As early as 1823, The Supreme Court recognized freedom of movement as a Constitutional Right.  Of course, at that time, it referred only to domestic travel.  But today, traveling globally is as common as traveling from state to state was then.

Why do we travel?  To go home. To see loved ones.  To work.  To vacation.  To study. To escape. To be safe.  To be free. To have our hearts and eyes opened. The list is infinite.

Travel opens our eyes and hearts to “different” people.  A few years ago, I (and everyone else) was stuck in the Cairo airport for about five hours. A woman completely covered in black and her husband in traditional Arab garb were swinging their little son between their arms, trying to entertain him. The child was dressed in jeans and a tee shirt and those tennis shoes that light up when you take a step. And I thought, “This is just a family, like any other, no matter what they choose to wear or what they believe.” Out of respect, I did not snap a picture of them when they weren’t looking, but I have never forgotten them.   My heart and eyes were opened.

How can Americans brook any random edict that bans freedoms of movement, domestic or global?

Do what you can. Be brave. Speak out.  Write.  March. Email your senators and representatives. Do not be silent.

Defend the freedom of the press — which today is called the media.  The first thing Hitler did was to abolish all the newspapers except his.  If the media is the “opposition party,”  I rejoice.