X Ray vision

Ever since 9/11 it's easy to recognize that our privacy has been invaded by the government. Security at airports is the perfect example. These people search through ever little zipped up pocket in your carry-on luggage, and then lecture you to death when you accidentally forget to take a tube of chapstick out of your pocket. Not only do they then proceed to search you, but any information they ask you, no matter how personal, you are required to give them or else you might as well turn around and go home - there's no way they will let you on the plane if you're withholding information.

But now, there's another way to spy on the public! Scientists in London have invented a camera that can see through someone's clothing. Now before all the guys go "wow that's cool" let's think about this a little more...

Scientists have justified this new technology as another way to protect against terrorists, but really? Is scanning crowds of people to see what's beneath their clothes really appropriate? Wouldn't it be easier to just use this camera on people who seem suspicious? I don't understand the point in using this new technology when everyone knows it's going to cause people to feel their privacy is being invaded even more.

I don't think it's fair that the government puts this new spy technique into effect without first alerting the public to the idea that cameras can now see through their clothing.  If we are supposed to be able to fully trust the government, then they need to alert us to new technologies that while they are helping keep us safe, can also be a very big inconvenience on people's lives.

For more information about this new camera, visit:  http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/europe/04/16/camera.england/index.html