Click here: cantonrep.com The system itself is an abuse of freedom Monday, March 3, 2003 What was Congress thinking when it gave the federal government the authority to conduct background checks on everyone who buys an airline ticket? No doubt it was thinking about protecting Americans in the aftermath of 9/11. But Congress needs to rethink this draconian plan that will invade the privacy of millions of Americans and others for the sake of finding a relative handful of evildoers who are being pursued by more conventional means. The plan authorizes the government to build a nationwide computer system that will look at credit reports, bank accounts and other personal information for everyone who buys a commercial airline ticket. A test project begins this month. What has happened to federal officialsâ?? confidence in the airport and airline security measures that have been put in place since the terrorist attacks? What about the governmentâ??s efforts to disrupt financial supply lines to terrorists? Are these efforts, in fact, so inadequate that when you buy a ticket to visit Aunt Ann in Abilene, the government thinks something will be gained by looking at where your income comes from, how you spend it and whether you pay your bills on time? The government promises strict oversight of the information gathering, to avoid abuse. Nonsense. Abuse is inherent in any use of this system. This genie can never be put back in the bottle, and Americans who cherish their freedom should be plenty worried about letting it out. http://www.cantonrep.com/index.php?Category=3&ID=87613&r=0 http://www.cantonrep.com/index.php?Category=3&ID=87613&r=0 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Their opening statement is a very fitting description of credit scoring and reporting The END ************************* LB 59
