonoscopy. You already have to take off your shoes and have each and every belonging checked.

Posted By Jay on May 21, 2009, 12:08 PM

Grow up people!!

We need to be safe when we fly and the bad guys want to bring down another plane. Can you say Shoe Bomber or Liquid Bombs. Take a look at TSA.GOV and EVERY week they publish statistics of what they find = 15-25 GUNS a week!! All it takes is one person with C4 or TNT strapped to their back or leg to do something and it is just not killing a couple hundred people on the plane, the entire airline industry and our economy is stopped cold again.

GO TSA and do what you need to do to keep me safe.

If you don't like it - Take a BUS!

Posted By bob on May 21, 2009, 1:25 PM

How many hi-jacks have we had after 9/11? If it's not broke, don't fix it! There is nothing that TSA can't abuse.

Posted By ruby on May 21, 2009, 1:26 PM

There's nothing random about my encounter in Tulsa, OK. I was the only person passing through the checkpoint at the time and the TSA was like, hey step into our new toy (I'm paraphrasing here they didn't actually tell me that). I was informed of what the device was in the most general terms and I was not asked if I preferred a pat down (my presumed alternative choice to the virtual strip search).

Now that I know what this device is and that I have a choice I will always ask for the pat down.

There are already numerous security measures in place to screen and protect fliers including the no-fly list, metal detectors, x-ray of checked bags, carry-ons and shoes, explosive sniffing air puffers, restrictions on liquids, profiling - which in my opinion is one of the most effective methods of determining who's a threat and who is not - and on the aircraft are federal air marshals.

These virtual strip searches are one step to far.
Pat me down!

Posted By Ron on May 21, 2009, 2:26 PM

How ironic! By choosing to PHOTO-CAPTION this article with a WOMAN'S BODY - when you could just as easily have pictured a MAN'S BODY, You people SELF-EXEMPLIFY why this sort of technology should be ditched fast, and buried - fathoms - deep.

My take on the issue is this:-

AIRPORT FULL-BODY IMAGING REPRESENTS THE LATEST SO-CALLED "SECURITY-TECHNOLOGY" IN FEMALE SSEXUAL EXPLOITATION!

Let me retrace (MALE!) Humanity's MUDDY MORAL FOOTPRINT here:-

1. Weren't WEB-CAMS supposed to be about MORE than just: "Up-Skirt Cams!" and "Toilet-Seat Cams!" .....i.e., BEFORE Men let-got of their penises for the few seconds needed to grab-hold of camcorders?

2. Wasn't EMAIL supposed to be about MORE than just: "Kill the Bitch with your Man-Sized Dick" spam-mailouts...i.e., BEFORE Men let-go of their penises for the few seconds needed to grab-hold of their keyboards?

3. Weren't MOBILE-PHONE CAMERAS supposed to be about MORE than just: "Hey, dudes! Check out this naked pic of my Girlfriend that she made me vow never to show anyone else!"...i.e., BEFORE Men let-go of their penises for the few seconds needed to press-down on the "send" button?

In short: wasn't there EVER a time in Human History, that Men have not ACTIVELY LOOKED FOR, FOUND AND WILFULLY – NOT TO MENTION GLEEFULY, EXPLOITED WOMEN AND CHILDREN'S BODIES EITHER FOR THEIR OWN GAIN, OR JUST FOR "FUN?"

Posted By Denise on May 21, 2009, 2:48 PM

This is horrifying. Are the TSA agents medical doctors???? This is an invasion of privacy, and you cannot tell me that real sick people are not going to find jobs there. I am a very private person, and I just don't know how I can expose myself like that.

Is this a done thing? When is this effective? I will have to take trains or drive wherever I go. My body is not for someone else's entertainment.

Posted By Amelia Everhart on May 21, 2009, 3:12 PM

Airport security is nothing more then the appearance of security. Anyone who knows security can tell you that there are hundreds of other ways to get contraband into an airport besides the front door. Many employees are fired every year from airlines for "bypassing" security checks by using their id badge to open doors and circumvent security... The last thing we need is MORE passenger security. What we need are better EMPLOYEE checks! (maybe start with breathalyzers in the cockpit...)

Posted By John Public on May 21, 2009, 4:31 PM

Scan me all you want. People should stop being such babies about it -this is the world we live in. The day that airport security becomes satisfied and complacent is the same day that people with malicious intent become every bit more motivated to find a way past it. And when they do, there we'll all be -arms crossed, faces peering with scowled brows- molesting airport security through the same damn scanning process we b*tched our way out of having to go through ourselves. And you'll be angrily searching for answers as to how something like this could happen (again) as you grieve the loss of your family who were among the needless victims... Let's just grit our teeth and put up with the potentially disaster-averting scanners.

Posted By Ryan on May 21, 2009, 5:58 PM

They keep saying that they won't store images. But the first time someone files suit because they were erroneously detained, they'll be required to show the image that they used to determine that person suspect. And then they'll start storing images.

Posted By Angela on May 21, 2009, 8:02 PM

Don’t you all know that things like this are the reason the terrorists have already won. They have disrupted our daily lives, they have us spending money on the research, development, and implementation of all of this technical crap that interfere with us. Stop being so afraid; how do you live comfortably with all of that fear? That is not freedom, and if it is I don’t want it. We have been giving up our freedoms because of these terrorists for too long. Why do we have to suffer because of some people halfway around the globe? Forget that, I am so tired of having to give up my freedoms because law enforcement and military/government intelligence cannot do their jobs. We have to give up our right to privacy just because of this. Never forget the rights you have given up so the government can do a magic trick to make you forget who the real criminals are. I will tell you one thing; I guarantee the real criminals are not getting on that plane with you or anyone else you know.

Posted By Jack on May 22, 2009, 11:31 AM

A few quotes from Ben Franklin. All of us should think about them.
1."Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both."
2."Anyone who trades liberty for security deserves neither liberty nor security."

Which would you rather? Me, I choose freedom and liberty.

And if we as parents would follow this. We may not even be in this situation.
3."Educate your children to self-control, to the habit of holding passion and prejudice and evil tendencies subject to an upright and reasoning will, and you have done much to abolish misery from their future and crimes from society."

How many of us really teach our little hellions self control these days? Been to a grocery store lately?

Posted By Oscar615RS on May 22, 2009, 11:51 AM

The use of such scanners if definitely a gross breach of one's privacy. Frankly, the TSA has become a "make work" project---a huge financial machine that smacks more and more of "Big Brother." Did you know that airport employees are NOT routinely screened before entering their work place environment? Please remember that the infamous "box cutters" were left on board the fatal flights, planted by EMPLOYEES, not passengers.

Posted By suz on May 22, 2009, 2:13 PM

Where is all this going? Have anyone seen the movie "Total Recall", or "Demolition Man"? Well there you go. We are NOT going BACK to "You grew up", or "Back when whatever". Has that EVER happened? NO! So unless you have a time machine, then you better get use to the changing times. Better yet, for all of those complaining people, crying about their rights, and freedom, either HELP out, or shut up. This country complains about everything. And now you're complaining about the safety OF YOUR OWN LIFE. How dumb is that? So you would rather have no security, and take your chances on the flight. And don't say you'll be fine with the way it used to be, because you're complaining about that too. But if it's salvation you want, there ARE two ways you can find it. 1. don't fly, and you'll have nothing to worry about, or 2. Join the military and help protect those Rights, and Freedoms that you're so hell bent on complaining about. If you're NOT willing to put YOUR life on the line, then shut up complaining about those who ARE trying to protect us, and if it's a full body scan to ensure my flight arrives safe, as apposed apart of some horrific tragedy--where's that full body scan line again? And believe me, if you're over weight, or out of shape, they don't need a machine to laugh at you.

Posted By Darnell on May 22, 2009, 4:41 PM

For anyone has had any sort of medical procedure that this sort of scanning reveals, what are the HIPAA implications? I bet it is actually against the law.

Posted By Paul on May 22, 2009, 6:27 PM

Never mind the invasion of privacy, what are health risks of having your body scanned, vs. say, an X-ray, a CT-Scan!! And don't tell me it's perfectly harmless. While they're at it, can they send the results to your doctor for further evaluation????

Posted By Laurie L on May 23, 2009, 10:44 AM

It seems to me that you cannot please everyone, but as far as I am concerned I would rather see scanning for bombs than being blown up because the TSA missed something. Its for your own safety, grow up. The same ones gripeing are the ones that will sue if someone in their family gets blown up.
Thanks

Posted By Butch on May 23, 2009, 11:47 AM

Why not simply tell all good Americans to take their guns when they travel. We can get rid of all the security at the airports. Flying might not be safer this way, but there won't be terroist within a hundred miles. If I have to choose between evils, I'd rather be filmed than groped. Being required to allow some man to pet me where and how he wants is way to close to rape.

Posted By Cynthia Keaton on May 23, 2009, 2:08 PM

What's really sad are those people who continue to say and or who think this is going to make us safer. I'm sure these security procedures do help in some minor fashion...but they have not stopped passengers from attacking the crew or other passengers. They have not stopped those mentally unfit to fly who at times during the flight become unstable and create in-flight issues.

Try riding the train...guess what? None of this nonsense is in effect there. Who's scanning the thousands of people who fly in and out of rural airports and use privately owned aircraft?

It is truly amazing what we Americans will put up with and how much money we continue to put in the pockets of contractors to develop this stuff.

Posted By Jim Steele on May 23, 2009, 3:38 PM

why are people so worried about some stranger seeing their little 'pee-pee', or their ponch?. You don't have to fly, you can actually opt out of this (and wait in a long line). The screeners have seen 10,000+ other people, and are simply trying to keep things safer in a more efficient manner. If you're worried about privacy, stay at home in your basement. What are you trying to hide anyway?

Posted By sam on May 23, 2009, 6:36 PM

STOP BEING BABIES! THIS IS NOTHING! I AM IN THE MILITARY & THIS ISN'T AN INCONVENIENCE! SAFETY IS MORE IMPORTANT TO ME THAN SOMEONES PETTY FEELINGS. GET SOMETHING MORE IMPORTANT IN YOUR HEAD & THINK ABOUT THAT!

Posted By James on May 24, 2009, 12:00 PM

I was scanned at the Phoenix airport last year and I was very upset. The button on my capris set the alarm off in Cabo and when we changed planes in Phoenix and I went through the machine I told the TSA agent that my button set it off. They made me stand in a glass booth like an animal on exhibit and then made me walk over to the other side (with no shoes on and leaving my purse and carry-on bag behind and out of my sight - thank goodness noone stole it!) Then they made me stand there and 'strike a pose' to have this scan done! It was horrible - I started crying and told the TSA agent I should have just taken my pants off before going through security because they just saw the same thing on the scan! The TSA agents were horrible and I did feel violated - I understand the need for security but let's get real! I was upset that I did not know who was viewing this and even though they told me it is erased after the scan I am still waiting to show up in some girls gone wild scan image video one day!!! :)

Posted By Diane Stichler on May 24, 2009, 5:29 PM

I dont see how this is going to deter anyone who really wants to cause harm or get on a plane. Didn't some guy send himself across country in a cargo box and it went unnoticed? Didn't some 8 year old boy fly back to Chicago boarding and unboarding several planes without ever being noticed? Sounds like airport people don't do their job anyway, doesn't look like a expensive high tech device is going to help. Low tech should have discovered both those instances.

I heard that dangerous items can be in the cargo hold of a plane and never have been inspected.

So I tend to agree this just looks like one more way that the Patriot Act literally strips us of our rights. The government can seize your money, your land, bug your phone, turn on your web cam, listen to your cell phone, review all your internet access, the list goes on...imagine it and the Patriot Act can allow the government to do it.

I plan to Ex-Patriate the first chance I get! This will never be the land of the free, you aren't even allowed to voice your opinion. See how many of you are violated next time you fly. Big Brother really does keep a list.

Posted By xgen on May 25, 2009, 3:34 AM

A TSA agent could use his cell phone to take a picture of what's on the screen. I bet it's already been done.

Since I have prosthetics after breast cancer, I'm going to be pulled aside and groped anyway so I refuse this machine. Think about what I and other women go through each time we're groped on our prosthetic breasts every time we go through security.

They don't scan cargo to the level they're scanning people. That's where the real risk is to our flights.

Stand up and don't take this nonsense. It is NOT improving our security! It is a company selling these machines to the government because it's lucrative - that's all.

Posted By Analisa on May 25, 2009, 11:24 AM

As I read the comments from people opposed to the scanning I shake my head thinking, not if but when something does happen again, the backlash is going to be that there wasn't ENOUGH security. Get over it people. This is a proactive approach to help prevent terroristic acts from happening. And someone please tell us exactly what a terrorist looks like so we can lock them up right away. My point is, a terrorist can be ANYONE. There are plenty of masters of deception out there. Who knows the next terrorist could be a an old lady who looks like she wouldn't hurt a fly or a celebrity gone mad. Because of September 11th, security has changed forever, and it's going to keep changing as these terrorists try harder and harder to manipulate the system to create chaos, fear and death.

Posted By Vicki on May 25, 2009, 11:46 PM

All people have the same parts, and, quite frankly, they aren't that interesting to see in that image format. I personally think having to look at those scans all day long would be horrible... akin to being a toll collection agent on a toll road. Anybody with purient interests need only go to the internet for much better images. I think the protections they have put into place are sensible (officer looking at scan cannot see you, the images are not stored, etc).

Posted By Arik on May 26, 2009, 12:04 PM

These machines would not have caught any of the terrorists involved in 9/11. Apparently those people did not even carry anything illegal on board with them. So all of this is a scam to take taxpayers money away. Aside from violating privacy.

Posted By Tim on May 28, 2009, 10:05 AM

Archie Bunker did a segment back in the 70’s? You know back when planes were getting hijack to go to Cuba. His idea was to have the flight attended pass out hand-guns as everyone got on board. If a hijacker threatened to take the plane and go to Cuba everyone would pull out their guns and say “Nope we’re going to Miami.” Once landed passenger would give the guns back. Grandpa always said “Never trust anybody that trust you.” What happened to my 2nd amendment rights in fact the 9th district court upheld and overruled California’s laws. Don’t give up what you’ll never get back. I HATE flying anymore, but I have to do it, one of these days I just might loss it on one of these TSA socialist dictators.

Posted By 424bullelk on May 28, 2009, 1:14 PM

So... I can't be arrested if I just take off all my clothes in the security line!

Posted By Urban Living on May 28, 2009, 5:07 PM

I have been "randomly selected" for screening every time I have flown out of the United States,and I am not exaggerating. This is just ridiculous...I can tell you there's not much behind the "random" selection. There are a bunch of countries that are on "the list" and if belong to them, well then you are "randomly" selected.

TSA should provide alternative means to this type of scanning. The conventional "pat down" works just as fine. People are just so stupid..they fear everything.
A terrorist attack? I mean c'mon...when was the last time you heard of a terrorist boarding a US airline? HUH? when was it?.. Yea, thought so.

I just find it funny how the citizens of the greatest nation ever; America-the first democracy in the world-can give up the most cherished of rights. I mean you might as well strip naked and allow everyone to stare at your privates.

Honestly people, whatever happened to the "government of the people, by the people, for the people"?

Posted By Anonymous on May 28, 2009, 5:16 PM

Some people here think the outrage over the screening stems from self-consciousness; they're mistaken.

Posted By Anonymous on May 28, 2009, 6:30 PM

This is sick and disgusting, and frankly, if I was asked to be scanned then I would
a. kick them where it hurts, if it's a guy, which seems the most likely, or
b. if a woman, tell them to shut up and keep walking. I don't care if I get knocked down by a bunch of security guards, this is an outrage and I say-REBEL!!!

Posted By Pissed Off. on May 28, 2009, 8:11 PM

I don't care what they say about Flt 477, that plane did not just fall out of the sky into the Atlantic ocean (sound familiar?).

I wonder if the body scan was done at the airport before take off to Paris.

Maybe, if they had, that plane would not have "fallen" out of the sky.

Posted By Helen on June 3, 2009, 7:14 PM

"If you don't like it, take the bus!"

Sorry, but that's called "denying the correlative".

Posted By Anonymous on June 4, 2009, 11:49 PM

i am a security officer, and i agree with the use of the scan machine. Its better to be safe than sorry. Tsa I want to compliment you on trying to avoid as much accidents aboard the aircraft. I don`t have a problem in any of the searches.Sometimes thier are no answers for a flight that comes down over the Atlantic or Pacific ocean.In this ecconomic crisis, ther isn`t enough money to spend investigating the cause of a crash.The money is better spent in doing the right thing to protect our lives and be stress free. Again I want to say thank You TSA.

Posted By cordela on June 16, 2009, 7:10 AM

After having been separated from my purse, money, tickets, jewelry and not allowed to protect my belongings nor retrieve them (the officer wouldn't get them either), I was put into a separate room to be confronted, frightened, wanded. Now, I'm a 73 year-old caucasian little old lady from a small town. My infraction was half a stick of gum which I'm forgotten in my pocket. We gave up our rights willingly so maybe we deserve this kind of treatment, but I rarely fly anymore. I'm opposed to any more regulations, because we are propagating a police state. Hitler did this before WWII. Keep the people frightened, then if they protest, tell them that you are keeping them safe, if they still protest tell them they are UnAmerican to shut them up. I long for life before Homeland Security. I don't feel more secure, I feel threatened. Do you know that if a TSA agent hasn't met his/her quota that you could be chosen at random as a security threat? Your life then becomes hell. I remember the McCarthy hearings where innocent people's lives were destroyed. Maybe you youngsters don't.

Posted By northridge on June 22, 2009, 10:32 AM

"Any one who will trade freedom for security deserves neither" Ben Franklin

Posted By ICUFLY on June 22, 2009, 1:07 PM

Horray for full body scan. I have a total knee replacement and now I don't have to wait for "Female Assist...Secondary" which adds at least 15-20 minutes to my clearance time at security.

Posted By Allie on June 22, 2009, 6:23 PM

To all the comments regarding how the TSA personnel will always be professional: I've worked in several situations where male employees made lewd comments about random women who were simply walking by. What makes you think that an employee seeing one of these scans won't comment on someone's breasts, weight, etc.? If someone is willing to harass someone TO THEIR FACE why wouldn't they do something similar in this situation? I once worked at a major department store where the men in the TV/audiovisual department rigged up a camera under the counter to look up women's skirts. Everyone in the store knew about it, but the main management did nothing. Not every TSA employee will abuse this--I'm sure that many of them are good, decent people--but if even ONE person uses this technology inappropriately, that is ONE too many.

It also seems like, even if the less graphic photos are used and there is a privacy setting of some sort, couldn't the personnel figure out how to change it? That may require a lot of technical savvy, but I wouldn't be surprised if someone circumvented any privacy safeguards in order to see the unedited/uncensored images.

Also, to those of you saying critics of this policy should just not fly, that is ridiculous. It takes me about 22-23 hours to drive to the East Coast (for instance). Not everyone can just avoid flying altogether.

Posted By Kris on June 22, 2009, 9:37 PM

Because I have children with melanoma, I am forced to fly to spend time with them and help out with care. It is ludicrous to treat me with such disrespect. No one has a right to touch me or ask for my medical history. On my last trip, the security personnel shouted at me because I am deaf and could not their rude questsions. Asking a 74 year old woman to stand spread eagle and then have circles make around her breasts with their hands is very unAmerican. When I asked what was found on my body the answer was "nothing." That is an insult. I take care not to take or wear anything that will set off the lousey equipment at screening, so I know I am being singled out.

It is not my responsibility to protect this country. The preamble to the constitution gives me the right to life, love and the pursuit of happiness. When I have to be upset days before I travel, those rights are destroyed.

The last time I flew to Ventura, I cleared security in Oxnard to be accosted by security in Los Angeles while boarding for my connecting flight to San Francisco. Once again my ID was taken and as I waited to have it returned, 5 security officers slowly approachd me as if I was a theif. The bitch with my ID handed it back to me and held on to it as I attempted to take from her hands. This is out right harassment. As an American citizen who worked two and three jobs to feed my family this kind of treatment is an outrage. Unless there is justifiable reason, I should be allowed to grieve and travel in peace.

To just single me out and say I set off the equipment isn't enough, there shoud be some proof that I have something illegal in my possession. Even a criminal has rights. As a citizen, born and raised in this country, I have been stripped of mine. Twice I have had food taken from me.

How do I feel about TSA, guess.

Posted By Trudy Owens on June 24, 2009, 10:20 AM

Note to Blogger Bob...Do you really expect us to believe the images that are on the TSA website aer what you will actually see? I don't think so. No matter how you slice it, airport 'security' is a farce, disgusting AND invasive! I was sexually assaulted by two airport security employees, or I faced being arrested!!!"!!!!! AND missing my flight! This is sexual assault as well - having my private parts on display, oh wait they won't see my face..thank God I'll have SOME morsel of dignity left!

Posted By s on July 1, 2009, 2:58 PM

northridge: "Do you know that if a TSA agent hasn't met his/her quota that you could be chosen at random as a security threat?"
Do you have any evidence to back up that statement?

Posted By Anonymous on July 10, 2009, 1:13 AM

It's alarmists like "northridge" who give us privacy advocates a bad name.

Posted By Urban Living on July 11, 2009, 10:04 PM

Anyone who says that checking luggage is the perfect solution has never had their belongings lost, damaged, or stolen.

Posted By Blah on July 12, 2009, 4:05 AM

The TSA is required to have a search warrant to scan me or search me or search my baggage. Simply because the Bush administration allowed illegal searches and that they continue unabated are not sufficient reasons to continue these practices.

Posted By Gary Grenz on August 6, 2009, 3:51 PM

Personally i think this might be overboard for doing a search , but the tech that is making these scans more common is in everyones best interest.
Anyone that has seen Total Recall and the screen that shows the person down to the bone and any dangerous item they might be holding is a great idea.
Picture no longer having to go through metal detectors and getting patted down.
But rather walking past a screen that shows the Agent an almost x-ray view of your body and anything that might be dangerous such as a gun or a knife hiding on your person.
People here are complaining that a TSA Agent will see from a scan a full render of your breasts. Really now, your doctor does a physical which is much more personal. This machine makes you look like part of the blue man group.
The question really is , would you rather have this machine or a person strip searching everyone aboard

Posted By Odanhammer on August 9, 2009, 9:10 AM

Regarding your comment, "...maybe that's the price we have to pay to live in a free country that some choose to hate."

What you said is a paradox. I'm not trying to be rude but you and too many Americans don't have the slightest idea of what was necessary to obtain and maintain our freedom. You don't understand our Bill of Rights and its importance in protecting us from the undying threat of tyranny. Selling out our 4th Amendment right of privacy actually makes us less free.

I submit to you, this quote by a true American genius who truly had to pay dearly to live in a free country.

"They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety." -- Benjamin Franklin, 1775

Historically, governments have taken one essential right. It seems insignificant, but later, they take another. This increases exponentially until the populace wakes up under tyranny. Consider the rise of Soviet Russia, North Korea, Mao's China or Nazi Germany. You can say this intrusion is for the greater safety of the innocent, but remember that “The road to hell is paved with good intentions.”

Our founding fathers tell us that our duty, as Americans, is to uphold the Constitution. Thomas Jefferson said, “The price of freedom is eternal vigilance." He’s not referring to terrorists; he’s referring to keeping watch on our liberty. I would suggest that a coward who would deprive our countrymen of their 4th Amendment right to privacy would be in violation of their patriotic duty to defend the Constitution. Couldn’t that same person be thought to “hate” this country and the liberties that make it so unique and great?

Life as a free person is inherently dangerous but has many rewards. Selling your dignity and privacy robs life of its zest.

I think Patrick Henry said it best:

“Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!”

Posted By Read1984ByOrwell on September 3, 2009, 3:52 PM

By the looks of the mole on the one individual, this might be where the healthcare program starts! We can just have a doctor right there when we pass through and start writing referrals and such.

Posted By Concerned in CO on September 8, 2009, 4:55 PM

This is an invasion of privacy and another erosion of our freedom. Nothing digital is truly erased regardless of what the TSA says.

I refused the body scan at the airport and the TSA officer got very angry with me. They made me wait 15 min to get a pat down while 2 officers lectured me on how everyone will soon have to go through these things so I should just do it. After the pat down they decided they needed to go through my bag as well.

I fly 5-7 times a year and have never hassled like this in my life. It took over 20 min because I refused the scan.

Posted By David Moore on October 13, 2009, 4:48 PM

The TSA is evil.
For goodness sakes if you're pregnant don't go through!
Body scans use terahertz radiation.
An airport cancer epidemic is just around the corner.
Sort of like the cell phones & cancer link.

Posted By Granny Miller on October 31, 2009, 10:52 AM

It's for our own safety. Try not to get to hung up on the embarrassment of the scan, it's better than coming home in a body bag..

Posted By g on November 16, 2009, 3:49 PM

Boy I love the new scanners and look for them every chance I can. I have a titanium hip and I have to undergo the time consuming wand, pat down and search every time. The scanner eliminates ALL of that. Now if I can just leave my shoes on!

Posted By Steve on December 21, 2009, 2:12 PM

I vote for requiring everyone to go through security naked because that is little different than the current violations. And, hopefully, it would make things move along much more quickly. Really, can things get any more absurd and un-American? Why aren't we rioting in the streets about our loss of freedom?

Posted By Ronelle on December 21, 2009, 3:24 PM

Point 1: You do not even have to be a high school graduate to be a TSA employee, you just have to have someone sign (and perhaps help you with) a True/False or Multiple choice scoresheet that is submitted ("minimum" score required) in order that a GED certificate is issued - absolutely NO academic schooling is mandatory!

Point 2: Can you imagine the scrabling/scurrying, huffing/puffing and "cover one's ass" manuvering in order not to require a female Muslim in traditional dress to go through one of these devices? All the mullahs and Muslim-rights organizations would scream bloody-murder! Pat down? - yeah, guess again! And, if she can be opted out, why not others of non-Muslim tendency?

As regards Point 2, the TSA personnel are cowardly, with double standards, at least.
As regards Point 1, they are more frequently than not as ignorant, rude and uncultured as has been experienced by myself, my colleagues, and countless others.

Posted By bob foster on December 21, 2009, 11:32 PM

So just how many US citizens will die from X-ray induced cancer for every terrorist that the peepers might thwart? Has a body of credible research organizations done those studies, or just a body of organizations that received money from the manufacturers and endorsements from the politicians that the manufacturers gave campaign contributions to?

Posted By EnoughIsEnough on December 29, 2009, 3:47 AM

Well, if we are going to get them, it would be great to buy them from Germany, way marked down, because they're expensive. I'm a civil rights protective liberal, but I wouldn't mind these if they didn't take too long to get through. I'd prefer it to pat down. The solitary and distant examiner (preferably female) should be selected for responsibility and honorable work record and be monitored and expected to complete the viewing in the minimal time needed then discard. Complete, not random, passenger viewing. Not only would terrorists be exposed, they'd be discouraged with use of these.

Posted By speekup on December 30, 2009, 8:19 PM

This is America !

You have the right to have your ass blown all over .
They can shovel up your parts and close their eyes so no one can see your tiny parts .

You do not have the right to take us with you .
Don't want to be scanned . Stay Home .

You most likely never have flown and never will anyways . You just want to make people think you know what your talking about .

Posted By safety4all on December 30, 2009, 10:12 PM

I have been reading the dialogue on this and many other blogs relating to airport security and the new full body scanners and I could not resist adding my thought on the subject. I believe the scanner is an unwarranted invasion of my privacy, but I believe we need to help our government find ways to solve the issues in a meaning full way that is not detrimental to our freedom. As a business executive who must travel by air, I regularly have in excess of 100+ flights per year and that would not be possible without air travel, I think we are approaching the issues incorrectly.
We continue to focus on the traveling public as one group, let us start with segmenting the traveling public. I know this will start the crazies about profiling, but please listen to the rest of my argument, before arriving at your conclusions.
I am open to go through a very in depth background check, much like a security clearance required by our government for the military and other key personal protecting our country, if the government will issue me a badge (or use my passport so that we do not have to have another document) that allows me to skip the TSA process. This background check should require annual and or random updates. I in fact will pay an annual fee like my airline club membership for the extra services. I know many other executives and frequent fliers who will sign up today. This will shorten the lines for all other travelers and give the TSA more time to focus on the unknown flier.
All military personal and law enforcement personal should be automatically issued this clearance at no cost to them. This will shorten the lines for all other travelers and give the TSA more time to focus on the unknown flier.
All airlines employees should also have to undergo this process as part of the normal course of operations and it should be paid for by their company. If they cannot pass, they should not have their jobs. This will shorten the lines for all other travelers and give the TSA more time to focus on the unknown flier.
We should then segment the remaining pool by profiling, those with air travel history like frequent flyer programs, valid US Passports, other valid forms of patterns that would eliminate the risks should then be allowed to use an expedited process like an elite line and a dedicated scan lane. This will shorten the lines for all other travelers and give the TSA more time to focus on the unknown flier.
We should then further segment the remaining pool by profiling, those with high-risk profiles, a through process with a dedicated scan lane and if needed fully body scanner. High-risk profile might include but not be limited to tickets purchased with cash, one-way tickets, people having traveled in and out of high-risk countries, people who exhibit nervous behaviors, on the government watch lists and other behaviors that exhibit more review. This will shorten the lines for all other travelers and give the TSA more time to focus on higher risk candidates.
The more we do to allow the TSA to focus on the real risks the better job they will do and the safer we will be without trading out all of our freedoms
James T.

Posted By James T on January 2, 2010, 1:11 PM

You can talk all you want about privacy invasion, but let's be practical here. You need to fly. Some destinations have no other option. You need to arrive alive at said destination. Some terrorists might be visually suspicious, but many probably not. They want to keep you from arriving alive, with secreted explosive devices that don't respond to metal detectors. Right now, besides stripping naked, I see no other choice. And frankly, anyone can just imagine what's under your clothes anyway. I'm going with the scanner and only want to be on a plane where EVERYONE else was scanned as well.

Posted By JR on January 4, 2010, 10:40 AM

Get over it... it's better than someone patting you down (have pacemaker.. artifical knee) ... only gripe .. make it loose a few pounds in the right places ...

I like the idea of racial profiling - especially from countries in that part of the world...

Posted By alden on January 4, 2010, 2:19 PM

Once again our own federal government sticks it to American citizens for what a foreigner got away with at a foreign airport. Since 9/11 we've become subjects instead of citizens. Enough is enough! My 1st cousin's husband was murdered at Fort Hood because our government is unwilling to go after genuine terrorists. It's easier to stick it to American citizens. Freedom, with the risks it takes, is more important than the "safety" used as the excuse for ever more blatant abuse of travelers. Aside from letting our legislators know where we stand, a day or 2 of air travel boycotts might be a good idea.

Posted By Daniel J. Vandeberg on January 4, 2010, 6:09 PM

I have no problem with full body scans. Safety and security first. Get over it. Go to a spa and lighten up about your own body.

Posted By E Page on January 4, 2010, 7:36 PM

Some people here think the outrage over the screening stems from self-consciousness; they're mistaken.

Posted By Anonymous on January 12, 2010, 7:20 PM

So... I can't be arrested if I just take off all my clothes in the security line!

Posted By Urban Living on January 12, 2010, 7:23 PM

Commenter "safety4all" never made it out of sixth grade.

Posted By Anonymous on January 12, 2010, 7:29 PM

"If you don't like it, take the bus!"

Sorry, but that's called "denying the correlative".

Posted By Anonymous on January 12, 2010, 7:30 PM

Anyone who says that checking luggage is the perfect solution has never had their belongings lost, damaged, or stolen.

Posted By Blah on January 12, 2010, 7:32 PM

To people who believe flying is a "privilege" not a right: You don't believe that freedom of movement is a right? You should live in North Korea. If free travel's not a right, we have no rights at all.

And the people who dispense or withhold your "privilege" to travel -- are they judges? Are they educated at all? TSA screeners are the kids who were too dumb or mentally unstable to get in the Army. They've watched too many cop shows and have that trigger-happy look about them. They assume everyone's guilty until proven innocent. That ain't justice and it ain't American.

The government is trying to dehumanize the population and make us comfortable with being animals. And of course, government officials do not have to submit to this humiliating, dangerous invasion of privacy.

WHEN YOU FLY, DO NOT SUBMIT TO THE RADIATION. Freedom of travel is a RIGHT, and it cannot be taken away from you. When someone takes your rights away by force, that is not revocation of privilege -- it is coercion. If someone points a gun at you, comply, but do NOT go into that thing willingly.

If every passenger refuses to go through these machines and demands to speak with a supervisor, and the supervisor's supervisor, the whole scheme to turn us into sheep will collapse and they will be forced to treat us as human beings.

Posted By Josh Strike on January 24, 2010, 5:30 PM

So the TSA guy can check you out either way. I don't care where the hell TSA officer is sitting..

Posted By sid on March 7, 2010, 4:15 AM

I have no problem as long as the Obama family children and all are scanned just like the rest of. Yeah even the mother in law.....

Posted By Ron on March 17, 2010, 4:23 PM

REFUSE TO FLY! MONEY TALKS AND WHEN THE AIRLINES START TO LOSE $$, LET'S SEE WHAT THE RESEARCH SHOWS.
DUH...PEOPLE DON'T WANT TO BE STRIPPED SEARCHED!
SUPRISE!!!!

Posted By Marjorie Starr on March 24, 2010, 7:43 PM

Totally violates privacy and should be banned except for any one acting suspiciously and then only done by someone of the same sex. I travel mostly by train in the last couple of years and have found it to be thoroughly enjoyable. If I have to go overseas or a great distance, I grit my teeth and take my medicine.

Posted By R Sunter on March 25, 2010, 7:56 PM

Sadly, in the name of 'security' we are willingly giving up our rights - even our right to privacy. Seeing an image this graphic is sickening - I agree with a previous poster - I would feel violated. There just has to be a better way. I will not willingly allow this to be done to me. I would take a physical pat down first.

Posted By CMM on March 25, 2010, 9:25 PM

Get with it people!
Write your Congressman to support passing H.R. 2027 as soon as possible. It'll put this invasion to rest and save us Americans 100's of millions in unnecessary expense.
Stop the gestapo! Raise your hands up and spread your feet apart. This is America last I knew.
Google the text: H.R. 2027

Do it today!

Posted By Steve on April 9, 2010, 9:44 PM

I'm a flight attendant and today I was directed to the body scanner. I refused and was subjected to a pat down. I don't believe the body scanner will prevent someone from bringing something inboard they shouldn't.

Posted By Flygirl on August 1, 2010, 12:55 AM

This is more than a violation of privacy. They said they didn't store the x-rays. Now I read that they were lying, and they do. Either way it is despicable, and I will not get on an airplane again if I have to get x-rayed like that. Not to mention if you are a frequent flyer, it cannot be good for your health. I don't want some guard there staring at me and seeing my body like that. It is pure disgusting, and crude. I cannot believe they think most people will be alright with this.

Posted By Kay S on August 5, 2010, 12:30 PM

I don't care about the naked images...what about the radiation dosage? The terrorists have already won, if we have to go through this every time we fly.

Posted By ImpotentSinanOzyol on October 26, 2010, 7:04 PM

TSA and Homeland Security need to be junked and a new screening process put in place.

We're wasting billions of dollars every year because no politician has the courage to stand up and say what everyone knows, and that is this is nothing more than security theater.

TSA has nothing more than slugs working for it, and I find them unprofessional and power abusers.

Posted By Gary on November 1, 2010, 4:10 PM

Im really not opposed to such invasive inspection of my person. Im an old man and don't really care to be killed by a pissed off sand Ni@@#$. I was pulled to the side on the way to europe the TSA Person was an older lady. She told me to un buckle my pants so I did and I forgot to mention I wasn't wearing underwear and the first thing was a huge (not bragging)cock droped out right into her hand. She freaked out, I stuffed it back where it belonged and asked if anything else was required and she said no and put me back in the group lined up for passport checks. Ive been through only one of these machines and I got a grin and wink from the lady working it and a thumbs up from the male supervisor standing behind her. No brag just fact.

Posted By Dennis on November 2, 2010, 10:50 PM

Im really not opposed to such invasive inspection of my person. Im an old man and don't really care to be killed by a pissed off sand Ni@@#$. I was pulled to the side on the way to europe the TSA Person was an older lady. She told me to un buckle my pants so I did and I forgot to mention I wasn't wearing underwear and the first thing was a huge (not bragging) Co#$ droped out right into her hand. She freaked out, I stuffed it back where it belonged and asked if anything else was required and she said no and put me back in the group lined up for passport checks. Ive been through only one of these machines and I got a grin and wink from the lady working it and a thumbs up from the male supervisor standing behind her. No brag just fact.

Posted By Dennis on November 2, 2010, 10:53 PM

My wife & I were picked out for one of these and I was wondering why the 3 guys were staring at their monitors during my wife's turn. OMFG!!! Sick bastards. This is a disgusting invasion of our privacy! I wish I knew what the machine did at the time and I would of done something about it!

Posted By Jason on November 4, 2010, 1:18 PM

I would rather see profiling, before an 88 yr old war veteran is humiliated or a 4 year old girl, who has been told by her parents about "bad touches" become hysterical furing a pat-down. Absurd!!
And now I hear that muslim women may be excused because of religious beliefs? Ummm...I think there could be more hidden under a flowing, religious garment than my tight jeans!

Posted By Louise on November 18, 2010, 11:17 AM

Now that I know the Xray images aren't as invasive as we once thought, I feel a little better. TSA agents aren't going to be leering at nudie pix of every good-looking person who gets "randomly" selected for the scan. But that's just a little. It's still a stupid new trick that will benefit no one. I say, stick with profiling and scan those people.

If the TSA had to CHANGE its policy of scanning 3-year-old kids, then they obviously had no common sense about this whole thing to start with. A really clever suicide-terrorist is going to put explosives in his or her rectum, or even swallow them, and those won't be detectable on either a body scan or a close pat-down (more like a rub down).

So yeah, once ONE terrorist slips through with their explosives in a body cavity, we're all going to have to bend over and grab our ankles, or have a real Xray to check out our stomach contents.

Profile, profile, profile.

Posted By Earl on November 18, 2010, 11:49 AM

Part of me says these things are necessary for our safety. The other part says that I don't want to yield to such an intrusion of privacy. As a healthcare professional I am also very concerned about the long term health effects. The backscatter scanner uses ionizing radiation. We are told that the dose is too small to be concerned with. Only time will tell. The millimeter wave scanner uses no radiation so maybe it is better? I will be flying next month and am not sure what I will do.

Posted By R. Martin on November 18, 2010, 2:16 PM

I did not have the option for a scan at SMF. Due to my hip implant, I ALWAYS set off the alarm and have gotten the wand screening. On a recent trip to/from Sacramento, I got my junk touched TWICE by the same guy. The pat down I got at ONT was acceptable, and the screener stopped just short of my junk. However, the flattened hand of the screener when all the way up. Had I been wearing boxers, I would have definitely had a minor hit injury to my testicles. Had I touched a guy like that, I would have been on the national sex offender list. This is way beyond the pale.

Posted By Gregg on November 18, 2010, 2:26 PM

No Flying! It is no choice between being irradiated or groped. And yes-reports HAVE come out that they are saving at least some of the images for biometric ID purposes. Now-as of today-they even put their hands inside your pants and press upward with their palms. And if any of you think being irradiated is safe-just find out about the cancer risk-not to mention the effects on your DNA. I am a health professional and you go ahead and don't research this at your own risk. Oh, and Obama--hey--we won't be missing you either-especially in 2012, honey!

Posted By Laurel on November 18, 2010, 3:29 PM

I have new knees and travel often and have no problem with scanners.They don't show anything worthh fussing over.

Posted By Mark on November 18, 2010, 4:54 PM

Osama bin Laden has won. He has successfully turned America into a police state! Do you think this makes us safer? It is just more big brother nonsense.

Posted By Cindy on November 19, 2010, 9:00 AM

This is an invasion of privacy, pure and simple. It will open doors to a lot of abuse in the future. This is only the beginning. How much more of our privacy and dignity are we willing to give up?

I have traveled by air to a lot of wonderful places in the world and I'm glad I had the chance to go and enjoy them because now I will NOT fly again as long as these scanning and pat-down security procedures are in place.

Posted By Anne on November 21, 2010, 7:25 PM

You people who so freely give up your rights in the name of "better security" deserve exactly what you will end up getting in the future, many more losses of rights and little extra security. A modest person should not have to choose between being strip searched via body scanner or being inappropriately touched by a TSA screener. Why is it that if I go up to someone and grope them I could be charged with assault and yet when a little trained TSA agent does the groping people feel more secure. By the way, once you start the security screening process there is no turning back. You will have to either be irradiated by machine and looked at virtually naked or allow a screener to put their hands on your private parts. They both sound like such attractive options, which one do you like? The TSA is only reactionary in nature and does most things for show to make the flying public feel better. Heaven help all of us when the first terrorist is caught trying to hide explosives in their rectum. Yes for all you fliers obsessed with safety, this could be happening right now. I will still go with the odds which clearly show my chances of dying by terrorist attack one in hundreds of millions. My chance of getting jerked around by a TSA agent 100%. I hope you all feel so much more secure now that several more minutes will be added to your delay getting to your flight. Hope you're not running late!

Posted By Dan on November 21, 2010, 8:18 PM

1. Walk Thru Metal Detectors do not detect everything. Think for a minute can you name at least one weapon that is not made of metal?
2. Ever try to conceal anything under your clothes and look in a mirror. This is not hard to do.
3. Want Private contractors paid by someone without a VESTED INTEREST in your safety. This is what we had before 911. People still want you dead. No matter what the reason. Christian, Buddist, Jewish, New Found Muslim living and therefore accepting anything not fundamentally muslim, etc. Whatever their reason Please don't let them take your life, government and freedom. Remember we are the light of the world and many think they have alot to gain by extinguishing that light. They are very short sighted.
4. Just check the drugs for crying out loud.

Posted By Jennifer on November 21, 2010, 10:16 PM

Went thru Boston this past week -- Full Scanner -- NO Naked image seen by anyone in or around the scanner (image is seen in a side room)
Seems from a comment above that the total radiation is also very minimal
Like a nurse or a doctor -- one gets tired of seeing "naked bodies" -- and the agent in a side room doesn't see a name or identification - only the image
Most show more on the beach

NOBODY really cares what you look like !!! Its what you might be carrying -- get real

Posted By sirdad on November 22, 2010, 10:24 AM

Until alternative scanning techniques are developed, I will submit to scanning or pat-downs. Persons who refuse should not be allowed to fly on my plane. This is a tempest in a tea pot and safety trumps personal modesty every day.

Posted By Robert Summers on November 22, 2010, 2:18 PM

You people that want 100% security just need to stay home. After all, if you go out you might be struck by a meteorite. I believe in going with the odds. Your chances of being killed on the way to the airport, thousands of times greater. Your chances of being killed due to aircraft malfunction, hundreds of times greater. Your odds of dropping dead on a flight due to heart attack are even greater. Why would anyone be in favor of spending this kind of money and subjecting themselves to this kind of runaround at the airport in a futile attempt to obtain the impossible 100% security. Think people, don't just go with the conventional wisdom.

Posted By Dan on November 22, 2010, 9:06 PM

Seems to me the TSA unrolled out this new plan without giving enough training to the TSO employees. It appears that no thought was given to the possibility that there are people that fly that had disabilities and other special needs. Furthermore, do you want your 14 year old daughter's genitals & breasts felt up, when she has not even had her first Pap smear yet? Or have someone see her lovely developing figure on a Nudy scanner. This is way beyond inappropriate-it's disgusting.

I am nearing retirement age and had planned to do some extensive world traveling in a few years, but if this continues, I am not going anywhere that requires flying as part of my travels. This type of scan and "enhanced" pat-down is way out of my comfort zone.
I hope my future grandchildren will be in a community near me, or this old lady will be doing alot of intense cross-country driving. Somehow that just does not seem fair to me.

Posted By PhoebeMcGuire on November 23, 2010, 12:42 AM

I am 100% for the scanners. Do you all remember 9/11. or all of the other hijackings or bombings that did or almost took place. Some of those people looked like every day people and now a days these people will go to any lenghts to get by security. It is a matter of safety. I could care less if some random TSA person sees me on a scan. I will never see this person again. I would rather be scanned for th 30-40 seconds and know that I am safe in the air. It is sad but this is what the world is coming to. We have to take these safety messures. If you dont like it, dont fly. But if you do fly dont go to the airport and cause a scene or huff and puff because of the security measures. You have a choice. Fly and do what is required or dont fly. It is as simple as that. I seriously think our country just has to many people that just look for reasons to complain. We are all human. We all have male/female parts. Big deal if a random TSA agent sees it for 30 seconds. At least you know when your on a plane, your safe in the sky.

Posted By Angie on November 23, 2010, 11:39 AM

Yeah, that 30-40 second scan will allow you to "know" that you are safe in the air. Too bad that your chances of being kill by so many other non terrorist related aviation accidents are still so many times greater. Rather than having an anxiety attack about all those potential terrorists that might be on the plane with you, doesn't it make more sense to spend those billions of dollars that are now being spent on enhanced passenger screening on other aspects of your safety like maybe ensuring that the person who services your plane on the ground was also screened and maybe has a high school diploma? Or maybe that your pilots are not over fatigued? Or that your plane was properly maintained? Or that poor decisions are not made for the sake of profit that endanger your safety?
Think about what will really ensure your safety, rather than just walking the walk with the other lemmings. Don't put your faith in a sense of false security because of the show put on by the TSA. Please take the time to consider other more reasonable and cost effective measures that will keep you safer.

Posted By Dan on November 23, 2010, 10:42 PM

I absolutely think that this is an invasion of privacy. This is like someone trying to peep at you while you are changing. I don't want someone looking at my private areas. I really don't think that is necessary to have scans like these. I think that you are also exposed to some radiation during these scans. I know that they are trying to make air travel safe, but isn't there a better way than having to submit to these scans.

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