Libertarian Party of Georgia Opposes TSA's Use Of Whole Body Image Security Checkpoints

In response to the recent debate surrounding the Transportation Security Administration's use of Whole Body Image (WBI) scanners, as well as the two cases already recently filed against the TSA by the Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC) and the Rutherford Institute, the Libertarian Party of Georgia announces today their public opposition to the TSA's decision to use these devices in our nation's airports. According to the TSA website (www.tsa.gov) at the time of press, in a statement dated October 28, 2010, "[p]assengers should continue to expect an unpredictable mix of security layers that include explosives trace detection, advanced imaging technology, [and] canine teams, among others."

The Libertarian Party of Georgia holds that these security measures imposed upon private citizens are a direct violation of the Fourth Amendment of the Constitution, which reads as follows:

"The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized." - The Fourth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America

"The possible health risks associated with the type of radiation used in these machines are not yet well understood, but the detriments to mental well-being and personal liberties are clear," said Daniel N. Adams, chairman of the Libertarian Party of Georgia. "What the TSA is calling an 'enhanced pat-down' is not an acceptable alternative to refusal to enter the WBI scanner. While we understand the importance of National and personal security, we do not agree that WBI scans are a necessary or obligate measure for securing the safety of U.S. airline passengers. The federal government wants us to believe that the act of buying a plane ticket from a private company necessitates the passenger forfeit their right to refuse an unlawful search without a warrant by telling us that we are aiding in 'national security measures'. We respectfully disagree, and hold that no citizen should ever have to forfeit those rights under the guise of security."

The Libertarian Party opposes all interference by government in the areas of voluntary and contractual relations among individuals. People should not be forced to sacrifice their lives and property for the benefit of others. They should be left free by government to deal with one another as free traders. The resultant economic system, the only one compatible with the protection of individual rights, is the free market. The Libertarian Party of Georgia believes that The Bill of Rights to the United States Constitution is an excellent exposition of Libertarian beliefs in individual freedom, limited government, and self-responsibility. Certainly, these measures introduced by the TSA are an invasion of personal right to privacy, and a clear violation of the Fourth Amendment.

The Libertarian Party is Georgia?s third largest political party and the only party in Georgia promoting fewer taxes, less government and personal liberty for all Georgians. To learn more, please visit www.LPGeorgia.com.