The federal government has begun circulating these new x-ray machines, which have the ability to see underneath your clothing, essentially see you naked.

The controversial scanners are being used to catch anyone carrying weapons or explosives, but unfortunately will also show off those few extra pounds your hiding underneath that baggy clothing.

The introduction of the machines will be slow, with just a handful coming to JFK, Newark and LaGuardia airports in the next few weeks. Right now, the TSA has around 300 of the scanners deployed at 61 airports.

This seems to be causing up a stir with privacy issues, are people so self conscious about their bodies that they have to make a big deal about this?

Sure it will get you through faster, but at what cost? As you can see in the picture bellow, do you really want some airport employee checking out your goods?

This is what a stranger will be seeing

What about the cancer issue…has there been enough testing on these new x-ray machines, or did they pass through the trials with the help of the government to get them implemented quicker?

Which would you prefer? Invisible light waves touching me, or strange people touching me? I will take the light waves any day of the week.

UPDATE:

Is it fair that only passengers get the body scanner treatment? The world’s largest union of airline pilots is urging its members to boycott body imaging machines rolling out in airports across the globe. Instead, they want pilots to go for the aggressive hands in your junk pat-down.

It looks as though the president of the Allied Pilots Association, which represents over 11,500 pilots, many of whom work for American Airlines, has urged members of the union to revolt against the devices.

Of course the recommendation comes on the back of “dangers of excessive exposure to harmful levels of radiation during the screening process.”

However, pilots had already been trusted with the lives of all on board for how long? Since the advent of commercial air travel, that’s how long. How many times in all the years before 2001 did a commercial passenger pilot go ape-shit and cause the death of everyone on board? I’m unaware of a single incident. If anyone knows of one, please make it known. It’s just stupid to screen pilots in exactly the same way you do everyone else.

I would also like to point out that even if pilots were carrying a gun, a grenade and a box cutter, the most potentially destructive object they truly posses is the plane they have total control over.