Lori Camper: If You Touch My Junk . . .

American Airlines passenger, John Tyner, has caused quite a stir by refusing first a scan in an Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) machine, and second refusing an "enhanced pat down" as an alternative. Mr. Tyner had the presence of mind to turn the camera on on his cell phone and record most of his interactions with various TSA and police officers at the airport.

Not only is privacy a concern with the AIT machine, but there are also health concerns from the radiation. The AIT machine takes pictures of your naked body. We've been told that these machines cannot save or copy an image, yet there are images all over the internet. Some are referring to AIT as nothing more than a "virtual strip search."

When a TSA agent described to John Tyner the enhanced pat down he would have to undergo, Mr. Tyner refused on the grounds that he should not have to be sexually assaulted to board a plane. The TSA agent told Mr. Tyner that he gave up a lot of his rights when he purchased his airline ticket.

Now there are also reports of the TSA putting their hands down people's pants.

This brings up several questions?

Are Americans unknowingly giving up many of their civil rights when purchasing airline tickets?
Are the American people going to continue to allow our government to use the tragedy of 9/11 as a vehicle to take away many of our civil rights?
Whatever happened to reasonable search and seizure?
Are these searches effective? How many would-be bombers/no gooders has the TSA thwarted using these searches?
Whatever happened to common sense?

Common sense: Israel uses it. It's called profiling!

This has led to a "National Opt-Out Day."

It's the day ordinary citizens stand up for their rights, stand up for liberty, and protest the federal government's desire to virtually strip us naked or submit to an "enhanced pat down" that touches people's breasts and genitals in an aggressive manner. You should never have to explain to your children, "Remember that no stranger can touch or see your private area, unless it's a government employee, then it's OK."
The goal of National Opt Out Day is to send a message to our lawmakers that we demand change. We have a right to privacy and buying a plane ticket should not mean that we're guilty until proven innocent. This day is needed because many people do not understand what they consent to when choosing to fly.

The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation will hold a Transportation Security Administration oversight hearing Wednesday, November 17. This is your opportunity to speak up. Contact your Congressman and/or committee member.