whoa there, snoopy

We were just thinking we didn't really have anything interesting going on in our lives and didn't have anything to blog about, when we read this news article .  The article is about the fact that border and customs agents apparently have the right to seach the contents of laptop computers and other portable electronics when someone is crossing the border.

"Protecting the US from terrorism" they claim.  Uh, no.  We're not buying that one.  It's one thing to search for bombs and weapons, but the read through your email and check what web sites you visit?

"Just like searching for other contraband" they say.  Well, maybe.  But only if you're looking for very specific things.  Child pornography, illegal media files.  But what do my financial records really tell you?

"It's just like searching a briefcase" they respond.  Now, really.  When a customs agent searches a briefcase, what do they do?  Open it up and glance through it to see if it contains something other than paper and a calculator?  Or read through every document in there?

Then there is our favorite line of the article: "You forgo your right to privacy when you are seeking admission into the country," he [DHS spokesperson] says. "This is the kind of scrutiny the American public expects."   Really?  On both counts.  Customs agents aren't subject to the constitution?  As for what the public expects, we know at least one member of the American public who certainly doesn't expect that.  But then again, Jennifer always says "you can expect whatever you want...just realize you may very well be disappointed."