by Henry Case

Created on: November 26, 2010

If given the option, would you rather be on an airplane full of passengers who have gone through full body scanners or pat-downs, or one full of passengers who have not?

Most reasonable people with a healthy dose of appreciation for being alive would pick the safer option, even if that means they will have to go through the same security procedures. While the new TSA measures have attracted a lot of attention, most travelers have not altered their plans. A planned nationwide protest of the new TSA procedures proved ineffective, and even the media has stopped hyperventilating about this issue.

The truth is that these procedures should have been in place a long time ago. The TSA has been implementing new security procedures after every failed terrorist attack. After the shoe bomber you had to take your shoes off. After the liquid explosives threat they limited the liquids and cosmetic products you could bring on a flight. And After the failed underwear bomber in 2009, they are introducing full body scanners or pat-downs.

Some say this is going too far. But others argue that this is too little, too late. Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, the under wear bomber, almost blew up a plane with a small amount of explosives hidden in his underwear. That was more than 8 years after the 9/11 attacks. And the 9/11 terrorists only carried box cutters. Anybody who thinks that metal detectors are enough needs to realize that metal detectors did not prevent either of these attacks.

The TSA should have been pushing for full body scanners since 9/11. This technology is safe and reliable. It can find hidden objects anywhere on the body and does not store images. It also does not allow the TSA agent to see you naked. It shows an outline of your body.

It is understandable that some people think these new policies are too invasive. But flying on airplanes is not a constitutional right. It's a privilege, provided in a cooperation by commercial companies and the federal government. Anybody who does not want to undergo a thorough security screening can decided to not fly. This is not a issue of privacy or civil liberties.

But one thing I do agree with is that TSA agents need better training. Not security training. Personality training. Yes, you have to do your job and keep the airplanes safe. But couldn't you put a smile on your face every now and then? Or how about calmly explaining to people why these security procedures are needed.

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