Unintended Consequences -- part 1

Fellow blogger, Dan Kennedy, links us into the explosion of consequences from the New Bedford Raid.

This is a fascinating case showing how the theory of unitended consequences applies to big government.

Some things to consider:

1. Is New Bedford MA where al-qaeda plans to strike next?
2. What were the opportunity costs of this raid, apparently 2+ months in the planning?
3. Is it significant that the raid took place in a blue state?
4. Are we just now spending millions on body armor vests?
5. If there are only 100+ people working there now, what happened to all the New Bedfordians who wanted these jobs?
6. How many of the rounded-up were actually illegals?
7. How many were held without bail or due process?
   
8. How much did this raid cost the taxpayers?
9. How much did this raid cost the economy of New Bedford?

Let's take a look, shall we?

addenda:

• Jeff Flake's libertarian view on immigration

Minimum Standards for Driver’s licenses and Identification Cards Acceptable by Federal Agencies for Official Purposes

While libby takes a fall, the beat goes on:

chertoff releases a proposal for implementation of the Real ID law (2 years after passage -- yes, they were dragging their feet.)

Cost? 23 BILLION! in 2006 dollars.

When you open the link to the pdf file -- buried on page 106 of 162 is the cost estimate.
23 effing billion effing 2006 effing dollars!

When you're setting up a police state, be sure to bring your visa card!