I just watched a video of a little boy -- seven or so? -- being strip-searched by TSA, down to the skin. They made him take his shirt off in full view of all the passengers in line, and he was so shy about it that his dad had to step in a help/encourage him. He had already passed through the metal detector and did not set it off. It just seems really traumatizing to make folks strip half-naked because they dare to travel. And I won't even go into the poor guy whose urostomy bag was compromised compliments of the TSA agents, except to say that I cannot imagine suffering that degree of public humiliation.
When I was little, my dad did tons of international travel, and my mom would often take me and my brother to the airport to pick him up upon his return. We all walked right up to the arrival gate and watched enrapt as the various planes arrived. I don't think that's appropriate anymore, but a balance must be struck between asking passengers at check-in whether or not they packed their own baggage, and the creation of images and procedures that cannot be broadcast on television. (Of course, the FCC is a monster in its own right, but serves well for a comparison point here.)
I'm not flying for the Thanksgiving holiday, and I'm grateful not to have to contend with the screening procedures or the delays produced by those opting out, but I'm thankful the protest is occurring. It's gotten out of hand and this seems like the best method for objecting.
Definitely watch the SNL skit.
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