How Intrusive Are Those Full-Body Scans?

THL shows that these images (even as "negatives") are very intrusive. All he had to do was invert the colors, much like a developed negative, and he got some disturbingly clear images.

Warning, the "color inverted" images are NSFW.

Open Thread on Security, Terrorism, and Personal Freedoms

I'm a bit torn here, as anyone in my position would be. Allow me to explain...

I'm a BIG proponent of individual rights and civil liberties. Anyone who knows me knows that this is who I am. I also believe in a safe, secure nation. However, I'm confused on trying to strike a balance between the two.

So how does one defend against potential terrorist attacks in a manner that is conducive to safety for all...but does not violate the personal freedoms of American citizens and residents?

If you think you've got an idea, post it below...

Rasmussen Ruminations

Some interesting recent polls from Rasmussen Reports (the most accurate pollster around, in most opinions)...

- Massachussetts Senate Race: Coakley 50%, Brown 41%. This is very interesting, because one would think that a sitting Dem AG (which Coakley is) in a solidly Blue state would rabidly support a candidate from the same party as "icon" (their preference in terms, not mine), Ted Kennedy. Brown, a sitting state Senator, could make this interesting as the health care reform bill, while still slightly favored in Mass, continues to sour voters. Brown also has a 39-point lead among Independents...the problem is, Republicans/Independents combined are vastly outnumbered by Democrats in this state.

- 59% of those polled support racial profiling for airline security, and 71% believe it is necessary for proper security. Even minorities support racial profiling for airline security at 52%. A majority of Democrats also support this. I'm not sure where I fall on this, as my love for personal civil liberties and support of solid national security come in conflict here. However, this says a lot about how Americans feel we should change our methods of security. A poll also showed that 49% of Americans feel that their fellow countrymen have forgotten the impact of the 9/11 attacks.

- Generic Congressional Ballot...Republicans 44%, Democrats 35%. Also, the number of self-identified Democrats has dropped to it's lowest level in the 7 years Rasmussen has tracked this. The bigger key is that Republican support is not rising as fast as the Dems are losing it...which the GOP needs to pounce on to continue this wave through 2010 and beyond. Otherwise, they're leaving open voters to return to the Donks or go third party (hey, the Libertarians are generally a good choice, too! I'm really starting to feel the need for a 3rd party in this country)

- 55% of national voters say California should go bankrupt instead of receiving a bailout. Only 27% support bailing out the state.

- 52% of Americans disapprove of Obama's performance...39% strongly disapprove. This is compared to 48% approve and 27% strongly approve. Not good, period.

More National Security Bungling, Michael Yon Arrested in Seattle

Apparently, if you do not disclose non-security related information (in Yon's case, his personal income) that's enough to be detained and handcuffed. Luckily, Seattle Port Authority officers came by and straightened out the matter.

Yon, if you are unfamiliar with him, is an independent war correspondent who travels in and out of the country quite a bit. Yon's insistance on not disclosing personal information that is not pertinent to national security interests was a good stand for personal rights.