Pubdate: Tue, 13 Apr 1999
Source: Fresno Bee, The (CA)
Copyright: 1999 The Fresno Bee
Contact:  http://www.fresnobee.com/
Author: Robert Lewis, Reedley
Note: Original article  http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v99.n393.a05.html

LOST RIGHTS

With reference to the recent decision of the Supreme Court regarding
property searches of passengers in private automobiles (story April 6), I
offer the Fourth Amendment to the Constitution: "The right of people to be
secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable
searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue
but upon probable cause, supported be oath or affirmation and particularly
describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized."

Why do I think that this amendment mandates the issuance of a warrant prior
to the search of my vehicle by a police authority? We have lost a very
important piece of our citizenship rights this month. Who is there to mourn
it? Does anybody remember what the Revolutionary War was about? Has anybody
read the history of the issues that finally precipitated that event? Why do
you suppose the Founding Fathers included this amendment into the framework
of our government?

For these and other answers to questions about current world events, go to
the history section of your local library. I am very sad about this thing
that has come to pass.

Robert Lewis, Reedley

- ---
MAP posted-by: Jo-D