Border checks on highways in the vicinity of the Mexican border are a legitimate means of stemming illegal immigration — an issue that we should all be deeply concerned about and willing to assist with.
I can remember back to 1970 that this practice was in effect in New Mexico and South Texas, so it’s not a new phenomenon or a recent assault on liberty.
Ya know, they probably were hassling some WASPs just in order to show that hey, they aren’t PROFILING. But even they could see the BS in it, and just let the fellow go rather than have a public stink raised that could compromise the larger project.
You would be amazed at the number of people who appear to be true blue Americans also are schlepping illegals and contraband in the trunk of their car. Checkpoints do little to stem the tide and are generally a waste of resources since we have an open border and Homeland Security that won’t allow anything to be done with any illegals that may be found.
I can remember back to 1970 that this practice was in effect in New Mexico and South Texas, so it’s not a new phenomenon or a recent assault on liberty.
Being willing to assist with efforts to stem illegal immigration doesn't equate with throwing away our freedom. The federal government has authorized themselves to set up roadblocks anywhere within 150 miles of the border. That covers most of the populated areas in the country, including much of Northern New England. And the roadblocks do nothing to curb illegal immigration, but they do infringe on the rights of citizens to travel freely without delay or intimidation.
What point is there in stopping everybody on Interstate 91 south of White River Junction in Vermont? The last time I looked there were hundreds of roads and dozens of towns between that location and the Canadian border. And when is the last time you heard of Canadians sneaking through Vermont for jobs in the United States?
If you think checkpoints are really a legitimate means to enforce the law, then citizens should also be able to establish them, since we too have a right to defend the constitution and law and order. But do you really think that would pass muster with the founders?