Safety Coming at a Higher Price

Last month a new security screening process was adopted at airports. The new full body scanners produce an x-ray picture of passengers full bodies. Many travelers feel strongly against having their naked outlines projected for all to see. Don't worry, there is another option: a full body pat down similar to what a suspected criminal would receive from the police that is far from gentle. Passengers have cried in protest that they are being sexually harassed and two pilots even filed a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security saying that their fourth amendments had been violated. The New York Times reports:

“For Fourth Amendment purposes, you can’t touch somebody like this unless you’re checking them into a jail or you’ve got reasonable suspicion that they’ve got a gun,” said John Wesley Hall, a criminal defense lawyer who specializes in search and seizure law.
“Here there is no reasonable suspicion,” he said. “It’s the pure act of getting on a plane.”

Passengers obviously want to feel safe when they travel, especially after 9/11, but many argue that the new full body scanners are crossing a line. While it is not doubt important that we keep air travel as safe as possible, there has to be a more comfortable way to ensure passengers that their flight will be completed safely. With the old system, there had been a few instances of explosive devices making it onto airplanes but experts point out that the new machined only detect metal, not plastic. Furthermore, there is a health risk involved with the X-Ray technology. Overall, many have concluded that the scanners only provide a false sense of security. If a change is not made, we will see many more law-suits and complaints arise in the near future.

Obama/ G.O.P. Showdown

Obama has decided to confront Senate Republicans about arms control. This will be his first real test of power now that he has to contend with republicans. Winning will prove his strength while losing will only reinforce the view that he has become weakened. The N.Y. Times reports that

The White House has only one Republican supporter, Senator Richard G. Lugar of Indiana. A survey of 14 other Senate Republicans who were considered possible supporters found none who were willing to publicly back the treaty. Ten of them said they were undecided or were waiting for the same assurances as Mr. Kyl, and four did not respond, suggesting that approval may depend on changing Mr. Kyl’s mind.

This test marks the beginning of the final two years of Obama's presidency. Whether he succeeds or not, the outcome will only show that having differing parties in the senate and in the white house does not create a more balanced government, but rather creates chaos and arguments. 

Mental Health Break