TSA and Untethered Fear

I am amused and shocked by the backlash against the TSA for the latest round of security measures.

We might start with the fact that this venom is being spewed at the wrong people. One would think that the TSA is some disembodied snake head charming it's way into new and invasive regulations.

In fact the earliest protests came in the guise of claims that the agents themselves were using the body scan images inappropriately. The implication being they were enjoying their jobs too much.

The more recent claims however focus on pilots being targeted to receive radioactive exposure. Note that the recent compromise made does not include stewards. Somehow either their risk is less or their lives less worthy.

Oh the righteous indignation over particular cases that while somewhat horrifying pale in comparison to the abuse of power we have seen in cases of police brutality or even judicial discrimination.

If you don't know what I am talking about search for stories on Oscar Grant and the judge who ruled the ex-transit cop who killed Oscar was only to serve the minimum sentence. As some wise commenters pointed out, Michael Vick got more time in jail for running a dog fighting ring.

Yeah, people, there are issues in our country begging for a little righteous indignation. Alas...

I have heard people who I know don't watch news or read newspapers bemoan the breaking down of our civil liberties. Seriously, have you heard of the Patriot Act?? How about some assiduous protesting of that intrusiveness? That is some serious threat to our civil liberties. (While I am at it, how about a little shout out to that brave jury that rejected testimony elicited from torture? Now, that is America!)

I know that folks are in a crazy space because of the economy. It is a scary time when our inability to find a way out makes us feel powerless and doomed. Yesterday the students in my class presented various doomsday scenarios as answers to some innocuous but clearly thought provoking questions.

And apparently Palin's daughter didn't win the stupid game show.

I am just saying that there are any number of issues that could use some kind attention from paranoid people. For instance, hunger. It is something none of us can solve, but that we can all help to alleviate some. Or homelessness ... it is another issue we cannot solve but could at the very least offer some compassion.

In fact, in the spirit of this movement, I would argue it would be more fruitful to opt-in. That is, connect to your fellow citizens. If you cannot manage a physical manifestation, just use the strength of your righteous indignation to send out some serious love and compassion to the world.

That is the kind of activism I can get behind on this day before thanksgiving.

I am opting in!!

May you acknowledge abundance!
Mat you allow love to flow to and from you.
May you express your tender, whimsical self.
May you embrace your gifts and talents.
May you be at ease.