Homeland Security opening private mail

[DRZinn]

The government has a right (actually an obligation) to do whatever is necessary to secure the borders. That includes people and mail. Non-issue.

caveat: I mean, of course, whatever is necessary at the borders. IOW, make sure we know who and what is coming in.

“Isn’t it funny that this doesn’t appear to be any kind of surreptitious effort here,” he said.

Isn't it funny that they included a quote that is absolutely irrelevant to the story but makes the situation look more dire than it is? Would he prefer not to know that his mail has been opened?

 

[Wllm. Legrand]

The government has a right (actually an obligation) to do whatever is necessary to secure the borders. That includes people and mail. Non-issue.

caveat: I mean, of course, whatever is necessary at the borders. IOW, make sure we know who and what is coming in.
Isn't it funny that they included a quote that is absolutely irrelevant to the story but makes the situation look more dire than it is? Would he prefer not to know that his mail has been opened?

"Whatever is necessary" has been the rationale of tyrants throughout history.

Every unconstitutional law passed, every abridgement of rights, has been done because someone, somewhere, who was in the employ of the State, thought it was "necessary".

Perhaps one of these days the people might find it in their interests to say "NO!" when someone from the State cries "necessity".

 

[DRZinn]

"Whatever is necessary" has been the rationale of tyrants throughout history.

Thus the caveat "at the border," thus forgoing intrusive activities within the country.

You may safely assume, when reading my posts, that none of what I say ever advocates the violation of the rights of any individual. Just mentally insert the phrase "without violating the rights of any individual" in the appropriate place, and everything will become much much clearer.

 

[k_dawg]

STOP THE PRESSES!

I just learned that if you board an airplane, you and your belongings may be searched! You may also be subjected to metal-detectors and x-rays!!

Seriously, these people who were unaware that international packages/mailings are subject to inspection, simply are showing their ignorance.

 

[HankB]

Customs searches have been around for a long, LONG time. The sheer volume of letters precludes more than a small fraction being opened. IIRC, during early WWII, German spies in the U.K. used to transmit secrets overseas via the British Mail, as they knew there was little chance of interception.

Because the policy of search is public, the new package is coming in to the country, and they marked it as searched. If they found drugs or something, the person would go on trial.

Actually, I believe the person would become the target of an investigation. So far, I don't believe we're at the point that they'll put you on trial solely on the basis that "someone, somewhere" sent you something illegal . . . otherwise, think of all the unsolicited weed politicians, lawyers, - heck, any strict high school teacher - would be sent, just on the presumption that they'd be put on trial.