Re: Random Searches

Im all for the searches. I hope they are helpful. I ride the LIRR and subways every day. I'm tired of feeling like I'm walking around with a target painted on my back.

Since 9/11 it's been terrible. The LIRR has ZERO security. Once in a blue moon you see some state trooper walk therough the car, thats it. No other security at all on those trains and honestly, I'm surprised something really serious hasnt happened already!

Re: Random Searches

Posted by Tah-wee-ZAH

Speaking from the perspective of being in London during the first round of attacks I can tell you that their security is better than ours and it still happened. That being said, that doesn't mean we shouldn't do more.

I am a huge advocate of CCTV... that is why they were able to move on this case so quickly. Unfortunately, in our country the ACLU will freak out about the use of such cameras and long court cases will be fought at tax-payers money that can be used for security. Well, they are not being put in the bathrooms or bedrooms but on the street and in other public places. If we are all behaving and are doing what we are suppose to be doing, when and where we are supposed to be doing it then what is the problem? The thousands of cameras in the London Underground and on the streets, along with thousands of hours of videotape was the key element in the police closing in the the identity of the attackers and their families. Oh, and the fact that one of their mother's called them in as missing

While searches are by no means a 100% fool-proof method that doesn't mean we shouldn't do them. Every little bit helps. I do think that it is the PUBLIC'S VIGILANCE that is key. We should always report IMMEDIATELY an unattended bag. I do think it is foolish that the police are announcing how, when and who (every 5th person, etc.) will be searched. They should be random and spontaneous.

As for the profiling... this is a tough one. I know many of you might disagree with what I'm saying but hear me out here please. If it was any other crime... for example, if a series of rapes occured in an area and the discription was a white, thirty-something, 250 lbs. man with blonde hair would the police be stopping women, children, and men who don't fit that description... I don't think so.

The men who perpetrated these heinous acts in London did so not just because they disagree with Blair's policies. It's really because they are disenfranchised in British society. Muslim men have a much higher rate of unemployment in Britain than the general population and that is what is feeding their rage.

I am a firm believer in individual rights and the promotion of a democratic and free society but sometimes the rights of "the greater good" do take precedent. I do believe that random searches do fall into this category and yes, they should be done. We just all have to leave the house a little earlier.

They have helped to decrease bus bombings in Isreal.