Dwight D. Eisenhower, former President of the United States once stated, “A people that values its privileges above its principles soon looses both.”
This seems an apt statement to remember in light of the recent issue actions by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at the nation’s airports.
For many years, our families have lived in a country that has denied any type of assaults on our “persons.” Regardless of the reason(s) for any assault, this has absolutely been condemned. Social organizations, whether private, public or through government agencies have been influential in implementing programs and laws to help prevent this type of abuse. According to the Code Of Virginia, 18.2-57, “An assault is the apprehension of a harmful or offensive contact.”
Americans have always taught their children to tell them if someone tries to touch them inappropriately
We have always taught our children not to talk to strangers. We have also taught them not to let strangers or anyone touch them inappropriately. Are we doing emotional harm to our children by letting strangers, the TSA employees, make our children feel uncomfortable or offended by the unwanted touches they are receiving during invasive pat-downs; especially in front of their own parent(s) ?
Americans get that TSA is trying to to prevent terrorists’ attacks
The TSA is trying to prevent terrorist attacks. Americans get that. From views on television and other media, however; many Americans do not want this. According to David Goldman of The Associated Press, “ TSA chief: Agency will try to minimize invasiveness of screening, though no changes imminent.” Many Americans feel that their children and they have been assaulted or will be forced to be assaulted just because they want to fly. “The built-in conflict is at the heart of a growing backlash against the TSA for ordering travelers to step before a full-body scanner that sees through their clothing, undergo a rotationally invasive pat-down or not fly at all.”
Keeping our “American Dream” Safe
Americans have always been great problem solvers and innovators; especially through the private sectors. Full body scanners, invasive pat-downs or not flying at all, are compromises. With all the high technology we have in this country, it is hard to believe that we, as Americans, are going to stand for this intrusive and or believed criminal behavior. Therefore, it is up to the people in our country to develop, implement and approve new ways to fight terrorism, without jeopardizing our freedoms and rights that made our country what it is. For if we do nothing and accept the fact that little pieces of our constitutional rights are slowly being chiseled away, bit by bit, then the terrorists have already stolen our American dream.
The words of another former American President, Andrew Johnson, also seem fitting: “Outside the constitution we have no legal authority more than private citizens, and within it we have only so much as that instrument gives us. This broad instrument limits all our functions and applies to all subjects.”
