"One problem with that is, how does the average person know whether a "Middle Eastern-looking person" is born in Syria or Schenectady?"
I think that the possession of a U.S. passport entitles one to the full protection of the Bill of Rights. I realize this may make some of our good neighbors to the north or the south uncomfortable. I squirm over the fact that our Canadien, Mexican, British, and Italian allies might be delayed or detained through no fault of their own. But, with the exception of the Israelis and possibly the British, no other country in the world is the target that we are. I am also under no illusions that the possession of a U.S. passport automatically guarantees that person's innocence and/or good intentions. I just think that is a logical place to BEGIN the search.
Regards, Vince
P.S.: Doesn't anyone have an opinion on how the TSA should be conducting business?