TSA and the Human Heart

In the last week, the TSA's new procedures have become the topic of hot national debate. I've read three articles in opposition to these new policies. Charles Krauthammer's column got a lot of attention because of the column's title (Don't Touch My Junk). George Will's column is more measured, but equally vitriolic (The T. S. of A). And lastly, on a popular Christian researcher's website, Ed Stetzer wrote Four Reasons Why You Should Resist the New Procedures.

In a representative democracy, the age old tension goes between the level of freedom and the level of security. The more security, the less freedom (think 1984). The more freedom, the less security (think Tale of Two Cities or any other book about the French Revolution). Somewhere in powerful democracies, the tension must be managed. 

The interesting aspect about this is that none of us are ever really guaranteed security and freedom. Despite the most just laws this planet has ever known, the US federal government cannot completely guarantee our safety (though it can make sure that itself won't be the cause of preventing freedom-- that's why I'm a conservative). The federal government cannot stop anyone from putting a bomb in a major urban area in a backpack and killing a few people. Israel is the most secure country on the planet and yet it endures small bombings like this regularly.

The only way we really have a safe society is by having safe citizens. The Bill of Rights protects me from no one except the government, in actuality. The Bill of Rights does not make sure that my roadway is safe from a suicide bomber tomorrow. The only real guarantee of safety I have is that if just law is embedded in people's hearts. If the first amendment is so ingrained into the American people, we'll demand a fair hearing no matter where we go. Law must be in the heart, for us to know real peace and freedom. 

And embedded deeply in the American heart is the Bill of Rights. Our citizens live it and breathe it. We have a free press, the most (though not always) fair trials in all the world, and the right to resist illegal searches and seizures. We have the right to not be punished cruelly and unusually. Take note of these laws: they are basically on the American heart.

And then go read Shari'a law. It is in direct opposition to our Bill of Rights. Cruel and unusual punishment is commanded. Free speech isn't guaranteed. There is no guarantee of freedom or security in a society that is ruled by Shari'a law- law that would be in the hearts of most. Law must be on the heart for real freedom and security to exist.

In other words, TSA could take naked pictures of us and it won't make much of a difference.