I hadn't seen much mentioned of it, but last month Ron Paul (R,TX) introduced into the house a new bill, the American Traveler Dignity Act. This piece of legislature's aim is to take back the rights of American citizens who's dignity and fair treatment had been trampled by the TSA in airport terminals across the country since it's induction. To quote Ron Paul, "My legislation is simple. It establishes that airport security screeners are not immune from any US law regarding physical contact with another person, making images of another person, or causing physical harm through the use of radiation-emitting machinery on another person. It means they are subject to the same laws as the rest of us."
As of today, TSA agents have full rights and complete immunity, as given to them by their agency, to take any means they deem fit to ensure, "security" in the nation's skies. Their methods include the use of back scatter machines that produce under the clothes images of passengers that are a bit too revealing. In addition and of much concern to travelers, are their new enhanced pat downs, which many are likening to sexual assault. More so, when confronted with the possibility of having to subject themselves to these full body grope sessions by TSA agents, even if one tries to opt out they are met with harassment by agents with the threat of detainment or arrest.
This agency has been running amok in our airports for far too long. The mistreatment of innocent people flying for business or personal reasons has got to stop. TSA has been bullying our citizens and subjecting them to these methods that strip away any privacy and dignity and something must be done. I for one would wish for the complete dismantling of the TSA, but I suppose the American Traveler Dignity Act is the first step in the process. Here's hoping for it's success.
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