I try very, very hard to be "politically correct." Not because it's the in thing, but because I learned the hard way how hurtful it is to be labeled for nothing other than the color of my skin or the place of my birth. However, I'm not convinced that looking at those who behave strangely or when someone tips off the government that they may be planning a terrorist act is labeling. It is acting prudently.

Now, if you tell me someone was stopped by a police officer because they "looked" Middle Eastern and no other reason, then I have issues. If you tell me every Somalian in the U.S. is being checked out, again I have issues. I do believe the FBI, et al., do a good job of checking out suspects. I also don't believe they go after everyone of a certain descent or skin color or religious belief.

You do a blog that labels you a Muslim extremist, I want you checked out and I don't care if you're black, brown, red, white or bright green. You walk down the street with a white forehead and a swarthy complexion, overdressed for the weather, mumbling to yourself, I'm not only following you, I'm calling the police.

Being cautious and sensible has nothing to do with profiling. It has to do with looking for the people who are likely to do harm.

(BTW, I agree that this really is political. It is, however, informative and I'm happy to join this discourse. And I refuse to go into political -- too ugly for this little liberal.)