3 ms·

I don't really want to argue in support of the no-fly list because I think it is definitely unconstitutional (in current form), but it is still not a license to

I don't really want to argue in support of the no-fly list because I think it is definitely unconstitutional (in current form), but it is still not a license to travel. It's a black list compared to a white list (travel papers). This makes a huge difference as the default is that you are allowed to travel. Instead of having to convince some bureaucrat that you should be allowed to travel, the government just blocks a relatively small number of people from traveling. Only 500 Americans are on the list. So 1.5 x10^-4 percent of Americans are limited by it. Also, no fly list only applies to one method of travel. You can still drive, train, or walk anywhere you want.

CWuestefeld 12y ago
the default is that you are allowed to travel I disagree with that interpretation. In fact, there is no default as such. You are required to demonstrate your identity in order to show that you're not one of those people. So you can't just fall into the default condition. So 1.5 x10^-4 percent of Americans are limited by it. Abridging the rights of a small number is still abridging rights. The philosophy of the USA, as demonstrated in the Bill of Rights, is supposed to be that minorities, even individuals, have their rights protected from the tyranny of the majority.
FireBeyond 12y ago
No. According to the Justice Department itself: "Last fall, there were about 64,000 people on the no-fly list, according to the government. Typically, less than 5 percent of those on the list are Americans. The list fluctuates in size." That's at least 3,000 American -citizens-. Many of those on the list are legal permanent residents, many more than citizens (as immigrants).
- rhino369 12y ago
  I got 500 from a CNN article dated today. Less than 5% can be 1% or 4%. Either way its still virtually nobody.

3 ms·

I don't really want to argue in support of the no-fly list because I think it is definitely unconstitutional (in current form), but it is still not a license to

by rhino369 12y ago

CWuestefeld 12y ago
the default is that you are allowed to travel I disagree with that interpretation. In fact, there is no default as such. You are required to demonstrate your identity in order to show that you're not one of those people. So you can't just fall into the default condition. So 1.5 x10^-4 percent of Americans are limited by it. Abridging the rights of a small number is still abridging rights. The philosophy of the USA, as demonstrated in the Bill of Rights, is supposed to be that minorities, even individuals, have their rights protected from the tyranny of the majority.
FireBeyond 12y ago
No. According to the Justice Department itself: "Last fall, there were about 64,000 people on the no-fly list, according to the government. Typically, less than 5 percent of those on the list are Americans. The list fluctuates in size." That's at least 3,000 American -citizens-. Many of those on the list are legal permanent residents, many more than citizens (as immigrants).
- rhino369 12y ago
  I got 500 from a CNN article dated today. Less than 5% can be 1% or 4%. Either way its still virtually nobody.