WMU Appropriateness of TSA Searches and Screenings Discussion

Essentially, TSA has the right to search us or our belongings in order for us to get on board an aircraft. Likewise, they have the right to do additional screening if they believe we are concealing a prohibited item. There are some people who say they have no right to do this as it violates the constitution. The 4^th amendment says we are free from search and seizure unless there is a search warrant or they have some sort of probable cause. They feel since they haven’t done anything wrong TSA shouldn’t have this authority. They feel they are law abiding citizens and TSA treats them like criminals”. Likewise, if they are abiding by the rules and TSA finds something like drugs, TSA shouldn’t be able to say anything since they are only allowed to search for prohibited items. They feel like they are in a “Police State” where they have no rights. Others say it has to be done to keep everyone safe, just like other things that are regulated like traffic laws, doctors, bus safety, etc.

Please research the question and provide your thoughts by responding to this discussion post. Your response should be between 250-750 words and needs to include at least two citations at the end of the post. Think of your posting in terms of a contribution to a dialogue, not a writing exercise. This is particularly important since we don’t meet in person. Therefore, this is one of the few ways we can generate a dialog. Make your posts clear and pertinent. Offer clarifying examples for complex and abstract ideas. Don’t be afraid to include open-ended questions that invite dialogue in your response. Read the other response posts to help get an idea on what you want to say on the subject. Feel free to offer evidence supporting the earlier post or your contrasting point of view and ask challenging, open-ended questions. Where do you stand on the subject? Support your answer.