McClatchy Tribune
Dear Editor,
I recently read an editorial in The Baylor Lariat supporting my recent actions against the Transportation Security Authority. I am glad to see editorial support in defense of the individual against the overreaching state. I also enjoyed the cartoon that accompanied this editorial.
Ever since the news of my struggle with TSA, the phones in my office have been ringing off the hook with calls from citizens who sympathize with my frustration, as they too feel their liberties are being compromised every time they travel. My office is being inundated with their stories of assault and harassment by TSA agents. This agency’s disregard for our civil liberties is something we are expected to understand and accept. But we are tired of being insulted and we are tired of having our dignity compromised. TSA was created in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, but was it necessary? Has it overstepped its bounds? Is it respecting the rights of citizens? It is time for us to question the effectiveness of TSA. I thoroughly believe that America can prosper, preserve personal liberty and repel national security threats without intruding into the personal lives of its citizens.
Every time we travel, we are expected to surrender our Fourth Amendment rights, yet willingly giving up our rights does not make us any safer. And it is infuriating that this agency feels entitled to revoke our civil liberties while doing little to keep us safe.
I am glad to see that the staff of The Baylor Lariat agree with and understand my fight for liberty. I pride myself on always standing behind my beliefs, especially my beliefs in our U.S. Constitution. The Founding Fathers warned of a Federal Government bent on usurping the power, rights and privacy of its States and citizens. In the last nine years, the Federal Government has expanded the scope of its power at an alarming rate, while blatantly ignoring the Constitution. We must defend the individual from the ever-growing overreach of the federal government.
I am proud to be an alumnus of a University that encourages personal freedom and acknowledges the importance of civil liberties. If I can ever be of any assistance to you, please do not hesitate to contact my office.
Sincerely,
Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky.
