As I prepare to fly the not-so-friendly skies for the first time since April, I am trying not to get all hot and bothered about the new airport x-ray scanners. Which is somewhat easy to do at least in Des Moines because we don’t have them yet. If I encounter them, I intend to submit quietly – 1) Because I don’t want the alternative, the “grope pat down” 2) I just want to be on my way safely and quickly.
Am I convinced this is what’s needed to ensure our safety from terrorists? No.
Am I convinced this technology is completely safe? No. According to a recent item in the NYTimes Travel section, the F.D.A.’s website says the screening system poses “minuscule” health risks (what else would it say?) but some academics at U of California San Francisco aren’t so sure.
One piece of good news: the head of the Transportation Security Administration told reporters today that body cavity searches are “not where we are.” Phew.
TakeBetsywithyou 