DUI checkpoints violate rights

The details surrounding the DUI checkpoint article (7/5, A-1, “Checkpoints result in low DUI arrest rates”) is an example of why we Americans have lost many of our freedoms.

Generally, the article debated the justification for DUI checkpoints based on two questions: Are DUI checkpoints cost-effective and productive enough? There should have been a much more important, third question: Are DUI checkpoints an unreasonable infringement upon innocent citizens’ constitutional rights?

In a society that promises lawful citizens maximum freedom, which American did at one time, if there is no evidence to connect you to a crime, then the police should have absolutely no power over you.

A free society does not allow, even for a good cause, the police to order you to stop so they can “investigate” you to see if perhaps you have committed a yet-undiscovered crime. If such police behavior is allowed to continue, it will likely be expanded upon. This means that at some point the police will be able to stop you when walking on the street so that they can “investigate” you.

This is not the America I want to live in.

Larry McMeins
Olathe

Comments

[NoMoreMrNiceGuy]

I would move in a heartbeat, unfortunately thanks to fraud and libel being committed against me. I can not get a visa.

[Pub 17]

Not the America you want to live in? Good. Move, dimwit.

[NoMoreMrNiceGuy]

Responsibility is one thing but government is going to far. Why not simply sit outside bars, restaurants, casinos and check people before they get on in their vehicles or have a "public safety officer" at the exits to breath test each citizen? Why, because it's about revenue not safety or compliance of laws. Just like debtors prisons that are supposed to be illegal. Only SOME people are harnessed and their personal budgets mandated and confisctaed.
See for your self.

http://www.auditor.mo.gov/press/2007-59.htm

http://www.menstuff.org/issues/byissue/childsupport.html

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/921931479