I'm afraid of cancer, so I don't like the idea that the 360 degree full-body scanners are now getting attention for posing a threat of increased cancer risk. I don't really want to expose my body to extra radiation if I don't have to, but I'm not sure I like the idea of a full patdown as the alternative.

The way I understand it, the new patdown procedure allows security administrators to use the front of their hands to touch a passengers' inner thighs, breast and buttocks.  If someone's going to be touching me in those places I kinda want it to be someone who I might find attractive and even better if I had dinner and a couple drinks first (assuming they don't let your spouse be the patdown-er, in which case I'll just ask him to hurry and get it over with).

Seriously, imagine what this could turn airports into over the Thanksgiving holiday...a frisk-fest for security workers, and likely embarrassment in these "touchy" situations (especially if the patdown-ee happens to be really good looking and provokes a certain uprising in the patdown-er). "Excuse me Mr. Security Guy, is that a gun in your pocket or are you just happy to see me, urh, feel me?"  I don't think I have much to worry about because I don't think I'd be the person in line that the security guy would choose first for a free feel, but it does make me worry a wee bit. 

I always had an attitude with airport travel that kind of went along with the "Eat, Pray, Love" mentality.  I'd EAT before I got there (because airport food is way overpriced), PRAY that the plane wouldn't fall apart midair, and LOVE it when I landed safely. Now I think I'm going to be EATING after I get through security (if some strange man is going to be running his hands over my body I'm going to be sucking in every extra pound I have--doesn't every woman do that?), PRAYING that I'm not bloated or carrying extra water weight that makes me "feel" bigger than I really am (again, even if I don't know you, I don't want you thinking I'm a fatty after my frisk-down), and LOVE it if I somehow escape with just a "pat" on the shoulder. 

I get that most people approve of the pat-downs if it helps stop terrorism, but do you really think the terrorist is going to be the guy drawing attention to himself by demanding to skip the full-body scanner?  I can’t imagine they’re that worried about getting cancer if they know they’re about to bring down the plane.  I’m just saying.

What's your philosophy? Join the #TMOM Twitter Party 11/22, 9pm ET Share your stories of #EatPrayLove & transformational travels. RSVP: http://bit.ly/aQqeId #EPLDVD.  I'll be there and look forward to chatting!

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