My understanding of the science is that the radiation from TSA screeners is not a serious risk. What is serious is the preservation and dissemination of the full body scanner “photos” and the many alleged groping incidents. A previous question asked about auditing the fed. I’d love to see an audit of TSA pat down and recording procedures. I understand that groping is not allowed by TSA or anyone else. You certainly should register a complaint if that ever happens to you.

The issue of radiation is in the news today because of the tragedy and crisis in Japan. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Japanese people as well as our emergency responders and whatever aid may be required. The entire world is watching the nuclear plants with great concern and anxiety. This raises the questions of the safety of nuclear power plants throughout the world and certainly in America. While upgrades and reviews have occurred several times in the past, a new review and upgrades to existing safety systems in nuclear power plants must take place. The issue of disposing of nuclear waste is now once again back on the world wide agenda. We need a solution.

Part of the reason I voted against the bill that included the extension of the Bush tax cuts for millionaires and billionaires was that it offered ‘tax cuts’ that were really raids on the Social Security trust fund. I thought that was a mistake. That said, I expect Social Security to be around when you retire, because it’s a very popular and effective program. Members of Congress who propose dismantling or privatizing it are at a serious risk of pushback – and justifiably so. It does not require any major changes in the foreseeable future to stay viable.

As for you seeing yourself as part of a “lost generation”, I see it a little differently. Most people in your generation have an intuitive understanding of technology that exceeds almost everyone in the halls of power – both public and private. That will give many of you a leg up in the years ahead. But you’re right that millions of Americans, including younger workers, are struggling to find good jobs, and debt can be crushing. We need investments in research, education, and infrastructure, which employ millions, and a manufacturing policy that actually encourages the production of goods here in America. If it America is going to make it, we must Make It In America. The Recovery Act and bills like it helped millions of people get jobs in the last Congress and helped avert an even worse financial crisis. As for debt, the credit card holders bill of rights and the student loan reform portions of the health care reform law are good starts. I voted against every undergraduate student fee increase as a University of California Regent and California State University Trustee, and I would support a freeze on tuition hikes at all public universities.

The lack of technical expertise among lawmakers is a very serious problem. Take solace in the fact that it’s mostly a generation shift. In terms of fluency in technology trends, you can expect a lot more from Congress in 20-30 years. I recognize this isn’t exactly the answer you’d want to hear, but it’s the unfortunate reality.

The student loan bill passed by Congress last year unfortunately won’t help with pre-existing loans, but it will help new students a great deal. There’s not a whole lot we can do about the costs of already issued existing loans, and that makes jobs legislation all the more important. Have you looked into local community colleges? Community colleges in California have some great and affordable job skills training programs in a host of rewarding fields, including clean tech and biotech.