Keep your hands off my DNA

I'm not a member of the Libertarian Party. I agree with a lot of what the party stands for, but I disagree with a lot, too. However, I have to agree with it on this statement.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Libertarian Party issued a statement from Executive Director Shane Cory following the announcement of the federal government's new practice of collecting DNA data from people arrested, though not convicted, for federal offenses:

"The new practice of collecting DNA data from people arrested for federal crimes raises serious privacy concerns. The government will now be compiling a databank from people arrested, though not convicted, of any federal crime. Therefore, if you are detained for a federal crime, even a minor offense in a national park, you will have your DNA stored forever with the federal government. This is a sad day for privacy rights in a country that used to value the idea of 'innocent until proven guilty.' However, this comes as no surprise given this Republican administration's eagerness to increase the power and scope of the federal government."

One thing I don't like about Cabell County schools' new drug testing policy is that I don't know who keeps the records on the results of the tests, or for how long. I really don't like my DNA or my medical information in the government's hands without good reason.

I wonder if reporters will soon have to submit DNA samples to the Secret Service before they get press credentials to cover a presidential visit. Or if people touring the Capitol will have to supply a sample.

And what happens when the federal government takes over the health care system and gets access to all our medical records?

But there will be firewalls of privacy, and there's no way President Hillary Clinton's people could access the medical records of her opponents. Sure there will.