Archive for September 29th, 2008

Okay so I was reading about this “Mind Reading” Security Scanner. First of all it does not read your mind and how stupid to advertise it as such. Rather it basically checks your vital signs: heart rate, respiration and temperature. Airports hope to use this to determine if someone is planning on harming someone.

How stupid. Obviously there are a million and 1 reasons why someone would be nervous at an airport, fear of flying, reluctance to go where they are going for whatever reason… you could just be a nervous person. As unethical as racial profiling is, it’s probably a more effective deterrent.

The fact the Homeland Security is actually spending money on this is a bit annoying. Moreover you probably visually detect if someone is nervous or anxious anyway.

Malintent may also incorporate biological, radiological and explosive detection, but for now the primary focus is on identifying and isolating potential human threats.

The system is also designed to be able to distinguish between a rushed, stressed and sweaty passenger, and a terrorist.

Really, how? How does it intend to distinguish between an anxious person and a terrorist? Well this guy is reading Teen People, but this guy is reading the Quran, obviously…

I just think it’s a bit silly. Of course precautions must be taken, but I think it would be impossible to tell if someone is a terrorist in America specifically, without hard evidence.

We live in too much of an integrated diverse culture where you can’t really judge people by their clothing or mannerisms, especially at a fucking airport.

Anyway speaking of foreign policy. Did you see this ?

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