Reported in June 3 Times Union: California Gov. Arnold Schwarzeneggar, during a trip to Canada, purchased a Cuban cigar for which he paid $14.83.

The article also reported that U.S. citizens are "prohibited from buying Cuban cigars anywhere in the world," under trade restrictions. There is no provision in the Constitution of the United States that empowers any branch of the government to impose such sanctions on American citizens.

Any such restriction on an American citizen is, in fact, a violation of the Ninth Amendment to the Constitution, wherein it states, "The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people." Among them are the right to "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."

What has happened to the United States in which I grew up? Why must I now look over my shoulder to find "Big Brother" checking up on me?

Should I be concerned about the books I read, the places I go, the neighbors I speak to? Those were the worries I read about of the people residing in the Third Reich, in the Soviet Union, in Fascist Italy.

What has happened to the United States in which I grew up, and in which I have lived for 87 years?

LEE DEEMS
Albany