Shouldn't There Be Big, Green Signs That Say, "This Groping Funded By The American Recovery And Reinvestment Act"?

There is a bit of a backlash against Janet Napolitano's crash program of putting "strip-search scanners" in airports - you know, the ones that let the TSA see your goods in the name of "security". I don't know what Jan and the guys expected the response to be, considering the abusive and degrading treatment meted out to those who "opt out" of the process.

But here's the real kicker - know how all these let's-see-your-goods machines were funded? According the first link above, this invasion of your privacy was paid for by... Stimulus! But the only thing we seem to be stimulating here are the TSA goons when they get to cop(!) a feel.

To be fair, the TSA is a Bush idea. But Team Hopechange sure do seem to be playing the same tune, and even turning up the volume. Along with TARP, the TSA is the worst legacy we have of the Bush years. (No, Robert Gates as SecDef and banning incandescent light bulbs tie for a close second.)

Being an unrepentant capitalist, I see a way to make a few bucks off this problem: I propose opening up a series of kiosks just ahead of the strip-search scanner security line, called 'Package Foods'. It would sell things like cucumbers and zucchini (and grapefruits by the pair for the ladies) for those who felt, um, a little shy about what God gave them being seen on the scanner screen. We'll have an IPO out next week...