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While this opinion is clearly unpopular, to a certain extend I agree with the johnglasgow. I hope that I would quit if I were in a similar situation as the TSA employees, but I'm fortunate to have finished college and actually have an interest in a relatively lucrative field (computer programming, natch). While, technically, they might use the Nuremberg defense, I think bringing that up is a little harsh. Some of the TSA workers probably do disagree, but some of them also have been working in this job since before the scanners were introduced, or before other less controversial practices were introduced. If you have a stable job and not too many other prospects, it is particularly difficult to leave, due to human inertia etc... I know how this can be as I'd like to find a new job right now too, because I really hate using CVS where I work now :) In addition, if they are less educated, they might genuinely believe that what they are doing is helping prevent terrorism. I'm sure there is plenty of mild to heavy indoctrination done during training, and I doubt that many of the TSA agents at the gate are reading Bruce Schneier. I think it would behoove HNers to have a little more compassion for these people, it is highly likely that they are less fortunate than most of HN. Needless to say, I disagree with the TSA policies. And actually I think "snide" remarks about the possible health dangers, and educating other passengers similar to a story posted yesterday, is great. Unfortunately, I think comments about the safety of the machines are probably pretty infrequent, and that the agents probably get a lot more incoherent flak than that about all the inane procedures. |