233. Preaching to the choir. (I hope!)

Writing poll questions must be very difficult. Take, for instance, this question from Zogby's poll today:

Are you more likely or less likely to join a neighborhood watch since the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001?
More likely? Less likely? Have joined one already? Not sure?

"Neither more nor less" was not a choice and my answer.

These questions paint a very scary picture. I hope they aren't a foreshadowing of events:

For each of the following methods that may be employed to combat terrorism, indicated whether would you favor or oppose allowing these methods if it meant increased protection from terrorist acts:

Allowing your purse, handbag, briefcase, backpack, or packages to be searched at random anywhere (e.g. while shopping, entering and exiting public buildings, etc.)
Favor? Oppose? Not sure?

Allowing your car to be searched at random? Allowing your mail to be searched at random? Allowing your telephone conversations to be monitored? Allowing regular roadblocks to search vehicles?
Favor? Oppose? Not sure?

How much personal privacy are you willing to sacrifice, if it meant increased protection from terrorist acts?
All privacy? Some privacy? None?

The assumption that random searches will prevent terrorist attacks is without merit and proof. On 9/11 the high-jackers walked through metal detectors, and their luggage was x-rayed.

The CIA, FBI, police, and every other law enforcement or authorized terrorist-chaser can legally search our personal property, listen to our conversations, and read our mail. That is IF they are given probable cause.

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.
The 4th Amendment of our Constitution

I think the 4th Amendment is pretty damn clear!

Let's say that 50% of Americans buy into the bullshit that surrendering our liberties will make us safe from future terrorist attacks. That still doesn't make it right or legal. It simply means that propaganda won, and 50% were manipulated with fear.