.. everyone is already on one side or the other before we even talk to them. Are you getting campaign contributions from a scanner manufacturer? If so, spew the "anything for security" line. If you're one of the few not on the take of a company in the security-military-Homeland Security complex (like Duncan, my Congressman, who was the only Republican to vote against the Iraq war), then you, like any reasonable person, think this enhanced pat-down is a POS, and that Homeland Security is a boondoggle.

And I can't understand why anyone thinks Chertoff's tie to the scanner manufacturers is news... we knew this within a month of him leaving his HS post.

Does it do any good to contact an individual member of Congress or a committee member? I don't think calling them does anything.

I propose this - Contact senior management of the airlines and pledging that you won't fly unless you have no choice (e.g., NY to LAX), and explain that you tried to contact Congressman X and they weren't any help, and carbon-copying that Congressman's office. Let the member of congress know that you're telling the airlines who is NOT on their side and who THEY should not support financially.

Use the corrupt system in your favor.

Who are all the house members and senators who have responded in a way that is deemed 'not helpful', and let's draft a common letter we can all use to Delta, United, etc.