Reply #35: I think we're the skunks in the middle of the party. I agree with you.

[riderinthestorm]

I have to drive for business (horses, competitions etc.) 13,14, 17 hour drives with the horses multiple times/year are exhausting. Truly exhausting.

I revel in being able to get on a plane to go...virtually anywhere. No hassle is too great (since my work travel is ALL about the hassle). I always travel with just a carry-on bag so I never check in, or pay the fees. I book the best seats ahead of time to ensure I have leg-room. I love to people-watch in the airport so any time spent just watching everyone else is like going to the theatre for me. And my family is in Europe. So I have to fly. It's worth anything to see my daughter, my aunts, uncles, cousins etc. These full body scanners are more common in Europe anyway- I'm a bit more immune since I've encountered them more frequently.

Personally however, this whole brouhaha would be tons better if Obama, Napolitano, and the rest of the TSA goons all went first through the scanners with their families. Or got the pat-downs on camera. ALL OF THEM should have to do it. In public. On camera. I think people feel outraged because there's a sense that the PTB don't understand how intrusive the new procedures really are, and if they understood, they'd "know" why the public is so unhappy.