I think it'll help the people who don't buy into the program too. If airports can process all the business travelers faster, the security lines for the rest of us will be quicker too.
I think privacy outside one's home (or even in it) is something that is going to be lost by the 22nd century... In a way, we're all becoming celebs. With so many camera's and video's out there, utube, increased data collection, all the technology....if you do something stupid or funny or noteworthy - you can be plastered everywhere. Kiss annoynimity behind....
The following is a story that is only tangentally relevant to the original point of the thread. But when I read it I immediately thought of this thread and it seems to add to identifying a general trend - pay pay money and you are no longer 'a risk.' I have to wonder if that is actually some sort of Bush policy goal? Could this be the secret plan to pay for the war in Iraq without raising taxes? The story is from spaceref.com [rquoter] Editor's note: The following story was related to me by a former NASA astronaut who recently left the agency. JSC (and I guess all of NASA) changed security badges on October 1, 2006. Up until that point, all former NASA astronauts (and perhaps all retirees, I don't know) were allowed to keep their civil service badges and come on site anytime. The new badges feature an American flag to identify astronauts. In fact, as a former NASA astronaut, I have privileges at the astronaut gym and the astronaut medical clinic for life. After October 1, I emailed the administrative assistant in the astronaut office to find out what I needed to do in order to get a new badge. I was told that I could not get one. I was told that the only way that I can get on site would be to check in at the JSC security office to get a temporary badge, one that was good for up to five consecutive days of access. This is one of those badges that you get when you forget yours at home. I arrived at JSC asked the person at the security desk about this. She confirmed that I could not get any other kind of badge, unless ... She handed me a piece of paper about something called the NASA Alumni Association. Apparently, if I pay $30 a year and join this esteemed group, I can get a badge, which allows me access 24/7. Now the really funny part. As an astronaut spouse, my wife can go on site anytime! This was recently reaffirmed in the astronaut spouse newsletter. So, it appears that my fellow former NASA astros and I are huge security risks UNLESS we pay $30/yr, in which case we become reliable again. Our spouses are beyond reproach as it should be. I thought about asking the management about this incongruity, but my instinct about NASA told me that if I did, the wise men in charge would probably revoke the spouse badges rather than allow us terrible astronauts back on site (those of us who don't join their alumni association anyway!). So why did they make a separate astronaut badge and not allow formers to have one? This is really more amusing to me than anything else. It is just one more small example of how many policies and plans are simply not well thought out. A small symptom of the larger problem. Oh well. One final amusing side note: I asked a guard at the gate if this made any sense to him. Without batting an eye, he replied "No, but a whole lot of other things don't either." Don't worry, things will probably change next week!" [/rquoter]
Just to put this in context.... You don't simply pay to get to the front of the line. You do have to go through a background check...and I'm sure there are other requirements too. And the Canadian / US border has had a similar program for years -- pre-evil george even. If you qualify....you can purchase a pass that allows you to bypass the line at the border (this line can be an hour or more). You don't even stop to talk to the friendly customs guys! Not saying I like the system -- just that it's not as outrageous as some of you are making it out to be.
This is dumb. Nothing is fool proof. Someone will find a way around this too. If we are so worried about our security, why are w constantly coming up with ways to speed up a "Working" process. Why are we considering the "PAY to PLAY" again. If it was such a good idea, why not just let those who choose to be pre-screened with a thorough background check fill out the proper paper work and be approved or denied? Why does someone have to make money off of this? Am I the only person who does not mind the so called inconvience of going through screening and being checked before boarding a plane. I think the inconvience is GREAT! I think its a deterrent to would be hijackers\terrorist. Also as a normal passenger I would really feel unsecure about who could of slipped through the cracks just buy paying this $100 fee. Again, no checks and balance's. For the safety of everyone, EVERYONE should go through the same screening and security checks at the airport. PERIOD!
