As John Tyner meticulouly prepared for his flight to South Dakota for a hunting trip, he did not foresee the complicated threats and lawsuits that could ensue.
Things were going along smoothly as Tyner waited in the security line, until he was suddenly led to one of the full body scanners. He was startled because 1. Tyner had researched on the Transportation Security Adminstration (TSA) website that the San Diego Airport did not have these body scanners; 2. He disliked them greatly for their "huge invasion of privacy" and possible health risks. As he was led to the full body scanner, he was given the choice of the scanner or the standard metal-detector and a "basic pat down" and chose the latter. However, the airport security officials then wanted to do a "groin check", which Tyner promptly refused, causing a mass of police and other security officials to come. As Tyner's ticket was miraculously refunded, he then tried to go home, only to be stopped by the threat of "civil suit and a $10,000 fine if he left". But officials confusingly let him go moments later, and it is not clear whether this threat will become true.
All of this was miraculously taped by Tyner, as he had turned on the audio recording on his cell phone as the incident started and had sent the cell phone through the x-ray machine, a little far from the incident. This recording got its way onto the internet as Tyner posted everything on his blog, and many "applaud him for 'standing up' to the security forces". However, it is true that Tyner (and any other passenger, for that matter) gives up certain rights when buying the airline ticket, as a TSA officials explains. But it is also interesting that Tyner noticed many going through without such problems, with one person triggering the metal detector let go without a pat down.
While some agree with Tyner and complain about such extensive security measures through the comments on his blog, these officials are, after all, trying to do their job by stopping any more horrific terrorists from completing any plots, as exhibited in the past decade and more. And it is better for several individuals to be embarrased by such measures than a whole plane going up in flames. It is interesting, however, that they singled out Tyner and went for more extensive searching.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
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12 comments:
While these security measures may be inconvenient for several individuals, I agree with the TSA officials and Melody. These enforcements can deter potentially dangerous people. If these measures catch only one person, it's well worth the hassle. These are lives we're talking about; it's better to be safe than sorry.
To be honest, I also believe that Tyner is in the wrong for being so riled up over the incident. How do you think the TSA officers feel as they're doing this? I would be inclined to believe they're as uncomfortable as Tyner is as they complete a job they're required to do and after all, they are looking after the security of others. However, I can understand that Tyner feels violated because he has been subject to a full-body search which most people find intrusive. However, I do agree with Melody, where buying an airplane ticket does mean that you forfeit some rights when flying.
Many people can argue that Tyner had the right to resist against airport security because of excessive and unnecessary force. He clearly wanted to go on a trip and did not intend any trouble. For the other side's argument, I must say that the airport security did take some necessary measures for the sake of people's concerns. I agree with Shorhon that if these actions can eventually catch a single person, then airport security has a right to investigate.
I think that Tyner has the right to be mad about the airport's lack of professionalism, but ultimately this fiasco is his fault.
The airport should have correctly reported its use of full body scanners and should have sent a consistent message to Tyner instead of threatening to sue him for trying to leave and then releasing him moments later. However, Tyner himself chose to get the "basic pat down." And even if other individuals did not go through a "groin check," Tyner should have agreed to this invasive measure because it does serve the legitimate service of protecting air travel.
Overall, I applaud Tyner for recording this incident; too many times, people are harassed by officials and do not report it. At least he has taken moderate measures to demand better treatment at airports.
This is such a hard line...are they going to far? I think that in one way...they are (like Melody stated) doing what they are supposed to be doing to try and reduce any sort of dangerous terrorist threat or action to ensue...but I think that even though they say it's random...they obviously have a "image" in mind of those who are "suspicious" and should be checked.! Totally unfair but if Tyner was so defensive...it didn't make him look better! Just let the check happen...you shouldn't be nervous if you have nothing to hide!
Even though full-body scanners have never been an issue for me, I do understand Tyner's discomfort. But honestly, if someone has nothing to hide, then a simple metal detector or scanner check is quick and simple. I love security checks personally because I'm confident that the security officials cannot possibly find anything wrong with me or my baggage.
If Tyner chose a "basic pat down", he shouldn't be surprised that the officials wanted a "groin check." Remember the christmas bomber who hid explosives in his underwear? The security officials in the airport are just trying to be safe. I also agree with Melody in that "it is better for several individuals to be embarrased by such measures than a whole plane going up in flames."
I personally view that the security measures taken by the TSA officers currently are quite appropriate. However, the line for me would be crossed if the officers did not give Tyner an option of either a body scan or a pat down. This is becasue I think that if the TSA did not give the option then they would be infiltrating on personal space. That is when I would see eye to eye with Tyner and his anger towards airline security.
It's better for these security officers to check individuals that they feel need to be checked. If the security officers do not do their jobs accurately and good enough, the whole country may potentially be in danger if a terrorist was let in without checking as thoroughly as they should have in the beginning. I agree that they are doing their job correctly even though it may cause many innocent individual to feel uncomfortable and violated. As good as our technology is these days, there can always be things that are missed in the scans so therefore full body checks need to be done for the safety of everyone else.
When will we draw the line what the government can/can't do to us. We can't let fear cripple us into giving our civil liberties away. Hopefully we don't end up in a big brother type of society by the way people give up their rights so quickly for "safety".
Hmm, Chris, I do not really think that the increase in security is taking away our civil liberties. If people are voluntarily choosing to fly, then they have to abide by the airport rules. Besides, the full body scan seems to be a good thing to me because now my mom (who has an artificial hip) can get through security without being stopped and searched everytime because the scan shows that she is not smuggling a gun on board. Also, with the development of technology, maybe security has to be escalated to match the escalation of threatening technologies.
I guess this will all pay off when the TSA catches someone, but until then, we all will be complaining. I have to agree with everyone else with the "better safe than sorry" pattern of thought.
But look on the bright side, these scanners open up so many more opportunities with humor and comedy.
although i understand that people would be uncomfortable with the full body scanners, it is a good advancement in airport security. Living in a society that is so afraid of terrorist attacks i don't think we can be picky on how we conduct security. although people think that these scans show people naked, they actually show a basic outline of a person and what they might be concealing.
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