Travel

Rep. Tuck reminds Alaskans they can opt out of full-body scanners

Alaska State Representative Chris Tuck has a special video Christmas message for Alaskans: You can opt out of the TSA full-body scanners.

As advanced imaging technology (AIT) scanners are rolled out at Alaska airports, Tuck is concerned the TSA is overstepping its mission--and conditioning Alaskans to give up their rights.

In his video message, Tuck says "If you don't want inappropriate pictures of you or your children taken and stored -- or if you're concerned about the possible health effects, then all you have to say is 'I opt out'. It is your right."

Tuck, who represents Alaska House District 29 in Anchorage, notes that opting out will trigger a TSA pat down. He offers advice for that as well: "If they touch you inappropriately, call the airport police."

"I've had heartburn about the TSA ever since they started," admits Tuck.

"I think there's undue fear being instilled in American citizens. The procedures we have are invasive and degrading. We need to speak up. And we need to opt out," he said.

Tuck wants to introduce legislation during the upcoming session to mitigate the TSA's invasive techniques against Alaskans, he said.

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"We need to make sure our law enforcement officers are monitoring the TSA screeners," Tuck said. "The definition of sexual misconduct in Alaska a statutes makes it questionable whether TSA has the right to do perform invasive patdowns on Alaskans," he said.

"I think the TSA has purposely implemented invasive, degrading procedures, further pushing people to give up their rights and freedoms. And that includes the freedom to travel, which in Alaska underscores our freedom to assemble," he said.

Scott McMurren is an Anchorage-based travel marketing consultant who has lived in Alaska for three decades, spending much of that time traveling the far-flung corners of the state. Visit his website at www.alaskatravelgram.com. And follow him on Twitter at Twitter.com/alaskatravelgrm for breaking updates.

Scott McMurren

Scott McMurren is an Anchorage-based marketing consultant, serving clients in the transportation, hospitality, media and specialty destination sectors, among others. Contact him by email at zoom907@me.com. Subscribe to his e-newsletter at alaskatravelgram.com. For more information, visit alaskatravelgram.com/about.

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