Archive for November 24, 2010

Congressional Press Release: Senator Udall Solicits Opinions On Travel Privacy

by Senator Tom Udall

You may have heard about or experienced new security procedures used by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in our nation’s airports.

The TSA is charged with the very serious duty of protecting U.S. travel and transportation and I greatly value the job they do. TSA officers are given a difficult task. They don’t set the rules, but they do follow them in service to our country.

Over the past few weeks, TSA officers began conducting “enhanced pat-downs” — a more intense screening procedure, criticized by some recent passengers as an invasion of their personal privacy. The pat-down is used when a passenger opts out of being screened by Advanced Imaging Technology, which some passengers object to because it allows screeners to view highly revealing images of passengers’ bodies. A pat-down may also be conducted if something is detected by the Advanced Imaging Technology or a metal detector.

While we need to continually develop ways to secure our air travel, we must also continually strive to strike the proper balance of preserving airline security and respecting the privacy and dignity of travelers.

These new TSA screening procedures affect all of us who utilize airline travel, and I want to hear your thoughts.

»» Congressional Press Release: Senator Udall Solicits Opinions On Travel Privacy

Blood Drive In Mountainair Today

by John Weckerle

Checking in on our friends at Mountainair Announcements, we find that there will be a blood drive today in Mountainair at the Dr. Saul Community Center from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m.  For more information, see the Mountainair Announcements article.