This is not a long, boring legal post. It is instead, a very simple assertion that I think is broadly ignored by those interested in the history of jurisprudence and the foundations of a good (which is to say “classically liberal”) society. And here it is:

The idea of equality under the law comes solely from the Torah, and its repeated commandments that there is one law for both the Jewish people and any strangers. There is no exclusion of the “other”, and no separate rules for nobility, citizens, slaves or barbarians.

I realize that terrorists come in many shapes and sizes, or have been adept at donning disguises that have fooled many, but common sense should tell you that this young shoeless boy in shorts and in lightweight t-shirt does not present a threat to America, the airlines, or our transportation infrastructure, and doesn’t require that his crotch be felt twice on each side of his testicles.

For whatever reason, TSA has determined that he very well could pose a threat and so the very thorough and probing feel-up. I’m sure TSA will fall back on an explanation that some passenger examinations are conducted on random travelers … so as to keep terrorists guessing. I also realize that highlighting this video by sharing it on social media puts me at risk for a similar examination the next time I travel and possibly to be placed on a list of those that our national security apparatuses should monitor very closely.

Toward the end of my senior year in high school, I was riding pretty high. I’d gotten into the college I wanted to accept me. Grades were good, sports were complete (I hadn’t played a spring sport so that I could have a little me time as I closed out my high school career). My parents were happy that I was headed in the right direction and not determined to become a derelict (which they weren’t so certain of, a few short years before). I achieved a high enough score on my AP exams that I’d be able to skip a couple of courses in a school with a notoriously inflexible first-year syllabus. Skipping those classes would give me some academic flexibility in the out-years. Too, I’d gotten a 5 on the AP English exam, which had been my favorite class that year. English was always my favorite class, for three reasons.

I grew up without television, which meant my choice was books or nada. So my brother and I read books voraciously.

I love Saint Patrick. I’m disgusted by what nominal Catholics have done to his reputation.

If you’re going to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, this year it falls on a Sunday, start w/ Mass, read about him, go ahead wear green & have Guinness, but don’t get drunk & act dumb. 😇