Backscatter machines recommended by DHS in 2004.

[Renew Deal]

I know there's a lot of talk about Obama implementing the porno-scanners, but they were recommended in 2004 by the DHS.

<snip>
Walk-Through Metal Detector Alarm Resolution (WTMD). There were instances where
the WTMD alarmed, but screeners failed to resolve3 the alarm properly. A technology
that could be used to manage the resolution of WTMD alarms is backscatter x- rays.4
Backscatter technology offers a more effective and unambiguous alarm resolution
strategy than a pat-down inspection. Backscatter technology has some drawbacks,
however, including the size and amount of space needed for the equipment, its cost, the
rate of passengers screened per hour, and concerns about radiation exposure and privacy. 5
We recommended that TSA aggressively pursue the development and deployment of
innovations and improvements to aviation security technologies, particularly for use at
the screening checkpoint. TSA agreed with our recommendation and is working to
implement it.
<snip>

http://www.dhs.gov/xoig/assets/mgmtrpts/OIG_04-37_0904.pdf (Page 5)

[katandmoon]

1. It's Bush III's, er, Obama's DHS now.

[sally cat]

2. Recommended is different than ordered, bought, paid for and implemented.

[notesdev]

3. On the other hand

Given that he specifically ran on "change" I think we had the right to expect that the people he put in charge of the various departments would bring a different point of view than was brought by Bush appointees, one that didn't originate in the Abu Ghraib Civil Rights Academy.

[sabrina 1]

4. And they were fought by civil liberties groups. We had hoped

that with a Democratic administration, those civil liberties groups would have a champion in the WH. Sadly once again, we were disapapointed. I remember well when they were first introduced and the outrage they caused, especially from the left. Now it seems, some on the left have rethought that outrage and are attempting to defend their use. Another case of something Republicans couldn't get done, being handed over to Democrats.