Give me your poor, your huddled masses...and I'll lock em up indefinitely

[Chewbacca]

Originally posted by Timber Loftis: quote: Sonam's case was appealed because she did not have enough documentation to back up her story, according to a brief filed by Homeland Security attorney Deborah Todd. The fact that Sonam lived in Nepal for three years indicated that she could have safely stayed there and did not need to come to the United States, Todd argued in her appeal

Sounds like there are concerns about her asylum grant that may merit an appeal. I understand she could not get papers proving who she was based on Tibet's nonrecognition of Chinese refugees. However, what about her Chinese papers? Why did she need to leave Tibet? Couldn't she return there? [/QUOTE]Buddhists are routinely persecuted in Chinese-occupied Tibet. This is why the Dali Lama and many other Buddhists have fled for safer shores over the years since the Chinese invasion. Nepal, under pressure from the Chinese, routinely deports Tibetan refugees back to Chinese-occupied Tibet and into Chinese custody. For a Buddhist this could mean incarceration and usually worst. Hence the need to seek Asylum.

Perhaps the prosecutor has grounds to ask for an appeal, perhaps there are bigger fish for the prosecutor to fry. Though there appears to be merit for an appeal, should that automatically dictate one?. Is the price for both detainee, suffering from severe isolation and the government, the cost of incarceration and the appeal process worth it compared to grounds made for the appeal?

*******************

Also and more generally, this is only one issue concerning the DHS that inspired both the title of the thread and the opening comment. I recall almanac profiling as well as the detention of many foreign journalists to be to other 'fresh' issues that come to mind that also seem irrational, wasteful, and/or- oppressive. Not to mention the color coded fear scale, the duct-tape and plastic scare, and other alarmists tactics.

I stand by my critism of the DHS 100%. In my opinion, It seems to easily lose touch with reason and humanity in favor of security and control. I only advocate finding a balance that is appropriate and in accordance with American ideals of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness amongst others.

[Illumina Drathiran'ar]

Timber, I stand by Ben's wisdom. Those who would give essential liberty for temporary security deserve neither.
It's not even real security, it's the illusion of security. I wrote several essays on the topic, actually... There's no way to eliminate the threat, so we go through theatrics and pretend it's progress. Does anyone actually feel safer after all of this? (Please, if you do, speak up. It's not rhetorical, I do value others' opinions)

[Yorick]

Originally posted by Paladin2000: 1. Buddhist are not known for their *specialty* in suicide bombing and other terrorist activities.

In an application of the law, were the government to allow some religions free entry and crack down on others it would be discriminatory. Also, a Wahabist could pose as a Buddhist. A universal application is necessary.

[Yorick]

Originally posted by Illumina Drathiran'ar: And since when are Buddhist female nuns considered a threat to our national security?

Since Islamic terrorists were using their Western and even Jewish girlfriends in airplane hijackings decades ago.

[Illumina Drathiran'ar]

Really? Could you direct me to an article? (This is not an act of aggression or a challenge. If it's true, I'm intrigued, and would like to know more)

[Paladin2000]

Originally posted by Yorick: quote: Originally posted by Paladin2000: 1. Buddhist are not known for their *specialty* in suicide bombing and other terrorist activities.

In an application of the law, were the government to allow some religions free entry and crack down on others it would be discriminatory. Also, a Wahabist could pose as a Buddhist. A universal application is necessary. [/QUOTE]All I asked is to treat people with a little more dignity. I guess after 9/11, US customs/immigration department seems to think that all illegal immigrants/asylum seekers are somewhat potential terrorists

It is a sad sad thing as most terrosists would have entered the country using other more subtle means like student visas and etc.

I seriously doubt that any terrosist would risk exposing himself or herself by disguising as illegal immigrants since the authority would have done a thorough background check before granting passage to any illegal immigrants or asylum seekers.

On the other hand, a potential terrorist with a valid student visa (which is not very hard to obtain) is an easier way to enter the countries without stirring up too much trouble, don't you think so?

[Yorick]

Look, I'm an alien with a visa living in New York City. The last time I came in I was handcuffed and had to jump through hoops despite having TWO valid visas.

I would gladly have to be handcuffed and jump through hoops when coming in so that I feel safer in New York City.

That's the whole point. Restricting an individuals freedom so that a greater good are free from harm. It's the whole logic underpinning laws in the first place. They are a global rule - with application interpreted by enforcers, a judge or ones peers on a jury.

Wherever there is a loophole, a terrorist would use it to enter, be it illegal immigrancy, a student visa or whatever. Some drove in through Canada. Mexico has floodgate areas where droves pour through unchecked.

[Illumina Drathiran'ar]

I don't know about you, Yorick, but I feel less safe now than I did four years ago. The political climates are changing and I get the feeling that so many bad things are possible now. This fear stems from our government, the undermining of the Constitution by the Bush administration, and more and more Orwellian things proposed daily.
And I'm still waiting for a link, a reference, anything. I'm still intrigued.

[Yorick]

Originally posted by Illumina Drathiran'ar: I don't know about you, Yorick, but I feel less safe now than I did four years ago. The political climates are changing and I get the feeling that so many bad things are possible now. This fear stems from our government, the undermining of the Constitution by the Bush administration, and more and more Orwellian things proposed daily. And I'm still waiting for a link, a reference, anything. I'm still intrigued.

If Bowling for Columbine is gospel, that fear is the root cause of Americas problems. A fear fed and perpetuated by the media.

I don't subscribe to a "single cause theory", but fear is certainly not a healthy life choice to live in.

[Donut]

Originally posted by Illumina Drathiran'ar: The political climates are changing and I get the feeling that so many bad things are possible now.

Sorry to pick you up on this ID but the constant use of the word "bad" is grating upon me! The opposite to "good" is not "bad" it is "ungood", there is no reason to use another word. Please follow these rules and everything will be doublegood - in fact it will be doubleplusgood!!

And remember:

War is Peace!
Freedom is Slavery!
Ignorance is Strength!

Good day from all on Airstrip One to all of our comrades in Oceania!!