Precisely because it’s been an active topic, I’ve been thinking it over.
I despise any and all forms of government beyond those that are necessary (and even some of those are debateable). On the other hand, how is one to deny the sad fact that thanks to science, the contents of a briefcase can wipe out a big city? The contents of an unchecked container can start a world-ending chain reaction.
It’s not paranoia. There exist the means (anthrax, nuclear, biological), there exists the will (especially among an alarmingly high percentage of our lovely Muslim friends for whom death is not a deterrent, but a means to heavenly orgies).
Life, Liberty and the pursuit of happiness... come in proper order. I doubt the framers ever imagined that they would one day be in competition, that life would truly have to come first.
I don’t have an answer, but given the embarrassment of reality, I can understand the obsession for security among people who also hold their liberties dear.
Are the threats real? Do their time frames allow for due process?
Naturally one can see how politicians (or entire political credos) in bad faith, would just love to take advantage of security issues to increase their control. I’m torn, but the issue keeps coming back, because it’s inescapable.
“Naturally one can see how politicians (or entire political credos) in bad faith, would just love to take advantage of security issues to increase their control. I’m torn, but the issue keeps coming back, because it’s inescapable.”
You question almost answers itself...do you trust this current crop of politicians and panty waist senior military officials to apply these draconian dictates in a way that preserves the best balance between civil liberties and security?
The best options are to do what our early founders did...form well trained militias from amongst the responsible gun owners in this nation and to hold each private citizen more responsible for the saftey and security of this nation. The cops can’t be there all the time.