Editor’s note: For several months now, our colleague Dr. David Eifrig has been conducting a sensitive research project. He began it because he believes that over the past decade or so, something has changed about America. One of the most obvious changes is the increase in government “security” measures. These measures often inconvenience and distress rational citizens. Fortunately, he’s found a few “loopholes” that can help you avoid the worst of it…
How to Avoid the Worst Kind of Government Intrusion
By Dr. David Eifrig
The sad truth is that America is a very different place than it was just a dozen years ago.
If you’ve flown out of an airport over the last two years, you know exactly what I’m talking about.
In 2010, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) changed its passenger-screening policies. From then on, travelers were forced to submit to a virtual strip search.
[ad#Google Adsense 336×280-IA]These full-body scanner machines are so invasive, they were even held up for a time in the United Kingdom…
The graphic images they provided violated the U.K.’s child pornography laws.
And this doesn’t even count the machines’ harmful health effects.
You can choose to opt-out…
But then you must endure an invasive pat-down search, where a TSA screener lays hands all over your body.
It’s hard to believe these degradations now happen in “the land of the free.” But as I’ll show you today, there is a solution…
You have to jump through a few hoops and play the government’s game. But once you do, you won’t have to submit to humiliating and even dangerous searches.
The TSA has initiated a “trusted traveler” program. It’s called “TSA Pre-Check.” Travelers who enroll in the program must undergo a background check and pay a $100 fee. The background check lasts for five years.
After approval, Pre-Check travelers can go through expedited screening lines about 80% of the time. These lines somewhat mimic the bygone days of air travel, including:
• Keeping shoes, belts, and light jackets on.
• Leaving laptops and toiletry bags in carryon items.
• Greatly reduced time in line. (A recent Minneapolis screening took about 30 seconds.)
Not every airport and airline is a part of the program, but the number is growing. Currently, five major airlines and 35 airports participate in the program. Further expansion is expected in 2013.
And Pre-Check isn’t open to all passengers yet… Right now, only folks who are part of the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) or are frequent travelers on specific airlines (like American Airlines, Delta, and U.S. Airways) are eligible.
But there is a “backdoor” way into the program. Travelers enrolled in a CBP program called “Global Entry” are eligible for Pre-Check. And as long as you’re a U.S. citizen with no criminal background and you fill out the application truthfully, you should be approved.
In fact, I’ve just recommended my brother and sister take advantage of this. I think it’s well worth the background check and application fee. You can learn more about both programs here.
Participating in the Pre-Check program is not a perfect solution. The TSA can still subject you to radiation scanning and pat-downs. But your odds of having a simple travel experience are improved.
And I know I’ll personally never go through another full-body scanner again.
Here’s to our health, wealth, and a great retirement,
Dr. David Eifrig
Sponsored Link: This is just a small sampling of the research Dr. Eifrig has been doing on how to prevent government, corporate, and criminal intrusion into your life. To learn more of these techniques, see his full presentation here.
Source: DailyWealth