Like many major airports, O'Hare airport in Chicago Illinois has an intense security policy. One which more and more people are having a problem with. To get through O'Hare each patron is required to go through a full body scanner and pat downs. Some people are saying that these security measures are too much whether it be the radiation the body receives through the scan or just that the scanner is an invasion of privacy. Not only are passengers having problems with the security measures but also the pilots and flight attendants who find the security measures to be over kill after already going through other forms of security. When reading this article about the intense security, I believe people need to be logical and let the infringement on their privacy slide if it means their families and their own safety when flying. How anyone could expect after 911 to not go through procedures like this is ridiculous. However annoying and invading this security practices are, it is better to be safe than sorry. A homeland security secretary says that the machines images are safe and are also viewed in private by professionals who are just doing their job to make sure the passengers fly safely. The secretary also states that the pat downs are usually rare and random. Passengers can also request that the pat down be performed in a private room if they feel that in public is an invasion of privacy. As someone who does not travel often I respect and would have no problem with the security procedures. Due to the amount of passengers reluctant to the security measures, groups have formed to rebel against them or fight them. An online group is allegedly encouraging passengers to refuse these security measures on the day before Thanksgiving, on of the busiest days of the year. I find this childish and a group that is just going to delay not only themselves with many others. If this is such an infringement on a persons privacy and they are so opposed, drive or get on a bus/ train to where you need/ want to go!!
http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/national_world&id=7789612
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I think that this is crazy, but at the same time in the news bombs were found on planes coming into the U.S.
ReplyDeleteWhen the terrorists attacked the United States nine years ago they really wanted to change society. As far as improving security measures, they really succeeded. I to have no problem with extensive security checks at the airport. I think giving up a little privacy and time is worth the insurance of a safe flight. In my opinion, I think it’s ridiculous that people are revolting against these airport security checks. I respect the fact they want privacy, but like Kate said, they offer private rooms if they don’t want to be checked in front of a large mass of people. Just last Sunday I went to a Cleveland Browns game. Before you enter the gate they have a pre-gate (before the stadium entrance gate) that divides of males and females. Once I entered the pre-gate they asked me to remove my hat, and they proceeded to pat down my coat. I had no problem cooperating, it was simply an employee doing his job, allowing all fans in attendance to be safe. And we all know how rowdy Cleveland fans can be.
ReplyDeleteI have been hearing a lot about this in the news, and quite frankly it makes me angry that people are so opposed to this increase in safety. Although I understand that people feel violated, I am the kind of person that is willing to sacrifice a little for security. This topic gets under my skin because those same people that are complaining about this invasion of privacy were probably the same people that whined about not feeling safe several years ago. People are never satisfied. People just need to open their eyes and realize that safety comes first. Airport security is there for our benefit.
ReplyDeleteI was never a big fan on flying, but after the attacks on 9/11 I REALLY was not okay with flying. So, these kinds of advancements in airport security make me more comfortable when it comes to traveling by air. Like Kate mentioned, people have other options if they are really opposed to the new procedures. I just really wish people would look past the dumb little things and see the big picture of these advancements and their true meaning.
Last month when traveling I had to go through a system as described in this entry. I was amazed personally how descriptive the scanner shows your body, and while I didn't feel invaded I can see how many could feel that their privacy was invaded. Like Dan said, I also went to a football game this year and was surprised about the steps security has taken to make people feel comfortable while you are patted down. The search, didn't bother me but while standing in line at the football game and at the airport security line; I started thinking about what the 9/11 attacks did to this country and other than the obvious tragedy of the lives we lost what they truly did was evoked fear. We now can't enjoy anything in public without fear of a terrorist attack and it makes everyone question safety. I think it's crazy seeing how much America has changed in the last 10 years since 9/11 and how less trusting we are of even our neighbors, because thanks to media and the attacks of 9/11 I believe we live in fear.
ReplyDeleteAfter watching President Bush's address post 9/11 he declared war on terrorism. While this was appropriate at the time, I feel our country while "United" has become united for ourselves and our personal safety, and now live in fear of even our fellow citizens. Security has come a far way and while it calms our fears, it also keeps our fear at bay.