As IF Times

link Voters ban judges from using international law | NewsOK.com.

On the surface of it, this seems like a no big deal measure.  Until you look at the groups that oppose it.  The craze to be inclusive has ironically transmogrified into the craze to become exclusive and divisive.  The debate about multiculturalism and plurality of beliefs has been hijacked by those who employ relativism as a tool to paint those opposed as intolerant.  

As such, there is very little two sided debate on this very provocative issue.  Very few public figures will dare to put forth the notion that some belief systems are in fact quite flawed and not deserving of equal consideration in mainstream society, at least in western society. 

If I really want to have dinner at my friend Marty’s  house, would it be divisive of Marty not to allow me to have my dog sit at the table as is my custom at home?  The operative phrase here is ‘really want’.  Presumably, when you undertake to uproot yourself from wherever you happen to live in the world and plant yourself in a new host country, you implicitly agree that for whatever reason, that it must be a better life choice.  Unless you were frog marched here, learning to adapt to the local customs and mores would be logical.

In the case of my pal Marty, if he had strong desire to eat at my house, I should think that he would expect to sit next to Rover and say ” pass the Alpo”.  

Nations should consider implementing policies like most airlines do now.  Do a thorough frisk and then allow very little baggage.  If you are going to reinvent your life somewhere else, then enjoy the benefits, but which neccessarily includes observing local laws and customs.   At the acceptance speech of newly minted Florida Senator Marco Rubio last night, he made a comment that should resound with anyone who wishes to make a life in the U.S., but which also applies to a shrinking handful of western countries.

The message is that in most countries of the world, the fate of a person is decided even before they are born.  Only in the U.S. can you rise above whatever circumstances you came from to attain pretty much whatever you want to achieve.  That should be the beacon for all who come.  Leave the old baggage behind.

For a thoughtful discussion on integration and immigration, see here: http://www.nationalreview.com/articles/250338/change-don-t-celebrate-cultures-thomas-sowell

link TSA Changes Pat-Down Procedure at Airports – ABC News.

Apparently there are complaints filed from the  Lap Dancers’ union known as LEWD, Ladies Employed While Dancing,  local 44DD about encroachment by the TSA into their workspace.  As some may know, at strip bars, patrons can pay for a session with a dancer who then proceeds to gyrate her body on an appreciative customer.  Naturally, these kinds of services are not free, patrons are obligated to pay for the few moments of titillation.

The dancers’ union now fear that the new TSA invasive search policies amount to encroachment upon their business and are demanding that they have their union members employed to perform the searches.   A spokesperson for the union,  LEWD,  stated:

“…We are disturbed and dismayed that the Federal government would take jobs away from our members.  During this tough time in the economic cycle, people should not be cannibalizing each others’ jobs.  Our members have specific skills and experience in feeling up patrons whereas TSA staff are neither trained nor qualified for these positions.  At the very least, there should be uniformity for the screeners, minimally the standard G string.  In addition, the working environment must include loud rhythmic music as is mandated in all of our work locations.   Since most of the members of LEWD are women, we consider this an attack on the employment prospects of women and expect full cooperation by the TSA in addressing our concerns and hiring our members…”

Separately, travel agents report a spike in travel plans by college aged men.