I recently traveled across country for a wedding and was constantly reminded by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in airports and on the rail system, "If you see something, say something." Okay, I will.

I see the DHS is now working with the NFL. (Imagine spooky Halloween music here.) We weren't paying attention when Janet Napolitano announced a partnership with the NFL and local law enforcement before the Super Bowl, or the ban on tailgating anywhere near the Super Bowl. Now she has come to haunt us at Lambeau.

If you ever wished that going to a professional football game was more like going through airport security, now you can get your wish, along with the other 16.5 million football fans peacefully attending games this year. To get to your seats in time for kickoff, you must leave your tailgate two hours early, or about mid-morning for most games. Fun, eh?

The Government wants to train us to submit, without question; to behave obediently and meekly accept the intrusive body scans and humiliating pat-downs our rulers insist on imposing on its subjects. To retrain people to line up like sheep and be herded through pens and chutes without protest. However, why the Green Bay Packer organization, which claims to be run by and for its "owners", the fan stockholders, would go along with this not so family-friendly approach, is beyond my comprehension.

Security theater works for the Government but how does the Packers organization benefit? They admit that there have been no threats or incidents at Lambeau, yet claim that they are invading fan privacy to protect our "safety." Right. Hopefully, this is not going to be a typical experience for other aspects of our lives, although there is no reason to be optimistic.

Libertarians would tend to defend a private business annoying its customers with invasive searches before allowing them to enter, and let the owners suffer the consequences. However, now the police are involved.

The Packers do not use their own security for unconstitutional game day searches. They bring in the Green Bay cops. Remember the slogan, "Protect and Serve"? How do pat-downs "serve" the public, much less "protect" them?

Police officers, unlike rent-a-cops, take an oath to abide by the Constitution. Article 4 of the Bill of Rights attempts to guarantee, "The right of the people to be secure in their persons, .... against unreasonable searches and seizures ....". What probable cause justifies searching thousands of Packer fans? Are the Green Bay Police disrespecting fans' constitutional rights in return for some overtime pay? Where is the next place where they will trample our constitutional rights?

What is a proud, freedom loving fan to do? Alex Jones suggests boycotting NFL (No Fun League) games. That would be easier for the fans of some teams (e.g., Vikings) than others.

Shareholders and fans still have the right to let the Packers administration know how they feel. Call 920-569-7500 for the switchboard to leave a message or write to: 1265 Lombardi Avenue; Green Bay, WI 54304. Send this article. Green Bay residents, contact your city government.
Pass it on.

Go Pack Go!