There are two problems with the reasoning in this column. First, it assumes that in paying for transportation, you lose your rights. When they install these body scanners on the local school bus, this column will be thrown back in your face. After all, isn't the local school bus a valid "target," --in fact, a better one than any random airplane? Which would really cause more terror, an airplane blowing up midair, or five or six school buses blowing up just as they reach the front of the school?

Second, your assumption is that the TSA is being an honest broker about what they are doing with these naked pictures. Sure --they've "blocked" the "private parts," and they "don't store the pictures." Hmmm... If the pictures aren't stored, then how do they use them as evidence? Do you really trust the TSA as an "honest broker?" Isn't the conservative movement founded on the concept that we shouldn't trust people, but rather strive for just laws equally applied? That we should strive for laws that do not give one human power over another in terms of humiliation, or coercion?

So you're excusing a clear violation of the 4th amendment because "you don't have to fly," and a clear government power grab because, "it's more convenient."

With "logic" like this, it's no wonder the conservative movement is in disarray. Either be conservative, or get to the Democratic Party, with all the other statist.

Your thinking might make sense if the scanners and the pat downs actually improved security. But they don't. This is all part of TSA's ongoing security theater designed to create the appearance of security; the only real benefit going to the scanner manufacturers at least one of whom was a major contributor to the Obama campaign.

Not to mention that the scanners are worthless when it comes to the latest terrorist technique - packing explosives in body cavities. If you insist on zero risk in air travel, are you also volunteering, after your pat down, for your body cavity search?

I started to laugh. Then I realized this guy is serious! He actually believes the TSA is serving the purpose of assuring our security on airplanes. He actually believes it's important to scan little girls and grannies to make sure they won't blow us up in flight. He will, no doubt, applaud the next step, no checked baggage or carry-ons. It's all for the best, you know.

Hellooo, earth to Emmett! Don't eat the pudding!

Hey R., you said "...Until then, we shall have to live like the Israelis".

So R., how do they handle airport security?

First I don't trust anyone who uses an initial for a first name. Unless like, H. Norman Schwartzkopf, it is his first name.

Second, I distrust anyone who has to use words one must look up just to camoflage a meaning so the reader won't be turned off by the first paragraph.

And finally, while "terror poses the threat to a free society", to use your words you sir with this attitude of give up your rights for the sake of a false security are a bigger threat in my mind.

After 28 years working in a County Jail, I would say if a pat down is good a strip search is better. Based on Mr. Tyrell's comments, he would agree.

Where I'm lost in this is we search grandmas, and children so as not to offend the Muslims who want us all dead, but nobody cares if the grandmas are offended. When I first started in Law Enforcement, with Immigration, it wasn't called profiling....it was called common sense...

I'm also thinking....just from memory now, so correct me if I'm wrong....TSA has never actually caught anyone attempting to board with a bomb...

.....and apparently TSA doesn't keep up with the news.....and they are really gonna be tired after patting down hundreds of people per shift...(I can attest to that from job experience)so they don't know that each time we thwart the terrorist effort, they try a new tactic. They already know they can't get on board, so they are sending the bombs by FedEx.....maybe we could move some of these screeners to the freight terminal.....

The scanner that merely detonates any explosive on or in a person would be protective. The rest is theater.

In Israel Airport Security uses common sense (profiling) and a few key questions, and is very efficient. Consider their record.

El Al does it by profiling. No bombs there!

I am reminded of Franklin's words about security and liberty. Sorry, I want my liberty. Does anyone think this great new technology won't be used outside of an airport? Think again if you do.

Further, it is THE AIRLINES who have the responsibility to insure that THEIR customers are safe. To allow a pat down or x-ray by the TSA, as a condition of employment, of the very person who has total control of the aircraft is ludicrous!

I say the heck with it...let me make the choice which group I want to fly with!

Napolitano - PROFILE! - Get it?

The terrorists have already won. All the would be bombers have come from Europe or another country. None have originated in the U.S. So now to 'protect us' from such, we citizens have to take off our shoes, carry no knives or scissors, etc. limit any liquids and have our baggage scanned. If someone were to put some explosive under a wig we would probably all be having our hair pulled. I did not have to remove my shoes flying back to the U.S from Europe or Mexico.

Emmett--I usually enjoy your articles, but this one really made me mad. Don't get me wrong, I'm not one of those people who cries civil liberties every time someone looks at me--quite the opposite. However, for once I'm angered by this new form of airport "security." You said it yourself, "We are at war with savages who sneak explosives onto airplanes and turn them into bombs." How about profiling people who LOOK LIKE THE SAVAGES WHO ARE TRYING TO KILL us instead of my grandmother or my daughter, or me for that matter! I'm sick and tired of having to live with offenses every day while we bend over backwards to keep from offending muslims in this country. I think we should stop worrying about offending muslims when some of those muslims stop trying to kill us!!!

I don't think it's a matter of convenience, or even safety. It is an unconstitutional unwarranted search that deprives us of our liberty.

57Cynic said; "you sir with this attitude of give up your rights for the sake of a false security are a bigger threat in my mind."

You Sir are absolutely correct. Well said and Thank you.

I support the idea of using the Israeli model for airport security.

Then again, I support the idea of Americans using the Constitutionally-recognized liberty to carry arms even on board.

I agree with the thought expressed previously that the TSA is actually a theater production.

"They that can give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety." --Benjamin Franklin

Dear Mr. Tyrell,

This quote from Mr. Franklin speaks volumes to those like you who would eliminate our freedoms a little at a time. (The quote was the Daily quote from the 15 November Digest)

Those who do NOT wish to have their most intimate details perused by the perverts at TSA should scream and shout and cause so much commotion when being patted down that the TSA should get the message.

This problem started with George W. Bush after the 9/11 attacks and includes such vicious B.S. as the PATRIOT Act. Until we live in a NAZI, USSR style police state; the TSA meeds to keeps its eyes closed and its hands off our persons. The Federal government needs to vigorously search for these terrorists and cowards and leave the law abiding Americans our much bled for freedoms.

If the 14th Amendment can be so perverted to allow the murder of unborn children; then it can also be validated to state that every American has tghe expectation of privacy when going about their lawful pursuits.

Duke

R. Emmett Tyrrell, you are another bonehead masquerading as an intelligent person. R. you can now be recognized as another one of those pukes that just doesn’t get it. I will not give up my rights and freedom to hand over my safety to some far reaching unconstitutional acting government. These searches of my mother, grandchildren et al are pandering to political correctness and needs to stop. El AL Airlines is our example. We need to stop ignoring who is the threat.

Cut the political correctness and let’s get on with fighting against Islamic domination of the world. By the way for those who haven’t researched the what, where, when and why of Islam need to wake up and smell the coffee. Not one Islamic visitor or immigrant is here to assimilate into our Republic or marvel at our countries freedom and bounty, they are here for one reason and one reason only, to do as Obama has said he will do, “Transform our country”.

As far as I am concerned there are two types of Islamic combatants, those who fight with weapons and terror tactics and those who occupy our lands and demand we accept sharia law and mohammad as the one true profit of the one true god, allah.

I have one solution, recognize all those pukes by profiling, send them home and if they won’t go home send them all to allah

FLY NAKED!!

I love all the reassurances from everyone including the manufacturer that the scans cannot be stored, sent, archived or retrieved. And then in the next sentence they say the are all 'DELETED'! Deleted from what? If they can't be stored, shown, saved etc. What a crock. Tyrrell you are a goofball. If you think that treating a 12 year old girl or a grandmother in a wheelchair is the same as the KNOWN terrorist profile we are all wasting our time

If the TSA can make a good case that scanners provide a significant improvement in security then I am willing to be scanned in order to get on a flight. However, I believe that case cannot be made and there are other measures that will provide more payoff (I was going to say more bang for the buck, but that might be off-color.) The scanner drill really is, as an earlier correspondent termed it, theater. Clearly we have reached the point where the returns from reactive measures are miniscule if they exist at all. The only areas where progress is likely to be made are in better security of cargo and in proactive passenger security measures such as those used by El Al. Incidentally, I don't ever remember El Al being criticized for "profiling".

May I suggest that we use the automobile insurance argument to solve the airport security issue of the TSA. This administration told us they can force Obamacare on us because we can be required to buy automobile insurance. Everyone knows that a male under 25 pays more for car insurance because they are considered a statistical liability. Let’s figure out who presents the greatest statistical liability and focus our screening on them. If it isolates middle-eastern 17-36 year old Muslim males, so be it. If the statistical liability approach of car insurance is good enough for the young men we are asking to protect us in war, then it is good enough for the potential enemies who wish to drag us into that war.

The advantages to this approach are: 1) Everyday freedom loving Americans will be less likely to be treated as potential terrorists. 2) Limited funds (has anyone noted that we are out of money?) can be used where they are most needed. 3) The administration can avoid using the term “profiling” with the same vigor it wishes to avoid the term “terrorist”. 4) If this administration will not use the automobile insurance approach on terrorists, then maybe they will repent from using the automobile insurance approach to force Obamacare on peace loving law abiding liberty seeking citizens.

I have always thought the actions of

men the best interpreters of their

thoughts.---John Locke (1632-1704)

In response to the "Fly Naked" comment, I would say "Fly Naked, Fly United" - but that might be considered an endorsement of an old airline ---- The best approach to the terror situation is the automatic detonation chamber, if someone refuses to go in, they need shot -- end of problem. The we deal with the next scenario the terrorists dream up - and please - no help from the peanut gallery. We don't need probing questions from an interviewer about what else could we expect. They don't need the help with bad ideas.

I first thought that you were being ironic. Oh, was I wrong! Really? Really? Are you serious? I cannot manage more than Nancy Pelosi here.

These methods don't assure your safety. The Israelis don't use them, apparently they have more respect for people, and also more brains.

The issue that it is not constitutional doesn't seem to bother you. Let's all be safe slaves then!

R., you are more of a disappointment every day.

With friends like these, we don't need enemies.

Mr. Tyrell;

We need to scrap the political correctness and start profiling the same as the Isralies do. Not all muslims are terrorists, but almost all terrotists are muslim. I learned all I need to know about muslims on 9/11.

Richard Ryan

Lamar, Missouri

Mr. Tyrrell, you are way off base. We are 180 degrees out from the Israeli model. But first let me say this. We are looking at conditioning of the public here, pure and simple. The brand of airport "security" (what a laugh) being incrementaly put in place in this country is merely a preview for the future of a majority of locals where Americans will be forced to submit to government intrusions upon their liberty.

Already we have Americans disarmed in all Federal Buildings, Federal Lands, Post Offices, Courthouses, Military Bases, local schools, airports, etc., etc. These are what I call "Free Kill Zones." You know... places where criminals or terrorists know they can go to kill large numbers of people without worrying about being confronted by an armed citizen. And anyone who is armed will have a uniform on that says "shoot me first."

Notice that the vast majority of big kills seem to take place in those locations? But Jim! How can that be?! People aren't allowed weapons in or upon those premises. Go figure. Never can trust a murderer to follow the law can you?!

Some of these locations (Courthouses, Capitol Buildings, some schools) have already put in place metal detector security checkpoints similar to those we've seen in airports. Where next? Sports stadiums? Malls? Theaters? Popular restaurants? City squares? Anyplace where people tend to gather? Don't laugh. My 82 year old father has told me he never would have dreamed, or conceived of, the impositions thrust upon the liberty of the American public just 40 years ago. But look at where we are now.

Back to the ineffective measures taken by our government via the TSA. So it started with hijackers using guns = Security checkpoints with metal detectors. Then we have terrorists carrying bombs or guns aboard in their carryons = Xray conveyers for carryons. Next came the Lockerbie airline bomb = Xrays and hand searches of checked baggage. Then we have the 9/11 hijackers using razor knives = No knives, scissors, nail clippers, or metal blades of any sort. Then we have Richard Reid the Shoe Bomber = Take the shoes off and send them through the xray. Here comes the Amuttalab the "Underwear Bomber" = People xrays (naked pictures) and enhanced patdowns (grope and feel). Anyone care to guess what's next?

Well it's simple to follow the terrorist strategy isn't it? We come up with a knee jerk measure and they find a work-around. Now given that these xrays WILL NOT detect the type of high explosive the Underwear Bomber used if inserted into certain body orifices... well isn't hard to visualize what's next.

So the logical conclusion here is that a terrorist will attempt to bring down a plane using these high explosives hidden within the terrorists orifice of choice, unless we immediately institute cavity searches of ALL passengers at airport security checkpoints.

Will our government go that far? I doubt it given the amount of discontent they're getting from the public over enhanced pat downs. Result? An airliner WILL be brought down and a couple hundred or more Americans WILL die because our government (encouraged and steered by the mental illness of the Modern Liberal/Progressive) will not adopt the common sense police work of profiling as the Israeli's do in their security measures.

Case in point - The LAX Millenium Bomber, Ahmed Ressam, who was caught by an alert border agent in Washington State back in 1999. Why was this terrorist caught without the technology of an Xray or an enhanced pat down? How was he caught? Well the agent, gosh darn it, she PROFILED (EEEEEEK!). Yep, she looked the guy over, noticed he was nervous, had a suspicious demeanor, was evasive and/or inconsistent when answering her questions and so she took the process to the next level. Checked his documents again, noticed his passport didn't match his drivers license. Took it to the next level. Thorough search of the car revealed explosive materials. Result? Solid police work = One caught terrorist, tragedy averted.

On the other hand we have Amutallab with the explosive sky skivvies. What was he? Somali? Had been to Yemen? Yep, stamped right there on his passport. This guy was on a NO FLY LIST. His own father warned the CIA beforehand that his son was consorting with bad terrorist dudes and he thought his son was liable to do something really naughty if not stopped. Yet he still got on the plane. The ONLY reason that plane didn't come down was because the kid was an idiot and didn't mix the explosive components in his shorts well enough. That and some alert passengers managed to subdue him when they noticed his crotch was cookin.

WAKE UP Tyrrell. WAKE UP America. We have got to approach this problem with common sense, effective communication between intelligence and security agencies, and good old fashioned police work... Profiling. We know who it is we're fighting. Let's fight them and stop wasting our time and energy searching 80 year old wheelchair bound grandpas and three year old toddlers.

Sheesh. Sorry for the lengthy rant folks, but this is too important not to get right. People die when we get it wrong.

Gee, I remember when R. Emmett was not crazy. Maybe he banged his head or something.

@Just saying

-ditto your whole comment!

@Marcus

"FLY NAKED!!"

Most common-sense solution yet.

Thanks for cutting to the chase and putting it all in perspective.

Jim G, awesome!

So far, I'd say the detonation chamber is the easiest, most effective solution. Now all we have to do is invent one.

Karl, your wild-stretch-to-match-the-topic quotations are starting to get a little irritating. Consider the old axiom, "less is more."

View this as the TSA using a flagrant obsenity to promote acceptance of an 'Intolerable Act' i.e. the scanners or a violating pat down.

I have been patted down under the old method and didn't feel violated in the least, the new methods in use seem calculated into forcing people through the scanners out of frustration or resignation to the overreach of government into our lives.

I agree: enough is enough. Mr. Tyrell, to use a reference from your generation: stop drinking the Kool-Aid.

Yes, like Israel, we are at war but they do not sacrifice their citizens dignity when they fly. They are not "Politically Correct" and do not mind hurting the feelings or wrinkling the suit of a suspected terrorist. Your article is another progressive load of male bovine feces, get your head out of wherever you have it stuck and let U.S. Citizens have their dignity back when they travel. Turn those scanning machines into something real useful like a fishing reef!