As more Americans take to the skies this holiday season, they will face heightened security at airports. The Transportation Security Administration has implemented a new pat-down procedure for the nation's travelers, and let's just say the patting gets rather intimate.
Few people would look forward to being touched by a stranger in the middle of a crowded airport, but the extent to which individuals will be bothered by the more invasive procedures is varied. Many individuals will most likely view the pat-downs as an added nuisance, not a traumatizing experience. However, there are also many who, perhaps because of past trauma or personal values, are extremely uncomfortable being touched by someone they do not know.
All of these concerns lie at the level of the individual and opinions will be as varied as there are people traveling over the next few months. But a larger issue looms over this TSA kerfuffle. At what point do we draw the line between security and our dignity? When do we say enough is enough, accept the risks and move on with our lives?
Wherever that line may be, it certainly does not fall at more thorough pat-downs. For years, the TSA has been criticized for being otherwise ineffective. However, there is no way to know how many terrorist attacks have been prevented because such security procedures discourage attempts. We must also consider that the government may be acting on tangible threats to America's airways over the holiday season. Just under one year ago, an attacker got very close to bringing down an airplane with explosives hidden in his underwear.
We are not saying travelers should just have blind faith in the government and accept any new security measures. In fact, as these measures become more invasive, citizens should become more critical of their necessity and effectiveness. But this analysis has to be done in the right context. If having a burly TSA agent touch your "junk" prevents a plane from being brought down, perhaps most would think that it's worth it.
Of course, we must also hold these TSA agents to an incredibly high standard. New procedures such as these require that agents maintain the highest level of professionalism and sensitivity. Many of us have probably witnessed less-than-admirable behavior from these agents in the past. If Americans will come close to accepting these new policies, the government must accept zero-tolerance for anything other than exemplary behavior from agents.
