European Union delays scanner

European Union (EU) lawmakers are delaying the introduction of full body scanners, which are machines that generate images of airline passengers. The cause for controversy is that these machines generate images of the airline passengers without their clothing, thus giving the machine operator a view of the person’s naked body. The cause for delay is due to the implications for the privacy and health of the passengers. The European Commission, the executive branch of the EU, supports the implementation of these machines, and these machines have been tested around the world and the USA. Proponents claim that these machines are a faster and less intrusive form of searching a passenger when compared to frisking or strip-searching. Opponents say that these machines, because they show you completely naked, are an offense against human dignity.

Obama campaign plans major celebration in Chicago

With the presidential election just over a week away, the Obama campaign has begun preparations for a large celebration to be held in Grant Park in Chicago, Illinois. This location is where Barack Obama, the Democratic presidential nominee, hopes to declare his victory over John McCain and Sarah Palin, the GOP rivals on the night of November 4. The Chicago Sun-Times has reported that the price tag for the night is around $2 million, which will be paid for by the Obama campaign. The campaign plans on having the event be free to attend, but will charge media for “prime seating” and Internet access.