I've often wondered about the deafening silence concerning the Patriot Act as of late, especially since the Obama Administration kept and expanded the program. Me, I'm not opposed to it, probably because I have nothing subversive to say over the phone, especially on an international call.

As for the TSA's new procedure, well that doesn't bug me too much either. The cost of safety these days, unfortunately. I am curious how many of the "outraged at touching their junk" or "seeing ones parts in the scanner" openly support the free peep show DAFT will provide for the gay community in the name of "performing a service" to the nation. Sucks when the karma goes both ways I guess. Perhaps if they push for openly gay airport screeners to do the check, it will make it all better.

I have never been threatened by the patriot act either.  I just find it very funny about the feigned outrage of the hypocritical left.  The act is constitutional as it has passed every test.  The problem is they think all 7 billion humans (and some go further with animals) are US citizens. 

I am not afraid of having my nude picture floated around the internet.  But I do sympathize and understand those that do.  But that is not my main objection.  My main objection has to do with our loss of rights.  You cannot cede a right, regardless of the situation.  You still retain it.  You may not exercise it, but you have it.  the TSA and Janet "Heinrich Himler" Napolitano are basically saying - no - once you step inside an airport, you have ceded your rights.  I am vehemently against that.  Penn Jillette just called the police on a screener (it is on his blog).  I think more people should do just that.  Even though the TSA tried to push him out of the area, he refused until a Local Police officer showed up so he could file a complaint of sexual harassment.  Which it is.  You can volunteer to be harassed.  But you cannot be forced to be.  It is against the law. And your rights of privacy and decency.

The hypocrisy is stunning.

As for the screenings, I have no objection to them in principle. Room for abuse (child molesters and such), sure.

Where I have an objection is that they have claimed the right to examine your portable electronic devices such as iPods and laptops to search for illegally downloaded music. That has nothing to do with flight safety and is a blatant violation of our rights against warrantless search and seizure.

I would not limit it to just devices.  As soon as they "claim the right", they have overstepped their bounds and violated the constitution.  The unfortunate reality is that is exactly what they are trying to do.  When John Tyner refused the pat down, that should have been the end of it.  He was not allowed to fly.  However, their threats of fines indicates they have assumed dictatorial powers in direct contradiction to our rights.

Sorry BRS, this article is not about your own egotism.

Atlas Shrugged, anyone?