Readers write for Nov. 19, 2010

Homeland Security has indicated that it is important to learn from failed terror attempts against civilian aircraft and implement changes to passenger screening methods. Thus, because of the underwear bomber, passengers are now being subjected to controversial whole-body scans as the preferred method of screening ("Security chief says airport pat-downs to stay," Nov. 18).

Two whole body scanners are available to airports: one uses harmless microwaves; the other radiation (X-rays). Given the availability of the former, it makes absolutely no sense to subject passengers to any radiation, no matter how much we are told that doses are harmless.

More importantly, there is flawed logic in believing whole-body scanners will keep us safe. I would expect that Homeland Security knows the tactics of drug mules who can creatively use a body cavity. So what will be inflicted on passengers after this type of concealment is attempted by a suicide bomber? Body cavity searches? Whole body CAT scans? I sincerely hope that we can improve our intelligence networks and return to a more palatable screening experience for the masses of innocents who still choose to fly.

JULIE ROSS, ST. PAUL

• • •

I feel it is time the American Civil Liberties Union released a statement regarding the screening measures. If this is something people personally object to, they need to raise their voices in opposition and let elected officials know that it is completely wrong for security screeners to treat people like they have just been arrested for a crime before one has been committed.

If the TSA insists on keeping these measures, then I suggest the Department of Homeland Security create a database of people (mostly U.S. citizens) who are unlikely to commit violent crimes and issue special cards that allow them to bypass security checkpoints. If I were proposing something like this, I would require that applicants undergo an extensive background check, fill out a questionnaire and go through a personal interview. This process would hopefully weed out the few criminals who could disrupt air travel.

DAN WICHT, FRIDLEY

• • •

Go through the airport security checkpoints with a smile on your face and a sense of humor. It will go much easier for you and for the screener.

And anybody who doesn't want to be scanned or receive a pat-down has an option: drive.

TIM GREFE, BUTTERFIELD, MINN.

The prevalence of overweight and obesity in our children is a national crisis. For the first time in the history of our nation the next generation will lead shorter and sicker lives. Diseases like Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disorders, once unthinkable in children, are increasingly pediatric diagnoses. It is essential that the CNR, which impacts the nutrition and health of so many children every day, recognize and respond to this public health, and, yes, national security, crisis. Thank you for bringing this to the attention of Minnesotans.

ANN ERICKSON, BOARD MEMBER, MINNESOTA DIETETIC ASSOCIATION

• • •

Your editorial neglected to mention that the Senate is proposing to take money away from food stamps to pay for the program. What this means is that the Senate plans to take away funds already allocated for children's dinners to pay for their breakfasts and lunches at school. This does not make sense! The nutrition bill in the House would do much more to strengthen feeding programs without cutting food stamp benefits.

JUDY WAESCHLE, WAYZATA

The cost of such screening was not clarified. Although insurance companies now emphasize their coverage of preventive services, not all cardiovascular screening is included. For instance, X-ray scanning for calcium in the heart, and mobile unit screening procedures, often advertised locally by commercial screening services, are not covered by insurance and are charged directly to the patient. Our Rasmussen Center screening program at the University of Minnesota utilizes approved procedures that are routinely billed to the patient's insurance. The cost of this screening is usually fully borne by health insurance.

It is critical that the benefits of screening for early detection of disease that can be effectively treated not be discouraged by cost. The health care system's savings from preventing heart attacks will far outweigh the cost of the screening.