"I possessed literature and I was a security threat [because of it]..."

A young man asked me to turn in my literature. I refused, believing I had a right to keep the literature. The young man pointed to the sign and stated that literature wasn't allowed due to security reasons.

Believe me, I am sympathetic to all in public life and the security threats they and their families live with. I understand why coats, bags, weapons, and even signs are prohibited from these events. Safety is our first concern.

I can even understand not allowing someone to come in with stacks of literature and hand them out because it could be disruptive or a bomb could be inserted in a pile of leaflets. But six or eight sheets of 8 by 11 paper? What are they afraid of: exploding paper? Particularly when the literature in question challenged the governor on his education policy.

Just in case you were under the impression that "security" measures are actually about "security", here's a case where the security measures are actually about silencing criticism. Bet you thought we had a First Amendment, didn't you? This is just a real handy way to confiscate that literature -- how many people would remember to pick up another copy after the speech?