But as we drove away, we marveled at how complacent we were, given that we both knew that my friend's rights were being violated. There were elements of convenience — we were on our way to dinner, and resisting the officer's requests would have detained us longer — and of embarrassment and fear — my friend didn't want to make a scene, especially not in the neighborhood where I live. What was ultimately a polite and respectful situation could have turned ugly had my friend stood his ground and refused to give up his ID.
Are these how our rights slowly erode, because we're in a rush to pick up Thai food or because we don't want to raise the ire or suspicion of law enforcement? If the average person avoids conflict during an incident like this one, is he or she passing the buck, leaving it to "the radicals" to fight for our rights? Should my friend have done more to defend his rights? Would you?
Topics:
News Features
, Police, guns, Kevin McCarthy, More 
, Police, guns, Kevin McCarthy, weapons, chief, Norman Hamann, Less 
