When I went to the airport to pick up my girlfriend, I parked in short term parking. They screened every car going in to the lot. It didn't bother me -- I was way, way early for her flight, and I didn't feel singled out. Even random checks wouldn't have bothered me -- they are a deterrent to those who would try to sneak a bomb in.
What it comes down to, really, is this: if you match a profile of someone who has killed or likely will kill, it is in your own interests that profiling be allowed. After all, it could be YOUR daughter that dies in the next terrorist attack.
However, I do believe that profiling ought to have some sort of justification, like a warrant of some sort. Maybe an affidavit signed by an FBI profiler, or something like that. I'm just trying to head off the civil rights objections, which are certainly reasonable.
I haven't thought through this issue completely, so I'm open to ideas. I of all people do not want to grant the Federal government undue power. I think profiling, done properly, can help stop terrorism without making the U.S. a police state. Am I being optimistic?
Optimistic,..... maybe. There seem to be so many people in the USA who would rather let the whole place blow up rather than have someone check their ID. Just as I was not offended back when they were looking for those kids, I'm still not offended when they're looking for those who would do us harm. I don't mind the idea of profiling and scanning at airports, etc., but I DON'T like the stories I'm hearing of young, middle eastern-looking men being passed right through, while bluehaired old ladies are practically strip searched. Profiling is fine; just do it to the right ones.