"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"
The quoted text above is the 4th Amendment of the United States of America. A constitutional right that New York City has apparently forgot, ignored and do not care about.
Recently, a judge ordered the stop of the controversial law "stop and frisk". Where Police Officer can stop, identify and search anyone they deemed "suspicious". No probable cause needed, nor a particular crime suspected. All in the name of preventing crime.
Now, the main problem people have with this is that it allegedly targets minority groups more then "whites". More specifically Hispanic and Black people.
If that is really true, that is wrong and should not be happening, but that should not be the main reason why people should be against this unconstitutional law. I am getting a little sick and tired of people ramping up the race angle on laws such as these, and do not focus too much on what the true reason why these laws are wrong. Other then it being completely against the 4th Amendment, its yet another over reach by the Government and a form of oppression. Not to mention the fact, that this kind of activity was clarified in 1979.
In 1979, there was a landmark case of Brown verses Texas, where the Police cannot just stop someone without reasonable suspicion they committed or are about to commit a crime. The case clarified that just because you may not look "right" in the area, or just happen to be in a area where a crime was committed, unless there is reasonable suspicion, the Police cannot force you to identify or search you. I know this was done in Texas, but it shows case law on this subject.
So, I end this by asking a question to the people of New York City. Can any of your defend in a legal way why your city is trying to keep you guys under their control? From telling people how much soda you can drink, to being able to "stop and frisk" you just because they feel like it; New York City has changed from the beacon of freedom with people coming into Elis Island, to a Police State where you will do what they say, when they say it, how they say it, or you will be punished. I know this is not just for NYC, but it seems they are trying to be at the for front.
Oh, quick favor to ask people of New York. As a Colorado resident, can you tell your Politicians [cough: Bloomberg!] to stay the hell out of our state business?
