Airline security would dismay Orwell

There is a growing backlash about the recent airport scanning measures put in place just before the peak flying period between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day.

It is not surprising that the American people remain conflicted over the new scanning methods. Some say that we are spoiled brats; that we have forgotten about 9/11; that we don't understand the threats we face from terrorists; and that the government is entitled to check under our clothing after the “underwear” bomber threat. Those Americans who honor our Constitution as a document which has imparted truth and wisdom down through the ages are drawn to the Fourth Amendment: “The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated. . . “

It seems obvious that the Fourth Amendment doesn't cede to government the right to search for any reason in our country unless there is probable cause that the person has committed a crime and there is a warrant.

As an added insult to the American people the TSA is warning that anyone refusing airport body and pat downs faces fines up to $11,000 and possible arrest.

It is past time for common sense. A former security director for Israel's national airlines called airline security in America an “illusion” and said the U.S. should profile passengers. In an effort to be politically correct, are not the rights of ordinary citizens being violated under the Fourth Amendment?

Might even George Orwell, if living today, author of “Animal Farm” published in 1946, be dismayed by how our government is attempting in 2010 to normalize the populace to ever-increasing police state tactics for the sake of security, all in the name of political correctness? It's the terrorists, stupid, not the objects of the terrorists!

Nancy J. Thorner

Lake Bluff