[Nat]

Originally Posted by AtLastHome

follow-up on privacy rights and TSA security in airports- this is from a duscussion forum, but goes into how just by paying for an airline ticket, we agree to submit to any security measures the TSA choses to impose, giving up some tenets of privacy rights. All of this is part of the Terms Of Service in purchasing an airline ticket.

The other point is that we have options for travel other than flying. No one tells us we MUST fly.

I hate what air travel has become in relation to security measures, yet, these points make sense to me in many ways. But, I don't believe issues around the scanners and pat-downs are black and white.

I do know that I don't want racial profiling to be part of air travel security and often think about how it is usually white males that cry the loudest about security measures, often stating... "Do I look like a terrorist to you?" Think about it... seems to me they are saying that anyone other than a white male is suspect....



http://www.abovetopsecret.com/forum/thread630146/pg4

As human beings, we have NO rights. If we did, there would be no need for a Bill of Rights or a Constitution.

As you knew of the security measures (including the full body scanners) well in advance of buying the ticket, you agreed to these measures under the "terms of service" when you bought the ticket. You don't have to sign anything to agree to terms of service, you agree to them simply by using the product. I can guarantee that the fine print
on the airline bill of purchase for the ticket includes a provision to submit to any security measures necessary.

You might not like it (neither do I) but there are other travel options available (even a boat if travelling overseas). These are just mostly a lot more inconvenient than flying.

A protest against airport screening and security won't matter - these security procedures were put in place "for your protection" as per the provisions of the Department of Homeland Security and The Patriot Act.

You gave up any rights to protest or refuse security screening when you didn't protest the signing of the Act or the creation of the Government Agency. 10 years later it's too late, and you've actually woken up and are starting to figure out how many of your freedoms you've allowed (yes ALLOWED) the Government to take away from you, without a single word of protest.

You even bent over and said "Thank you Sir, may I have another?" when you (the American public) reelected George Bush in 2004, who ran pretty much solely on the security that he had provided the country since 9/11, as he had actually done little else during his first term.

I've been contemplating this post for a few hours. I think I will make a list.

1. Flying is optional if a. you never travel ever or b. you have all the time in the world to get where you are going. I'm not sure what the logic is here, but if they start implementing these at bus stations and train stations and bus stops - I'm just not sure where transportation becomes "optional."

2. You say that other options are available and it's just a matter of "convenience." Money and time are the two prohibitive factors for most people standing in line at the Southwest counter. It's not a matter of "convenience" to those of us who have very little money or time off work... The idea that i could get on a boat and cross the ocean is amazingly impossible unless I were working for whatever ship was crossing the ocean (since I have a job and precious few days off from it).

3. I do think the men in this community have every reason to be concerned about this process as do the rest of us. I'm not sure what you were saying about white men, but I'm pretty sure forcing people to take nude photos or be groped is pretty anti-Muslim. If flying means being subjected to humiliation and/or violating one's religious practice, then yes, many people will choose not to fly. And they will be more isolated and imprisoned in this "free" country of ours.

4. I refuse to embrace hopelessness when it comes to whether protesting this will "matter" and I haven't given up my right to protest one iota. Though you have a right to say I don't have a right to protest, I do not think you are right. I have the right to protest as long as I draw breath, and I'm lucky enough to live in a country with a bill of rights that supports my doing so.