How does one Rebut This?

[Werewolf]

A common thing said by many regarding being searched, having to go thru metal detectors etc etc etc is:

"What's the big deal? If you don't have anything to hide why should you object?"

That answer to me is just wrong on so many levels. Superficially, though, it has merits.

I know it is wrong but I'm having real trouble articulating why.

Why is the "If you don't have anything to hide why should you object?" statement wrong?

Help me out...

[Jamisjockey]

It's wrong because it is.  So what.  Why should I have to prove it?  There is a thing called the 4th amendment.  There is a thing called unreasonable search and seizure. 

[Manedwolf]

Because minimum wage bureaucratic clerical workers don't care if they make mistakes.

In some cases, it means you might be put on the no-fly list by accident. In more extreme cases, it means you get a no-knock raid.

"If you have nothing to hide, why care" doesn't account for bureaucratic incompetence that can ruin your life or get you killed.

[Thor]

IMO, that phrase automatically indicates some amount of guilt should one want to refuse. It's a psychological manipulation.

[rsl_shot]

+1 Thor
"Have you stopped beting your wife ?"

Roger

[Tallpine]

If I didn't have anything to hide, I would walk around naked 

[Devonai]

I agree with the others, and would add that it has to do with the philosophy of "innocent until proven guilty."  Citizens acting in a lawful manner should be left alone.

[CAnnoneer]

"What's the big deal? If you don't have anything to hide why should you object?"
That answer to me is just wrong on so many levels. Superficially, though, it has merits.

The next time somebody tells you that, ask them to empty their pockets, their purpose, and their wallet, strip in front of you, and give you access to their email and digital records. When they object, throw the question back at them.

There are very few people that would actually submit themselves to such treatment willingly. There are far more people that think it is okay to do that to SOMEBODY ELSE. The mental self-delusion is that it would never really be applied to them, so they are ok with it.

[Pax Jordana]

+1 Thor
"Have you stopped beting your wife ?"

Roger

haha, in school we always say "do your parents know you're gay?"

for the record, I've stopped saying it, but boy was it funny at 12..


Anyway, I simply respond by saying "It's my right to refuse simply because I don't feel like doing it"

[Standing Wolf]

If you don't have anything to hide why should you object?

If you don't think I'm a criminal, why would you want to search me?

[SteveS]

A common thing said by many regarding being searched, having to go thru metal detectors etc etc etc is:

"What's the big deal? If you don't have anything to hide why should you object?"

Since I have a reasonable expectation of privacy when it comes to my body, the burden lies on the State to show why a search would be justified.  The burden is not mine to show why a search would be unjustified. 

[Perd Hapley]

"What's the big deal? If you don't have anything to hide why should you object?"


I am especially sick of hearing this on conservative talk radio.  It reminds me of all the Democrats who used to call Rush Limbaugh to say, "Bill Clinton is our President of the United States.  You should respect him.     "