The TSA may be concealing the reason for this policy for security reasons, or it may just be taking the easy route: if you don’t explain a position, you don’t have to defend your reasoning. Instead, Richtel ends up citing two security experts, including Bruce Schneier — who the TSA successfully kicked off a critical Congressional panel last month, likely avoiding other unanswerable questions about its practices – who claim the distinction is a result of 'security theater.' According to one unnamed expert, who claims to have worked with the Department of Homeland Security in the past, it’s simply 'giving people a sense that something is being done to protect them.'" - Kashmir Hill for Forbes, full story immediately below.
Individual Liberty
TSA & Travel Freedom:
Forbes - TSA Refuses To Explain Why You Have To Take Your Laptop Out Of Your Bag But Not Your iPad
Bloomberg - High-Speed Rail Takes Californians for a Ride
Huffington Post - Are TSA Agents Too Rude?
The Examiner - Gene Healy: 'Hunger Games' Doesn't Fit TSA's Dystopian Vision
Internet Freedom:
Forbes - The Fight For the Internet Continues - Could CISPA be the Next SOPA?
Chicago Tribune - CISPA Legislation Seen by Many as SOPA 2.0
Police State:
Bloomberg - Strip-Search Case Reflects Death of American Privacy
US News - First Man Arrested With Drone Evidence Vows to Fight Case
War on Drugs:
Washington Post – Latin American Countries Pursue Alternatives to U.S. Drug War
Reuters – Obama Faces Skeptical Leaders at Americas Summit
NDAA:
The New American – Broad Coalition of Journalists and Activists Join in Legal Challenge to NDAA
Foreign Policy
Afghanistan:
The New York Times - Multiple Bombings Strike Afghanistan
Economy
Regulation:
Bloomberg – Bernanke Calls on Regulators to Curb Shadow Banking Risks
The Hill – Consumer Bureau Plans Overhaul of Mortgage Industry
Taxation:
Reuters – White House Highlights Tax Fairness Ahead of Obama Speech
Detroit Free Press - IRS Chief Warns of Congressional Inaction on Taxes
Unemployment:
Reason - The States and Unemployment
Energy:
MSNBC - Hybrid Owners Unlikely to Buy Another One, Study Shows
Government Waste:
Washington Post - More Details on GSA Employee Awards Store
Constitution
Obamacare:
Washington Post – Health-Care Law Will Add $340 Billion to Deficit, New Study Finds