Will Grigg?s Liberty Minute

February 25, 2013

In a recent commentary we reviewed state Senator Chuck Winder?s role in promoting two legislative resolutions seeking greater federal government in prosecuting the unconstitutional and counter-productive war on drugs. I had neglected to point out Winder?s equally repellent role in encouraging the federal government to select Idaho as a test site for its unmanned aerial drone program.

On February 5, theIdahostate senate passed a resolution asking the state government to apply for the supposed privilege of being one of six states used to conduct tests of drones. The resolution instructs the state Commerce Department to spend $25,000 for writing a proposal to the Federal Aviation Administration. According to Winder,Idaho?s selection would stimulate the state?s economy ? particularly the academic sector, which would create new technical programs and offer advanced college degrees.

Significantly, Winder not only seeks to encourage drone testing, but also the increased use of drones in law enforcement.  In an interview with the New York Times, he emphasized that he does not want to restrict law enforcement by requiring search warrants for the use of surveillance drones. We have yet to find the limit to Senator Winder?s appetite for police state measures.

Let us take back the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free