Retread wrote on 10/19/12 at 07:16:15: If you are an enemy combatant, you are only due the rules under the Geneva convention, terrorists are enemy combatants, period.. They do not have the same rights as a citizen of this USA, habeas corpus does not apply, you do have the right to a military tribunal, but they can hold you as long as they want.
Terrorists or not they are legal, documented, US citizens and should be allowed all the rights as other US citizens. If you start allowing any leniency, and exceptions, it becomes a slippery slope.
You want to monitor all civilians? Start simple.
We'll only tag prisoners and repeat offenders. No one will object to that.
Now we'll do it on pets. It'll be great. Lose your dog, scan the microchip, found your dog. No objections there, right? Although I did object and did not chip my dog when I adopted her.
It sets a precedent. Give it time.
Look at seat belt laws. Don't worry about them. It's just a supplementary law. Oh, we'll never pull you over for just a seat belt violation but if we get you for something else we might tack it on. We'll probably just give you a warning, no real harm.
Now seat belt check points are as prevalent as DUI check points.
I wouldn't say it's entirely fear. I'd say it's covering every avenue. Planning for every possible outcome.
Plan for the worst, hope for the best.
--Steve