Profiling

The major argument against the Arizona law is that it will encourage racial profiling.  In other words, a Latino would be much more likely to be asked for proof of citizenship than a white male or female.

Granted, I truly can never understand how it would feel to be a minority because I am a white male.  However, profiling is used in every part of what we do except to fight crime seemingly and I don't get it.  I remember when I got my driver's license at 16 and my insurance was more expensive than a girl's simply because I was a guy.  Is that fair?  No.  Is it profiling?  Absolutely.  Is it necessary in order for the insurance company to successfully underwrite the business and return a fair profit?  YES

When someone sees me, they prejudge me based on my appearance all of the time.  If I am a bit overweight and short, I will be assumed to be a non-athlete.  While if I was 6'8", everyone would assume I was a basketball player and assume I was good.  If I wear a suit and tie, I am assumed to be a business person.  If I wear have dirty finger nails, one may think I am a laborer.  My point is that we are profiled all of the time.

I don't think any of it is fair.  I don't think it is fair that I pay more insurance because I am a guy.  I don't think it is fair that someone isn't hired because they are a certain color.  I don't think it is fair that someone may get asked for proof of citizenship because they are profiled to be a likely illegal immigrant. 

But, what is the alternative?  This small right that people are screaming about giving up is absolutely nothing compared to the rights we will be giving up in the coming years as our baby boomers and their pensions and health care cost more and we are saddled with a debt load that is incomprehensible.  Get ready.