Rational Nation USA

by: Les Carpenter Rational Nation USA Liberty -vs- Tyranny Huge hat tip to The republican Mother . Visit The republican Mother for spot on commentary on the intrusive nature of the TSA . It is disgusting that our government sanctions this BS.

by: Les Carpenter Rational Nation USA Birthplace of Independent Conservatism Liberty -vs- Tyranny There are may reasons to support Representative Ron Paul for president. Here is one more reason. The Examiner reporting. Republican presidential candidate Rep. Ron Paul (R-Tex.) has once more called for the privatization of airport security amidst the “appalling treatment” travelers receive at airports, in the latest post on the congressman’s “Texas Straight Talk” blog. “The press reports are horrifying,” Paul wrote. “Ninety-five-year-old women humiliated, children molested, disabled people abused. Men and women subjected to unwarranted groping and touching of their most private areas, and involuntary radiation exposure.” Paul mentioned a piece of legislation he will introduce this week — The American Traveler Dignity Act - that will address his concerns about airport security and personal privacy. The act, in essence, would hold Transportaion Safety Administration (TSA) em...

by: Les Carpenter Rational Nation USA The slow indoctrination continues. Objectively it is fine to pat down, or subject travelers to full body scans according to Janet Napolitano of Homeland Security. Soon we will witness the same on every form of public transportation. It is only a matter of time. From the Hill this Sunday morning. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said Sunday that controversial new airport security procedures are likely to remain in place since they have been effective. Some airline passengers and lawmakers have objected to the new Transportation Security Administration (TSA) policy, which includes full-body scans and pat-downs. Asked on CNN's "State of the Union" if anything is going to change with the pat-down program, Napolitano said, "Not for the foreseeable future." The secretary called the procedures "objectively safer" for airline passengers and said they are part of a broader security strategy that in...

by: Les Carpenter Rational Nation USA I intentionally stayed away from writing my thoughts on the TSA's recently acquired groping rights and the invasion of privacy that full body scanners represent. A myriad of fellow conservative bloggers did a fine and thorough job covering the unwarranted statist intrusion into the lives of individual Americans.. Suffice it to say I am an avowed opponent of both measures. However, when I stumbled upon the following video while doing some research on the web I decided I simply had to break my silence, albeit belatedly. This video {and catchy tune} sums it up well. h/t Rebirth of Reason

It is hard to believe nowadays, but the words libertarian and liberal both have roots in the word liberty.  Roger Cohen is the rare American liberal who still stands up for our constitutionally protected rights, while casting a jaundiced eye on the government that is supposed to protect them. Mr. Cohen has written an excellent article criticizing airport security, big government, and the damage they are doing to our society.  All excerpts are from his NY Times article, The Real Threat to America . Like most of us, he doesn't see government as evil, but more as a blundering behemoth that tramples our rights while trying to "save" us. He also displays an understanding of human nature that our founders displayed when they crafted our divided and limited government... Give a bureaucrat a big stick and a big budget, allow said bureaucrat to trade in the limitless currency of human anxiety, and the masses will soon be intimidated by the Department of Fear....

by: Les Carpenter Rational Nation USA Congressman Ron Paul once again standing up {and doing something} on behalf of the beleaguered American  citizen. Supporting them and addressing the ridiculous statism that threatens our very liberties. Congressmen Paul introduced HR 6414 on November 17th following the TSA's use of  intrusive full body scans and pat downs. The belief these measures will prevent  terrorism or insure a safer more secure nation is at best just wishful thinking. HR 6414: A BILL – HR 6416 To ensure that certain Federal employees cannot hide behind immunity. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. NO IMMUNITY FOR CERTAIN AIRPORT SCREENING METHODS. No law of the United States shall be construed to confer any immunity for a Federal employee or agency or any individual or entity that receives Federal funds, who subjects...