Originally Posted by GradGirl
I think medical privacy is in shambles when people are explaining their devices, drugs, and medical conditions to uniformed government officers.
No one is ever forced to disclose any medical condition.
Originally Posted by GradGirl
I think searching people's belongings is a crude and ineffectual response to the threat of international terrorism.
You are entitled to that opinion. But, you should realize that 30+ years' worth of court precedent, federal law, and political reality are stacked against you.
Originally Posted by GradGirl
I think I shouldn't have to discuss or reveal my travel habits within the U.S. to government agents, absent any suspicion of me personally.
You, yourself, are under no obligation to disclose your travel plans or habits to the government unless you are stopped, detained, or arrested. However, there is no legal privacy right as to information kept by airlines. Again, you are entitled to your opinion, but as of now your individual rights are not being infringed.
Originally Posted by GradGirl
Now that we have that out of the way, let's talk about tradeoffs between liberty and security.
I'm always willing to discuss this topic. My opinion is that the current screening process, combined with more stringent rules as to prohibited on-board items, is an improvement over the same pre 9-11. It is not *perfect*, but an improvement. And, I view screening not as an infringement on my liberty, but as a protection of my right to move about the country without criminal interference.