Wednesday, April 05, 2006

ACLU Displays Abject Ignorance Regarding Airport Security

From an ACLU press release:
WASHINGTON - The American Civil Liberties Union today urged the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee to direct the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to adopt policies regarding the physical screening of cargo and passengers that both provide security and protect privacy.
ACLU lawyer Timothy D. Sparapani gave this evidence of his ignorance:
"TSA must use effective, minimally intrusive security measures to enhance airport safety that have minimal risk to privacy, maximum benefit to security and reflect the level of risk.
Sorry Timmy, magic wands only exist in fairy tales.
Examples of such steps include: increased training for security personnel;
Timmy, TSA screeners requalify for their positions, under penalty of termination, every six months (which might be a good idea for lawyers, too). Additionally, they are subject to daily testing via the TIPS (Threat Image Projection System) which inserts realistic, but artificial threats into X-Ray images, and testing by "Red Teams", who try to smuggle simulated prohibited items through checkpoints and baggage inspection.
...heightened screening of airline and airport security personnel;
Timmy. TSA screeners and airline personnel go through the exact same screening as passengers every time they enter the sterile (secure) area.
...strict control of secured areas of airports;
They're called "secured areas" because they are strictly controlled, duh.
...a neutral entity to which passengers can report lax security procedures;
None of the passengers know strict from lax when it comes to security.
luggage matching of all passengers; and the screening of all luggage, carry-on bags and cargo for explosives and weapons.
Already in place, Timmy; you haven't been paying attention.
The flying public can and must have better security measures put into place that do not unnecessarily curtail personal privacy and freedom."
You can't have your cake and eat it, too, Timmy, remember what I said about magic wands?

The ACLU has demonstrated a remarkable lack of knowledge here. Perhaps they should stick to suing Boy Scouts.

Via Stop the ACLU.