Privacy vs safety
By PeacefulWmn9
@PeacefulWmn9 (10420)
United States
December 30, 2009 9:25pm CST
We've had some serious breakdowns in US safety-against-terrorists plans...a military psychiatrist who deliberately shot and killed soldiers in Texas, and now a man who tried to blow up a plane with many passengers. He would have succeeded had it not been for some brave and fast-acting passengers thwarting him. And the CIA knew him for what he was...a terrorist whose own father had turned him in to US embassies!
Now they are considering doing "full body" scans in all airports here as they already do in a few countries and in a few of our states.
The people who object say it is an invasion of privacy. In reality, the body scan would show nothing obscene, but rather anything dangerous on or in the person. To my way of thinking, privacy at this time, since it would not "really" be violated anyway should take a back seat to safety. This is life and death stuff.
What say you all?6 people like this
20 responses
@tigeraunt (6326)
• Philippines
31 Dec 09
hi karen,
am sure the people on the plane are still shaken after that experience. authorities are sure to be trying their best to parry these kind of things. scanners in airports of people who will be boarding planes is a good idea. i am just concerned, isnt it like an x-ray or something? isnt that harmful especially to people who travel so much, like say, 3 or 4 times a month?
ann
2 people like this
@finlander60 (1804)
• United States
9 Jan 10
My thought on this subject is that if someone were to object to being scanned for whatever reason, they should not be allowed on an aircraft until they had been offered, and accepted, a complete body search. My two cents on this subject.
2 people like this
@PeacefulWmn9 (10420)
• United States
31 Dec 09
Hello Ann. Nice to see you.
I doubt these would be as "strong" as a medical xray machine. I think there will always be issues of one kind or another, but the loss of life? Now that is a true and immediate risk where terrorism is concerned. It's on the rise...still.
The concern you mentioned HAD also occured to me. I think, though, that the benefits still will outweigh the risks.
Thank you for your comment :)
Karen1 person likes this
@tigeraunt (6326)
• Philippines
9 Jan 10
dear finlander,
i know in my heart that i agree with what you said.
thank you for your comment.
ann
1 person likes this
@MrNiceGuy (4141)
• United States
1 Jan 10
Well one thing to remember is that you don't have the right to privacy, you just have the right that your privacy being invaded won't inherently interfere with your other rights. As far as I'm concerned the Patriot Act and anti-terrorism legislation has not effected me personally other than preventing terror attacks.
2 people like this
@finlander60 (1804)
• United States
9 Jan 10
People don't get the gist of the laws that are written because they are all written by lawyers. If all the laws were written by the common man we wouldn't need all the lawyers. All they are good for is to screw things up so bad that nobody else can understand what they are saying.
1 person likes this
@PeacefulWmn9 (10420)
• United States
19 Jan 10
Amen to that! I think they make such things unreadable for a reason...the reason usually being greed.
@ANTIQUELADY (36440)
• United States
31 Dec 09
i THINK THEY NEED TO TAKE DRASTIC MEASURES TO DO WHATEVER THEY CAN TO STOP THESE DAMN CRAZY PEOPLE. i THINK IT NEEDS TO START RIGHT HERE AT HOME. They should have checked into the guy in texas. He had sent out all kinds of warnings that he did not want to go overseas& from what they said was very vocal on it. The moron on the plane's own dad had warned them about him so why was he allowed to fly. Some body IS NOT doing their job!!!
2 people like this
@ANTIQUELADY (36440)
• United States
1 Jan 10
gOOD MORNING, kAREN & HAPPY NEW YEAR. i HOPE 2010 IS A GREAT YEAR FOR U. JO
2 people like this
@PeacefulWmn9 (10420)
• United States
2 Jan 10
Hello my friend ... I hope 2010 brings you a ton of blessings! Happy New Year to you, Jo.
@savypat (20216)
• United States
31 Dec 09
As long as we have had privacy the trade off has been safety. Our fore bearers felt it was worth the risk and so privacy issues were written into the US Constitution do you feel that safety has become such a big issue that it is time to review the rights within the Constitution?
2 people like this
@bodhisatya (2384)
• India
31 Dec 09
Hi Karen,
Nice post, I have read about this in the paper. Well to choose between the two. Umm.. I would say safety is of greater priority than privacy.
But don't you think that a person is scanned and frisked enough before he boards a plane. A ring on my fingers give a buzz. my belts will be buzzing.
How a person manages to smuggle something dangerous in the plane amuses me. Is it that the security is also to be blamed or if there is a possibility that the security is lacking somewhere. There must be loopholes in the procedure or the system. We need to identify that and make amendments there instead of causing harassment and embarrassment to a normal and innocent traveler.
Bodhi
2 people like this
@bodhisatya (2384)
• India
1 Jan 10
I see your point there, dear Karen. They really are so ready to put their life on the line to kill scores of Innocents.
I don't think there is lack of communication Karen atleast not in my country. It is purely corruption by the politicians. They are aware and they make the people suffer. There has to be corruption at the highest level.
2 people like this
@thea09 (18305)
• Greece
31 Dec 09
Hi Karen, it sounds less invasive than being searched but no doubt it will be used on all the innocent package holiday makers and the like bypassed on the flights which have suspected terrorists flying on them. Maybe they could finance the scanners with the money they give to the CIA and such who spend a fortune collating all this terrorist information then fail to do anything with it. It's really a case of some sweet old lady flying off to Florida for a spot of sun getting scanned and the business men on the same flight as the guy who is enroute from the Yemen or some such place complaining about his privacy being invaded.
2 people like this
@thea09 (18305)
• Greece
1 Jan 10
Quite. The no liquids one made a fortune for the airport shops. The two week package holiday makers who fly back from our infamous airport (remember the plane spotters) aren't allowed to take their much needed bottle of water through with them despite waiting in the stifling heat. Then they have to spend four times the normal cost to buy a small bottle after the security checks.
These laws come in and everyone puts up with them apart from the people in such a rush they are probably the ones sharing a plane with the odd terrorist who got through security because someone else was so busy complaining about the security.
2 people like this
@PeacefulWmn9 (10420)
• United States
2 Jan 10
Yes, the world has come to be a mighty and unrecognizable mess since I how I remember it being just a couple of decades ago. Someone always profits at the expense of the innocent.
1 person likes this
@PeacefulWmn9 (10420)
• United States
1 Jan 10
Hi Thea
Someone else had mentioned the financial cost...and you've come up with a great idea. The CIA should be totally revamped, as far as I'm concerned. Makes me wonder if there's some insider who deliberately fails to pass on crucial info they've had for weeks or months.
And yes, the little old lady would likely not howl about it, since she has nothing to hide. The biggest complainers seem often to be the ones trying to get away with something shady or dangerous.
karen1 person likes this
@PeacefulWmn9 (10420)
• United States
1 Jan 10
Hi Dawnald
Oh yes, many things would be more "privacy" invasive than a body scan, such as the pat-down you mentioned, or a strip search? I'm with you both on that.
Thank you for the feedback.
Karen1 person likes this
@ladysakurax (1161)
• Canada
31 Dec 09
hmm I live in Canada and I sent my aunt to the airport when she had to go back to France. There wasn't any full body scan. However, it seems there are more risks in the United States. I think it might be good if they do a body scan until all of this terrorist issue has been solved. Some people might think about privacy but they are taking a risk at the same time. Once they enter the plane and face this kind of unfortunate situation, it's too late. People think that it will never happen to them but we never know. It's better to not take any chances.
2 people like this
@PeacefulWmn9 (10420)
• United States
31 Dec 09
Hello Ladyskura.
We do seem to be one of the countries especially "targeted." I agree. I have lived long enough to become fully aware that thinking "it" could never happen to me/us or in our country is an illusion. You're right. We never know.
The problem continues to grow, and privacy? I will take some loss of it rather than protest it at my (and other's) risk of life.
Thank you for your input.
Karen1 person likes this
@spalladino (17891)
• United States
31 Dec 09
The safety of the general public has to take priority over privacy so I'm in favor of the body scans. If anyone has an objection...don't fly sounds like the most reasonable alternative to me. These people are trying to kill us and it's time we stopped worrying about those who gripe about security measures and acting so politically correct. I think that anyone who pays cash for a one way ticket to anywhere and who has no luggage to check should be stripped searched.
2 people like this
@PeacefulWmn9 (10420)
• United States
31 Dec 09
Hi Spalladino
You speak my own thoughts: if you don't like how the airports are set up or wish to have a body scan, there are other means of transportation available. The risk is not worth some of the petty protests that arise.
The CIA blew this one, big time!
Thank you for expressing your opinion.
Karen1 person likes this
@PeacefulWmn9 (10420)
• United States
1 Jan 10
LOL. True. It wouldn't show us up as in the buff anyway.
Thank you for pointing that out so well.
Karen
@vandana7 (99013)
• India
31 Dec 09
Can't agree with you more on that Karen. This is a must. And it was coming anyway. There are new software packages that show the streets and the homes through satellite systems, and soon they will show what is going on inside as well. How many rules can you have in place to stop that? And how are you going to employ people to stop that? This is essential, that will be tougher.
@PeacefulWmn9 (10420)
• United States
31 Dec 09
Hi Vandana
Every time we boost security, they find ways to outsmart it. And now our own CIA seems to have a huge communication breakdown.
I agree. It was coming and things will keep getting more strict for safety's sake. I believe the ones who protest, especially basic issues, only have something to hide. If we're not guilty of wrong, we don't mind such safety checks and measures.
Thank you for your input.
Karen1 person likes this
@clarkbody (141)
• United States
31 Dec 09
I pretty much agree with you. If the body scan is not an invasion of my "privacy" (and I mean that literally) I don't have a problem with it. I would rather be strip searched that murder. I also think we should be placing more emphasis on homeland security than what's going on on someone elses's soil. That's like me trying to clean your house and mine is dirty.
2 people like this
@PeacefulWmn9 (10420)
• United States
1 Jan 10
Hi Clark
Exactly. For what are people willing to risk life and limb? And if a majority protests it, they are risking everyone else's too. Odd world we live in, not to mention dangerous. Take the inexcusable lapses of the CIA, for instance. How many times can they make light of their gross negligence or chalk it up to human error?
Karen
@Savedeath (255)
• China
31 Dec 09
i'm very agree with you.in the face of life,how unimportant for the personal privacy.who would be more happy,when you just insist on your privacy,it's the terrosists,and it's unimaginable when one terrorist take on the plane with dangerous goods.that's about the life of the whole plane,do your privacy will exist when your life is over??so anyway,the life is the first,and for the safty,we have to do some small sacrifice.
2 people like this
@wolfie34 (26771)
• United Kingdom
1 Jan 10
Hiya Karen, a very happy New Year to you! I wonder if those that object have something to hide? To be honest if it was a choice between a body scan and being saved from being blown up, well come on, this is obvious ain't it? For any decent, law abiding citizen who loves life. What is there to be afraid of? I think it's the fear of the unknown that is the only logical reason as to why people are against the body scan, but once it's installed no one will think twice about it. Come on we need it for our own safety, it's in OUR interest. It's not there as some sick joke, the only sick joke is people getting killed every day. Privacy means nothing if you are up in a plane and it's been hijacked. What price privacy eh?
1 person likes this
@PeacefulWmn9 (10420)
• United States
2 Jan 10
Hello Wolfie, and a Happy New Year to you, too.
I think it's obvious, but not so everyone, lol. I would be more than willing to go through a body-scan machine. NOT so willing to be blown to smithereens because I protested doing so.
Indeed, what cost privacy?
Karen
@maygodblessu44 (7336)
• India
19 Jan 10
Hello my friend PeacefulWmn9 Ji,
I do not think that it would voilate any human norms at the cost of safety and security of any country. Body Scan would never be added with flesh , it would only reveal any objectional item hidden other than bone. So where one will be exposed his/her privacy. Further, like any other norms for travelling, this should be treated as mendatory norm, who ever is interested to travel, they are free to travel. But it should be madecumpulsory for all passangers including VVIPs, Head of the States etc. There should not be any hitch and consideration.
I had experiences with CT SCAN,Bone Scannig as well. I do ot find an7y thing wrong with another step ahead, provided it solves the problem.
May God bless You and have a great time.
1 person likes this
@maygodblessu44 (7336)
• India
20 Jan 10
Hello my friend PeacefulWmn9 Ji,
So nice of you for your positive response. Let's remain and make others to live peacful. Your conversion to vegetarian too will help you to think this way.
May God bless You and have a great time.
@maygodblessu44 (7336)
• India
20 Jan 10
Hello my friend PeacefulWmn9 Ji,
So nice of you for your positive response. Thanks for BR. Did I deserve the sme, it is because you are like me. Thanks.
May God bless You and have a great time.
1 person likes this
@PeacefulWmn9 (10420)
• United States
19 Jan 10
Hello my friend, you make such good sense! This is how I also feel. You said it best? nothing wrong with another step ahead provided it solves the problem.
Thank you for responding and God bless you always.
Karen1 person likes this
@anotherxidentity (1434)
• United States
31 Dec 09
The biggest thing isn't necessarily privacy for that but instead time and money involved. More personnel is going to have to be hired and then people are going to have to get to airports a lot sooner because of how long it will take especially when it first starts since people get confused.
And the money thing is just going to raise tickets. The price of tickets has already gone up and now there are more charges for bags so I can only see it happening again.
And with higher prices, less passengers, which means another raise in prices.
Its an evil cycle so something needs to be done about security but in a way that other consequences aren't going to happen.
2 people like this
@Godmother (476)
• Indonesia
19 Jan 10
At first, when they body-scanned me on my first trip to the USA (right after 9/11), I thought they were insulting me because I am Asian. But when I saw that they were doing the same thing to others and nearly every passenger, I understood that it was purely of safety reasons. Nowadays, I m totally OK with all kind of scans, as it is for our own safety too.
@PeacefulWmn9 (10420)
• United States
3 Jan 10
Hi Niara
I know others have wondered whether or not such machines would pose a health risk, and my own thoughts are that if we research it, they most likely do not put out xrays as strong as the machines used for medical purposes, but that is only a guess.
The one thing I AM sure of is that all bombs and all terrorists are positively a risk to life and limb.
It's sad that such needs exist!
Karen
@PastorP (1170)
• United States
31 Dec 09
I would say definitely go with safety. Though I'm ready to leave this world, I'd sooner give up my privacy in these cases than my life. I, too, have heard nothing too distinct of a person's body will be seen. I say do it, and save lives.
@PeacefulWmn9 (10420)
• United States
31 Dec 09
Hello PastorP.
We have a similar outlook, then. I, too, am ready to leave this world, but I do not believe God's wish is for us to leave at the hand's of a terrorist. He wouldn't interfere with even their free will, but yes, safety first, given that loss of privacy isn't truly the case here anyway.
Thank you for responding.
Karen1 person likes this
