From my brain to yours

So the Transport Security Administration banned Toner and Ink cartridges from permissible cargo for air travel. And if you caught  yesterday’s post about how these acts are mostly security theater, here we have a case and point example of the consistently increasing security powers.

Great, so no more toner on flights. Not like it’s a big deal. But it does make me wonder just how many people are carrying large ink cartridges on flights anyway. Is there an overwhelming number of passengers printing novels on the red-eye to New York?

Must be, because the TSA felt it was necessary to ban them. Of course, it is their job to increase safety. And every new regulation passed gives their organization a bit more control over the population, and who doesn’t love power?

Besides, it isn’t their job to worry about violating liberties or freedom, that is for other outside organizations to fight for, like the Airline Pilots who’ve been boycotting the full body scanners.

At the end of the day, it is really up to each of us to speak out against more authoritarian control. We need to first stand up to the irrational fears within our own heads. Then, we can stand up to the kinds of legislation that seeks to exploit these same fears.