September
2Needed: More Insecurity
Now that the conventions are behind us, isn’t it time to roll back the power of those new tyrants in our society: The security enforcers?
There was vastly more security at the conventions than was required. Denver was like an armed camp during the Democratic convention with various local and federal organizations competing over who could supply the most muscle. Yesterday at the RNC in Minneapolis the National Guard was summoned to patrol the streets.
Consider the following: Everywhere we turn these days the show of security seems to be increasing, yet the need for it – the so-called terrorist threat – has not made itself felt on our shores in some years. No one wants to encourage the Al-Qaeda weirdos, but isn’t it time to think about cutting back, rather than increasing, the airport rituals, with all the attendant lines and shoe removals?
A whole new bureaucracy has been spawned in our society that has a vested interest in expanding its scope and influence. Just within the spectrum of Hollywood, consider the following:
The issue is a simple one: The security police has everyone so intimidated that no one will challenge their recommendations. No one will say, “We don’t need 10,000 storm troopers in Denver.” Or “Make airport checks random rather than routine.” Or “Let anyone get through the gate at a studio who has an appointment” (isn’t that enough reason to let them through?)
I guess the underlying reality is simply this: The unbridled expansion of the security enforcers is making me downright insecure.
There was vastly more security at the conventions than was required. Denver was like an armed camp during the Democratic convention with various local and federal organizations competing over who could supply the most muscle. Yesterday at the RNC in Minneapolis the National Guard was summoned to patrol the streets.Consider the following: Everywhere we turn these days the show of security seems to be increasing, yet the need for it – the so-called terrorist threat – has not made itself felt on our shores in some years. No one wants to encourage the Al-Qaeda weirdos, but isn’t it time to think about cutting back, rather than increasing, the airport rituals, with all the attendant lines and shoe removals?
A whole new bureaucracy has been spawned in our society that has a vested interest in expanding its scope and influence. Just within the spectrum of Hollywood, consider the following:
-- Security at the studio gates is growing ever more cumbersome despite the absence of any credible threat.Similarly the mentality of the anti-piracy Gestapo is as distorted as that of the airport enforcers. Many screeners dispensed to critics or TV interviewers have a bizarre security code emblazoned in the middle of the screen to maximize viewer distraction. Do the security mavens at Universal truly believe that no one will pirate “Flash of Genius” because the huge letters SAMPUCO sit in every frame throughout the DVD?
-- Security at events like the Oscars has become almost comedic in its complexity, even though there’s been no sign of an ominous incident.
The issue is a simple one: The security police has everyone so intimidated that no one will challenge their recommendations. No one will say, “We don’t need 10,000 storm troopers in Denver.” Or “Make airport checks random rather than routine.” Or “Let anyone get through the gate at a studio who has an appointment” (isn’t that enough reason to let them through?)
I guess the underlying reality is simply this: The unbridled expansion of the security enforcers is making me downright insecure.
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It's frightening to imagine, but it seems as if this country is on a fast track to a V for Vendetta state. We cannot spank our children, take pictures of landmarks, or lose a soccer game anymore. This country has become a giant padded room. What happened to accepting risk and enjoying life? Sure the threat is out there, we have lived with the threat of nuclear destruction for the past 30 years from the soviets and we did fine... PS more security doesn't necessarily mean less risk anyway.
Posted by: Sam | 9/3/2008 3:09:40 PM
"Be afraid vote Republican!"
Posted by: lobbyistsformccain.com | 9/3/2008 1:19:50 PM
One major incident and your headline will be "Needed: More Security"
Seven years seems a long time to you, but not to a "so-called terrorist" waiting for an opportunity.
Posted by: J NYC | 9/3/2008 7:17:42 AM
I agree, enough is enough. What ever happened to being a free country? I can''t really remember the last time I felt free to do whatever I wanted. I am being constantly watched by the eye of ''big brother'' and it is totally unnecessary. Thank God for politicians, I''m just glad they know what is best for us all. PIGS
Posted by: Cap''n Steve | 9/3/2008 7:04:57 AM
Now that the conventions are behind us? They only seem to be half way through in Minnesota. Lieberman is speaking as I type. Did this get posted from some sort of Bart time machine?
Posted by: Dan in New York | 9/2/2008 8:53:21 PM