Chaffetz This

It's been a day or two since I have taken the time to rant about one of Utah's fine politicians. Normally I save this ranting time for the likes of Chris Butters. Instead I will turn my attention to a junior Congressman from my fine state, Jason Chaffetz. Until recently this douchebag, I mean Congressman, was really only known for sleeping on a cot and leg-wrestling with a certain talk show host.

He has decided to make news in another way. He has sponsored H.R.2027 to establish limitations on the use of whole-body imaging technology for aircraft passenger screening, and for other purposes. This has become his pet project. Why? Well to protect our personal freedoms of course.

I find this bill ironic in a number of ways but before I really touch on the irony of this lets talk about my issues with this bill.

Here is the summary of the bill:

1 Aircraft Passenger Whole-Body Imaging Limitations Act of 2009 - Directs the Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security (Transportation Security Administration) (TSA) to ensure that whole-body imaging technology is used for the screening of passengers only in accordance with this Act.

2 Prohibits the use of whole-body imaging technology as the sole or primary method of screening aircraft passengers. Allows its use only if another method of screening, such as metal detection, demonstrates cause for preventing a passenger from boarding an aircraft.

3 Requires that passengers: (1) be provided information on the operation of such technology and specified related matters, including privacy policies and the right to request a pat-down search; and (2) be offered such a pat-down search in lieu of such screening.

4 Prohibits the storage, transfer, sharing, or copying in any form of an image of a passenger generated by whole-body imaging technology after a boarding determination is made.

5 Imposes criminal penalties upon any U.S. officer or employee who knowingly stores, transfers, shares, or copies whole-body screening images.

Chaffetz basic argument is that the use of full-body scanners is an invasion of personal privacy as we are guaranteed by the Constitution. You will receive no argument from me on part of this. While the Constitution does not specifically or expressly grant citizens a blanket right to privacy, the Bill of Rights makes certain protections. In this case Chaffetz is likely referring to the 4th Amendment, which protects the privacy of a person from unreasonable searches.

Unreasonable searches. What is unreasonable? Is it unreasonable for the TSA to require people to walk through a scanner that detects whether someone is concealing a weapon or something that could be used as a weapon? If your answer is yes then please explain to me how it is unreasonable. The 4th Amendment is not a blanket protection from any search of person. It states, very explicitly, from unreasonable searches. There are those that will say well I am a law abiding citizen so it is unreasonable to assume that I would conceal a weapon. Okay, so how is the TSA to know this? Would you rather that they start profiling? How do you suggest that the TSA determines who is a threat? How do you suggest that security screening is done in a way that is reasonable to your assumed personal privacy?

My second point on this discussion is in regards to choices. We all make choices in life. I don't care for the restrictions the LDS church has placed on the Main Street Plaza so I choose not to use it. Walking through this Plaza, which it private land, is not my right. It is owned by the church and thus they are able to institute whatever rules they see fit. As I don't agree with these rules, I don't walk there.

Flying is not a right. It is a privilege. You make the choice to fly understanding that there are certain rules that have to be followed. You have to present your ID to prove you are the person on the ticket. Is that an invasion of privacy? To demand to see your government issued ID? You can not take check certain items, is that an invasion on your right to privacy to allow your bags to be screened?

The point is, we all know that there are certain security measures that are in place in airports and if you choose to fly you have to abide by those, whether they are TSA (government) or Airline (private) rules. If you don't like it there are multiple options for you. You make the choice to fly it is not forced upon you.

I am not one who easily gives up what I feel are my rights. I firmly believe in the preservation of our individual rights granted by the constitution. I have stated in a number of discussions with my sister (who works in law enforcement) that if you give an inch don't be surprised when they take a mile. Unfortunately, this doesn't fit that scenario. When personal choice becomes involved the line between rights and privileges is less blurry.

I've had this conversation with a few friend who disagree with me. They are adament that it is an invasion of privacy yet when I ask them who it is an unreasonable search they don't seem to have an answer that merits continuation of the debate. I am wondering if someone could present this to me. I am often found of debate. :)

Marvin Gay ain't got nothing on these teens

I consider myself a sexually open person. If it involves two consenting adults, more power to you, who am I to judge? I also have pretty substancial opinions on the lack of education and open discussion relating to sex, especially in this state. All of that being said... what the HELL is going on with today's youth?

Here I sit in a coffee shop, attempting to read a book about leadership and I can't help but overhear the conversation going on amoung a group of teenagers.

Teen 1: Dude, did you hear what happened with John at the party?
All Teens: NO, what?
Teen 1: Well he was having sex with Suzy, but it only lasted like ten seconds so Suzy went downstairs and got another girl so she could get off.
All Teens: WHOA Dude, HAWT!
Teen 1: Then, Mike comes up and has sex with Angie in the same room with Suzy and the other girl getting off.
All Teens: Wow, awesome

Me.... VOMIT.

Now do I have issues with any of these acts (girl on girl, boy on girl, boy on girl with girl on girl), no. What I take issue with is the following statement.

Teen 2: Did you get the homework done for Chemistry. Dude, one more year and we are done with highschool.

Ick. This is where my problem is.

I was lucky. My first sexual experience was while in a very serious and committed relationship. I was able to experience sex for the first time with someone I trusted and loved. I am well aware that this isn't always the typical experience. I wish it were different. While I do believe sex is a biological need, it is always much better when you are in love. People can argue with me and that is fine, I'd argue they've never experience sex while in love.

Highschool kids have sex. I know this. I understand this. I don't necessarily agree with this. While I am open to people having sex, I am not open to someone under the age of 18 having sex with a boy, then a girl, then another boy or girl. This isn't healthy behavior for a teenager. We all mature at different rates but is anyone at the age of 16 or 17 mature enough for kinky sex?

Was this going on when I was in high school? Probably not. What is the difference now from then? It's not like I am ancient. Hell, I am not even 30 yet. What happened to our youth that promiscuity is the new cool? Or maybe the difference is I was surround with a great group of friends who had morals. Or that I was in a great relationship with a boy who didn't pressure me to have sex let along swing from the fan sex.

Weird. Or maybe I am just prude.

You're Fired

Or better yet I am fired. I always have these fantastic plans of blogging interesting things on a daily basis. And I always fail. This says something about me. No, I am not a failure, I just have issues with commitment, to blogs.

I will blame it on the stress of work, school (WHY THE HELL DID I GO BACK, well to complain about it of course) and buying a house.

I should be closing next week. That is unless jesus or his father decide they hate me enough to screw this job up. I will post pre and post pictures. And note to all homeowners... there is no possible way that the decor of "Carebear Throwup" is appropriate or aesthetically pleasing.

This is all.

Full Moon

Disclosure, this is a rant blog.

New Moon broke box office records this weekend with the biggest opening weekend in history. This is not what annoys me. Nope. It is the response from movie snobs and annoying people that is my problem. If you don't like the movie that is fine, you are allowed your personal feeling. What I don't care for is the snobby nature of people complaining about this.

I saw the movie opening night. I love the book series. There is nothing wrong with that. And there is nothing wrong with the millions of people who are reading it. I imagine the same people crying about the records haven't read them either. Guess what, the books may not be literary genius, but they are good reads and any author that can get a generation of kids reading rather than playing video games is good.

There is not an end of movies as we know it. There is a huge following for the books and so there is going to be a huge following for the movies. It doesn't matter what critics say, it doesn't matter what movie snobs think. These people enjoy the books and want to see the characters come to life, even if it doesn't meet your standards.

Move on people. If you don't like the movie don't spend your dollars on it.

My foot tastes icky

Today has been an testy day. It started off with someone throwing me under the bus. Then a decision I made in an attempt to make things better bit me in the ass, hard. Now I have a horrible headache that nothing is fixing. I even took pills... and I hate taking pills.

I am going to wake up in the morning and just pretend that today didn't happen. I am aware that this will not make the problem better, that I am just avoiding. But guess what? Every once in a while we all get to do this.

I now hate HGTV

House hunting is more than a fantastic show on HGTV. Actually, because I truly value honesty, it has been one of the worst experiences of my life. That is saying a great deal, especially if you know anything about my marriage and subsequent divorce.

This market is horrific. Everything is a short sale. The few houses that aren't short sales are snatched up in the blink of an eye. The BF and I finally made the decision, or two decisions.. we made two offers.

The first one that was accepted is actually next door to where I am now. It is an older home, but I have a certain comfort level. I know the neighborhood. I can yell at the neighborhood kids and they take my word as law.

The problem is that the house failed (and I mean FAILED) the inspection. The chimney is on the ground in the backyard thanks to last weeks horrific windstorm. The basement bathroom and crawlspace have black mold. There are multiple negative slopes... I could go on and on. We walked away.

Now we hope (and pray) that the other home, the newer on that should have no problems, comes through this week. The agent for the seller has been less then ethical. My agent and I were discussion the possibilities of filing a formal complaint. He told me "most people just walk away and let it go, because it is a hassle". Ha. He does NOT know me. I strongly believe on following through, it's all about the principal for me.

While I may have a passionate need to stick it to him... I am intelligent enough to know when to start my battle. That would be after he finally pulls his shit together and we get the house.

Why yes, I'd love some cheese with my wine

It is inevitable. When I really need to world to be on my side, it isn't. Only when I need things to run smoothly does my life turn into a chaotic drama that is made for TV. While this is very much my history I am one of those naive (read stupid) people who tends to hope for something better.

Really world? Done shitting on me?

Now of course I know that people have worse problems then me. But guess what, this is MY blog, so MY problems are the center of discussion. If you don't want to read about ME, MYSELF, and I... probably should find another blog. Oh wait... no one reads anyway.

Dear god (and world), please play nice. Thanks much.