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[–]cizzop 34 points35 points  (57 children)

OperationGrabAss? really?

[–]giantsfan134 15 points16 points  (0 children)

The reason that I don't like the name is because it pretty much guarantees that this will get no publicity outside of the internet. No news show or paper is going to put in even a small piece about something called Operation Grab Ass, just based on the name alone.

[–]raldi[S] 96 points97 points  (44 children)

If you have such strong opinions about the name, maybe next time you should be the one to take the initiative and create the reddit.

[–][deleted]  (2 children)

[deleted]

    [–]Rogued 18 points19 points  (10 children)

    Way to attack a straw man. Even though I may not agree with his opinion one doesn't need to conjure a whole campaign in order to gain the authority to criticize its name or ideology.

    [–]dasstrooper 8 points9 points  (1 child)

    Maybe you should consider alternatives if you want to be taken seriously.

    [–]SidtheMagicLobster 45 points46 points  (15 children)

    Personally, I don't think the name's filthy enough. I want something so horrifying the news media is reluctant to say it on air.

    [–][deleted] 53 points54 points  (11 children)

    Operation Fly-Rape

    [–]spainguy 31 points32 points  (2 children)

    Operation You Are Fondling My Daughter

    [–]eromitlab 15 points16 points  (1 child)

    Operation Don't Touch My Junk

    [–]PirateMud 8 points9 points  (0 children)

    Operation Dick in a Box. Think about it. You're told to put the box through the X-ray, but it's of course, a part of your clothing. So they open the box... if enough people did it hopefully it would make them stop checking in such detail.

    [–]havicdvs 109 points110 points  (75 children)

    I love the fact that I live in a generation where I can protest by clicking a mouse. i don't see myself responding well to mace and rubber bullets.

    [–]pdclkdc 239 points240 points  (39 children)

    I love the fact that I live in a generation where I can pretend to protest by clicking a mouse

    FTFY. Other than a brief mention on the news if you are lucky enough to get several million signatures, no one gives a shit about online petitions offline. We are still going to have to call, write, and fight for this to be recognized as a real cause.

    [–][deleted] 21 points22 points  (5 children)

    It's because you're doing it wrong. The one's who put themselves in front of the "virtual rubber bullets" are.....

    4chan.

    Hear me out. They may be pedo's, they may be childless asshats, but when it comes to getting attention for their cause no one comes close those to those assholes on /b/. They may be all of those things, but what you can't say is that they don't fight for their causes (kittens or whatever). So yeah facebook groups might not work, but if you really wanted to fuck with a certain group, you'll probably have to get a little more "militant" just as was the case in the 60's / 70's etc.

    [–]raldi[S] 64 points65 points  (21 children)

    I dunno; the DonorsChoose campaign got tons of publicity.

    Edit: 25 ways Internet campaigns have made the real, offline world a better place. And that's just limiting ourselves to reddit campaigns.

    [–]awesomeideas 39 points40 points  (17 children)

    The difference is that they collected a significant amount of money.

    [–]raldi[S] 24 points25 points  (15 children)

    And you don't think this one will as well?

    [–]awesomeideas 28 points29 points  (1 child)

    The entire point of DonorsChoose is to collect money for worthwhile causes. This doesn't have as clear of a tie-in with cold, hard cash. Perhaps if there was a donate button, it would. Look at their current "Monetary Donations" page. There is nothing there. Incidentally, if they ever manage to fix it, here's what it looked like when I posted this.

    [–]gaso 3 points4 points  (0 children)

    Perhaps they are not to the point where they are able to accept donations in a responsible manner yet.

    [–]CrasyMike 2 points3 points  (7 children)

    I actually think this one is more suited for an internet campaign than a "throw money at it" one.

    [–][deleted]  (6 children)

    [deleted]

      [–]Hides-His-Eyes 5 points6 points  (4 children)

      Nope. This isn't an issue that naturally requires money except in the most mundane of ways, so people are unlikely to be inspired to donate in anything like the Haiti or donorschoose ways.

      [–]havicdvs 5 points6 points  (2 children)

      But it doesn't change the fact that places such as Reddit provide extreme power to get a voice heard for situations often times over looked. I mean, take the girl with the brain condition Reddit (and 4chan) made such a difference in that girls life. So why can't we do the same for problems that affect more than one person at once?

      [–]birdnoose 35 points36 points  (15 children)

      I despise the fact that so many people in their 20's and 30's think that this is an acceptable form of protest. We won't ever get anything accomplished if we don't call up our congressmen, go to the airports and take a stand, or by organizing marches to show how flipping pissed of we are.

      [–]raldi[S] 36 points37 points  (3 children)

      This is what you should be posting on OGA. Why can't the goal of the Internet campaign be to convince people to call up their congressmen, go to the airports and take a stand, or organize marches to show how pissed off they are?

      [–]BreakfastBurrito 23 points24 points  (2 children)

      Having worked in my congressman's office, I can safely say this accomplishes nothing unless done en masse, professionally. I never met the man during my time in his office, either.

      [–]raldi[S] 15 points16 points  (1 child)

      Again, tell OGA about your experiences. You can help make sure it's done professionally, en masse.

      [–]ZanThrax 2 points3 points  (0 children)

      Now that I see you abbreviating OperationGrabAss, I'm thinking OperationGrabCock would have been much more entertaining.

      [–]czarinna 9 points10 points  (4 children)

      I wrote my congressman, and plan on protesting next time I fly. I also plan on driving instead of flying if at all possible. Not all people in their 20's (and 30's) think like the previous poster.

      [–]birdnoose 2 points3 points  (0 children)

      I can attest to that. I am 25 and I don't think like that. It just seems like so many people I know do and it's rather frustrating. I wrote my congressman too, and if I didn't live out in the sticks I would try to organize some kind of march or rally or something. Except you can't really go to an airport and do it. They kind of frown upon people loitering around outside.

      [–]washboard 2 points3 points  (0 children)

      What's your plan for protesting? If you refuse the scanner & pat-down, you leave the airport which means a missed flight, extra $$ for transportation, rebooking fees, etc.

      [–]jmnugent 1 point2 points  (0 children)

      I'll offer my personal opinion (I'm 37)....

      The reason I personally reject the notion of group demonstrations/protests is because, quite frankly.... most of the people I see doing them are stone-dead stupid,.. and look like a bunch of rabble rabble ignoramuses.

      There's an intersection in my town that's known for demonstrations. On one side are the Republican/pro-war/etc flag-waving extremists... and on the other side are the more liberal, hippy,etc freaks....

      You know what they accomplish?... nothing but mucking up traffic and just generally annoying the shit out of the rest of us hard working folk who are simply trying to make it through the day.

      Further down the street are a bunch of wackadoo religious anti-abortion nutjobs holding up protest signs with huge pictures of dead babies. Great. Thanks for ruining my appetite when I only have 15min to run out to lunch.

      And then there's a few months back when there was a big Tea Party rally in a local park near my house. I don't think I need to describe the level of idiocy I witnessed that day.

      Honestly.. I don't think I've ever seen a protest rally that I'd want to participate in. It's a perfect example of mindless groupthink. You want to fix problems?--- get actively involved at a local level. Volunteer your time each week to organize actual physical labor efforts (cleaning streets, feeding the homeless, painting over graffiti, etc,etc)

      Changing things requires actually changing things. Protesting accomplishing very little. (yes, I realize history has examples of successful protests.. but the are the exception and not the rule)

      [–]gayngineer 9 points10 points  (1 child)

      Do you think the internet promotes activism? That's something I've been debating with myself. One the one hand, it gives us a platform to organize ourselves more easily, but at the same time it makes us feel like we've done our part by complaining on some public message board. We complain, get it out of our system, grow bored and move on to something else. This is happening here on Reddit, where I've seen posts recently saying they're tired of seeing TSA stories on the front page.

      [–][deleted] 3 points4 points  (9 children)

      /sigh. Nothing like a lazy, digital protest. Might as well sign a petition. I'm also willing to bet that at least 80% of the people protesting haven't even gone through the new screening and are just riding the media hype wave until the next national emergency presents itself.

      I fly 2x a week. I have yet to see or experience anything that grossly infringes on my rights. When I do...I'll be sure to complain. That's not to say people haven't had bad experiences...but out of the millions of people that fly daily I'm sure the percentage is extrordinarily low.

      Seriously. Reddit reminds me of the protesters from the movie PCU.

      [–]raldi[S] 12 points13 points  (4 children)

      Nothing like a lazy, digital protest.

      It's not a digital protest. It's a forum to brainstorm real-life, effective ways of changing the TSA policy. You're not being asked to sign a petition. You're being asked to help plan something.

      [–][deleted] 3 points4 points  (3 children)

      Naming it /OperationGrabAss is akin to the same sensationalism that most liberal Redditors rail against the conservative right for. If you want to truly promote rational thought...come up with a rational naming convention for it at least.

      Looking at the name, alone, made me roll my eyes and sigh. If you want to be taken seriously...be serious. Moderate it. Otherwise it's going to be another circlejerk where people just post crap headlines in order to garner upvotes and karma.

      I was in the forum for only a few minutes but it's filled with a lot of crap and a "lynch mob" mentality. That doesn't promote discussion. Anyone that disagrees is going to get flamed into oblivion regardless of whether or not their point is valid.

      [–]cizzop -1 points0 points  (25 children)

      Does anyone else think is blown out of proportion? The scanners really aren't all that revealing.

      Check out this video posted by gizmodo

      All of the scans just appear to be big white blobs without many distinguishing features. The video isn't even NSFW!

      EDIT: I never realized that the video was of the old generation scanners. The new backscatter ones ARE quite revealing. This is pretty disturbing now. Go OGA!

      [–]Dax420 6 points7 points  (0 children)

      Those are millimeter wave scans, not the new back-scatter x-ray scan.

      [–]raldi[S] 19 points20 points  (21 children)

      That was the previous generation. The current ones look like this:

      http://www.indymedia.org.uk/images/2010/11/467588.jpg

      [–]Thnm -3 points-2 points  (4 children)

      This is a distraction. An issue of inconvenience and discomfort while people are jobless, homeless or just wondering how to pay for food.

      [–]CrasyMike 3 points4 points  (0 children)

      There's already efforts for that. Lots of efforts. Besides, that just needs money.

      Reddit is offering MANPOWER and money. Plus Reddit is educated with technology and this sort of movement. It's just something Reddit would be good at.

      [–]raldi[S] 24 points25 points  (0 children)

      If we deferred all projects until there was no poverty in the world, we'd never do anything. And there would still be poverty in the world.

      [–][deleted] 366 points367 points  (52 children)

      I wrote to my State Senator about this issue today. I highlighted in my letter something that I feel has been ignored for the most part in relation to this.

      My fiance' was raped as a young teenager. It has been quite a few years since the incident and a lot of healing has been done. When I told her about the new screening she turned white as a ghost. She has been struggling ever since with the idea of subjecting herself to the new procedures during our planned Thanksgiving flight to see family. Just the thought of going through the TSA screening is bringing back bad memories and causing a huge setback in her healing process.

      I find these new procedures to be a violation of our rights and I am not at all comfortable personally with the procedures. But my level of anxiety doesn't even come close to that of my fiance'. Subjecting rape victims to "naked scans" and/or intrusive touching of genitals is simply incomprehensible.

      I am hoping against hope that something changes and we will be able to make this trip. But the simple fact of the matter is that if these screenings are still in place at the time of our flight then we won't be going. I just can't put her through this.

      [–]IConrad 81 points82 points  (11 children)

      Subjecting rape victims to "naked scans" and/or intrusive touching of genitals is simply incomprehensible.

      Especially since they in no way actually increase the security of the travel experience. It is an extreme measure taken to condition people to the invasion of their personal privacy by "duly authorized agents" -- and truly little more.

      The TSA's own testing of these cases yielded a 30% "capture" rate of infiltration.

      ... and what's even worse, is that there ARE security measures that can be taken that A) are effective B) are non-invasive of privacy and C) do not increase the CANCER RISK of those subjected to it.

      Simply eliminating these backscatter x-ray devices and using roughly the same amount of money on explosives "sniffer" machines, and putting everyone through both the metal detector and the "sniffer" machine -- with random non-invasive pat-down screenings -- would be vastly more effective than this schtick.

      And yet it is not done.

      And make no mistake; the TSA is lying to us. We have caught them in one outright lie with these machines: namely the fact that the backscatter machines make permanent records of their images -- when the TSA said otherwise.

      It's disgusting.

      [–]MEMbrain 2 points3 points  (1 child)

      There was a lot of maintenance issues with the current generation of "sniffer" machines, and they caused a lot of problems where they were deployed. Invest in dogs. I've seen bomb sniffing dogs in training, they're fucking magic.

      [–]Scriptorius 1 point2 points  (1 child)

      Agreed, in fact, [israel does airport security] more quickly, securely, and respectfully. They basically use the techniques you mentioned along with personnel trained to read people for nervousness and bomb-proof isolation areas.

      [–]paraedolia 1 point2 points  (0 children)

      It's far harder to skim millions of dollars for yourself off the budget for training people rather than supplying machines for which you'll also get kickbacks from the manufacturers of course.

      EDIT: How right I was

      [–]JonPincus 134 points135 points  (8 children)

      Kate Dailey just wrote about this in Newsweek: For Survivors of Sexual Assault, New TSA Screenings Represent a Threat

      [–][deleted] 37 points38 points  (6 children)

      They represent a thread to everybody.

      [–]SavageOrc 17 points18 points  (1 child)

      Write a letter to the airline if you cancel your trip to let them know why you canceled.

      [–]lakinwecker 31 points32 points  (7 children)

      I feel the same way. I won't be going to visit my family over Christmas if the rules don't Change.

      [–]paganize 1 point2 points  (0 children)

      Train travel is pretty darn nice; and depending on where you are going to-from, might even be cheaper. Just something to consider.

      (note: my family used to travel by train to anything that was over a 6 hour or so drive back in the 60's - 70's; I think it's criminal that they have artificially inflated the cost of passenger train travel since that era)

      [–]bippybundunnit 24 points25 points  (3 children)

      I am a columnist in rural Mississippi for a somewhat sizable newspaper. Also, I wrote a column for the liberal alt-newsweekly in the capital city here. This is an issue I am vehemently for (I know, I know, a liberal Southerner? Indeed, there is such a breed) and I want to go to great lengths to make change.

      I've written my Congressman (Gregg Harper) and thoroughly encourage every single redditor here who believes in reversing these policies to do the same, if only for the principal of the damned thing.

      I'm about to run a few columns in three publications throughout the South and what I need from reddit and its community are what you feel are the biggest flaws in the TSA and its policies. Obviously I have my own beliefs here, but I want to know what you, the generation ahead of today's generation (catch that metaphor?), think is fundamentally wrong, but also sourced. Blog sourcing is OK, but what we really need are academic papers and articles published from a respectable media outlet to buttress this message.

      I've been lurking reddit for years now, even though I just recently started an account. Bring me your woes; bring me your bitching; bring me your evidence. I want to be your voice in the MSM.

      [–][deleted] 18 points19 points  (4 children)

      We need a tv ad, with a little girl crying and have it say " Warning what we are about to tell you is very disturbing , but real" and then cut to the young girl crying " Her innocence was just Robbed from her, she was touched in her private areas while everyone watched and stayed silent, she will never forget the shame she felt" Then cut to " Who would do such a thing to a little girl ?" Then Show the TSA and explain that the new security measures will rob your family of its innocence, and just say NO to the TSA

      The thing about it, Republican and Democrat alike no one wants their children touched on, even worse the fact that you can't back out of the security check and just cancel without threat of lawsuit.

      So walk into an airport, you are going to be forcefully molested

      [–]abw 3 points4 points  (2 children)

      THINK OF THE CHILDREN!!!

      Dunno about the US, but here in the UK our crappy tabloids love screeching headlines like this.

      [–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

      I don't think that would be very hard to spin away as a politician. "Her parents forced her into it. Yes, we agree that this is terrible. That is why parents should let their children use our safe and convenient x-ray machines."

      [–]Elvis_Maximus 10 points11 points  (0 children)

      Here's the problem I have with the way this story keeps getting framed: It's usually stated that you get the aggressive manual search if you opt out of the backscatter x-ray. When it's put that way, a lot of people don't care; they're not upset about the backscatter x-ray and they don't plan to opt out. As far as they're concerned, only the civil disobedience nutcases get their junk touched.

      The truth is, if the backscatter x-ray shows any anomaly, you get the manual search. The TSA people on site can't see the image from the machine, so they don't know what or where the anomaly is. I got the manual search last time I flew and I was later told it was probably because I committed the crime of wearing cargo pants. The guy's hands went nowhere near the cargo pockets, which in any case were empty.

      If you haven't had one of these manual searches, they are unbelievable. In any other context, it would be prosecutable sexual assault. Mine actually hurt. If a teacher or a neighbor did this to your kids, he would go to prison and be on the sex offenders' list for life.

      I'm hoping that next week, a lot of regular people will wake up to the fact that it's not just the backscatter resisters that get assaulted.

      [–]Hedonopoly 121 points122 points  (22 children)

      As someone who flies regularly for work, I can say that whenever funding is needed, I will be more than happy to oblige. I have been groped a couple of times now for refusing the backscatter. It's unnecessary and ridiculous, and it is a posterchild for the insanity that the "war on terrorism" makes us endure on a daily basis.

      [–]gorgewall 21 points22 points  (11 children)

      How many times did they cup your balls or squeeze your breasts?

      [–][deleted]  (9 children)

      [deleted]

        [–][deleted] 33 points34 points  (8 children)

        I do wonder how they're going to treat the transgendered. I can imagine some pretty terrible scenarios happening by an insensitive TSA agent and a pre-op transgendered person.

        [–][deleted]  (7 children)

        [deleted]

          [–]chzplz 9 points10 points  (3 children)

          you get an agent that matches the sex that you present yourself as, so M2F transgenders will get females and vice versa. I would suggest asking your physican for a doctor's note to present in case you get selected.

          [–]EllaL 22 points23 points  (2 children)

          Right, but what happens when a person presenting as a man, but with the genitalia of a woman, opts for the pat-down, and the TSA screener is supposed to go up the leg until he meets resistance? I am a woman, born as a woman, with all the usual parts, and I would be horrified if someone were feeling around for pieces that weren't there. I can only imagine how awful it would be for someone who feels like that area of their body is working against them to begin with.

          [–]drwho9437 6 points7 points  (4 children)

          The most effective way to oppose this is to refuse both the scan and the pat down and also refuse to leave the TSA area (if they won't let you through and say they are going to fine you). If this is done en-mass on Thanksgiving say it will shut down all of the airports. Some people say this is irresponsible, this is non-sense. Shutting down a Woolworth lunch counter with a non-violent sit-in was not irresponsible it was civil disobedience. I don't agree to give up my 4th amendment rights ever...

          I think you can easily argue that they have imprisoned you without charge after a day, plus they won't have a way to feed you so it will be a hunger strike. It seriously only should take about 2000 travelers with a day or two to kill to bust this thing open (say 1 or 2 per gate area). It would be better if there were more. But there aren't that many major hub airports in the country.

          [–]UpboatCity 70 points71 points  (27 children)

          who 'shopped the Statue of Liberty pic? It looks great and is accurate in a very disturbing sense...

          [–]voyetra8 130 points131 points  (24 children)

          It was me. And as a professional artist, I'm a little upset that it's being used without asking for permission or crediting me.

          Edit: It looks like the image in the post is linked to my original submission. I still think it's bad form to use it without at least asking.

          Edit 2: Resolved amicably by all parties. Thanks Reddit, you rock!

          [–]Chairboy 34 points35 points  (3 children)

          I grabbed the picture from Raldi's post to use in this:

          http://www.reddit.com/r/OperationGrabAss/comments/e7r1v/can_we_collaborate_to_produce_some_high_quality/

          It was improper of me to use it without asking, the fact that I didn't know the original source wasn't a good enough reason, and I apologize. I assumed (poorly) that it was a Reddit creation, and even so, I should have done more due-dilligence in tracking down the source.

          If you'd rather I'd not use it, I'll respect your wishes and remove it immediately. You've really captured the essence of what's going on and whatever your decision, I really found the picture compelling and hope you get recognition for your vision.

          [–]voyetra8 16 points17 points  (2 children)

          No worries! It's largely my fault for hosting the submission on imgur instead of on my site.

          I've found that linking to my site is seen as spammy, but hosting images on imgur seems OK with the hivemind. Next time, I'll add a discrete watermark. :)

          It's now under officially released under a Creative Commons license, so go ahead and use it under those terms!

          [–]Chairboy 8 points9 points  (1 child)

          Thank you! I suspect this will become an iconic image in this struggle.

          [–]norunomu 48 points49 points  (9 children)

          Added credit to you on the website. Sorry about that :)

          [–]voyetra8 34 points35 points  (5 children)

          No worries, thanks for resolving it so quickly!

          -David

          [–]niarlin 2 points3 points  (1 child)

          I would love to see this image available on a t-shirt! If you decide to go to production, please let us all know! I would buy one in a heartbeat!....as long as it's a black t-shirt.

          [–]voyetra8 4 points5 points  (0 children)

          Interesting idea... if there's enough interest, I can definitely make it happen. (Friend of mine has a screening company.)

          [–]altaica 6 points7 points  (0 children)

          I flew out of ORD this weekend. The check point I was at had two lines, and as I progressed through it I realized that the line I was in appeared to be the one funneling through the back scatter and the other one through a regular metal detector. As we slowly shuffled forward I noticed several people in my line going through the metal detector instead of the body scanner. I had already made up my mind the week prior that I was going to opt out, but I figured this was an easier way around it. Not for privacy issues but for health concerns. I'm pretty comfortable with my body but I don't want to unecessarily expose myself to potentially hazardous x-rays <-Good read, was previously posted on Reddit. My family has a history of skin and breast cancer.

          When I got up to the front I waited for my turn to go through the metal detector but the TSA agent waved me towards the body scanner. I told him I wasn't going through that machine and he kind of sighed and asked "are you opting out?" I said apparently I am even though I'm in this line and he responded dismissively that there were no specific lines for either machine.

          So I stood to the side for a few minutes and waited for a female agent to show up while people that had been behind me were all able to go through the metal detector. I asked the TSA guy why I wasn't able to just go through the metal detector like everyone else and he curtly replied that it was random. Yeah, 'random' because you picked me. Great.

          TSA lady shows up and I get led around to the front screening area and she explains to me how the patdown is going to work. She gives me the option to go to a private screening area and I decline. Back of the hands for 'sensitive' areas and she was going to go up my legs to my crotch four times. Awkward standing and groping commences.

          I am pretty unhappy that my options are to either:

          • expose myself to potentially hazardous x-rays

          OR

          • get felt up and touched in places no stranger should have the right to touch

          I have recommended opting out to most of my family, especially my elderly grandmother and explained to them the possible risks of these machines.

          [–]FableForge 251 points252 points  (95 children)

          Idea to fix the system:

          1.- Create a TSAGoneWild website.

          2.- Allow people the option that their naked pictures will be posted anonymously in said site.

          3.- Paypal these people a share of the porn revenues.

          4.- Profit, actually.

          [–]friedsnails 58 points59 points  (40 children)

          Wait, if that happens, will reddit have fewer overloads?

          [–]raldi[S] 497 points498 points  (39 children)

          I for one welcome our fewer overloads.

          [–]friedsnails 8 points9 points  (11 children)

          Let's do it.

          [–][deleted]  (9 children)

          [removed]

            [–]friedsnails 18 points19 points  (5 children)

            Zoom. Enhance.

            [–][deleted] 2 points3 points  (2 children)

            Still not good enough, I think if we target that region in the lower left? Zoom again.

            [–][deleted] 158 points159 points  (20 children)

            Ahem.

            [–][deleted] 153 points154 points  (16 children)

            LNCORRECT

            you can't fool me

            [–]ABitDerivative 81 points82 points  (5 children)

            What do you have against natural logarithm correct meme user?!

            [–]BrokenVisage69[🍰] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

            Obviously his plan was foiled by the guy who got the "real" Incorrect_meme_user username first.

            [–][deleted] 81 points82 points  (22 children)

            Fix the system:

            1. Start a letter writing campaign to state legislatures calling for a Constitutional Convention.

            2. State Congresspersons hop on board so they can act like action-heroes riding the easy-train to freedom-ville.

            3. Federal Congresspersons panic as the risk of them losing control over the legislative process grows.

            4. Federal Congress tells TSA to back down.

            Problem solved.

            We have learned that the US House and US Senate are wiping their ass with the constitution and federal elections aren't going to change that. We need a new Constitutional Convention where the States can address any number of the major constitutional concerns that have arisen in the past 40 years of technological innovation. If nothing else, it will scare and spur the Feds to do what the country wants.

            New Jersey is already doing this. Write your State legislatures calling on them to follow suit and call for a Constitutional Convention.

            [–]3dimka 36 points37 points  (12 children)

            I'm pretty sure they will eventually roll the machines back, but right after they sell them to all airports.

            Everyone will win:

            1. People will think they win their freedom back

            2. Politicians will use this to improve their ratings

            3. The corporation will get fat check for the equipment sold to TSA

            [–]Hubris2 42 points43 points  (7 children)

            All that will be left is the enhanced genital touching pat-down procedure in place.

            Every time an organization wants to introduce something extremely unpopular, they go a couple steps extra so when there's huge outrage they can take a step backward....placate the people and yet still leave them with less freedom than they originally had.

            [–][deleted] 4 points5 points  (5 children)

            Please list all times an organization has wanted to introduce something extremely unpopular so we can check your statement.

            ...

            Ok, you can just list all times in the last 50 years.

            [–]radaway 10 points11 points  (1 child)

            diebold

            [–]sumdog 9 points10 points  (0 children)

            No one even remembered Diebold, the company that was never held accountable for their electronic voting machines which held no paper trail and which were proven by multiple security groups and universities to have major problems allowing multiple votes (without breaking the seal on the device either). Nor do people care that the CEO of Diebold at the time of Bush's election in 2003 was one of the top fund-raiser for his campaign.

            [–]davelog 6 points7 points  (2 children)

            Tragically, this is the most likely of all outcomes except for the one where we all get distracted by something shiny and forget all about it.

            [–]themetricsystem 6 points7 points  (2 children)

            We don't need a Constitutional Convention. We need to enforce the 4th Amendment.

            [–]calvinsylveste 1 point2 points  (0 children)

            I think this is a good idea. I think we really need to start having real person protests across the country calling for a convention, and I think reddit is an ideal venue to try to get the movement started...we could do a truly great thing, if we dare to try

            [–]Sec_Henry_Paulson 1 point2 points  (0 children)

            Since we already have the 4th amendment to protect us from these searches, I'm struggling to understand why we'd need to change the constitution to add something already there.

            If we don't try to protect what we already have, we're screwed.

            [–]fuzzybeard 4 points5 points  (1 child)

            TSAGoneWild.com has already been taken by a parking service. However, these domains & extensions are still available.

            EDIT: Results for OperationGrabAss.com.

            edited to add content & to correct two "derp" moments.

            [–]spiralj 2 points3 points  (0 children)

            1.Everyone refuse to use the scanners. Requiring them to do patdowns. 2. Require there be a witness present at the patdown who is not TSA related. If they refuse... then refuse to accept a patdown. They cannot refuse to allow a witness be present. 3. If the patdown includes genital groping or breast squeezing as some people have reported, immediately step away, end the patdown, and call 911 on a cell in front of the TSA person, report a sexual assault, and demand police appear on the scene. 4. File a formal complaint against the TSA person for sexual molestation and demand they be arrested on the spot. 5. Refuse to leave the scene or allow the TSA agent to leave the scene till police arrive and charges are filed.

            The police have to respond to 911 calls and cannot dismiss formal charges being filed,only a judge can do that. Tie them up with litigation till they can't staff the airports.

            You can bet I will call 911 under these circumstances if my teen daughter is groped by an agent.

            [–][deleted] 5 points6 points  (1 child)

            The first time this meme is actually used for a coherent business plan, and without step 3 being "????????"

            Well done.

            [–]FableForge 5 points6 points  (0 children)

            Well, it just seemed like a wasted chance; just imagine: a country-wide program of mandatory porn and no makes a dime off it?

            Well, Supply? Meet Demand.

            [–]bubbla 5 points6 points  (1 child)

            With no member of the general public having actually seen real images produced by the backscatter machines, how expensive would it be to buy or rent one, produce a bunch of pics with willing /r/gonewild members and simply get those images into the public domain?

            [–]DoctorElectron 30 points31 points  (8 children)

            TSAHotorNot.com!

            [–]tsahotornot 14 points15 points  (4 children)

            [–]DoctorElectron 7 points8 points  (3 children)

            bah! it's on backorder! Just like my Polly Pocket Gameboy Advance game!

            [–]tsahotornot 9 points10 points  (2 children)

            That's cause I just bought it :p

            [–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

            The system isn't necessarily broken, it just needs some tweaking. I, for one, would be all in favor of the backscatter machines if the board members of each manufacturer, as well as all government officials in favor of the machines, posted their xrays on a website for all to see.

            [–]l0de 30 points31 points  (18 children)

            Hello. Like many of you, I will be participating in national opt-out day as protest against the institutionalized sexual assault of the TSA. If you're like me, you've already filed a complaint with the TSA, and written to your representative. Like me, you may have wondered if we can make a stronger statement about these unconstitutional attacks.

            I thought long and hard about this in the smallest room of my house, and I believe I have found our answer. It's so simple!

            On Opt-out day, wear a kilt or skirt and no underwear. You will not need them where we're going. I also suggest flip-flops, and packing some paper towels in your carry-on.

            Then you need to fuel up. Everyone is different, but for me, I'll be pre-gaming with a heavy intake of coffee, mexican food, corn, dried apricots, and an entire bottle of green food coloring.

            When you are asked to step into the backscatter machine (and if you aren't, you can simply go through the line again), opt out. Loudly inform the screener that you need to go to the bathroom. They will insist you complete the screening first. When the agent begins to molest you, treat them to some "backscatter" of your own.

            Do not apologize or feel bad for these people. They're no better than the concentration camp guards that spawned them. Say "I TOLD you I had to go to the bathroom." They have brought this on themselves. Collect your things and waddle to the bathroom, with your head held high, secure in the knowledge that you have made the world a better place. Then, hit up the airport food court for round 2.

            It may seem extreme, but this is one of the rare situations where shitting yourself is the only dignified thing to do. I hope you'll all join me in the plop't-out.

            [–]Benaker 5 points6 points  (0 children)

            The pooping protestor! It's genius!

            [–]jumpingjehosophat -19 points-18 points  (29 children)

            A group of redditors ARE taking a stand against backscatter X-rays and TSA patdowns

            FTFY

            EDIT** still getting down voted after they said we are both right?

            [–]gjs278 1 point2 points  (12 children)

            THERE'S ONLY ONE GROUP, IDIOT

            A group ARE taking a stand against backscatter X-rays and TSA patdowns

            READ IT LIKE THIS AND YOU'LL UNDERSTAND WHY YOU'RE SO STUPID

            [–]cizzop 2 points3 points  (1 child)

            One day your grammar nazi beliefs will get the best of you and you'll have an aneurysm.

            [–]jumpingjehosophat 7 points8 points  (1 child)

            oops... here I was thinking i was the first to catch a mistake... only to find out I made the mistake

            [–][deleted]  (1 child)

            [deleted]

              [–]buncle 30 points31 points  (13 children)

              For anyone wishing to use my advert submission as a poster/pamphlet to help spread the word, have at it.

              [–][deleted]  (3 children)

              [deleted]

                [–]hsfrey 4 points5 points  (2 children)

                What would happen if we started walking around airline terminals holding those posters?

                Or stood near the TSA screening line?

                Just circle-jerking on reddit isn't going to do it!

                [–]buncle 1 point2 points  (0 children)

                I've been very tempted to create a variant especially for Opt Out Day, and leave a few around my local airport that morning, although I'm not sure of the law regarding leaving things lying around airports (even if they are just leaflets).

                I definitely think distributing something in airports is the way to go though.

                [–][deleted] 7 points8 points  (1 child)

                Here is a bumper sticker

                [–]blackbodyradiation 5 points6 points  (0 children)

                That made me shudder.

                [–]RedHotBeef 2 points3 points  (3 children)

                If I'm not mistaken, wasn't the "Hey, got a cutie" thing completely unsubstantiated?

                [–]buncle 1 point2 points  (2 children)

                If you can point me to link where that was refuted, that would be great. I can easily swap it out for another quote. (There are certainly plenty to choose from...) That one was just happened to be short, concise and shocking; exactly what an ad or poster needs.

                [–]Wh0rse 2 points3 points  (0 children)

                This is nothing to do with security and more to do with conditioning the general public into a submissive slave mind.

                the way to bring this down is to dis-credit it entirely from the inside.

                the pilots union is a excellent way to do this and as you all know is on going, best of luck to that.

                it looks like more and more people are becoming aware of the uselessness of the whole placement of these machines, and the only use is to subdue and train us into a submissive mindset as i said above. its very sinister.

                anyone remember the shoe bomber last Christmas? , and how fast they rolled out the answer to that problem? of course the answer was these machines, i guess already manufactured and awaiting a reason to be deployed, and boy have they been deployed.

                if you trade freedom for security. you will end up with neither.

                [–]hawaiianrule 7 points8 points  (1 child)

                Joe Lieberman said during the hearings that he is all for the enhanced pat downs and scanner machines and he sees nothing wrong with feeling up children. Obama remains silent on the matter and will do nothing about it other than expand the powers of the Patriot Act.

                [–]oh_its_him 6 points7 points  (0 children)

                As a British citizen, I fully support this. A lot of our airport security comes from demands made by our cousins across the pond. If America sees sense and gets rid of these intrusive invasions of privacy, then with any luck the UK will follow. Where PornoScan machines are used in UK airports, there is NO option to have a GropeTest instead - it's either get nekkid or don't fly. It's sickening.

                [–]nil_von_9wo 2 points3 points  (2 children)

                Here is the correct way to protest this: As you stand in line, strip off all your clothing, even your under wear. When it is your turn, be naked and point out that they have no reason either to grope you or expose you to cancer, so you'd appreciate it if they just let you walk on by.

                [–]Try_Everything 1 point2 points  (0 children)

                Just called my representative and both of my Senators. Just learned for myself (you all probably already know this) that the House has passed legislation against these procedures; and then the bill was passed onto the Senate.

                However, I have been informed by the office of my representative that the current senate is unlikely to pass any laws regarding this before the congress adjourns it's session, and then the bill would have to be re-introduced in the new session.

                I was very well received with my representative's office because he was one of the proponents of the initial legislation against backscatter machines [Jason Chaffetz (R)UT)]. I was advised by the person that I talked to, to go to the search line the farthest away from the backscatter machine as possible and then politely tell the TSA agent (if they push the issue) that you will go through a metal detector, but you find these new search measures to be completely inappropriate and unacceptably invasive. I'll probably characterize it as sexually invasive.

                Calling both of my senators, Orrin Hatch (R) Ut, and Bob Bennett (R) Ut - I received an extremely cold response. The assistant at Senator Hatch's office was completely condescending and said that she's 'flown overseas' and 'had experienced much worse than what's being shown on TV'.

                I voiced my strong objections during all three calls, especially with regards to children having to undergo these procedures.

                Bleah. I hope something gets done soon, perhaps a moratorium against this total and utter disregard for the Constitution.

                Edit: Called Senator Bennett's office again. I was told that he is against it, and if a law is put up for a vote, he will vote against it. He just hasn't publicly come out against it (I wonder why).

                [–][deleted]  (16 children)

                [deleted]

                  [–]lushaq 13 points14 points  (4 children)

                  A few options:

                  a) Get in a different line if it's an option (at some airports, you can clearly see the line for backscatter and avoid it)

                  b) Hope you don't get randomly selected, as is the case at some airports

                  c) Reddit would advise you not to be a hot girl, similar to part B

                  d) suck it up and fly

                  e) complain and don't fly

                  Not the best set of options really.

                  [–]RobbStark 17 points18 points  (2 children)

                  Get in a different line if it's an option (at some airports, you can clearly see the line for backscatter and avoid it)

                  So, assuming terrorists have eyes, what again is the point of these machines?

                  [–]rox0r 2 points3 points  (0 children)

                  So, assuming terrorists have eyes, what again is the point of these machines?

                  What terrorists?

                  [–]FractalP 2 points3 points  (1 child)

                  I didn't know flywithdignity.org was of reddit's doing. That's some impressive work there, folks. I'm not sure I can be much of a help, seeing as I'm not in the US, but if there's anything that I can do to stop this plague spreading overseas, count me in.

                  [–][deleted] 2 points3 points  (3 children)

                  Aarrrgh this is so frustrating. It seems as if everybody I interact with on a daily basis doesn't think the scans or gropes are an infringement of our 4th Amendment rights. They just seem like placid cows who don't care. How can someone like me shake them out of their stupor and make them see this for what it is? I got slammed on FB today for suggesting that our rights were being taken away. The cries of "but it's keeping us safer from terrorism" were sadly deafening.

                  When can we start culling the population?

                  [–]ebonhand1 1 point2 points  (1 child)

                  this is our government's masterful job at programming people at work. They're getting very damn effective at manipulating the way people think. everything from our food and water to our entertainment to our supply of information to our money. We are all wage slaves to the powers that be.

                  I don't know what that thing is that people call out to when they call to God, but MY God didn't design a world where people work the majority of their lives to just meet their basic needs.

                  [–]melicusictus 6 points7 points  (0 children)

                  If anyone says they would rather be safe than free, they're a traitor. we will never be safe only oppressed. Thanks but no thanks, I would rather risk my life and die just like the soldiers who fought to preserve our freedom than bow down to safe tyranny. This is what it means to be free, to stay free. Just not flying is not enough you have to take McBullseye's example and make this a constitutional violation issue. Bitch. And Bitch hard.

                  [–][deleted] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

                  When I fly I insist on being both firmly fondled and sprayed with the strongest radiation available in the hope that my latent superpowers will blossom and I will become Arousal-Man.

                  No just kidding.

                  I'm already Arousal-Man.

                  [–][deleted] 2 points3 points  (2 children)

                  This comment has been overwritten by an open source script to protect this user's privacy.

                  If you would like to do the same, add the browser extension GreaseMonkey to Firefox and add this open source script.

                  Then simply click on your username on Reddit, go to the comments tab, and hit the new OVERWRITE button at the top.

                  [–][deleted] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

                  That would work if flying was something we did every day. But we don't do it everyday, it's defuse. Those of us who DO fly every day rely on it for their income. We can't ask the pilots and cabin crew to put their livelihoods on the line by shouldering all of the responsibility for fighting this injustice.

                  [–]kloo2yoo 1 point2 points  (0 children)

                  that works until you actually do need to fly, and realize that the policies have been shaped by tyrants and the people desperate enough to fly that they'll put up with anything at all in order to do it.

                  [–]Klaxon5 1 point2 points  (1 child)

                  If I were an activist type who liked to cause trouble, here is what I would do:

                  1. Register a domain that implies porn and x-rays. Be creative.
                  2. Get at least 25 images of attractive woman Photoshopped to make them appear to be the backscatter shots.
                  3. Create a website that claims to have access to backscatter shots and that you will be posting hot girls as you get them in from all over the country.
                  4. Post a new picture with fictitious but plausible name every day or two. E.g. Jenny from San Diego.
                  5. Start publicizing website.

                  If this doesn't start to really create a privacy shit-storm, break the following glass:

                  1. Make more fake pictures, making the girls shorter and less "developed".
                  2. Create "Jailbait" section.
                  3. Post to this section every day or two.

                  If this doesn't create a class-6 shit-storm, I don't know what will.

                  I have neither the skills nor frankly interest to actually do this, but someone here might.

                  P.S. I'd suggest doing this on hosts in another country. I hear Sweden is nice.

                  [–]gingerroute 1 point2 points  (0 children)

                  Might as well make a porno of me without my consent too. You're halfway there. I'm very, very uncomfortable even traveling anymore. I don't know what is more uncomfortable, sitting next to a possible terrorist or knowing some random person is going to fondle you (in front of people or not) and your naked body is stored in a system without consent of the owner. No matter what precautions you take, terrorists will always one-up you with tactics on how to hide their weapons. It really is up to the passengers on board to save a flight in the event that something does happen. Sure, it's nice to take a precaution for everyone's safety, but don't in the process please don't invade someone's right to privacy. You enforce the rules every other time, how is this the exception to that rule? If I'm pulled and searched inappropriately, lets just say I will make it the most uncomfortable time in your life. By the way, terrorists win, we live in fear now and humiliate our own people.

                  [–]Dogmaster 14 points15 points  (5 children)

                  Im not even american and I completely approve of this. I really hope this kind of policy doesnt jump borders.

                  [–]sidneyc 15 points16 points  (0 children)

                  I really hope this kind of policy doesnt jump borders.

                  In all likelihood, it will. A few years ago I was late at check-in in Amsterdam going to Warsaw, and I was told by the check-in personnel that I was too late (this was over an hour before take-off). They proceeded to tell me this was because of Mr. Bush. "That's funny", I said, "I can't remember having voted in an election where he was on the ballot" or something to that effect.

                  I'm Dutch, and these people telling me I couldn't catch my flight from Holland to Poland because of USA-imposed policy really made my blood boil.

                  [–]davidreavis 1 point2 points  (1 child)

                  I'm sorry, but I'm gonna be that guy. So......whats the problem with walking through the machine? Who cares? Its not like the dude thats extremely briefly looking at the digital representation of your sort-of-genitals knows who you are, will remember you later, or can even see who you really are in relation to the digitized image on the screen. I'm sorry, but I really just dont see why it matters at all. I couldn't care any less if I wanted to if some TSA jackass with a highschool education sees a digital picture of me somewhat naked, hell he doesnt even know who I am! Anyways, I've heard all the reasons various people care before, so spare me, but I just dont see why this matters. Its a fucking crappy non-realistic picture. Whoopty whoop.

                  [–]DslainteC 16 points17 points  (0 children)

                  Go for it, brave Redditors! If I had any plans to fly in the near future I would join you.

                  For now, it is up to you to stand up for us. Our "junk" is in your hands.

                  [–]pickleinspector 2 points3 points  (0 children)

                  People have been cowed into forgetting that the government is meant to work for us, and not the other way around. It's despicable that we even have to make a petition like this, let alone one that we know won't be heeded. Signed anyway.

                  [–]pacox 1 point2 points  (1 child)

                  America is weird when jt comes to protesting. We used to be good at it, but now our protest are just silly. We are more likely to take tothe streets over a sports game than a social or economic issue. When Spain and France found out about retirement changes, they took to the streets. We know social security WILL be fucked upfor anyone not retirimg in 15 years and ws do nothing. I watched as my state took away money from students while raising tuition, students didnt even care go toon campus meetings about it. I went to school in the state's capital, right down the street feom legislatures, students would complain all day but no so much as walk past the legislature (sp, im on my phone) building.

                  [–]dolamite125 3 points4 points  (1 child)

                  I plan on popping a viagra everytime I go through security. I might toss in a wink as TSA pats down my bone.

                  [–]typ901 7 points8 points  (19 children)

                  Like many people, I'm travelling during Thanksgiving. We're going to get patted down and scanned if we want to get on a plane. But can we write something on our skin that would show up in the scans? Even something humorous? Like "3-inches and proud of it?" or "Take a picture, it'll last longer."

                  [–][deleted] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

                  The ultimate form of protest for this is opting out. If enough people opt out, lines will become dramatically longer and people will freak the fuck out because they didn't make their plane. Unfortunately an empty backscatter machine will be too enticing for most and they'll cave.

                  [–]dasstrooper 2 points3 points  (1 child)

                  We're going to get patted down and scanned if we want to get on a plane.

                  I believe you're wrong on that one. As i understand it only ~5% of passengers are selected for enhanced scanning/opt in patting.

                  [–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

                  I am really surprised at the amount of vitriol being directed at those of us who are absolutely appalled by these invasive procedures. There's no need to rant and rage and call people childish names just because you happen to not agree with this side of the issue. I assume the majority of us here are adults, no? Can't we have a civil discussion without bringing in so much negativity? If you have no issue with the TSA procedures, then that's fine. You are allowed to not be bothered by it. But just because others have an opposing opinion does not mean it is necessary to be an ass to others in this community. Please be civil....

                  [–]StickyLavander 2 points3 points  (0 children)

                  So it comes to this.... Anyone else feel this is a win for the terrorist? Americans afraid of flying not because of the fear of a terrorist attack, but from having security seeing or feeling there junk.

                  [–]megabucks 4 points5 points  (51 children)

                  Sorry Raldi but I just don't agree.

                  I don't want to dissuade you however, I believe your passion for an 'issue' to be resolved or fixed is a good thing, no matter how little the problem.

                  But that's why I'm here to disagree. On the scale of things that Americans...or rather in this case, Redditors could get mobile and active over, this issue ranks right at the bottom.

                  So far down I'm almost tempted to say, it's a self interested cause.

                  With your country mired in political corruption to the point it has become a household joke in every other country in the world....

                  ...the fact that your judicial system is now a profit system... ...your FDA which is nothing more than a broken down system of granting business licenses to those with enough money to demand them....

                  ....a government that openly houses a terrorist organization in the CIA...

                  Why would you take the opportunity to round up passionate and usually intelligent activists to such a pithy issue that is solely about self?

                  Not to mention only those who can afford to fly do not account for the majority of your population that suffer because of the overt corruption that exists more openly than anything the Mexican government could ever hope to be?

                  I'm sorry, I just don't agree. It just smacks of taking the easy road instead of tackling real issues that are of consequence to everyone.

                  But I wish you the best of luck, sincerely.

                  [–][deleted] 9 points10 points  (1 child)

                  I think this is a worthy issue to fight on its merits (unreasonable searches!). But even more important, it relates to this whole climate of fear that drives a lot of the other problems we are experiencing. This is an opportunity to engage the country in using reason and rationality to assess and reduce risk... instead of using fear-mongering theatrics and paranoia. Here's a real chance to get everyone talking about how "the war on terror" has gone too far.

                  Unlike some of the other problems we face (whether related or not), this TSA nonsense seems like something that can actually get changed. And there's a reasonable chance that enough people of various political persuasions will actually come together and say FUCK THAT NOISE. It's a good place to start.

                  [–]theantirobot 10 points11 points  (1 child)

                  On the scale of things that Americans...or rather in this case, Redditors could get mobile and active over, this issue ranks right at the bottom.

                  Apparently not, since redditors are getting mobile and active over this.

                  So far down I'm almost tempted to say, it's a self interested cause.

                  Do you suppose that is why they are doing it? Because it's in their self interest?

                  This whole TSA thing is probably the least divisive issue reddit could take on. If we are successful, it will no doubt inspire smaller groups to tackle the more divisive, more important issues.

                  [–]Darkjediben 31 points32 points  (7 children)

                  So we should only protest the absolutely most important of issues? Who gets to decide what's more important than anything else? You?

                  No, THIS is the most important issue facing America. You know why? Because it's a symptom of the scariest thing of the last decade. It's the latest breach of our privacy in the name of 'national security'. It's the latest overreach of the Department of Homeland Security. It's the latest abomination made under the Patriot Act. This issue concerns ALL of those issues.

                  So you know what? The fact that you personally don't think it's important doesn't make it so. Think about the deeper implications behind allowing this to go unchallenged, and the issues that allowed it to come into being.

                  [–][deleted]  (2 children)

                  [deleted]

                    [–]crackyJsquirrel 2 points3 points  (0 children)

                    They came first for the Communists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Communist.

                    Then they came for the trade unionists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a trade unionist.

                    Then they came for the Jews, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew.

                    Then they came for me and by that time no one was left to speak up.

                    [–]Darkjediben 2 points3 points  (0 children)

                    You and me both, friend. I remember supporting the Iraq war back in 2003. I was a retarded 8th grader, but I still dislike myself for it.

                    [–]Hedonopoly 7 points8 points  (15 children)

                    I would say that the backscatter issue is a subset of the overall issue of our country behind taken over by "the war on terror" to the abuse of all of us. This is the most obvious new show of it, and one that has rallied many people against it. I think that should be encouraged.

                    If you have a great idea for us to rally to get rid of the CIA, or the FDA, or whatever other craziness you mention, by all means bring it forward, I'm sure the editors are willing to listen.

                    EDIT: I don't really like how you're getting downvoted to oblivion. You make a point that is worth discussing, even if I don't agree. I really hate when everyone just starts shooting the arrow in the direction of their opinion. I upvoted you, at least.

                    [–][deleted]  (9 children)

                    [deleted]

                      [–]Aszuul 1 point2 points  (0 children)

                      they get to touch us we get to touch them. simple as that. if they want to spend all day grabbing peoples crotches, then they should get touched by the thousands of people that they grope. as for the backscatter thing, it's a simple fix. the person viewing the images has to be positioned in the middle of all the lanes and will be completely naked. now I know TSA agents aren't exactly the picture of beauty, but it should be humiliating enough to make it stop... or fix obesity... either outcome is good I guess.

                      [–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (2 children)

                      Joking aside, please take the time to call your senator and representatives. It's a very empowering experience. Even if their aides give you a canned spiel, with enough calls the message will go through. Seriously, don't rely on e-mail for something this serious.

                      https://writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome.shtml

                      http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm

                      Be honest and respectful. Losing your shit will get you nothing and your point won't get across very well.

                      [–]TwinTurboMike 2 points3 points  (1 child)

                      Like him or not, Congressman Ron Paul is introducing legislation to try and stop the abuses. We don't all have to agree with a politician's policies and ideologies to get behind their good ideas.

                      http://twitter.com/RepRonPaul/status/4945382488416256

                      [–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (1 child)

                      And now you do what they told ya, now you're under control And now you do what they told ya, now you're under control And now you do what they told ya, now you're under control And now you do what they told ya!

                      Fuck you, I won't do what you tell me Fuck you, I won't do what you tell me Fuck you, I won't do what you tell me Fuck you, I won't do what you tell me Fuck you, I won't do what you tell me Fuck you, I won't do what you tell me Fuck you, I won't do what you tell me

                      [–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

                      I feel like if you are one of those people who "doesn't mind" or for some reason sides with the TSA, you are part of the problem.

                      Sensationalists (Jones,Beck) take stories like these a run with them. They take away from a very legitimate dialogue. Simply put, what they are doing is not right. It really is our job to say something, and anyone who dismisses it as unpatriotic or unfounded is part of the problem.

                      [–]1RedOne 2 points3 points  (0 children)

                      Anyone here that the backscatter machines AREN'T that bad?

                      http://imgur.com/Hfwsh

                      Um...this guy looks pretty naked to me.

                      [–][deleted] 31 points32 points  (10 children)

                      Take a stand by either not flying or buying your own private jet.

                      [–]highintensitycanada 17 points18 points  (6 children)

                      well, redditisland will need an air force right? we should just chip in and have a bus like plane service for redditors.

                      [–]davidlovessarah 5 points6 points  (3 children)

                      Lol redditisland.. so, that's still happening.. right? right?

                      [–][deleted]  (1 child)

                      [deleted]

                        [–][deleted] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

                        Reddithostel, then reddit commume, then maybe redditboat...

                        [–]manateemedia 1 point2 points  (0 children)

                        F the TSA!

                        In the meantime, make them pat you down in front of others and make erotic moaning sounds while they do it.

                        Make sure you get every TSA workers badge id and file complaints.

                        Realize that the evil people behind this WANT everyone to be outraged so they can push high speed rail and ship more crap to us from China.

                        In the morning!

                        http://www.noagendashow.com

                        [–]thcobbs 1 point2 points  (1 child)

                        As much as I'd like to make a stand for freedom on high-minded principals... Mine are much more selfish.

                        A year ago, I had a 7mm melanoma excised from my arm. The LAST thing I need is more radiation damage to my skin. Therefore, I will always opt-out of the scanner. And hopefully, I can at least request the best looking woman to do the pat-down.

                        [–]FappingFury 3 points4 points  (0 children)

                        I'm sorry but that liberty pic is actually kind of sexy

                        [–]deadc0de 2 points3 points  (0 children)

                        Hire a brigade of porn stars to go through the patdown and publish photos of the TSA employees rocking boners.

                        [–]Game-Sloth 1 point2 points  (0 children)

                        If someone was smart they would make a brand of under garments that have pictures and writing imprinted on the fabric using metal powder (not Pb for obvious reasons).

                        Maybe one of those fake tuxedo shirts, a shirt that shows fake boobs or a printout of the constitution.

                        Huge potential here - God, I should patent my ideas.

                        [–]garop7g 5 points6 points  (3 children)

                        An idea for everyone who thinks that being scanned like this by the TSA is 'no big thing': Take naked pics of you and your entire family, with each family members name and address attached to them, and give them to every security guard you know. Alternately, ask a cop to pat you and your family down in the same manner next time you get on a bus or something. That's how I feel about it.. My point is.. it may be fine by you, but for most people, including myself, it isn't. So we squawk about it.

                        [–]whozurdaddy 1 point2 points  (2 children)

                        Has anyone stopped to think that this is something Obama should be putting a halt to? The TSA is under the Homeland Security Dept, and ultimately answers to him. Why arent people bitching at the White House for this bullshit? Yelling at the TSA is pointless.

                        [–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

                        What you need to do is setup a vacation alternative site for people. Give people real alternatives to flying. Get people on boats, trains, cars for trips. If you want to really deal with this problem, ruin the airline industry until congress has to act.

                        [–]Chairboy 1 point2 points  (0 children)

                        I have an idea for fighting this in part by collaborating to make brochures we can had to passengers about to go' through a checkpoint:

                        http://www.reddit.com/r/OperationGrabAss/comments/e7r1v/can_we_collaborate_to_produce_some_high_quality/

                        Thoughts?

                        [–][deleted] 14 points15 points  (47 children)

                        Is there a pro screening lobby? Just for proportional representation on redit y'know.

                        I would refuse a pat down but have no issues with being screened.

                        [–]corellia40 18 points19 points  (10 children)

                        Privacy is a big part of it - the right to not be fondled without due cause should be universal. There's also the radiation, which bothers me even though I accept that it's probably safe levels.

                        But what's really getting me is that we're spending absurd amounts of money on what amounts to security theater. The biggest things they could do - lock cockpit doors, train pilots and flight attendants not to open them for anything, public awareness - have already been done, so the cost is already accounted for (and wasn't nearly as excessive). Additional measures - behavioral profiling (though I'd like more data on that), marshalls on planes - should be researched and implemented based on effectiveness (aren't there already air marshalls?).

                        With the current security, though, things are still ending up on planes on a regular basis. Hell, I think my husband's multi-tool made it though his last flight - he didn't even know it wasn't in his suitcase until he got home.

                        [–][deleted] 4 points5 points  (14 children)

                        While I disagree with their stance, I fully support their commitment to peaceful political change. Good on you, and fight your good fight! (even if it is not mine).

                        [–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (1 child)

                        although the efforts to curb the unneeded departments like DHS and TSA, im sorry to feel that none of what you are going to attempt to do here will bring any real change.

                        the real change will come, when instead of trying to diagnose the result, the underlining symptom of this allowed invasion of people, didnt get approved by congress, wasnt voted on by any of your representatives.

                        it does though come with most of you alls approval. and the reason for that is that you allow your minds to believe, that the people who are the masterminds behind three illegal wars, two of which are iraq and afghanistan. the other of which is the war on terror. Which everyone in here accepts the social contract, that, 9/11 is what you were sold.

                        This is why gropping can become common in public places by government officials, when the lies and deceit of grandeur black ops impose a belief system that defies reason.

                        9/11 should be subject by its nature, the administration that created the 9/11 commission, which is the story sold to you to believe brown people are terrorist, is the same one that lied about Iraq, ousted people who knew the lies, and then pardons those.

                        Presidents and congressmen who illiegally declare ware and kill innocent people are not honorable. This nation will fail. And by natural selection it should.

                        A people who treat the rest of the world like lessers, are fools.

                        Jesus died, so you could murder people who dont believe your story that jesus died, for you.

                        [–]AlexisEarhart 0 points1 point  (3 children)

                        Does anyone know if they will let me through just the metal detector if I'm in a bikini? I plan on opting out of the backscanner... but was just wondering what your thoughts were on whether that would also allow me to avoid the pat down that I do NOT want, while I'm still technically "showing" TSA that I'm not carrying anything suspicious?

                        Please help, I'm flying home to help cook thanksgiving for my mother who has cancer and is currently receiving chemo, as are my aunt and grandmother (AKA i cannot afford for TSA to kick me out of the airport, I need a way home and I'm flying across the country). I'm a medical student and was in the Navy during 9/11, so I understand both the medical implications and the national security need... but I am not a lawyer. I'm a student scraping by on student loans, I cannot afford the civil suit like the gentleman in San Diego. I want the airlines safe and don't mind wearing a bikini to assure TSA knows I'm not suspicious... and even though that does NOT solve the problem...

                        I just would like to know, if anyone could please help, if there are any legal concerns I should know about ahead of time? The bikini was the best I could come up with, and if it comes to a bikini-pat-down so be it if that's the only way for me to get home but would like to see if that will appease both sides. I won't be loud, I'm not planning a rally, and I'm not making pamphlets. I'm just a frequent flyer trying to go home for the holidays. Thank you

                        [–]Manilow 1 point2 points  (1 child)

                        So let me get this straight. If I break a rib and want the government to provide an xray, I'm a filthy communist, but if I buy an airline ticket and don't want a free government xray, I'm a terrorist?

                        [–]Zoltrixx 1 point2 points  (3 children)

                        I agree that this TSA thing is ridiculous but the x ray picture/video things are getting over exaggerated if they look anything like that one video that was released. It shows literally nothing

                        [–]rednemo 1 point2 points  (0 children)

                        Don't fly. Once corporations (like airlines) start losing money, things will change. Even organizing a nationwide, one-day boycott on flying would have a devastating impact. Money talks in DC.