Jesse "The Body" Ventura is suing is suing the Department of Homeland Security and the Transportation Security Administration . According to Jesse, TSA workers sexually assaulted him. He says full-body scans and pat-downs are violating his rights. Jesse claims he is subjected to unreasonable searches because he had a hip replacement, and his titanium implant sets off metal detectors. He says the pat-downs meet "the definition for an unlawful sexual assault."What's really interesting about this suit is that according to his lawyer, Jesse isn't seeking any monetary damages. In fact, HE may be the one who loses money in this litigation. All he wants is for the invasive security measures to be deemed unconstitutional, and get an injunction that would prevent the TSA from targeting him.
Jesse's not the only one who gets the up close and personal searches because of a hip replacement...Regis Philbin got a pat down because of the titanium he is packing.
I feel fortunate that I don't have medical reasons to have TSA agents descend on me. There were horror stories at the start of holiday traveling of people with medical issues being treated incredibly poorly by the TSA.
Why doesn't the TSA hire medical personnel to assist with searches for these travelers? The medical staff would have a better understanding of the passengers needs, and they could make the whole experience much less humiliating.
I don't agree with Jesse that our increased security measures should go away. Heck, it will probably get worse in light of what happened at the Moscow airport. BUT people in this country should not fear traveling because they know a medical issue will make for inhumane treatment.
The TSA needs to get its act together and publicly state what they will do to make people feel more comfortable.
-Mary-Lynn
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