Remember Fourth Amendment

I congratulate your editorial staff on their missive of Nov. 19 regarding “modest traveler inconveniences.” It is rare indeed to see a highly educated group so thoroughly ignore the inherent debate between national security and our constitutional rights.

The editorial staff does remember the U.S. Constitution?

It includes a number of high-minded ideals that our citizenry supposedly believes in. Like this chestnut: The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.”

When our constitutional rights are potentially violated it is important to foster healthy public debate about the issue. Yet your editorial completely ignores the pertinent questions: Does purchase of an airplane ticket give probable cause? Are a thorough patting down and revealing photos unreasonable searches? Etc.

The editorial staff would do well to stand up for the Fourth Amendment; it is as worthy of defense as the First, guaranteeing freedom of the press.

Darrell Keim

Moscow