The US Transportation Security Administration will no longer require children 12 years or younger to remove their shoes while going through airport security. It’s part of a larger change that might even stop the nasty TSA from groping kids too. It sounds good but it’s really not.
Specifically, US Department of Homeland Security secretary Janet Napolitano says that they’ve been piloting programs and expect the new rule to go in effect in the coming months. So far, so good. But! An anonymous homeland security official told CBS that the TSA will avoid patting down kids by sending the children through metal detectors or imaging machines multiple times to capture a clear picture and by using more explosive trace detection tools like hand swabs.
Um, what?
Is multiple times and more security on children really necessary? Do we want to destroy all their hope in the world? There has to be a better system than this. It’s amazing that the TSA can make ‘stop groping kids’ sound bad. I mean come on, is there any reason to put children through unnecessary nudie scans to capture a clearer picture? These people are a joke. [CBS News via Consumerist]