Wednesday, July 13, 2011

The TSA's Latest Fear-Mongering

I just love stories like this [emphasis mine].
Officials Warn of Implanted Bombs in Terrorists

U.S. security officials reported today that terrorists plan on attacking commercial airlines by surgically implanting bombs in humans. The implanted device is an effort to get through airport security easily....

There is no imminent threat, although there was a briefing last week for international airlines and airports. John Pistole, TSA administrator, told CNN, "We see this as the latest iteration or the evolution of what terrorist groups are trying to do to circumvent our security layers."
No, "there is no imminent threat," but don't worry, I'm sure the TSA will make your travel as unpleasant as possible anyway. After all, the most important thing is that you're afraid--very afraid--of something the terrorists may or may not be talking about doing at some point.

As security expert Bruce Schneier explains in this video, the TSA's "mission, as we all believe, is to prevent airplane terrorism. But their real mission is to keep the TSA viable. They can't be irrelevant." The agency has to use scare tactics to justify its existence and its funding.

Expect more security theater. Especially now that we're hearing noises about how all this kabuki apparently still isn't enough. And make sure you don't complain about it, or you may get arrested.

Fear breeds compliance.

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