TSA chief: Body scan boycott would be mistake

[somone]

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hveUwrSg5B4XJ7xmVWxRRz6i_PkA?docId=c0128a2838d64071b886e9917abcfd38

TSA chief: Body scan boycott would be mistake

WASHINGTON (AP) — With one of the year's busiest traveling days fast approaching, the Obama administration's top transportation security official on Monday urged passengers angry over safety procedures not to boycott airport body scans.

John Pistole said in nationally broadcast interviews he understands public concerns about privacy in the wake of the Transportation Security Administration's tough new airline boarding security checks. But at the same time, he said a relatively small proportion of the 34 million people who have flown since the new procedures went into effect have had the body pat downs that have come under withering criticism in recent days.

With the Thanksgiving travel rush less than 48 hours away, Pistole implored passengers Monday not to take delaying actions or engage in boycotts of body scans, actions he said would only serve to "tie up people who want to go home and see their loved ones." A loosely-organized Internet boycott of body scans is under way, and Pistole said he hoped people would exercise sound judgment over the busy Thanksgiving holiday. A National Opt-Out Day is scheduled for Wednesday to coincide with the busiest travel day of the year...

In the TV appearance, Pistole appeared to shrug off statements by President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton that the TSA would look for ways to alter screening techniques that some passengers say are invasions of privacy.

[hobbit709]

1. And paying attention to you would be a bigger mistake.

[ChairmanAgnostic]

2. Yo, TSA asshole. The mistake's already made. By you.

jeezus effing christ on a saltine.

Pistole is an ultra- conservative, born againer. Does that explain why he is such a sanctimonious, self-righteous SOB?

[liberal N proud]

3. TSA Power Trip

They are in control and we are powerless to stop them. Many of us have to fly for business and are stuck with these humiliating invasions of our dignity.

:nuke:

[Toucano]

4. It's a "small proportion"? Well, it's about to get bigger.

Is that what he's afraid of, if more people experience the "security grope", they won't stand for it?

[Ramonez]

5. More studies should be made about the radiation

That allegedly is emitted from these machines. People's health is in the line.

[tavalon]

15. More studies should be made about the TSA's fascist tendencies

People's freedom is on the line.

[Fumesucker]

6. Maybe Mr Pistole should exercise some of that "sound judgment" himself..

And not have his employees engaging in security theater, as the vast majority of actual security experts tell us they are doing right now.

[CreekDog]

7. It would be sensible, for health and other reasons --not surprised that TSA's chief disagrees

he shouldn't have been appointed. he's not making us safer.

[seabeyond]

8. it isnt concern, it is outrage. tsa has had ultimate power and control, this is first time public

has any kind of leverage.

be afraid gov and tsa.... cause you have damn well been making us just that.

a little bet of not having the control and power feels awfully good from my side.

[Mist]

9. So, since a "relatively small proportion" of people have had the gropes, travellers should look at

it as a roulette-type thing? "Hey, very likely YOU won't be singled out, so why worry?"

They're running scared on this shit, and trying to blame the increasing longer waits on passengers?

[katnapped]

10. Pistole is just angry...

America isn't all good obedient (compliant) citizens.

AWWWW TOUGH SHIT

[KharmaTrain]

11. More Gasoline On The Fire...

This is one of those stories that won't go away...and shouldn't. Some may think it's all good and well to have your 4th ammendment rights shreaded to be "safe", but there's a growing number of all political persuasions who think this has gone too far and isn't making anyone safe. It's turned our airports into prisons and putting people through humiliating and time consuming hoops and ladders that experts say aren't very effective.

I've seen how crazy things have gotten over the past couple years...a reason if I can avoid flying I do and understand why others would feel likewise. We'll see as millions are scanned and/or patted down this week how much the public approves of this. There's a growing anger that this administration better pay attention to at their own peril.

[appal_jack]

12. Body Politic: "TSA is a mistake." eom

[Skink]

13. When disney world's bottom line is effected things will change.

[tavalon]

14. I bet they want to be groped less than they want to see their relatives

One of my relatives canceled her flight because of this.

[Swede Atlanta]

16. Pistole....get a clue

I canceled my Christmas travel plans to see my family and had to argue with an airline supervisor to get my ticket refunded in full, not simply kept in their system to be used for future travel. I told them I am a cancer survivor and I do not want to subject my body to any more radiation than absolutely necessary. And I do not agree to have my ass and junk felt up by a total stranger.

They reluctantly agreed. I am also going to give all my accumulated frequent flier miles to a charity. Someone who is willing to be a radiation porn star or be sexually molested can use those miles.

I am done with flying.

[Greyhound]

17. "Resistance is futile!"

You vill only hurt yourselves wis you tiny protestations.

Unt, don't forget zat ve haf our vays...

[HopeHoops]

18. John Pistole - FUCK YOU!

Do you think that effectively communicated my feelings on the matter?

[Matariki]

19. If this guy REALLY "understands public concerns about privacy" he'd change the policy

instead of just tossing about meaningless platitudes.

[Thav]

20. Of course he thinks it would be a mistake!

The demand for the scanners would go down, and the company he chose (and is getting kickbacks from) wouldn't make as much money.

That's all this is about. It's not security, it's all about the profit.

[Catherina]

21. What cynical assholes. They launched this right before Thanksgiving

to have extra leverage over passengers who won't want to disappoint mom and dad at the last minute.

Cynical bastards. Shame on the Administration for allowing this scam for profit and for giving them an extra billion dollars.

[Tatiana]

22. I think, in the spirit of civil disobedience, that everyone should opt out of the body scans.

The more people who are "felt up," the more outrage will grow and the more likely there will be a chance of everyone joining together to get these asinine procedures revoked.

[guardian]

23. Hey John Pistole!

Why don't you get one of your TSA thugs to give you a body cavity search....maybe you'll find your head?