Originally Posted by
TSORon
Sorry TK, not buying. Just to say that they (we) are breaking the law is not enough, specifically which laws? Please, don’t toss the 4th amendment at me, we both know better, and besides the cite would not be specific enough.
I had some small hope when I first saw this thread appear, for a reasonable discussion on the topic. While it has not gotten all that unreasonable, it has not stayed on-topic. I’d like to see it get back on topic, because this is the same direction I was trying to go with the thread I started and got so badly derailed by folks who wanted to split hairs and avoid the scope of the thread.
The truth hurts, doesn't it, Ron?
The simple fact is your OWN LAWYERS know that TSA is basically operating under the concept that until a court says no, TSA will essentially do as it pleases, the letter and spirit of the Constitution be damned.
DHS is no better. I've been in interagency meetings where DHS reps inevitably start pontificating with statements such as "if we don't do this (insert stupid operation/program here) NOW, BAD THINGS will happen." Invariably, when asked to produce a threat assessment that would justify their latest great idea, they can't, and are pushed back into their box.
Shortly after 9/11, early versions of the Patriot Act (bad name, I know) were circulating around DOJ. They were
horrid, and certain specific provisions wouldn't have survived the first challenge. However, saner heads prevailed, and thanks to the fact that in our Department there are people who take their jobs and responsibility seriously, the unconstitutional provisions were stripped before the bill went to Capitol Hill. Yes, I know, some of you still object to it, but the last time I checked, it was still intact - I know of no major provision that has been successfully challenged in court.
You work for an agency and department that is essentially out of control when it comes to responsible strewardship of our civil liberties. I'd no more trust a DHS assessment of same than I would a North Korean promise their nuclear facilities were benign.