Remember that time that the US Government accused cub scout Mikey Hicks of being a terrorist? As the story goes, the eight year old shared a name with a public enemy, Michael Hicks, as stated on a Homeland Security Department watch list. Mikey has been a target for airport frisks since he was around two years of age because apparently, this incredibly selective list does not specify age or gender.

The Terrorist Screening Database was established in 2003 on account of a Homeland Security Presidential Directive under the Bush administration. The database includes the names and pseudonyms of anyone suspected of having committed or that possibly could commit, an act of terrorism or that could assist terrorists in a variation of ways (or so it claims). The federal Terrorist Screening Center maintains the database, and several government agencies, legislations, and programs are authorized to oversee and manage data sharing regulations. According to the PM-ISE, "By supporting the ability of front line screening agencies to positively identify known or suspected terrorists trying to obtain visas, enter the country, board aircraft or engage in other activity, the consolidated Terrorist Watchlist is one of the most effective counterterrorism tools for the U.S. government." The Terrorist Watch list along with its counterparts, the Selectee and No-Fly Lists, are responsible for upholding the security and integrity of the American people.

Now, under the Obama administration, the lines established for distinguishing Americans and other foreigners from terrorists have become even more blurred. The new process used for designating threats to national security relies on the premise of reasonable suspicion as opposed actual evidence. Criteria for being watchlisted has been broadened beyond just expected terrorist activity, such as bombings, associations, and hijacking. The new guidelines, as specified by a 166-page document released by the National Counterterrorism Center, state destruction or damage to government property (including computers) along with any act that could warrant suspicion on the basis of "fragmentary" intelligence information as characterization of an act of terror. In addition to an open-ended definition of terrorism, the list does not discriminate against the non-living which means yes, even the dead can be watchlisted. As of 2014, there are over 800,000 suspected names on the list and with ever-inclusive specifications, it is sure to continue growing.

Even though exceptional caution might look methodical and appealing on paper, these counterterrorism measures seem to fall short of ensuring actual stability among citizens. In fact, the Orlando nightclub shooter, Omar Mateen, was under investigation by the FBI after it was discovered that he may have familial ties to the terrorist groups Al Qaeda and Hezbollah. He was watchlisted for a period of ten months but all charges were dropped after "thorough" investigation and he was still able to purchase weaponry without any restrictions.

According to current guidelines, all nominations of "suspected" terrorists are considered justified unless there is contradicting evidence and only around one percent of nominations are ever rejected.This along with multiple other incidences, highlights the weaknesses in our claims to prevent corruption, hypocrisy, and violations of due process among other things in our systems and societies. After all, isn't it ironic that the watchlisted Nigerian underwear bomber was able to board a flight to Detroit while an eight-year old child is being patted down?