The June 7 issue of the Issaquah/Sammamish Reporter contained op/ed about the recent Supreme Court decision to allow authorities to collect DNA samples from (presumed innocent) citizens who have been arrested for any reason. Editor Craig Groshart recites the argument that DNA is simply a better version of fingerprints that can be used to identify criminals.

To equate fingerprints to DNA is like comparing a single word on a piece of paper with an encyclopedia. Fingerprints can be used to link an individual to an object or a place, but DNA contains about 3 billion bits of data detailing every detail of every physical and mental trait we each possess. It can also be used to identify near and distant relatives in “familial” searches.

We all want to catch the bad guys but this decision is far too broad. The DNA information goes into a national database called CODIS. YOU could get picked up by mistake for some reason and join the database of serious felons. Considering revelations about the Feds monitoring our e-mails and other internet activity, can we trust them to honorably administer files of our DNA?

The Supreme Court decision is too broad.They jumped the gun, allowing DNA collection of any arrested person ahead of the development of a detailed framework of genetic civil liberty protections.It’s the slippery slope of slippery slopes.I hope the courts will realize they have made a mistake and put the necessary restrictions in place and get the horse back in front of the cart.

Mike Harrington, Issaquah