I’m not convinced pride is the best argument against using full Body Scanners at airport security check points, though I understand why passengers sporting colostomy appliances, catheter tubes, penile implants or evidence of mastectomies might strongly support alternative measures (arguments the ACLU has made).
My concerns stem from ignorance more than anything. First I wonder to what extent this type of radiation might prove less than healthy in the long-run for frequent fliers. Second, I wonder if a device like this would even detect explosives such as those sewn into the underwear of our latest would-be mass murderer. Even if it would, do we know it will make apparent EVERY explosive that can be made into clothing?
Are we just chasing our own tails with this stuff? What are the unintended consequences associated with total reliance on this type of expenditure? When ‘The Club’ came out as an anti-theft device, car-thieves became car-jackers, a far more sinister plot.
Those who intend to harm us will find another way. They will adapt even evolve like the Swine Flu. They are not going to make attempts they know will fail which might explain why we don’t hear too many (if any) stories of airport security foiling a terror plot.
Alternatives? Do we even need any? Any alternative will be met with the evolution of our enemies. I’m not suggesting we make it easier for terrorists to bring down an airliner, but it seems airport security is doing fairly well given the history of flight into and out of the USA. I fear a full body scan might actually do harm by leading to complacency and a very narrow focus on only things the eye can see with the aid of scanner technology.










Cool Bluto, I’m glad this is on the blog and up for discussion. I think the body scanners are just an expensive show, like a McGruff the crime dog sticker on your window.
The head of EL AL security thinks so too: http://hotair.com/archives/2009/12/29/video-former-el-al-security-official-explains-common-sense/
And I’m still sticking to my argument: If they put in body scanners at airports to secure private airline companies customers. Then we sure as hell need them for the CVTD public transportation system. London bombings show they are a potential target…. So I hope to see body scanners at all bus stops in the valley soon.
Wait a minute…. I might have jumped the gun. OK. I’m in, as long as I can have one of these:
“We would only have to search people of whom we can say, with reasonable surety, that they have something hidden under their clothing,” says De Kruijf.
http://www.nrc.nl/international/Features/article2454112.ece/Dutch_police_try_to_develop_x-ray_vision