Chan Lowe: The new security policy
While the Obama administration, in a nod to the base, is splitting hairs over whether or not its new "intelligence-based" terrorist screening system is profiling, that's what it's beginning to look like.
Physical characteristics, where they're from... if those are going to be the criteria, then let's cut the doublespeak.
It used to be that we could afford the luxury of treating everyone as an equal threat, but with limited resources, and the consequences of a system failure so catastrophic, it may be time to rethink whether it's worth sacrificing Lower Manhattan just to ensure that someone's feelings don't get hurt.
If little old church ladies in tennis shoes had been found to be the preponderant cohort of those who performed terrorist acts, then it would make sense to single them out for special treatment. The innocent little old ladies who were searched unnecessarily would no doubt be grateful that we had focused our efforts on the most likely suspects.
I think many of us, in a perfect world, would wish to preserve the dignity of certain groups, and not ask that they be temporarily humiliated for the sins of a few among them.
In this imperfect world, how many of us are willing to risk our lives and those of our loved ones to defend that principle?
CHAN LOWE has been the Sun Sentinel’s first and only editorial cartoonist for the past twenty-six years. Before that, he worked as cartoonist and writer for the Oklahoma City Times and the Shawnee (OK) News-Star.
Comments
I almost fainted when I saw your cartoon and read your incredibly correct point of view.
So this is what happens when a bed-wetting liberal finally succombs to logical thinking!
There's hope for you yet, Chan.
Posted by: Al Sharptongue | April 2, 2010 6:01 PM
Hey Chan, you feeling okay?? Your starting to use logic, that's not like you.
All this politically Correct garbage will be the end of this country if we keep it up.
If you don't want to upset your base you better do another Bush is Satan cartoon for Monday.
Posted by: Pointman870 | April 3, 2010 12:42 AM
Chan says,
Pointman, you and folks like "Al" are my base, and, as always, I'm grateful to you for being so faithful to the blog.
Happy Easter!
Posted by: Chan | April 3, 2010 7:14 AM
I can't believe it......I had to rub my eyes when I read this one. I knew there was still hope for you, Chan! Good job!
Lorraine? Your input please??
Posted by: Barry O. | April 3, 2010 9:46 AM
Profiling has never been so much a problem, except when it is used as an excuse for abuse. We must remember we are profiling PEOPLE, and not accept the treatment of anyone as animals.
Posted by: concierge | April 3, 2010 10:29 AM
BARRY O
Hey=Maybe some of those "grannie's" will get a cheap thrill of being "patted down."...Let's not deny them their "Grey-Power."...Equal rights to the cartoon,Maxine..Of course she might want to hit you over the head with her cane--Or, run you over with her walker.Ho-Ho.! !
Posted by: Lorraine Wagner | April 3, 2010 10:50 AM
Totally agree, Chan...excellent point.
Posted by: TJF | April 3, 2010 1:20 PM
I completely agree. The irony is that political correctness and lobbying power also prevent us from doing anything about the one place where little old ladies really do pose a threat - behind the wheel of a car.
Posted by: Ben | April 3, 2010 1:40 PM
Don't let Chan fool you. If GW were in charge, it would be a whole different story. The facts haven't changed, only the prizm through which these Libs are looking.
Posted by: dave | April 5, 2010 11:25 AM
Say it ain't so joe!
You mean it's OK to profile? You know, I always said: "when a romanian straps a bomb and blows himself out I'm all for searching all romanians" and I've been called names I can not write them here. You mean to tell me I was right all along?
Posted by: Drajeu | April 6, 2010 1:52 PM
In the sport's culture now, success is measured with shoe commercials and video game covers. Beautiful and fashionable young people theme of the
times! And I like sports shoes! Casual Wear!
Posted by: Cheap Jordans | April 10, 2010 5:44 AM