Originally Posted by
homeboy4
Let me make a statement and ask a question of those who feel these machines are an invasion of privacy. I assume that the primary reason people are against the machines is that the relative tradeoff between security and privacy isn't worth it. That is, the machines are expensive and only display a percentage of contraband. But it might be that the modesty question is absolute.
So here's the question. Suppose the machines were perfect and caught every bit of contraband, all the time. And suppose the TSAs staffing the machines were alert and perfect noticing each and every bit of contraband that was displayed on the screens. If this were the case, would modesty and or orthodox religious beliefs still trump the absolute 100% ability to locate weapons before they were taken aboard a plane?
Let me attempt an answer by broadening the question.
Many crimes could be prevented or interrupted if the government installed multiple security cameras in every home - in the living room, the bedroom, the bathroom, the basement, etc. No longer would people be able to abuse children behind closed doors. Domestic violence would be identified immediately and evidence against the perpetrator would be available. People with meth labs, counterfeiting equipment, child pornography studios in the basement would be found out. No longer could anyone break into a house to rob, to rape, to kill with impunity.
Wouldn't that be a good thing? Would you be willing to be watched by strangers as you showered, as you used the bathroom, as you dressed, as you made love, as you had a silly argument with your family, if you were convinced that it would lead to a significant decrease in some really horrible social crimes?
(Yes, I know that the resources to deploy and then monitor such a system is unrealistic. But if it were possible, would it be okay?)
Why is being safe on an airplane more important than being safe at home, at work, at the shopping mall, or on a city street? Do we expect the government to provide 100% security in those places? Do they?