In the name of National Security

From The Richmond Times Dispatch
Published: March 31, 2008

If you make a mistake on your tax return and pay too little, you owe Uncle Sam the difference plus penalties and interest.
If the IRS makes a mistake and refunds you too much money, you could owe Uncle Sam the difference — plus penalties and interest.
Recently the country learned that similar rules apply to the FBI, which has been providing incorrect information to the government’s terrorist watch list.
News articles occasionally relate horror stories about persons who get blacklisted because their name resembles the name of somebody else who was added to the watch list.
Unfortunately, the FBI has been less than scrupulous about removing records from the watch list, or about correcting mistakes.
The bureau’s assistant director, John Miller, says the bureau is working to streamline the process to make it easier — for agents. Meanwhile, though, tens of thousands of individuals have had to file the notarized paperwork necessary to begin the process of clearing their names.
The Department of Homeland Security recently began a program called TRIP — Traveler Redress Inquiry Program — where individuals can challenge their presence on a no-fly or similar watch list. Let’s hope those who have been mislabeled get not only clearance but an apology.