http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20060811/ts_nm/security_newyork_dc_2

Another blow to civil librerty, freedom and privacy. The U.S. Second Circuit Court of Appeals disagreed with a lower court decision that random bag searches are unconstitutional. Interesting that this reversal happended so soon of the terror plot was shut down in the UK. In fact the court cited this recent event.

The fact is random searches do nothing to deter potential terrorist acts. It does, however, clearly violate the 4th amendment of the US Constitution ( http://www.usconstitution.net/const.html#Am4 ) If you have ever ridden the NY subways you would see why this is ineffective. There are so many people and it is so crowded that it is just way too easy to avoid these random searches: a) potential terrorist sees the line of people getting searched so he just walks the other way b) he just waits until the cops leave c) he just presses the trigger right then and there. 

One of the funny, but sad, statements is this one from a spokeswoman for the city law department, quote "The program enhances the safety of millions of New York City subway riders," ...ha!   Please... give me break.

I leave with the immortabl words of Ben Franklin "Those who would give up Essential Liberty to purchase a little Temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety. "

Amen Benjamin!