Can We Protect Our Borders And Our Rights At The Same Time?
Sometimes I feel like I’m speaking a different language than some of my fellow Americans.
Today was one such day.
The discussion on News Talk Online on Paltalk.com was about a government policy, kept hidden until it was revealed through a Freedom Of Information Act request, authorizing Customs agents to peruse the personal and business documents of any person entering the United States. And to make copies as well. In the name, of course, of national security.
Even my own online producer and show screener, Boaz Frankel, didn’t seem to get it when I suggested this is an invasive policy. One that takes away rights under the guise of protecting us from those who would, if they could, well, take away our rights.
The fear mongering over terrorism is becoming a bit frightening in and of itself.
Not that we shouldn’t be vigilant. Of course we should. Not that the threat isn’t real. Of course it is. But let’s just not willingly and voluntarily give up our rights in the name of protecting them.
One caller, Malik from Indianapolis, an attorney, points out that all persons in the United States are afforded Constitutional rights. That includes foreign nationals suspected of being terrorists.
While some Americans have a hard time wrapping their brains around that one, one would think they would at least recognize that the rights of U.S. citizens are protected by the Constitution.
Producer and political correspondent Alan Jasie painted a great picture when he said that, when he travels to nations that lack our freedoms, he’s always happy to know that he regains his Constitutional rights when he re-enters the United States. Regains them, it seems, only after his passport is stamped and the Customs agent says, “welcome to America.” Until then, the government seems willing to withhold his, and our rights. Just in case we may be carrying documents it may find interesting reading.
