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NY to search Bags

Discussion in 'Political Debate & Discussion' started by raunhawk, Jul 23, 2005.

  1. raunhawk

    raunhawk New Member

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    What is your take on NY Citys new policy of searching every 5th bag or so of those who want to use mass transit?
     
  2. One View

    One View New Member

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    I prefer profiling in addition to random checks.
     
  3. raunhawk

    raunhawk New Member

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    I think that if there is no probable cause, it is not legal.
     
  4. raunhawk

    raunhawk New Member

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    I think if someone looks like they are middle eastern, and either are suspicious looking or carrying a suspicious bag they should be searched. That I think is probable cause.
     
  5. StefanM

    StefanM Well-Known Member
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    I would say that it is indeed legal. Now, if city authorities were searching people willy-nilly on the streets (or even more grievously, in their homes), this would be a violation of the Constitution. Nevertheless, one does not have a constitutional right to ride the subway, and that is why I see no constitutional reason to object.
     
  6. church mouse guy

    church mouse guy Well-Known Member
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    I wish that we did it here in Indianapolis. I have doubts about the loyalty of the Nation of Islam, such a dominant force politically and economically in Indianapolis and very dangerous.
     
  7. Daisy

    Daisy New Member

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    There's really not a lot of choice - not many people own cars (the city strongly discourages it) and most people do not live within walking distance of work or school. Most people also carry backpacks or briefcases (if you don't have a car, you have to carry what you'll need for the day). It would be pretty aggravating to miss the train and be late for work or an exam just for being "radomly selected" for a search.

    I detest flying now for that reason - no matter how early you arrive for the regular searches, you can still almost miss the plane if you get pulled from boarding for a random search.

    Raunhawk - I take it you're a waspy-looking guy?
     
  8. Joseph_Botwinick

    Joseph_Botwinick <img src=/532.jpg>Banned

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    It would be pretty aggravating to miss the train and be late for work or an exam just for being "radomly selected" for a search. </font>[/QUOTE]I am guessing it would be even more aggrevating to be blown up on that subway to work or to a test. Then, your family would be looking for compensation from the Subway system and the government and whining about how the government did not do enough to keep you safe.

    Stefan is correct. There is no Constitutional right to ride the Subway.

    Joseph Botwinick
     
  9. KenH

    KenH Well-Known Member

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    I approve of the searching.
     
  10. raunhawk

    raunhawk New Member

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    If Gov't officials are doing the searching than it is a violation of your rights.
     
  11. Joseph_Botwinick

    Joseph_Botwinick <img src=/532.jpg>Banned

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    It is not a violation of anyone's rights as folks are given the choice to not be searched. They just are not allowed to ride the Subway, and as has been mentioned before, you have no constitutional right to ride a subway.

    Joseph Botwinick
     
  12. StefanM

    StefanM Well-Known Member
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    The searches are inconvenient, but convenience should not trump security. It would be convenient not to be required to take a drivers test in order to drive, but it would not be safe.

    I do sympathize with those affected by additional security measures, but it is an unavoidable problem. I would suggest getting to the subway earlier, even though it would be aggravating.

    The reason the searches are not a violation of constitutional rights--They are voluntary.
     
  13. LadyEagle

    LadyEagle <b>Moderator</b> <img src =/israel.gif>

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  14. JamesBell

    JamesBell New Member

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    I hope that everyone will remember we are currently AT WAR with people that want to kill innocent people. It has been but a few years since the WTC stood tall, yet people have already let that slip behind them.

    From a Constitutional stand, there is no argument. The government has the primary responsibility of protecting its citizens. It has been shown that dangerous items are being brought into mass transit systems. Thus, searches are being done. If a person can't buy a car, won't walk to their destination, and doesn't want to be searched there are still two options. First, don't carry a bag. Ensure you can carry everything you will need. Second, get a cab. Either one will prevent a random search from being done on you. In either event, you don't have the right to not be searched in this situation, so no liberty is being sacrificed.

    Personally, I wish EVERY passanger on EVERY bus, train, subway, etc. would be searched before they could climb aboard.
     
  15. LadyEagle

    LadyEagle <b>Moderator</b> <img src =/israel.gif>

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    But, James Bell, we are not fighting a war. If we were, 10,000 plus illegal aliens would not be coming through our porous borders every day. That is not counting the thousands up thousands of people who have overstayed their visas and are now here illegally. And we have a President who has refused to deport over 30,000 illegal aliens who are Middle Eastern males.

    The government is mandated by the US Constitution to defend and protect our borders (there is nothing in the Constitution about searching bags). The government has failed and continues to fail us miserably, even knowing the risks they are subjecting us to.

    It is ridiculous to criticize the UK for lax immigration policies (as I've heard on cable news), when our own immigration policies are just as lax, if not worse. Searching bags will not stop homicide bombers. They will just resort to bomb belts like they use in Israel, or, if turned away from the turnstyle, walk into a bank or restaurant or store or crowd of people and blow themselves up.

    All this expense delegated to searching bags will not reduce the threat of homicide bombers. But it is designed to make people "feel safer" while ignoring the real issues and covering up the failure of elected officials to buckle down and do what the Constitution says they are to do.
     
  16. church mouse guy

    church mouse guy Well-Known Member
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    England needs a Patriot Act.

    They can search my backpack.

    Let's close the borders to the illegal deportation of Mexican and Canadian people by their respective ruthless governments.
     
  17. Daisy

    Daisy New Member

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    The chances of being blown up are, what, astronomical? The chances of being late to work, possibly fired, are nearly certain, if you are the one detained. The chances that a bomber, asked by the police to submit to a search, would agree, possible (I would not bet on the bomber being bright or rational). Chances the bomber would simply choose to use a different, unguarded entrance? Better than average.

    Random searches are intrusive and a waste of limited and expensive police resources.

    The right to use public accommodations - which are paid for mainly by taxes?
     
  18. TexasSky

    TexasSky Guest

    You are searched before you get on an Airplane.
    You are searched before you enter major amusement parks.
    Some schools search backpacks before they come into a room.

    If you don't want to be searched - don't ride the subway.

    If you have something to hide, or something you would be ashamed of being seen with - you shouldn't have it.
     
  19. Daisy

    Daisy New Member

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    Which is also mostly bogus. You pack everything just right, but after the goons get through, everything is in disarray and wrinkled. Some things get "lost" during the search when you have your back turned away from your luggage.
    Really? I've never been. But that is private enterprise, not a necessity.
    Yeah, and you can't use the restroom without permission. Kids' rights are very limited.

    It's the only way to get to work for many people. The only way, execpt a $65, hour & a half taxi ride (plus the half hour wait for the taxi to come).

    It's the principle - the 4th amendment right to protection against unreasonable search. Plus the harrassment and inconvenience. What I have in my bag is simply none of your business.

    Would you like to be subject to random searches going about your daily business? Why not allow the police "random searches" of your house - if you've got nothing to hide, why not? :rolleyes:
     
  20. carpro

    carpro Well-Known Member
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    Maybe they're looking for contractors who are no better than "hired guns" and "killers" that deserve to die anyway. Preferrably beheaded.

    Right, Daisy?
     
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