Greetings Regular Joes,
Over the holidays, as I traveled and visited with friends and family, I was often challenged with how much I should say. Since there’s so much I perceive going on in the country, and the world for that matter, it can be a bit overwhelming when I get on a rant. This is especially true for those who really don’t have a clue as to what’s going on around them.
When this happens I try to prioritize. What’s the most important thing I could tell them? What do they need most? What will help them most?
With me, this often involves some sort of discussion about salvation, the Bible and their relationship with God. However, though I am a bit of a Bible thumper, there are other ways I can help them as well. With this in mind, I usually talk to them about the economy, hoping to slip in just enough insight to help them see ways that they can take personal control of their financial well being. Most of the time this involves encouragement to buy silver, at least today. If silver goes up, or gold goes down, then I would prod them toward gold. And I might even mention palladium or platinum as well, since both still appear to represent excellent opportunities.
Sometimes the discussion moves to security, deteriorating rights, unconstitutional practices of our central government, border patrol and, of course, the TSA. Our Regular Joes have had opportunity to read about some of the actions of the TSA, and so are warned about what may happen when they fly the friendly skies. With this in mind I began my recent trip with a certain degree of trepidation.
In order to try to maintain some sense of anonymity, as well as protect TSA agents that still possess dignity, I’ll not mention dates, towns or names. Suffice it to say that I flew between a small town and medium to large city. In the small town security was good, but basically a non-event. Other than my bag being searched, which was really quite silly, nothing other than the customary removal of shoes, keys and other pieces of property that might set off the metal detector, it was quite uneventful. But leaving the city actually was even better. The agents smiled at the passengers, and actually even made eye contact while talking to them [gasp]. Though the metal detector was a little more sensitive, prompting me to be more thorough in metallic removal, the experience was really quite tame.
I have yet to experience the dehumanizing effect that my friends faced when they left the land of the free for what may have been the last time. And I certainly hope to never be confronted with such treatment, though I have experienced it at some level already.
I have to admit that I wondered to myself if it really was all that bad. But all it takes is to remind ourselves that it’s not the security, per se, but the invasive treatment, both physically and psychologically, that is the travesty. The idea of being treated as guilty until proven innocent should boil the blood of any red blooded American.
The steps are being taken by Homeland Security, in the name of keeping us safe in the war on terror, to spot check innocent American citizens even as they traverse the country. What will you do when pulled over by TSA or Homeland Security agents and asked to produce your papers? Perhaps the local Sheriff will do his job and protect you from the destruction of your constitutional rights. Maybe it’s time we started talking to local law enforcement in order to find out whose side they’re on. In the case of the Sheriff, our votes can help in that decision.
It’s a lot to think about. But it’s better to think than not.
Kind regards,
Another Joe
