Texas Governor Rick Perry...illegal immigrant surge a crisis! President Obama neglecting his duty to Nation!

I expect that when the Governor of Texas appeared on a major network this week to discuss what he described as a troubling surge of illegal immigrants on the Texas border of epic proportions, that it was quite an eye-opener for many U.S. viewers sitting comfortably at home in their armchairs in the dark.

Don't feel badly, folks!

According to the Governor, the President is unaware of the escalating crisis, too!

Governor Perry lamented the fact that Barack Obama appeared in the city of El Paso just two weeks ago, and took the bold-faced stance that the Texas border was secure.

It's not!

If you caught the news reports filtering in from the Texas border live - where law enforcement agencies were vigorously patrolling the border to apprehend illegals attempting to cross under the cover of darkness - it would have been abundantly clear to any fool that the illegal immigrant problem has reached a fever pitch.

While some may be under the impression that immigrants who enter the country in a clandestine fashion are simply humble Mexicans illegals seeking a better life - Governor Perry alleged in no uncertain terms - that the massive nightly crossings also consist of foreigners who are enemies of the State - some with ties to Al Qaeda - for example.

In addition, Perry alleged that drug cartels are - not only moving drugs across the remote border (with lethal chemicals that are poisoning our youth) - but have also set up distribution centers in El Paso, Dallas, and other U.S. Cities just a hop-and-a-skip away from Mexico.

The Governor also pointed an accusing finger at the President for failure to provide funding to curb the escalating siege on the nation which poses a threat to the very fabric of American Life.

 For example, grants from the Federal Government have been cut, so Law Enforcement (ICE, the local Sheriffs, and Homeland Security) have insufficient funds to battle the illegals who may be entering the country to set up cells (with the express intention of eventually attacking this country "from within").

Perry is under the impression that President Barack Obama doesn't care about the problem, for some inexplicable reason, or perhaps has a secret agenda in mind.

With his bid for a second term on the horizon, is the subject too volatile to broach at this juncture in his Presidency?

Some hint that there are powerful influences at work in the corridors of power in Washington.

Are Mexican lobbyists influencing the Government behind-the-scenes?

News at 11!

http://www.thetattler.biz

Arizona Immigration Law...quote!

Individuals who complain about having to show their "papers"

Are opposed to producing legal documents to establish their status

For one simple reason

They don't have any to show!

Julian Ayrs

The Daily Planet

Collection of Poems

&

Truisms

http://www.thetattler.biz

Nazis? Janice Hahn a stupid cu** on City Council! Clueless in LA LA LAND...

When they invented the term "stupid cu**, they must have been thinking of Janice Hahn on City Council in Los Angeles.

No wonder!

In the morning daily it was reported that Janice Hahn has been opening up her big yap over Arizona Senator Brewer's decision to sign landmark Immigration Reform into law.

In particular, the bill stipulates that - when stopped by law enforcement on legitimate grounds - the individual is required to produce documents establishing their identity and legal status in the U.S.

In response to that reasonable request, Ms. Hahn has flown off the handle (must be that time of the month) and wildly accused Brewer of introducing Nazi-style measures which she alleges are in direct violaton of Civil rights.

Bullsh**!

Just on its face, the bizarre (misguided) notion by Hahn doesn't make sense, when you think about it for two seconds.

For example, when a motorist gets pulled over for a traffic violation in "anywhere USA" - and a police officer  asks for identification - are they within their rights (based on Hahn's wild theory) to refuse to hand over their "papers"?

Maybe they should call the cop a "Nazi" -  drive off angrily - and leave him in a cloud of dust at the side of the road!

Notwithstanding, Ms. Hahn's comments show her complete lack of sensitivity to the feelings of the youth of Germany, today.

Indeed, why should they be continually forced to wear a badge of guilt and shame - the outrageous conduct of their ancestors - which took place long before they were born into this world?

The past is the past, Ms. Hahn.

It's high time people like you (and the Jews) let it go.

As to the proposed boycott of Arizona, well, think again Ms. Hahn.

If  you (and six other council members) are under the impression that ou have the best interests of the people at heart - well - think again.

In recent polls, 70% of Americans noted that they supported Governor Brewer's Immigration Reform Bill.

And, just betcha, other states will be falling into line with similar legislation.

Try for the boycott, and you'll find your sorry a**es out on the street next election.

Your vision is "backward" not forward.

It's because of folks like you that Los Angeles has become a third world city.

http://www.thetattler.biz/

Los Angeles...Latino shopowners on Olvera Steet hold back rent! Little Mexico under siege...

For the first time in years, I hopped on the red line and zoomed downtown (a scant few months ago), to spend a carefree day on Olvera Street in a part of town affectionately known as "Little Mexico".

Over the decades the popular tourist attraction has blossomed into quite a picturesque respite from the cement ravines bordering the precious little strip of property on all sides.

In fact, I was so captivated by the decorative tooling on the facades of Mexican-style restaurants - and a handful of historic buildings dating back two hundred years or so - that I was inclined to capture some footage on HD Video which I posted to YouTube.

Quaint Olvera Street Restaurant (Little Mexico)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vC8U3ybdwLw&feature=player_embedded

Olvera Street Sign (Cart)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfzNgGCTWRw&feature=player_embedded

Sun Dial (Olvera Street)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZT70ruP84I&feature=player_embedded

Curiously, later in the week, a local newspaper reported that city council was holding meetings behind closed-doors with the aim of raising the rents in the festive little oasis (cut off from the rest of the city when the highway and bridge over-hangs were installed years ago) because they were too low.

It suddenly dawned on Council members that the valuable strip of property - a potential hefty earnings-getter - was being rented out for a song with virtually no profit flowing into the Los Angeles City coffers.

So, in January of this year - after a market value study of the property was completed - Council decided that the rents would be raised to be on par with other properties owned by the City and its tax-paying citizens.

Moreover, the extra funds were needed to balance the budget.

For example, the El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument Society - charged with the upkeep of a memorial in the historic square - required an $800,000.00 subsidy from the city's general fund to balance its budget in recent years.

Increasing rents now is the best way to prevent subsidies from depleting city funds in coming years.

The report recommended that retail shopkeepers pay $2 - $6.50 per square foot.

The city controller's office has confirmed that most tenants on Olvera have been paying a paltry $1.35  per foot until the new rates were calculated and put into effect a few weeks ago.

Owners of kiosk-style spaces on the strip, on the other hand, have been paying an average of $300.00 a month.

Olvera shopkeepers should be charged $950 - $1350 monthly depending on the location.

El Pueblo officials have tried to push for rental increases over the years, but confided to the media in confidence, that a powerful politically-connected group has been thwarting their efforts.

Who could be more powerful than City Council or the California State Government?

It appears there may be an "invisible black hand" behind-the-scenes orchestrating control of the land.

If so, there must be a full investigation, to determine who the players are.

And, likewise, there must be swift severe action to nip the nefarious forces in the bud.

Surely, Citizens of Los Angeles don't hanker to the idea of corruption and violence breaking out in the streets downtown, true drug-cartel Latino-style!

In spite of the fact industry analysts have noted that the increases aforementioned are at a low end of the scale (tenants are still gettting a great deal) Olvera street tenants are rebelling.

A number of businessman, for instance, have held back rent money - and in some cases - checks were returned from the bank unpaid marked "stop pay" at the direction of digruntled merchants.

Imagine that!

Vivien Bonzo, President of the Olvera Street Merchants Association, is one of the flakes (who allegedly owes $5,095.00 in back rent).

Shouldn't Miss Bonzo (bozo?) be holding herself up as role model to her business neighbors?

Other tenants substantially behind include - Myrosa Enterprises (which is operated by Mike Marsical) - which currently owes in excess of $4,324.00 in back rent.

When a reporter from a weekly paper called Marsical's office to verify the facts, he hung up the phone angrily.

I expect that rude tantrum translates to:  no comment!

Will the defaulting rent-payers be given legal three-day notices to "pay or quit"?

Let's hope so!

After all,  if any - White, Afro-American, or Asian tenant refused to pay their rent - they'd be tossed into the street on their despicable deadbeat a**es.

In closing, it appears that Latino tenants have chosen the wrong time to fudge on their responsibilities.

The Governor in Arizona was recently forced to pass a landmark Immigration Reform Bill to resolve the issue of illegal immigrants crossing the border, and subsequently, draining vital State resources.

Now, their refusal to pay rent in California, underscores that Latino Immigrants are pparently a bunch of free-loaders who don't like to pay their way, bent on sapping America dry.

Frankly, I wouldn't be surprised if the next time Americans catch site of a Latino marching in U.S. Streets waving a Mexican flag, that they'll finally put their foot down and issue an ultimatum.

"Get out!"

Hopefully, the city will stand tough on the eviction notices, and other states will follow with similar immigration reform bills, to purge the nation of the illegal immigrant nightmare

http://www.thetattler.com

U.K. vulnerable to Nuclear terrorist attacks...Lord West eyes Thames River!

Between 1993 and 2008 there have been an alarming number of documented incidents (1,562) of  nuclear material being lost or stolen in the U.K.

For this reason, the International Atomic Energy Authority have expressed their concerns about potential terrorists threats on the horizon.

Militants trained in Afghanistan have already acquired dirty bomb capability due to an increase in the International black market trade in radioactive materials.

In fact, because of an increased illicit trade of - chemical and biological, radiological and nuclear weapons and materials - the U.K.'s Office for Security and Counter Terrorism has reported that there may be an increased danger of dirty bomb attacks on the Nation from both land and sea.

Because nuclear (CBRN) is used for legitimate purposes, Officials have also warned that there a potential danger of materials being purchased right off the Internet with no one the wiser.

It has been widely reported that al-Queda is the first "transnational organization" to promote the use of CBRN weapons against civilians.

Because of poor security measures, decommissioned materials were also singled out as a growing danger, because they are vulnerable to insiders and terrorist organizations with high-level contacts.

Lord West, the U.K.'s security Minister, alarmed many when he recently asserted that a terrorist attack could be instigated from speed boats cruising undocumented along the Thames River just under the radar.

Consequently, a National Martime Information center has been set up to counter the gaps - in what amounts to - a flawed security system in the U.K.

"I think the public would be surprised to discover that we do not know about every single contact," Lord West confided to the press recently.

http://www.thetattler.biz

Terrorism...Body Scanners controversial in Europe! Obama urges installation...

When I reported the terrorist attack on a U.S. airliner on Christmas Day, I noted that a couple of airports - quick-as-a-wink - erected body scanners at checkpoints to beef up airport security.

Post: 12/25/2009

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2009/12/terrorist-attackfailed-attempt-to-down.html

Since that time, a myriad of Nations have scrambled to jump on board to ensure that the threat of terrorism isn't allowed take hold and stalk citizens of the free world once again.

On Thursday, President Obama urged Homeland Security to step up their efforts to speed installation of body scanners at U.S. airports.

Of course, the effort is meaningless, unless there is full co-operation from sister nations also under constant threat of attack.

For this reason, Obama has requested his security team  in Washington work with Officials at other International airports outside these shores,  to follow suit.

In France - and Europe in general - the use of body scanners has triggered a controversy.

As I mentioned in my original post - and as the photographs graphically revealed - the body scanners tend to be somewhat intrusive.

Because the scanners show passengers virtually naked, privacy advocates have sent up a red flag in protest.

France's civil aviation authority has recognized the validity of the concerns and have stated for the record that individuals who do not wish to be scanned may choose - in the alternative - to be subjected to a pat down.

Belgium's Secretary of State lamented that the devices were excessive.

Other European countries who have expressed concerns are Spain and Germany.

England took a prudent approach and tested the body scanner at Heathrow Airport before committing themselves.

At press time, officials in London acknowledged their intent to go forward and implement the high-tech revealers at the end of the month.

Italy will follow suit apparently.

A Dutch member of the European market urged a public debate before taking such strident action.

"I understand that the public is clamoring for instant solutions. Scanners and other technologies can be very useful tools in the fight against terrorism, but they are no more than that. Ideally, people with bad intentions should be identified long before they pass through the final checkpoint."

Hence, the President's demand for tighter security measures, which underscores Washington is right on track.

Heathrow to facilitate body scanners permanently!

http://www.julianayrs.com

News Flash

The Canadian Government just announced its decision to require mandatory virtual strip searches to major airports across the nation.

44  high-tec devices using electromagnetic waves to scan through clothing and produce images of conceal objects will be facilitated to accomplish the task.

In addition, officers will engage in behavioral profiling to beef up security.

According to Transport Minister John Baird, airport security teams are being trained on how to single out suspicious travellers.

Terrorist attack..failed attempt to down jet above Detroit! al-Qaeda suspected instigator...

According to a Northwest Airlines spokesperson, there was an attempt to down one of their airplanes on the descent into Detroit, a scant hour or so ago.

Federal Officilas in charge of the ensuing invesigation announced that the alleged terrorist claimed to be acting on behalf of top-ranking members of al-Qaeda.

Although the passenger on route from Nigeria managed to set off an explosive, quick-thinking passengers sprang into action, and apprehended the man.

In response, a White House representative speculated that the unexpected traumatic event, was a failed terrorist attempt.

At press time it was announced that there were 278 passengers booked on Flight No. 253.

Eye-witnesses excitedly reported that they heard a sound - not unlike that of a firecracker going off - which prompted at least one passenger nearby to leap towards the man in a heroic bold-faced effort to subdue him without further incident.

Later, Law Enforcement Officers at the scene identified the gentleman as Umar Farouk Abdul Mutallab

During the course of his arrest, one officer reported to a media source, that the man claimed to be in league with al-Qaeda - who he asserted - instructed him to use the device in question to blow up the airliner over U.S. territory.

In spite of the potential threat, the jet was able to land safely, without further difficulty.

A GOP member of the House Homeland Security Committee confirmed that the flight originated in Nigeria and went through Amsterdam en route to Detroit.

An airline spokesperson acknowledged for the record in a terse statement  that on the approach to Detroit  - a combative passenger caused a disturbance onboard Northwest Airlines Flight 253 - but was  immediately subdued without further incident.

The White house responded by vowing to enforce stricter security measures.

Meanwhile, the President - currently on holiday in Hawaii - was briefed on the facts.

According to sources, Mr. Obama stressed that he is monitoring the situation, and receiving regular updates in the island paradise.

Sources who spoke to the media, did so anonymously, in view of the ongoing  investigation.

An official determination from the Attorney General's office (as to the true nature of the attack) is expected to be forthcoming in the next day or two.

Meanwhile, citizens in the throes of travel plans this holiday season, are encouraged to check with their booking agents and airline carriers to keep abreast of the crisis.

For updates on terrorist alerts, travellers are urged to check the following government website.

Info:  http://www.tsa.gov

http://www.julianayrs.com

President Obama...gives nod to extending provisions of Patriot Act?

Barack Obama announced recently his intention to take a closer look at the Patriot Act and some of its defining salient points.

On the surface, the Obama administration appears to stand behind three provisions of the Act (installed in the wake of 911 when the country was at risk to terrorist attacks) which are due to expire at the end of the year.

Of particular interest to lawmakers and Civil Rights groups is the government's current legal right to access business records, monitor suspected rogue terrorists operating out of cells in the United States, and engage in surreptitious wire tapes of a dubious (and possibly illegal) nature.

Critics charge that the Patriot Act, in a nutshell, gives the intelligence community in the Government arena too much authority to snoop into the private lives of  U.S. Citizens.

At issue is the rule of  law and accountability.

The Justice Department has acknowledged the administration's desire to extend the three-year provisions aforementioned.

In spite of this hard stance, though, the president and government handlers have hinted that they may consider granting additional privacy protection if said provisions do not weaken the effectiveness of the Partriot Act.

Get those petitions out to Washington, eh?

http://www.julianayrs.com

Homeland Security...Highway 8 perilous for drug lords, illegal immigrants & fruit smugglers! High alert on April 11th...

The Border Patrol were busy little bees yesterday at the height of an elevated alert in the San Diego region!

Rather than cruise along the same highways I facilitated about ten days ago to attend the AFI Fest (Dallas) , I threw caution to the wind and let an adventurous spirit lead the way.

Well, my guide must have been a surly confidant of Uncle Sam!

The trek along highways 30, 20, and 10 were uneventful enough - but when I headed down the last leg of my journey homeward bound on Highway 8 (west to San Diego) - I got more than I bargained for.

Sure, some of the landscape was picturesque (more on that in a follow-up post) but had I known the Border Patrol would be buzzin' up my a** throughout the day, I would have taken another less burdensome route.

For example, about twenty minutes after I crossed the California border, a white vehicle with a green emblem on the side panel sped up behind me out-of-the-blue.

At first, I thought it was a Military vehicle.

As it raced on by to official business elsewhere, I spied the name of the Government agency out-of-the-corner of my eye.

Border Patrol.

I'd heard a lot about the all-powerful (overzealous?) elite force run by Homeland Security, but - like many Americans - managed to steer clear of 'em.

I guess my number was up.

About ten miles up the road, a flashing neon sign forewarned that there may be a stop ahead, and that drivers should be ready for a vehicle inspection.

As I inched closer, and my heart beat faster (next to my Green Card in a wallet inside my chest pocket), I noticed a couple of cars parked at the side of the road.

A handful of diligent officers were sifting through a lot of dirty laundry, camping equipment, left-over lunch, and what-have-you.

In addition, a couple of passengers in the car in front of me were being questioned quite vigorously, by a young lady in a green field jacket and spiffy pantaloons.

Gosh, the babe was packing a gun!

When I pulled up, she jawned, and waved me through.

Yeah, no one's interested in wrinkly old white dudes.

Just ask Paris Hilton!

Just as I started to pick up speed and managed to tick off a few miles to compensate for lost time, there was another lull in traffic as vehicles were instructed to slow down - and if necessary - stop for an Officer.

As luck would have it, the man in front of me must have looked suspicious, because he got flagged right off-the-bat.

I sat in my own SUV and waited for the interrogation to end as I twiddled my thumbs.

At one juncture, a hefty middle-aged woman in baggy shorts and matching vest - wearing an official-looking badge emblazoned on the front of her "butch" uniform (Lesbo?) - strode to the back of the pick-up, hauled herself over the back gate of the truck bed, and proceeded to inspect a cooler inside.

Satisfied there was nothing untoward in there, she hopped out.

Now, with a nervous hand, the driver handed over a couple of oranges he plucked out of the glove compartment out of harm's way 'til now.


The meticulous gal gave them a once over, plunked 'em down on her makeshift table at the side of the road, then proceeded to jot down his license plate number.



I guess if they decide to bust the disreputable fellow for smuggling, they'll lock him up in a holding cell where they detain all the "fruits" incarcerated in the prison population.

Once again, I was waved through with little fuss.

I thought the rude interruptions had all dried up at about the witching hour.

No, sir!

Next up?

A search for drugs!

When the vehicle in front pulled up to a line marked on the pavement at the check point, a police dog was inclined to jump up from his snug perch by the Guard's station, then trot up to driver's side of the vehicle to sniff a little.

Nada!

Now, the dog handler turned in my direction with a slightly bemused look on his face.

Was I the culprit who piqued the dog's curiosity?

I inched forward, then stopped, so the dog and I were in line with each other.

Then, without any qualms, I stared directly into the animal's eyes and gave him a look as if to say:

"I'm not in the mood for your nonesense, so don't get any ideas, Bowser!"

He moved on.

If you can believe it, I also encountered another "border check" in an out-of-the-way pass on the way in to the San Diego area just about midnight.

A ubiquitous sign was posted on the gate for the tired and the humbled masses to peruse as they awaited their fate.

It read - "Homeland Security using tax dollars to protect Americans against the threat of Terrorism" - or something to that effect.

Again, travellers in vehicles ahead of me were stopped and questioned, but I was waved through.

I guess it was because I was driving a Ford, do 'ya think?

http://www.julianayrs.com

Homeland Security...U.S. Immigration & Naturalization. I fought Uncle Sam & won! Nasty nightmare ends...

Department of Injustice is more like it!

Readers of my daily blog may recall that a few months ago, I posted a blistering expose on Homeland Security & U.S. Immigration & Naturalization Service.

In that compelling report, I noted that the INS lost Immigrant paperwork, and stalled and delayed the approval process for thousands of immigrants seeking legal status in the U.S.

Thereafter, when complaints were filed with Government Officials - the staff at local offices and at headquarters in Washington (D.C.) not only engaged in cover-ups - but retaliated against the complainants by denying their petitions waiting for a proper legal review.

Post: 06/12/08

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2008/06/immigrationpending-lawsuits-for.html

I expect that many Americans thought the allegations were wild, fabricated, or at least sensationalized a tad.

On the contrary, I was one of the "victims", so I knew from whence I spoke.

True, I cleverly penned the post without divulging my own personal struggles with the all-powerful Government Agencies involved.

I did so in a clandestine effort to avoid further recrimination (or deportation) from the INS and Homeland Security 'til a thorough investigation by the authorities could pave the way to Justice.

For me, it was a four-year nightmare!

During that time frame, I battled local officials who "lost" my paperwork in the Los Angeles Regional office and suffered through extreme hardships as I vowed to right the wrongs emanating from the main processing center back east where a nasty piece of work (Head of the Department) denied my petition when he learned that I filed a complaint with the Director of the INS in Washington, D.C.

But, the stressful battle did not end there.

When Michael Chertoff failed to take action, or even give me the courtesy of a reply, eventually the whole enchilada ended up in President Bush's lap in the Oval Office.

Indeed!

At this juncture, upper-level INS Officials, and corrupt cronies of the Secretary of Homeland Security - Michael Chertoff - buttoned down the hatches and the cover-ups surged forward.

Oh, and there was one tussle with ICE, in which I was bodily injured by two strapping officers, and required emergency hospitalization.

After that, I essentially ended up in a no-man's land, in static limbo at the INS Benefits Center, for a couple of years.

Then, there was a curious turn-of-events this week.

When I innocently cruised over to pick up my mail, I spied an envelope from the INS in my box.

Eureka!

The notice was issued to inform me that my petition for a renewal of my legal status in the United States was approved!

Today, a second envelope arrived from the heartland, with my spanking new Alien Registration card snugly inside.

"Welcome to the United States," a glossy pamphlet screamed out as it fell on the counter in front of me.

The four-year ordeal was over!

And now, I intend to tell the shocking tale in the next day or two in a post I'll publish at this blog site.

I trust that when I do, the disturbing conduct of INS Staff and the deceitful illegal machinations of their superiors at Homeland Security and in the White House - George W. Bush, too - will result in a cry for reform.

And, that the revelations, will ultimately hasten along justice for all other immigrants currently suffering through the abyss that is the INS, which I have just been rescued from.

Come back, and read all about it, eh?

Would you trust this man?

http://www.julianayrs.com

9th Circuit Court of Appeals rules...laptop searches permissable!

O'Scannlain...twisted brain turns out ludicrous rulings!


Because of a recent court ruling, savvy travellers with ubiquitous laptops in tow, may want to consider storing "sensitive" data or scintillating musings of a personal nature on discs left at home or face the real threat that - what the Government may perceive as "dirty laundry" - may be exposed in public at the airport or local rail station.

The last time I passed through the border with my laptop, I was a bit startled when a stiff official-looking Customs Official briskly strode up and asked that I fork over the slim elegant pc for inspection.

What would anyone want with my innocent blog material is any person's guess, eh?

Along that line of thought - and after a moment of reflection - I am reminded of an old episode of "Dynasty". In that night's intense hire-wire segment - presented in fabulous color on a wide screen amid a gaggle of gay boys at the Backlot on La Peer - Alexis ended up in the hospital after she was a victim of a murder attempt.




When the Detective sauntered into her room and questioned her as to who might want to cause her harm - the response was delicious - to say the least.



She thought for a sec - at which point - one unsavory foe came to mind.

"Well, there's..."

But, her voice trailed off as quickly as she began. Now, another face loomed large in the inner recesses of her well-coiffed head.

"Or, it could have been..."

She nervously twisted in her bed, and her eyes went wide beneath the perfectly made-up-face, as she came to grips with the reality that there may be three, or four, or - how many potential suspects?

A few at least!

Yeah, Alexis attracted enemies like flies to sh**.

But, back to my story.

Of course, no one would be interested in my humble thoughts, or even a smidgen of the harmless gossip I'm prone to spring on an unsuspecting Internet, right?

With a bit of a flourish, he set the PC lightly on the counter. Then, with great precision - on finger tippy-toe, if you will - he gingerly slipped on a pair of pristine white gloves. Not like in the Doctor's office where the examiner thrusts them on with a "thwack" and barks out to "bend over" to facilitate a rude grope in the buttocks for a prostrate check.

Gosh, I keep getting sidetracked.

At this juncture, the dedicated customs agent scanned the surface of my laptop with a smart stylish wand with due care and professional diligence. Satisfied that it was not going to blow up in his face, he proceeded to flip open the lid and power it on.

After a few delightful bars of the windows theme sprang to life and sang out across the airport concourse, all the flashy icons fired up on the miniature screen before him.

'Ya know, he eyed 'em all with keen suspicion.

Yes, I do not have a number of intriguing software installations that may just pique the curiosity of the most mundane imaginations.

Satisfied that everything was A-OK, he closed the lid carefully and passed it off to me.

And, in a few seconds, he was intently observing the next passenger for tell-tale signs of evil-doings, I dare say.

The long and short of it is this. For those of you who thought that data in your laptop was safe - and beyond scrutiny - well, as some futurists would say, do a double-think.

Recently, an Appellate Court ruled that a laptop may not only be thoroughly searched - but the party who owns it, detained - if there is any hint of impropriety or illegal activity within the confines of its compact space.

In respect to the instant litigation aforementioned - pleadings in the proceeding established that when Michael Timothy Arnold (a Mathematics teacher) passed through LAX - a routine glance at the data inside revealed two photographs of naked women.

On the premise that there may be more pornographic material concealed in corresponding files - or elsewhere - Mr. Arnold was summarily detained and searched. And, in a further probe after the initial discovery, agents were shocked to uncover questionable nude photographs of children.

Consequently, he was summarily charged with possession and transportation of child pornography under applicable law.

Maximum jail sentence if convicted? Thirty years.

The man filed suit and argued that a laptop is not unlike a person's home, and as such, can not be searched without good cause, on the wings of a warrant, what have you.

Early on in the first stage of the litigation, a bench-warmer agreed.

In fact, in the lower court, U.S. District Court Judge Dean Pregerson ruled that the evidence found on the laptop was inadmissible. In his ruling, Pregerson opined that electronic storage devices are an extension of a person's memories and thoughts and cannot be legally searched without reasonable suspicion.

Well, that notion gets a guffaw from me, in spite of the fact I am fairly open-minded! Yes sir, I am all for laptops being bestowed the honor of - "sacred hallowed places" - where the nefarious high priests of State, Church, and prying Society dare not tread without due cause.

But, an appeal was lodged by the Federal Government (natch).

In their moving papers they argued that the law allows searches at the nation's borders without reasonable suspicion. Hence, their actions were within the law.

Now, how do you feel about that Homeland Security Act? Fess up!

After taking the matter under submission, the presiding 9th Circuit Justice - Diarmuid O'Scannlain (a boob by any standards) - stated in his opinion,

"Arnold has failed to distinguish how the search of his laptop and its electronic contents is logically any different from the suspicionless border searches of travelers' luggage that the Supreme Court and we have allowed."

Now, we get to why O'Scannlain is a moron.

To back his position, he snidely remarked that since a man can not "live" in a laptop (cheeky devil) and it is transportable - it is not like a home - at all.

You don't say! Brilliant deduction, Watson.

In the final analysis, his absurd notion is what negated the Appellant's arguments.

What we have here is a bona fide legal idiot, folks!

The Supreme Court finding that a laptop is like a suitcase - which is subject to legal search - makes more sense.

Albert Einstein said once,

"Whoever undertakes to set himself up as a judge of Truth and Knowledge is shipwrecked by the laughter of the Gods."

Can you hear the laughter, Justice O'Scannlain?