The Constitution is not an instrument for the government to restrain the people, it is an instrument for the people to restrain the government." Patrick Henry
We are taught that police officers are at all times to be respected, as keepers of the peace and upholders of the rule of law. Indeed, the political talking heads and pop culture generally portray law enforcement as heroic and beyond reproach. In discussing the actions of police at the G-20 in Pittsburgh last September, most commentators will freely admit their biased willingness to side with the cops, while downplaying video evidence of the thuggish treatment of demonstrators (you know, "we don't see the context of why the officer struck the young lady in the face"). A free people are not required to submit to the demands of any person wearing a badge. We the people are not medieval serfs who must bow down to the crown. Your badge represents the job that you chose- it does not convey any absolute authority over law-abiding citizens in a constitutional republic.
Our beloved US Constitution, together with a historically moral citizenry, has been responsible for creating the most universally free and prosperous society in the history of mankind. Nevertheless, over the course of many decades, the statist has managed to circumvent the firewalls that once protected the people from the strong hand of government.
"Any people that would give up liberty for a little temporary safety deserves neither liberty nor safety."
Benjamin Franklin
Would anyone argue that the framers of our constitution had intended for law-enforcement to have extra-constitutional powers such as, the adorably named, sneak and peek. Does anyone think that Patrick Henry could have foreseen the day when the American people would capitulate to a knock-and-talk, at the hands of their own countrymen. Would Benjamin Franklin have submitted to a stop and frisk of his person? These practices, among many others, run contrary to the spirit in which our Constitution was written. Their implementation, generally upheld by the Supreme Court (no less!), is more fitting of King George's kangaroo court.
Particularly in the aftermath of 9/11, We all let our guard down and as a result, the US government is a virtually sovereign institution unto itself. The politicians, bureaucrats, and the globe's most monied interests preserve their own wealth and power, at taxpayer expense. Manipulated by the media fear mongering, the American people have submitted their freedom for a little perceived security. Today, the system (owned by a small corporate banking elite) has turned it guns inward, with Homeland Security naming any opponent of its policies as potentially violent extremists. Even nonviolent protest is viewed as 'low level terrorism' by the DoD. I guess it is true: if the government is run by criminals, then I guess good patriotic Americans are their number one threat.
"Our constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other." John Adams
The truth is, We have become a cowardly people, unfit to govern ourselves. If the government claims it must infringe on our rights, or keep secrets from us, we willingly shrug our shoulders and accept the encroaching tyranny? HELL NO! We must re-discover the good Lord and the spirit of liberty. We must reject the establishment's justifications for this police state that has been created. Finally, we must see our bondage for what it is. The so called sneak and peek is breaking and entering, whether the aggressor has a badge on or not.
sneak and peak- search warrant authorizing the law enforcement officers executing it to
effect physical entry into private premises without the owner’s or the occupant’s permission
or knowledge and to clandestinely search the premises
knock and talk- a noncustodial procedure where the officer identifies himself and asks to
talk to the home occupant and then eventually, requests permission to search the residence
stop and frisk- The situation in which a police officer who is suspicious of an individual
detains the person and runs his hands lightly over the suspect's outer garments to determine
if the person is carrying a concealed weapon.
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