WASHINGTON — A growing flap about full-body scanners and full-body searches at the nation’s airports has Homeland Security playing defense. The debate got a shove this weekend when 31-year-old software designer John Tyner refused to be scanned or patted and was kicked out of the San Diego airport. Tyner recorded the incident on his cell phone – and e-mailed to KOFO — and it has created a firestorm about the tightened security procedures and his warning to one airport security officer to “don’t touch my junk” has become an instant cultural reference. Tyner likened the security procedures to molestation, which was disputed by a security supervisor. Airport security officials threatened him with a fine or lawsuit. But as the political heat and complaints about the procedures increased, Homeland Security secretary Janet Napolitano and top Transportation Security Agency officials sounded defensive, saying the checks are necessary for keeping air travel safe. Travelers have the choice of not flying if they don’t like the checks, Napolitano said. But the national annoyance against the new checks includes a growing number of airline pilots who also have to go through the same checks. Not all passengers agree with Tyner. They said the scanners are a necessary inconvenience.
Thursday, Nov. 18, 9 a.m.
