Body scanners just a gimmick

The debate over intensified security measures following the failed terrorist attack on a US aircraft in Detroit exposes once again the conflict between security and freedom. The left-liberal daily La Repubblica criticises demands for increased use of body scanners: "Even in difficult times politicians must keep a cool head and not give in to emotion or the temptation to believe that the answer to terrorism necessarily involves curtailing freedom. This is not the first time that enthusiasm for technology guides the hands of politicians by distorting reality and conjuring up solutions that could prove to be dangerous and inefficient. … The true responsibility [for the Detroit attack] lies with the [US] defence system, not with technology."

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