I worry about the erosion of liberty and a little clause that goes "innocent until proven guilty". Now I don't want to get this thread kicked into the political section, but it's quite simple that random searches are a violation of the Fourth Ammendment to The United States Constitution. It's arguably also a violation of The Fifth Ammendment whereupon a violation of the fourth causes self incrimination. I won't get into how administrative law allow's for these unjust violations for the sake of the lounge though.
Don't get me wrong, I wold NEVER be a victim of a checkpoint. That's obviously how I view those who get caught in such a manner. I take life and the law seriously. I may not always take traffic law as seriously as a good explanation, or attorney, but that's seemingly my only real vice.
I too look upon a
lawful roadside stop as an opportunity to make a new friendly aquaintance. I've left a light out on my daily for over five years now just to reafirm public relations with any LEO zealous enough to stop me for it. And while my habit's have 'allowed' me to fund local government generously over the years, I've driven aways from literally hundreds of potential other 'opportunities' where two people are smiling and the court gets none.
I've spent my whole life around law enforcement of every stripe and truly appreciate them more than I could express here, but some things, like checkpoints, are just wrong in a free and open society. I would rather endure the risk of "the bad guys" being out there, and have the penalties for
being a Bad Guy greatly increased to make people think twice, and make life easier on the enforcement community, than have them violating peoples true God Given rights just to catch a couple idiots who will assuredly get a slap on the wrist under the current court system way of things.
Summing it up; More FREEDOM, Less INTRUSION, and Greater PENALTIES would IMHO make life easier on law enforcement and all of us who depend upon them. It's the same concept as how increased participation in concealed carry has caused such a dramatic decrease in violent crime. When people re-learn to accept responsibility and acknowledge the consequences of their action's, law enforcements role becomes easier.
That's something I want for us All, AND for them in appreciation for the job they do.
peace