Racial Profiling

An interesting article at http://www.womenswallstreet.com/WWS/article_landing.aspx?titleid=1&articleid=711. Is racial profiling a legitimate tool in protecting ourselves against crime? Or is it an unacceptable invasion of our civil rights? Personally I believe the validity of the tool is in direct proportion to it's value. In other words, if racial profiling could help reduce car theft, it probably isn't worth the reduction in civil rights. If it could help reduce terrorism, it's probably worth it. If it could help prevent nuclear terrorism, then it is certainly worth it!