Airport-style security theater has been applied to the Smithsonian museums and even Arlington National Cemetary. It does no good and lots of harm.

I might have wanted to visit some Smithsonian museums if I were ever in DC again, but not if there's a 30-minute wait to get in.

The author's conclusion is not strong enough: we are already far beyond the point where security measures compromises our principles. These searches are just a big annoyance, but it is no disaster to stay away from those places. Other "security" measures, such as massive surveillance, put democracy in danger.

"When Alexa is listening, what do you tell houseguests?"

I think you should unplug the device for the sake of your guests' privacy. You'd be a fool to believe it listens only at the times they claim it does.

When I stayed in a home with an Alexa device in the room where I often worked, I unplugged it.

Global heating is spreading plant plagues that are wiping out many species of trees and other plants in forests around the world.

Don't Just Pardon Edward Snowden; Give the Man a Medal.

Experiments show that more CO2 than now won't help plants, but future higher temperatures will hurt plants.