lance cashion: remote control

Threats to America: TSA, Terrorism, Cancer & I Opt Out?

(photo from good.is)
Dr. Josh Axe is an acquaintance of mine who I met at a conference last November. He has a great blog about health, fitness along with several other interesting topics. You should check out Dr. Axe's site.

In any event, he posted a great piece on his blog today that addressed the dangers of the TSA's new body scanners that have caused quite a ruckus as of late.Dr. Axe provides relevant and important information that every American should know in reagrd to these scanners and the risks involved. Here is a link to his post:

“I Opt Out:” What You Must Know About New Airport Backscatter Scanners -Dr. Axe

I responded with a further examination of the risks of the "enhanced" pat-down (body search) procedures by TSA personnel. What does "I Opt Out" really mean for me and my children? Below is my response.

Josh, thanks for posting informative and relevant information in regard to new TSA procedures.

As I have voiced my concern over the physical safety of the scanners and the pit-falls of “enhanced pat down” procedures. I think most reasonable people agree that safety is very important in regard to flying. We must weigh the real costs.

However, as you pointed out, there are long term health risks involved with undergoing a body scan. It comes down to risk ratios/probabilities.

Do I want to risk dying in a terrorist event? (odds 1 in 25 million)

Or, Do I want to risk developing cancer? (odds 1 in 2.4)

Both are pretty grim. Let’s take a look at the risks involved with ‘enhanced’ pat-downs. Obviously, there is a psychological side to this practice.

Can this procedure cause permanent harm to children?

By allowing a small child to undergo a invasive pat-down by a stranger (where their genitals may be handled), we are sanctioning this behavior in the eyes of our children. As adults we ‘get it’ but in the fragile mind of a child, this event can be traumatic and confusing.

I love my son (18 months old) and I like to travel.

Do I risk him dying in a terrorist attack?

Do I risk him dying of cancer?

Do I risk him suffering psychological harm?

These are tough questions people must ask. Due to the political correctness of our society, we are putting our population at great risk. Since we cannot profile would-be terrorists because it may offend someone or some group, we profile for objects that ‘may’ be used as weapons. This is fool-hardy.

The Israelis profile for humans who may be terrorists. I submit, by undergoing the scans and pat-downs, we are being conditioned to accept this as ‘normal’. This is not healthy for America.

Thanks and Happy Thanksgiving!

Lance Cashion

Perhaps I Opt Out of traveling with my children via commercical airlines.

What do you think about this?

First Things First: Don't Check Your Email

I am guilty as charged!  Trying to break a decade old habit is tough.  It is a daily battle. I walk into my office and fire up the computer... and open my emails.  Worse is when I wake up in the morning and the first thing I see (besides the time) is my email on my iphone! 

This is not the proper way to start your day.  What's so important that it cannot wait until I filled my mind with something of value like a Bible verse, exercise, or morning meditation?  Let's be honest, if it were an emergency, I would have received a phone call, not an email.

Looking for a simple way to bring levity and peace into your busy work day?

This is what I do when I arrive at work: (5 minutes)

1. I say a prayer and review my personal mission statement

2. I review my Goals

3. I check my To-Do List

4. I make sure my To-Do List and 1-3 are in alighnment and concert with each other.

Notice, checking email is not included on that list.

How do you start your day?