Thursday, May 30, 2013

Why Didn't The TSA Just Do This Earlier?

The TSA received a lot flack, well deserved in my opinion, for the implementation of body scanners that would generate a digital nude image of the person being scanned.  As of May 16, the TSA has announced that all airport scanners will no longer display digital nude image of a person, instead it will show a generic outline.  The move by the TSA was prompted by a ruling from the courts mandating that the the scanners be removed by May 31st, originally it was to be June of last year but the TSA was able to get that date extended.

While we still have to parade convicts in front of a digital machine, despite the near nonexistent threat of attacks prior to the implementation of said devices, we at least no longer have to suffer the indignity of being rendered naked digitally.  I have one question though, why didn't the TSA have the scanners display a generic outline from the get go? It doesn't take much foresight to see that the implementation of these type of devices are controversial enough by itself, and that the way the images would be displayed would only needlessly anger Americans. Why wasn't the TSA proactive? The answer, as we all know, is that government agencies are rarely proactive. But rather than be a Debie Downer we should count our blessings, after all, it only took them five years and a court order.

3 comments:

  1. In my experience regarding the TSA, the answer to just about every 'why' question (an abundant list): They are retarded. It's a government works program. The good new is, anyone with dementia or alzheimers is still qualified to be employed by this entity.

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  2. You're right. We should celebrate even small victories. That being said I've disliked the new scanners ever since they came about as we're forced to stand in an "I surrender" pose or subject ourselves to being fondled. It is a pity, as these measures don't actually increase security at all. Do a google search for "TSA failed" and you will see multitudes of articles showing their ineffectiveness. It is all a big show to make people feel safe.

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    Replies
    1. I also very much hate parading through those scanners as if I were a convict of some sort.

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Seattle resident whose real name is Kevin Daniels. This blog covers the following topics, libertarian philosophy, realpolitik, western culture, history and the pursuit of truth from the perspective of a libertarian traditionalist.