Profiling

Submitted by Steve in Boston (United States), Jan 4, 2005 at 16:45

As with most Americans, I find the idea of profiling both horrifying, yet necessary.

Profiling in itself, is one of the most important tools available to law enforcement. Misused, it can be an extremely damaging weapon.

If a the suspect in a crime is a caucasian male, of the catholic religion, investigators do not look at any other race or religion, and the majority of any citizenship would find this acceptable.

If the suspect is a black or even asian male, of the muslim religion, again, very few would cry foul if only black and/or asian muslim males were considered suspects.

It is only when Arab decent muslim males are considered suspect, that we hear the outrage.

Fact: 100% of the trade center bombers were muslim, and 100% of them were of Arab decent.

Fact: 100% of the various suicide bombers running around killing indescrimantly are muslim and of Arab decent.

I don't understand why the outrage of "profiling" muslims whenever there is a threat purported to come from any of the dozens extremist muslim groups that are popping up everywhere. Please note that I am not saying that the extremists are the norm in the muslim society, they are the aberration, rather than the norm.

I'm also NOT saying that its OK to automatically suspect every single muslim male, however, in order to find potential suspects, the race/sex/religion that fit the "general description" of the suspects at large do bear the burden of being "looked at".

The idea of relocation camps, while very necessary in the 1940's, is not necessary now. Technology has replaced that need. Investigations can be conducted quickly, bank records, etc., can be examined in the blink of an eye. So, I can not see any reason whatsoever, for the establishment of relocation camps, ever, ever, again, but do insist that they were a necessary "evil" 60 years ago.

I do, however, see the need, and completely support the profiling system, as long as it is STRICTLY MONITORED for abuses, etc. It is a very necessary tool, and if used properly, will not infringe on anyone's rights, beyond the mere annoyance of being "looked at".

As some great person of relevance once said (not a direct quote, just one from my aging memory): It is better that 10 guilty men go free, than 1 innocent man be convicted.. or words to that effect. As an 8 yr military veteran, I believe this with all my heart.

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