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Pocket ProtectorsPreviously we've discussed the push to search under travellers' clothes with the naked machine and the million names on the terrorist watch list. The latest Civil Discourse comic examines DHS's need to literally put their hands in your pockets. The Washington Post reported last month: Federal agents may take a traveler's laptop computer or other electronic device to an off-site location for an unspecified period of time without any suspicion of wrongdoing, as part of border search policies the Department of Homeland Security recently disclosed. DHS doesn't stop with your MacBook. The policies extend to, well, everything. They claim they can seize "any device capable of storing information in digital or analog form" along with "all papers and other written documentation." Yes, that antique pendulum clock you're lugging around qualifies as a analog device and may be searched. (ticking time bomb?) Just in case you thought of something that could slip through those categories, they included "written materials commonly referred to as 'pocket trash' or 'pocket litter.'" They defined it twice just to be sure they cover everything under the sun.
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Oct 6th, 2008 at 5:08am
If there are no problems, no solution is necessary. When it comes to the payday loan industry and the valuable assistance that they provide, there aren’t very many problems, if any at all. Many customers have nothing but good things to say, due to the fact that, if used properly, these loans provide a valuable service, and help a person out when they are in trouble. However, many of the people in high places don’t see the value behind short term loans, and want to fix what isn’t broken. Some bipartisan fronts have outlawed the industry outright in several states, and even candidate Barack Obama wants to take a shot as well. We aren’t going to tell you how to vote, but remember that you have to make the right choice for the people’s right to financial independence.