Every one of them should at least be a little concerned about this and it would be great to see them oppose these machines for their own safety, if nothing else.
You sir, are a mad genius. But really, how long before a class action lawsuit thrown against the government for exposing many to this type of thing? On one hand, I hope it takes a long time for people to feel the ill effects, buton the other...
I would argue that it's one of many reasons they are wrong.
I'm equally as concerned about the privacy and civil rights violations. But it's still a problem that the machines pose a physical risk to passengers and TSA employees.
I'm sure it is.
> However, this is their job, and they are carrying out orders from their superiors.
I fundamentally oppose this reasoning as justification for doing something you think is wrong.
> So there's no reason to make snide remarks to the agents.
Saying this as you out opt isn't snide: "I'm a little concerned about the radiation myself but I can't imagine what it's like for you to stand near this machine all day. It must be worrying".
I would argue that many of these people are told that the machines are perfectly safe and don't even consider that they are being exposed while standing outside.
Nobody does evil all by themselves. If everyone thought like you do, there would be less room for evil in the world.
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.