12 Sep
2001
12 Sep
'01
5:36 a.m.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Sellam Ismail" <foo(a)siconic.com>
To: <classiccmp(a)classiccmp.org>
Sent: Wednesday, September 12, 2001 11:08 AM
Subject: Re: OT- Re: World Trade Crash and a bit about computers
I should have been more clear ... apparently ... I don't feel it's an
infringement on my liberty at all, letting them check inside my carry-on
luggage. I agree to such examination of the contents of my carry-on and person
when I sign up to travel by air.
The authorities check inside my briefcase and cause me to empty my pockets into
a tray for inspection every time I go into the courthouse. That's been the case
since the first day of the Neil Bush trial on 1/15/91. I used to carry a 1.25"
long "Swiss-Army" knife on my keychain, mainly for the nail-file and scissors.
I have to turn that in when I go to court, and reclaim it when I leave the
courthouse. It's probably a good thing, though, else I might have been tempted
to clip the judge's eyebrows ...
I'm not sure I understand what you mean, here.
On Wed, 12 Sep 2001, Richard Erlacher wrote:
<snip>
Perhaps we
don't all see it that way, but it could be argued.
Nonetheless, I don't feel that letting someone look in my carry-on
luggage to make sure I don't have guns, knives, bombs, etc. is a
reasonable infringement, partiticularly since I've effectively agreed
to allow this invasion of my privacy as part of the contract
associated with air travel.
I don't think it is a reasonable infringement either, but when they start
checking up my ass everytime I want to get on a plane, then I'll just stay
home.
I'm sure the "essential liberty" to
which Ben was referring didn't
include the liberty to be irresponsible or selfish to the extent that
it risks social order and encourages terrorists by overtly hiding them
in our midst.
Of course not, but it gets at another fundamental truth, which is that you
cannot solve the problem by hiding it under a bandage.
Sellam Ismail Vintage Computer Festival
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
International Man of Intrigue and Danger http://www.vintage.org