Problem is, they can keep you hanging around infinitum until they get a warrant. So, if you’ve got nothing to hide. why not? There’s a very thin line between “principle of the thing” and just plain foolishness.
This is the "very thin line" of which you speak ...
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized. - U.S. Constitution: Fourth Amendment
by not standing up for the "“principle of the thing” and allowing the search because "they can keep you hanging around infinitum" ... is no different than the idiot students that said they would give up their right to vote for an Ipod...
you are simply willing to give up another "right" in favor of reward or convienience.
“Problem is, they can keep you hanging around infinitum until they get a warrant. So, if you’ve got nothing to hide. why not? There’s a very thin line between “principle of the thing” and just plain foolishness.”
Do you really think they’ll be able to get a warrant? In most cases, as stated before, they’re fishing.
And, there is NOT a thin line between principle and foolishness. It is foolishness to assume that there is. Our rights, as granted us by God are priceless. Don’t lose them by not standing up for them. Men have shed their blood preserving them. The least we can do is embrace them.
They better be able to document and back up their probable cause for suspecting me of something. Otherwise, I don't intend to wait around and it's their problem not mine.
It's called the laziness line, and if more of us refused to cross it, this crap would cease.