Ray Henry reports:
Despite tough talk on the Internet, there was little if any indication of a passenger revolt at many major U.S. airports, with very few people declining the X-ray scan that can peer through their clothes. Those who refuse the machines are subject to a pat-down search that includes the crotch and chest.
Many travelers said Monday that the scans and the pat-down were not much of an inconvenience, and that the stepped-up measures made them feel safer and were, in any case, unavoidable.
Read more in the Chicago Tribune.
If the AP wants to suggest that the opt-out campaign has been ineffective, they need only look at the statements of TSA administrators and the government over the past few days to witness them going from “no change” to “will evolve ” to see evidence of impact. The Internet protests are working, despite what happens or doesn’t happen tomorrow, because they are calling attention to the problem and making airports more aware of what their staff are doing and what they should not be doing.
Readers of this blog will have noted that I did not advocate the “opt-out” approach for tomorrow for those who are flying. For me, it would be hypocritical to “opt” for an “enhanced” patdown or even to accept one . That said, I respect the right of each individual of conscience to protest as they see fit. And for those who find the “opt-out” protest unsuitable for them, then find another way to speak up and make your protest known. And no, that doesn’t mean verbally abusing TSA employees. It simply means do not just remain silent about this issue. Make your opposition known.