Congress Takes Steps to Prevent Flying Imams from Suing Passengers

The House of Representatives took a step towards protecting passengers who reported suspicious behavior by a group of Imams on a U.S. Airways flight. (See coverage on WashingtonTimes.com.) This action comes in response to reports the Imams, who are suing the airline, are also planning to sue passengers who allegedly made false claims. Think of this as a sort of whistle-blowers protection for the public. I would like to say to Congress, "Proceed with caution."

In my initial post about this case, I said I had mixed feelings. The public must know they can report suspicious behavior without the worry of being dragged into court. At the same time, we cannot have people making false claims based on personal prejudices. The question I have in this situation is who should decide what is a legitimate vs. a false claim?

I question the motives of these Imams and their attorney in suing passengers. Their claim of not wanting to go after those who acted in good faith is disingenuous at best, assuming they are not mind readers. But I fear Congress, in protecting these passengers, may create a problem for people who have a legitimate cause to file a complaint about a false report. This might rob us all of our own freedoms. Who knows, that might be the ultimate goal.

This has become a no win situation. We can protect against what appears to be an attempt at intimidation but we may do so at a cost. Or we as a nation can do nothing and allow ourselves to be intimidated into silence.

There must be a solution and it should come from Washington. But this solution must be crafted with caution, making sure we do not hand victory to those who want to rob us of our freedom.

Hat Tip Independent Conservative.
For more see Michelle Malkin, and USAToday.