Privacy vs Security?

With all the bomb threats going around, it is  of little wonder most people feel threatened. Recently, at an american airport, a traveller kicked up a fuss when he was asked to submit to "patting down" (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/airport_security). According to him, the security checks carried out at airports are superficial and just another means to invade personal privacy. So far he has attracted so many supporters on the internet with some people even going as far as printing tshirts, hats, etc with the words of his refusal stamped on them. But the irony is, are these not the same people that protested/complained to the government for tightening of security checks? It seems people want good security but everything comes at a price or expense of something. So what is it ging to be? Do we all cherish our privacy much more than a life and death situation? I agree the current checks in place are  very rigorous to the point of insulting but is that not what we all need? To feel safe? Another controversy that people argue about is the fact that even as the security belts have been tightened, it does not make any difference as the terrorists still manage to slip through "unapparent cracks". This is definitely not reassuring and in my opinion calls for an even tighter security than as it is at present. If one has not got anything to hide, then it should not be a problem.