We subject to extensive checks at airports throughout the world. How much privacy are you willing to sacrifice for safety?

SSgt Harvey "Skip" Porter — Thu, 15 Mar 2018 12:36:59 -0400

Peace!

Response by SPC David Willis made Mar 15 at 2018 12:44 PM

SPC David Willis — Thu, 15 Mar 2018 12:44:12 -0400

That's an interesting question. The word privacy being used instead of rights makes it more nuanced. How much privacy do we even have left today? Take social media for example to be verified on this site as well as others you have to give up a bit of your privacy as some sites wont just take your word that you are who you say you are. Also can it really be considered an invasion of your privacy if the government combs through photos or statements you have made on a public forum? Also if a regulation is made that says in order to travel via air you must submit to x,y or z is it a violation if they follow through on regulations already given to the public? You're still free to drive across country, but IOT shave of a couple days of travel you must give up a small piece of privacy. I guess I don't have a solid answer but its a great question.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 15 at 2018 1:00 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 15 Mar 2018 13:00:20 -0400

I definitely lean toward sacrificing more rather than less. While I'm glad we have laws protecting our privacy they really don't concern me when it comes to the government. What I mean is, why I don't want my neighbor listening to my phone calls, if some poor guy 10 floors under the Pentagon wants to, then have it. It'll be pretty boring for him because I'm not a criminal. I guess I'm naïve enough to believe that they'll only use the information they gather for good. I know a lot of people disagree with me 100% when it comes to this and that's fine. I just don't worry about this stuff.

Response by Capt Dwayne Conyers made Mar 15 at 2018 1:18 PM

Capt Dwayne Conyers — Thu, 15 Mar 2018 13:18:57 -0400

I had a TSA agent x-ray my laptop bag roughly a dozen times because he thought I had a Tradesman tool. I have no idea what that is or what it looks like but I had no such thing. Good thing I passed my departure time by an extra hour...

Response by 1SG Dave Carello made Mar 15 at 2018 1:26 PM

1SG Dave Carello — Thu, 15 Mar 2018 13:26:00 -0400

The question is moot. We don't live in "Mayberry" any longer, and never will. Anything less than what we endure now is not acceptable. Our enemies are EVERYWHERE and NOWHERE and are constantly revising their attack methods. I would rather go through security (and I do) than hear of an attack, or be a victim, or one of my children become victims of the bloodthirsty barbarians that are licking their chops as we speak.

Response by MSgt Wayne Morris made Jun 13 at 2018 3:22 PM

MSgt Wayne Morris — Wed, 13 Jun 2018 15:22:46 -0400

My question is how many incidents has the TSA prevented, zero. I served my country for 24 years AD with T'S or higher clearance and for a major defense contractor for 22 years with a TS. Do I resent being questioned or patted down by Skippy the drop out, bet your ass.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 11 at 2019 9:39 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 11 Jul 2019 21:39:56 -0400

Airport security is an illusion. Globally a fraud. TSA a taxpayer-funded waste. I asked one TSA employee, "why are you allowing people on this flight with a fountain pen?" His reply, "they are not a weapon" and my reply was, "son I learned how to kill people with one." For those who think any privacy exists, only if you are totally off the grid, with Google, Facebook, Instagram, and your cable TV / Internet and telephone they know everything....and have for many years.
4 Years ago I went through two major city airports with a former colleague who provides security around the world for business and airports...we went everyplace and was never stopped or questioned. Pilots lounge, cargo holding, and loading, food service, baggage/luggage. So endure the pain and pleasure of flying, they could make it work but it would take a massive boycott, which will never happen. Oh, having pilots armed was the ultimate security breach...personally I want them flying the plane and not playing John Wayne.

Response by SPC Michael Duricko, Ph.D made Apr 18 at 2021 8:28 AM

SPC Michael Duricko, Ph.D — Sun, 18 Apr 2021 08:28:13 -0400

....and illegals can simply WALK in without a single document. Blows my mind!