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It is true that if you simply don't have proper ID -- your wallet was stolen, for example -- it's still possible to fly; I think this involves going through the

by jgfoot 17y ago

It is true that if you simply don't have proper ID -- your wallet was stolen, for example -- it's still possible to fly; I think this involves going through the "heightened" pat-down screening. But you are correct that rant-ish reports posted on sketchy web sites that make broad assertions of constitutional law are generally good sources of entertainment, but not legal advice. John Perry Barlow (of EFF fame) litigated this issue in late 2006. He lost at every step. What came out of that is that the TSA does indeed have a written regulation requiring you show government ID, but that regulation is secret. Info on his litigation is at http://papersplease.org/gilmore/ http://papersplease.org/gilmore/

YuriNiyazov 17y ago
I believe you mean john gilmore rather than jpb.
jrockway 17y ago
But you are correct that rant-ish reports posted on sketchy web sites that make broad assertions of constitutional law are generally good sources of entertainment, but not legal advice. Honestly, I think these folks have a better idea of what the intent of the Constitution was than many of the justices on the Supreme Court. Like anything, the Supreme Court is mostly about politics these days, rather than protecting anyone's rights. (Sometimes both interests are aligned, of course, but many times they are not; especially with respect to ID.)
- praptak 17y ago
  Honestly, I think these folks have a better idea of what the intent of the Constitution was than many of the justices on the Supreme Court. Sorry to say that, but "good source of legal advice" is by definition one that works in court, not one with high moral ground.
  - jrockway 17y ago
    Yes, definitely. Incidentally, I have some recent US coins that say, "Live free or die," but it doesn't seem socially acceptable to have that attitude anymore. "Live in constant fear of the government and live" doesn't have the same ring...

by jgfoot 17y ago

YuriNiyazov 17y ago

I believe you mean john gilmore rather than jpb.

jrockway 17y ago

But you are correct that rant-ish reports posted on sketchy web sites that make broad assertions of constitutional law are generally good sources of entertainment, but not legal advice. Honestly, I think these folks have a better idea of what the intent of the Constitution was than many of the justices on the Supreme Court. Like anything, the Supreme Court is mostly about politics these days, rather than protecting anyone's rights. (Sometimes both interests are aligned, of course, but many times they are not; especially with respect to ID.)

praptak 17y ago
Honestly, I think these folks have a better idea of what the intent of the Constitution was than many of the justices on the Supreme Court. Sorry to say that, but "good source of legal advice" is by definition one that works in court, not one with high moral ground.
- jrockway 17y ago
  Yes, definitely. Incidentally, I have some recent US coins that say, "Live free or die," but it doesn't seem socially acceptable to have that attitude anymore. "Live in constant fear of the government and live" doesn't have the same ring...