The TSA is notorious among journalists and activists for a rather high-handed attitude towards them and the general public when it comes to their backscatter scanners. Basically, the TSA’s attitude was summed up by Saturday Night Live about thirty years before it came into existence.
Unfortunately, democracy doesn’t work that way, and now the TSA has to listen to everything you have to say in a hilarious public spanking.
It’s a bit pointless because the TSA is phasing these dumb things out anyway, but it turns out that was partially because they were hoping to avoid having to hear what you wanted to say about them.
In one of the rare legal findings that can be best summarized as “a complete and total dope slap,” DC circuit courts told the TSA that implementing the scanners without soliciting public comment was illegal. They didn’t have to take them out, but they did have to submit the idea to a loving, gentle public. Who can comment anonymously.
It’s kind of glorious, actually. But we can really sum up the general response with this one sadly anonymous comment:
This is un-necessary, and hardly justifiable. This money would be better spend in education, unless you plan on hiring every drop out.
The TSA has to accept comment on their policy through June 24th. Somehow we suspect this site will be taken down quickly after that.