Encrypting ADS-B would be like encrypting FM radio. Yeah, you can do it, but everyone and their mother will be able to buy a decrypter because it's a public utility. Encryption would only add complication and more opportunity for things to go wrong.

I can rent an ADS-B equipped plane from my local FBO for $130. I've been able to do this since about 2006. This way, I can track the 737's flying into BNA, and also have the option of flying into any other object within 300 miles. No iPhone needed (it's probably cheaper than an iPhone, too). Yes it's much ado about nothing, but how would we survive without something to ado about?

No, we don't need rational debate. The Nazis had debates. We (real) Americans just Know. And in the unlikely event we Don't know, we can just turn on the news and be informed.

This is why we can't have nice things.

High Five!