Thought of June 8, 2007
You know, I never really thought of it before, but, after reading this article:
Passports?! WeDunNeedNoStinkin'Passports!
I started thinking, "How will arming everybody with passports protect the United States from terrorist attacks?"
I mean, I know we're way past shouting, "The Emperor isn't wearing any clothes!" at the current American administration, but maybe there should be some kind of ongoing counter-campaign to anti-terrorist measures that at least asks what the point is of the latest regulation/requirement. Afterall, we're supposed to be the potential victims, here.
Although it's starting to feel more like we're the potential terrorists - isn't it?
Anyway, I just thought I'd throw that one out there today. I hadn't given it any thought until five minutes ago, but now that I have I can't see that passports - particularly ones obtained under "relaxed" conditions - are going to have much of an effect on terrorism one way of the other.
"Yabbut, it says here he APPLIED for a passport. A terrorist wouldn't APPY for a passport. Everybody knows that. That's why we have this sytem."
And sure, arming everybody with passports is inconvenient and expensive and will encourage less travel and more bureaucracy, but once all is said and done, will passports counter terrorism and make the whole excercise in frustration and hoop jumping worth it?
I vote, "No." But, of course, I would say that wouldn't I. Because I don't have a passport and now I have to get one - since I realize it's only a matter of time before I'll need one to travel WITHIN Canada - maybe even to get a job or rent a car or buy a new pair of shoes.
Just because.
