As some of my returning readers might remember, I occasionally complain when politicians do something that shows their utter contempt for people, and indicates how stupid they think you are. However, I think I'm learning that they really are right. Perhaps it's time for me to join them as the anointed and simply lord over people because they really are stupid.

According to a Fox News Poll, Americans really are dumb. The headline was "Bag Searches Yes, Racial Profiling No," but it could have been "People are just idiots."

76% of people believe random searches are "a necessary action" in "today's times."
60% of people believe random searches are effective ways to prevent future terrorist attacks.

Yet there is zero evidence that any random searches have actually done anything at all to prevent, slow down, or modify in any way any crime or terrorist act. In other words, they are completely, 100% for show.

65% of people think that personal safety is more important than liberty.
64% are willing to give up personal freedom to reduce the threat of terrorism

Wow. That's incredibly scary. It says the majority of people in this country are willing to give up quite literally anything for perceived safety. With that attitude, I'm afraid that we're actually moving closer to a civil war -- you see, I'm not giving up my firearms, no matter how safe it makes you feel for me not to have them.

49% of people disapprove of using racial or ethnic profiling in the fight on terrorism.

Sad. That's truly sad. Look, when ALL the terrorists fit an exact profile, why won't we actually look for them?!? It's absolutely assanine NOT to use profiling. If you local police chief took this view on crime-fighting, when a woman reported that she'd been raped by a 6'6" Asian male, they'd have to arrest and question 75-year old ladies and 6-year old kids!

I think America has indeed changed. If this poll accurately reflects the attitudes of Americans today, we are no longer the country that was formed in 1776, and we have no hope of ever being that great country again. This country was founded on individual liberty -- once that's removed, this country is not a representative republic. I think it's time to move to a compound in MT.

Linkly love for Mudville Gazette and Outside the Beltway.