“I Have Nothing to Hide”
Apparently, some people don't mind submitting to the new body scanning x-rays at airports - they're convinced that our "national security" is more important than their personal dignity . . .
Airline passengers who choose to use the new machines stand in front of it with their arms in the air. A tiny laser beam scans the passenger from head to toe.
The images come up on a computer screen in a room about 50 feet away. A green or red light -- for pass or fail -- is pressed and shows up at the screening location.
Officials said the computer does not have the ability to save or store images [yeah, right], a concern expressed by privacy-rights groups.
"It gives our officers the absolute best opportunity to find prohibited items," [I'll bet] said Michael Golden, the TSA's chief technology officer.
Airport travelers had mixed opinions about the new device, saying they hope it doesn't slow down the process of getting through security. Few had any privacy concerns.
"If it's something that's going to improve safety, then I don't have any problem with it," said Ashley Houston, 32, as she waited for a plane to Albuquerque. "I have nothing to hide."
Is that so?
Well then, in the spirit of transparency, let's meet one of America's fearless passengers (before software was used to blur her bodily contours).
Now, meet her teammate - the selfless gawker who gets paid to do a job he would pay to do.
Both shameless pawns in a three-ring circus where politicians are clowns and the joke's on us.
Let's hear it for Americans who willingly sacrifice their dignity so that you and I and everyone else can be no safer than we were before they exposed themselves.
Wakeup, America.
You can't protect your freedom by giving it away and security is worthless without dignity.
As for me, I won't be travelling any time soon - I have plenty to hide - that's why I get dressed in the morning.
