Home of the Fearful, Land of the Imprisoned

The Justice Department Inspector General has found that U.S. authorities overreacted toward immigrants in the wake of 9/11.

These truck drivers, bus boys, janitors, and cabbies have no connection to terror. But their lives are ruined and families shattered because they have the bad luck to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

So, maybe now things will get better? Hah! These are the Ashcroft times.

One would hope that the recent disclosures of government excesses and apologies by security officials would be a sign that the post-Sept. 11 panic is over and more rational investigative measures that actually prevent terrorism are being implemented. Unfortunately with Operation Landmark, the Special Registration program, and the presidential campaign centered on the themes of national security, it looks like the worst is yet to come.