[AHerald]

Why does the viability of polygraph tests matter at all if the critical issue, as you see it, is the threat against the constitutional right of a citizen to remain silent? Are you saying that it'd be permissable to violate that constitutional right if polygraphs were more reliable?

Aaron

[George Maschke]

Why does the viability of polygraph tests matter at all if the critical issue, as you see it, is the threat against the constitutional right of a citizen to remain silent? Are you saying that it'd be permissable to violate that constitutional right if polygraphs were more reliable?

No, I'm saying that both are wrong. I think that the key problem here is clearly our government's unconstitutional power grab. Its reliance on voodoo science for national security is of secondary importance, but it is nonetheless important.

For more on how misplaced governmental reliance on polygraphy has harmed our national security (as well as how to fool the polygraph), see The Lie Behind the Lie Detector (1mb PDF).

[WorkerbeeCitizen]

"Are you saying that it'd be permissable to violate that constitutional right if polygraphs were more reliable? "

I think that once they became suspects, they lose some of their right. As citizens, they still have the right to counsel.If they wish to be citizens AND live in the States, they have the right to comply with the Stat Dept.