I’ve never heard that quote, but I don’t like it one bit.
First, I don’t like how he brought the issue of “deserving” into it. Eff that: everyone deserves; we’re all God’s children.
Second, I think it’s ludicrous to suggest that we haven’t given up some liberty for some security. I don’t have the freedom to murder you, and my restricted freedom on that point does provide you with security. That’s what society is all about… did Benjamin Franklin not read anyone’s state of nature?
So, like you said, the question is about finding a balance between liberty and security, but that’s a tough question to answer. I mean, my answer is “a perfect balance,” but that’s probably everyone’s answer. How do I qualify mine?
I, personally, am perfectly willing to have a person in a remote room look at an anonymous picture of my naked body for the sake of a safe airplane ride.
Also, I think it’s significant that this is an optional thing. It’s not like in order to live in society you have to ride in planes. If you don’t want to get scanned, avoid airports. If you work a job that requires riding on planes and you don’t want to get scanned, quit and find a new job, just like anyone else who suddenly doesn’t want to do something involved in their job. Luckily, we live in under a government that allows such a life-change.
For that very reason (optional), airport scanners are a massively far cry from 1984. Like you said, the security measures in 1984 were mandatory. No one could opt out of them or avoid them.
Frankly, I think personal liberty is overestimated. Obviously, I am not in favour of a 1984-type scenario; nor am I in favour of risking despotism, or living under a conservative theocracy; but personal liberty has run amok in North America. We forget we live in a society of people. Our so-called “autonomy” is a very bad joke. It’s important to talk about rights/liberty but responsibilities/safety are just as important.