With so many people traveling for the holidays, the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) has been in the media spotlight. In addition to being sued, it has received various complaints concerning their security policies.

These criticisms are ridiculous. I understand that it may not seem like the United States faces threats, specifically with regard to air travel. You hear more about LeBron James playing in Cleveland wearing his Miami jersey than about substantial news.

However, threats to air travel are real. Richard Reid attempted to blow up an American Airlines flight with explosives in his shoe. Umar Abdulmutallab tried to blow up a Northwest Airlines flight with plastic explosives in his underwear. And recently, explosives were detected on a cargo flight hidden in ink toner.

So, here is my question to those who complain: Would you rather face the possibility of going through a full body scan, taking your shoes off (I know it’s a lot to ask) and possibly being exposed to a device searching for explosive residue? Or would you prefer to take the risk of an air hijacking or explosives detonating that could kill you and hundreds of others if or when the plane falls?

I think I know your answer. If I’m wrong, then you need to consider the safety of those around you.

If another attack would occur, which I pray it never does, many of those who gripe about TSA security would be just as loud and quick in saying the TSA was not proactive and is at fault for not taking threats seriously.

Many of the complaints revolve around the Fourth Amendment, which affirms the “right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures…” This amendment aims at protecting those in the midst of a criminal investigation that would ultimately lead to a suspect’s prosecution. This is shown through the exclusionary clause, which acts as an enforcement to this amendment.

It is not aimed at airports, where passengers voluntarily subject themselves to searches. Airport security is not focused on solving crime; instead, its goal is to prevent planes from exploding.

If you truly feel that your intrinsic and unalienable rights are violated by the TSA checking for dangerous explosives, please do not subject yourself to those security checks. Try driving, taking a boat or train to your desired destination, or just stay put.