Civil rights and commercial gridlock in the Age of Terror

Submitted by Art Frank (United States), Aug 11, 2006 at 15:15

First guns, then shoes, then knives, now liquids and gels. How many millions of dollars will our citizens need to pay out daily in time, added cost, and taxes for added security? And that's just at airports!

What happens if we uncover a similar plot at a sports arena, county fair, concert, subway, cruise ship, or museum? Our entire commercial system could slow down dramatically as the inconveniences take their toll and people shy away from the added time needed to enjoy everyday things. Public and private facilities will have metal detectors, cameras, dogs, and people looking into purses and checking our pockets.

The only way out of this nightmare scenario that I can think of is to immediately amend the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to take into consideration changed circumstances - namely terrorism and terrorists. We know that 99% (+/-) of global terrorism is carried on by Muslims - primarily Arab Muslims. With that much, at least, known, should it be necessary to delay blue-eyed blondes, gray-haired ladies, blacks, Asians, Latinos, priests, or caucasian students? So why do we do it? Part of the answer, I assume, is our Civil Rights Act and our fear of offending anyone by any act of discrimination.

I don't think it's necessary to suspend or even deny anyone's civil rights. No one needs to be "denied" the right to fly. A simple amendment acknowledging reality in today's age of terror should be enough to keep all commerce flowing smoothly with only minor delays (not restrictions) to 1-2% of our population.

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