In case you haven't heard, the US Totally Stupid Administration (aka TSA) has deployed Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) body scanners at many airports that produce radiation to scan your body for potential "threats." If you refuse to submit to the imaging technology, the screeners will try to humiliate you by screaming that they have an "opt out" and then molest you. If you are woman, they will squeeze your breasts and put their hands in-between your legs. If you're a man, they will squeeze your penis. And, yes - they will do this to your children too. If any one of you did this to another human being - ESPECIALLY a child - you'd immediately be sent to prison as a sex offender. But laws don't apply to government of course.
The intent of these new procedures is to scare you into just getting the radiation and sacrificing your personal privacy. Of course, it's all in the name of security. There was recently a single pilot who made a big deal out of it, but it appears his action has gotten the attention of the pilot's union for the largest airline in the world - American Airlines. They are not happy. As we come upon the holiday season, many of you will be flying somewhere and be exposed to these new procedures. Does it make sense to try to organize a massive display of civil disobedience by encouraging everyone to opt out this holiday season? Should we show this TSA gang of thugs and child molesters what we think of their nonsensical procedures just as the president of the APA is telling American Airline pilots? (Oh, and you're also certainly encouraged to file formal complaints with the ACLU who is considering preparing a lawsuit. epic.org has already filed its lawsuit.)
FTA:
Fellow Pilots,
...While I'm sure that each of us recognizes that the threats to our lives are real, the practice of airport security screening of airline pilots has spun out of control and does nothing to improve national security...
It is important to note that there are "backscatter" AIT devices now being deployed that produce ionizing radiation, which could be harmful to your health...
I share our pilots' concerns about this additional radiation exposure and plan to recommend that our pilots refrain from going through the AIT...
It's safe to say that most of the APA leadership shares my view that no pilot at American Airlines should subject themselves to the needless privacy invasion and potential health risks caused by the AIT body scanners. I therefore recommend that the pilots of American Airlines consider the following guidelines:
...Politely decline AIT exposure and request alternative screening.
There is absolutely no denying that the enhanced pat-down is a demeaning experience. In my view, it is unacceptable to submit to one in public while wearing the uniform of a professional airline pilot. I recommend that all pilots insist that such screening is performed in an out-of-view area to protect their privacy and dignity.
American Airlines Pilots Revolt Against the TSA
DISCUSS!
Original posting by Braincrave Second Life staff on Nov 7, 2010 at http://www.braincrave.com/viewblog.php?id=374
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