Every day we hear the admonition that is borne of terror – “If you see something, say something.” It is that mantra that tells citizens to be aware of their surroundings — and to report anything that looks out of place. I’ve been saying that for years — “Watch for Anomalies” (see 6/18/12). But should we really “say something“?
First – “if you see something” it will likely be someone (or something) that looks “out of place.” Someone who raises suspicion. This in turn requires some level of “profiling” which we are told in the United States is politically incorrect and thus forbidden. Though profiling is viewed in most countries as smart. Remember the 14 year old boy in Dallas who came to school with a package filled with wires and containers. Someone “said something.” Police showed up and detained the boy. Turned out the boy had a homemade clock. The clock was examined and dismantled by a bomb squad. The boy – a Muslim – is now suing the Dallas school system for $15 million. And he’s moved to Qatar. Airlines who question or debark suspicious passengers are sued routinely. Same with police. By the usual and predictable coterie of loathsome plaintiff’s lawyers . . . .
Maybe the lesson should be — “if you see something – run the other way.” And leave others deal with the consequences. Sergeant Schulz comes to mind “I know nothing! I see nothing!”
Renaissance Hombre 
1) I fail to see any sense in which reporting an anomaly (see something, say something) is related to profiling… unless you are laying in wait for someone of another race, gender, creed, nationality (or whatever may differentiate that person from you) to do something suspicious.
2) Racism, sexism, religious intolerance, etc. are not simply being “political incorrect” (more likely, immoral) and should not be equated in any discourse.
Inappropriate litigation is something the 3) What the Bar/judicial system seems to accept and encourage as recompense for intolerance and inappropriate action is relevant only to an entirely different set of moral issues than profiling and prejudice and should not be entered into the same discussion.
1) It appears you’ve never taken public transportation (which I have taken daily for 40+ years).
2) Of course “racism, sexism, religious intolerance” are components of political correctness. Puh-lease! Of course, Jim — they are all wrong (and despicable). But they are nonetheless a growing component of the dramatic attack on free speech and personal liberty that we have experienced under Mr. Obama. PEOPLE ARE NOT ALLOWED TO EXPRESS OPINIONS THAT ARE CONTRARY TO ACCEPTED NORMS.