so, the terrorists win...

[BVS]

Originally Posted by AliEnvy

What I don't really understand is why the scanners are an advantage over metal detectors. If you beep through the metal detector they run a hand-held device over your body sans sexual assault.

If I were a frequent flyer (pilot, flight attendant, business flyer) or a celebrity (hmm naked pic on porn sites or creepy extra groping), I would be livid.

Well it's not just metal we are looking for anymore.

Celebrity naked pic? Have you seen the images?

[AliEnvy]

Originally Posted by BVS

Well it's not just metal we are looking for anymore.

What else does it find exactly?

Originally Posted by BVS

Celebrity naked pic? Have you seen the images?

Yep. Have also now seen that they are stored by the thousands and can be easily manipulated with widely available graphics software.

Regardless of the quality of the image, there's no getting around it being a privacy violation.

And likely a health hazard for frequent flyers.

[BVS]

Originally Posted by AliEnvy

What else does it find exactly?

Bombs with plastic or ceramic detonators, guns that are made of non-metals, a stick of dynamite the list is huge...

Originally Posted by AliEnvy

Yep. Have also now seen that they are stored by the thousands and can be easily manipulated with widely available graphics software.

Regardless of the quality of the image, there's no getting around it being a privacy violation.

Well any picture can be easily manipulated, you can place this celebrity's head on this naked models body, these are all over the internet.

Originally Posted by AliEnvy

And likely a health hazard for frequent flyers.

Yeah, I'm not really sure about this one, I haven't seen any evidence that this is worse than using a cell phone once a day...

[AliEnvy]

One of the main criticisms of the scanners, which have already been installed at 19 airports in the U.S., is that they cannot detect low-density materials such as powders, liquids, thin pieces of plastic or anything that resembles skin. Nor can they detect any explosives concealed internally.

It's only a matter of time before a terrorist shoves a powder bomb in a condom up his ass like a drug smuggler.

"Look at prison systems, where searches are far more invasive — they still can't stop contraband from being smuggled into the system," he tells TIME. But when it comes to the full-body scanners, Stewart says the bigger concern is that authorities may be diverting scarce security resources away from more proven measures, like training airport staff to detect suspicious behaviors in would-be attackers before they board planes. "We have a tendency to over-rely on technology, especially Americans, instead of human intelligence," he says.

Will Full-Body Scanners at Airports Improve Security? - TIME

[BVS]

Originally Posted by AliEnvy

It's only a matter of time before a terrorist shoves a powder bomb in a condom up his ass like a drug smuggler.

Not one aspect of life is fail proof, people will always find a way around something. It's the evolution of life.

I'm not convinced either way to be honest.

I'm just irritated that some people want secure flights but don't want anything to change, and others just want to complain and not offer alternatives.

[Canadiens1131]

TSA-sponsored prostate massage?

Can I get a lady to do it?

[Headache in a Suitcase]

Originally Posted by BVS

I'm just irritated that some people want secure flights but don't want anything to change, and others just want to complain and not offer alternatives.

.

[diamond]

I agree w BVS here.

<>

[BVS]

[BoMac]

[BVS]

[AliEnvy]

Originally Posted by BVS

I'm just irritated that some people want secure flights but don't want anything to change, and others just want to complain and not offer alternatives.

Who are you referring to?

[martha]

I didn't think of the sexual assault to check for "bombs" so I don't think it's my job to come up with an alternative.

It's OK for us to be pissed that this is happening, just as it's OK for some to roll over and take any Constitutional violation in the the name of "safety."

[BVS]

Originally Posted by AliEnvy

Who are you referring to?

Hundreds of people, some in here, some on the talk shows, etc...

[AliEnvy]

So these people were complaining that security wasn't good enough before the scanners? Really?

That virtually 99.999999999999% of flights are safe but complainers aren't offering up ways to close the gap? Really?

None of this makes any rational sense whatsoever. Except the part where the Homeland Security guy is making tons of money.

[financeguy]

My take regarding the debate regarding security checks on flights and the broader issue of safeguarding the safety of the populace - given the ongoing, and far from resolved, economic depression in countries like Greece, Ireland and Portugal - the proximate terrorist threat may come not from Pakistan, Iran or Yemen but rather from closer to home.

Let me put it this way - there are a lot of very scared and angry people right now in some parts of Europe, and they are not necessarily all of the Muslim persuasion. The elites have become so out of touch with the populace that it is difficult for me to see the situation being resolved without some degree of political violence.

I have been told by several sources that the Irish police have recently drafted in new riot gear and speedily 'up-skilled' ordinary cops into riot police just in case it gets bad.

A German told me recently that the real situation with the Germany economy is much less healthy than the official statistics are presenting.

Ultimately, the markets will trump politics and the eurozone will be cast assunder, I sincerely hope that not too many more have to die before the elite give up on their globalist folly.

[BVS]

Originally Posted by AliEnvy

So these people were complaining that security wasn't good enough before the scanners? Really?

Yes, are you honestly saying you haven't heard these people?

Originally Posted by AliEnvy

That virtually 99.999999999999% of flights are safe but complainers aren't offering up ways to close the gap? Really?

Well this is similar to the we haven't had another attack on US soil so Bush was winning the war on terror logic...

Originally Posted by AliEnvy

None of this makes any rational sense whatsoever.

What doesn't make sense? So since we haven't had attacks means everything's cool? Isn't this what we thought pre 9/11?

If you troubleshoot I'm sure you could easily think of a half dozen ways how you smuggle something on the plane.

[the iron horse]

All Israeli airplane flights have at least one agent or two with a concealed firearm on board.

Guns are good to have in the hands of good guys.

The bad guys will always have weapons intent on evil.

[AliEnvy]

Originally Posted by BVS

Yes, are you honestly saying you haven't heard these people?



Well this is similar to the we haven't had another attack on US soil so Bush was winning the war on terror logic...


What doesn't make sense? So since we haven't had attacks means everything's cool? Isn't this what we thought pre 9/11?

If you troubleshoot I'm sure you could easily think of a half dozen ways how you smuggle something on the plane.

1. No, I don't watch US cable news shows.
2. Or maybe just an observation that current security practices are reasonable.
3. It doesn't make sense to just bow to every security "enhancement" the TSA proclaims to protect the country. If enough people believe the scanners vs sexual humiliation are harmful, then they need to go.

[BVS]

Originally Posted by the iron horse

All Israeli airplane flights have at least one agent or two with a concealed firearm on board.

Guns are good to have in the hands of good guys.

The bad guys will always have weapons intent on evil.

Except when the bad guys are able to obtain the gun from the good guy.

Except when a bullet blows out a window and depressurizes the cabin.