The issue here is that in this country we don't accept "guilty until proven innocent."
If they have reasonable evidence that is what is happening, they can get a court order to enter the home and inspect. They don't get to do mass inspections because there's a chance that someone might be doing something they shouldn't.
Actually, as a public utility, they cannot refuse service without cause. Not letting them inside your house to inspect when there's no suspicion that anything needs to be inspected is not cause.
Yes, it is a big deal. If no one exercises their right to privacy, they lose it. People are free to make the choice, but "proof of public safety" is BS unless there is reasonable suspicion that the particular home they wish to enter may be problematic. People are not guilty until proven innocent. Homes are inspected by the city when built, and privately (at the very least) when they change hands. To be a plumber you have to have training and in many, permission from the state or city in which you are working. Anyone could be cooking meth, does that mean law enforcement has a right to inspect everyone's basement?
"Let me see your phone to make sure you're not a terrorist."
"Have I done anything?"
"No, but you could be a terrorist, so show us all of your messages. And empty your purse while you're at it, you may have a gun and also be a felon."
They should do what they can to ensure proper plumbing, but just because they're a public utility does not mean they have the right to enter your home whenever they want to, which is what they're implying in the letter.
The issue here is that in this country we don't accept "guilty until proven innocent."
If they have reasonable evidence that is what is happening, they can get a court order to enter the home and inspect. They don't get to do mass inspections because there's a chance that someone might be doing something they shouldn't.
Then they should be able to shut off your city water. That's not a right, you can just go to the store to buy your water.
Actually, as a public utility, they cannot refuse service without cause. Not letting them inside your house to inspect when there's no suspicion that anything needs to be inspected is not cause.
That is the cause tho, isn't it? They just want proof for public safety.
I get where you're coming from, but at a certain point, is it really that big of a deal?
Yes, it is a big deal. If no one exercises their right to privacy, they lose it. People are free to make the choice, but "proof of public safety" is BS unless there is reasonable suspicion that the particular home they wish to enter may be problematic. People are not guilty until proven innocent. Homes are inspected by the city when built, and privately (at the very least) when they change hands. To be a plumber you have to have training and in many, permission from the state or city in which you are working. Anyone could be cooking meth, does that mean law enforcement has a right to inspect everyone's basement?
"Let me see your phone to make sure you're not a terrorist."
"Have I done anything?"
"No, but you could be a terrorist, so show us all of your messages. And empty your purse while you're at it, you may have a gun and also be a felon."
They should do what they can to ensure proper plumbing, but just because they're a public utility does not mean they have the right to enter your home whenever they want to, which is what they're implying in the letter.