Scanning the Heavens

Why should I have to pay for my Fourth Amendment rights?

In March, the TSA announced that for $100 you can buy a “pre-check” pass to bypass the hassle of gropings, enhanced pat-downs, body scans, traveling without having to take off your jacket, your shoes, your tie.     Indeed, you could enjoy traveling like it was in 2000.  

Of course this is not just for anyone.  You have to meet unspecified criteria by the TSA (which I suspect means that my writings on Tumblr and Facebook preclude me), and BE INVITED by the Airlines.  

Sounds like a deal, for a measly $100.  That’s the cost of just four checked-bags on United or Delta. 

WAIT A SECOND.  HALT.  STOP.   ARE YOU KIDDING ME?   I have to pay to have my Fourth Amendment rights restored?  I have to pay to have the rights which were wrongfully stolen from me by the TSA - and done so without a warrant, and without even reasonable suspicion, never mind the actual constitutional standard of probable cause?

I cry foul.  I should not have to pay to have the constitutional rights that were endowed on me by virtue of my citizenship?   This is the latest in security theater - but now apparently if you are a frequent flier and willing to pony up a benjamin, you get a Disney-like Fast Pass.   I am sorry, but this stinks.    The TSA’s security theater has done nothing but create an illusion of security, and it is time that the American people demanded their rights back.     

Let’s start by a basic recitation.

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall be issued, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

Memorize it.    And demand it.    

• 24 April 2012
• 18