ACLU Forces Tampa To Stop Searches
Via ACLU:
The American Civil Liberties Union of Florida today announced that a federal judge has blocked mass pat-down searches at Buccaneer games, stating that the public “has a compelling interest in preserving the constitutional right to be free from unreasonable governmental intrusion.”
The court order follows a similar injunction issued by a state court judge in October of last year and prohibits mass random searches of Tampa Buccaneers patrons without individualized suspicion. In both rulings, the courts held that the Fourth Amendment protects Americans from unreasonable searches such as those being conducted at Raymond James Stadium, which is owned and operated by the Tampa Sports Authority.
“This case is important because it involves being forced to give up a very real liberty in the name of generalized fear,” said Rebecca Harrison Steele, Director of the ACLU of Florida’s West Central office. “The government does not have a blank check to suspend the constitutional rights of Americans. Across-the-board pat-downs are a violation of each and every person’s rights, and we are happy that has been upheld by the court”
Of course the ACLU can only see their side of the equation. They are blind to the fact they just made people less safe. I really don’t think they care though. Now anyone can walk into the park without fear of it being found out what they are hiding. Why don’t they just put up a welcome sign for terrorists?
A Blog For All is on the same wavelength:
Never mind that the patdowns also prevented people from bringing weapons and other prohibited items into the arenas and ballparks, but the very real possibility of a terrorist attack against a mass gathering of people. Attacking public events, like football and baseball games, is a very high profile attack that al Qaeda would consider. The NFL and the Stadium management owe a duty of care to the fans, players, and staff at the arena to ensure a safe facility. Those searches help ensure that safety.
A Blog For All also informs us that the City of Tampa and the NFL intend to appeal this asinine decision. Good for them, they most certainly should.
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Posted by Jay on August 2, 2006 10:47 am
» Filed Under ACLU, News, War On Terror
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5 Responses to “ACLU Forces Tampa To Stop Searches”
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I am so sorry, but now I must side with the ACLU. This concept of searches has to stop. The Fourth Amendment is very clear and we have gone over 200 years without having to indure this bull. Basically, searches are a way of making people think that authorities are doing something. In actual fact they do little other than to hassel individuals. In the case of sports events as sited, they are looking for liquor more than weapons. If a terrorist truly wanted to do something, the search would not stop him. I only hope this extends to airplane were it has reached such an extent that it is absolutely stupid. If a terrorist wants to do something he will find a way. To stop terrorism we need to go to the root. It is now Islam. So we need to attack Islam. Not hassel law abiding citizens.
The problem is that the searches are being done by the Tampa Bay Sports Authority, the government.
If the searches were done by a private company then the ACLU couldn’t use the 4th amendment in this situation. (As the Bill of Rights applies to governmental actions).
The solution in this case and others?
Simply the government shouldn’t be involved in such matters.
Why the hell does the government have an interest in a damn sports team?
Another example of how less government makes us safer in the long run.
And when some nut head like the one in Norman, OK, who tried to get into a football game but a sharp security guard would not let him in without being searched, gets in and is successful in sitting off his explosives I guess you A Holes will side with the ACLU.
Well, the ACLU lost – FINALLY.
Some judge with sense realized that the
discretionary act of attending a Bucs
is not constitutionally protected.
Unlike the protections afforded you
in your home.
P.S. I’ve met Ms. Steele, Tampa’s ACLU
Director. She drives around in a Porsche,
employs deluded, unwashed college students
& laughs all the way to the bank.