Last week, there were a lot of people making a big deal about the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) pat downs and the full body scanners that are now being used at airports across the nation.

 Some people said it was invasive and that it broke the right of privacy for individuals that are traveling. Some said they felt violated. Others said they would boycott airplane travel.

 If you’re one of those people, sorry.  Sorry that you haven’t taken a step back and thought about it a little bit more.

The TSA pat downs and the full body scanners are a good thing. Have you forgotten about 9/11?

Have you forgotten how it felt that day in 2001 when innocent Americans died in the twin towers, the pentagon and on Flight 93?

 That is why the TSA has taken these “drastic and invasive” measures in the airports. So that 9/11 doesn’t happen again.

 These measures are being taken to protect the lives of Americans and travelers that are coming in and out of the states.

 Sure, it is understandable about why so many Americans are getting upset over this issue. Some people don’t want their 16-year-old daughters being patted down.  That is understandable, but these people also don’t have to fly.

 What people sometimes forget is that flying isn’t a right, it’s a privilege. If you don’t want to go through a full body scanner or be patted down, don’t fly. There are other options; they just may take a little longer.

 Nobody is above the law. Not even the 16-year-old girls. If the TSA determines that a passenger needs to be patted down, then that passenger needs to be patted down. The pat downs are for the safety of the people that are flying, not to grab a feel of the 16-year-old.

 If the TSA wants to pat you down, just be nice to them. Those people are trying to do their job and make a living. The best thing might be to introduce yourself and be polite. After all, it might make the whole process easier.

 When something new is introduced, there can be a few problems (i.e. the urine bag being torn open on the bladder cancer survivor); however, these TSA pat downs and full body scanners can be successful, if airplane passengers are willing to work with the TSA.

 These new measures could save lives and help prevent another possible terrorist attack. After all, don’t you want to know the TSA has done everything possible to ensure your safety the next time you step onto an airplane?

This editorial was written by Ed Hooper (ephooper@valdosta.edu) and it expresses the opinion of the entire editorial staff.