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July 22, 2005
Random Searches on the NYC Subways
Articles on same in The New York Times and The Associated Press (via ABC News).
The most disturbing thing to me is that people somehow think that this will make them safer. Random checks of people's bags with the option to simply go to another entry point where one might be not be searched won't do a thing except give nervous little chickens the sense that the sky is not falling. The potential for harrassment and abuse is quite large. At least at the New York State Theater, which has been doing its own deeply pointless search since after 9/11, everyone gets subjected to it. But only at curtain time. So an enterprising and determined bomber will just come at an earlier time, or through another entry.
I've written Mayor Bloomberg to protest this. Especially if you are a New York City resident, I hope you will call 311 or write him urging him to rescind this pointless exercise as well.
July 22, 2005
VIA FACSIMILE (212) 788-2460
Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg
City Hall
New York, NY 10007
Dear Mayor Bloomberg:
I am writing to register my absolute dismay over your decision to
institute random searches in the New York City subway system.
Although safety of our citizens is of paramount importance, this action is purely cosmetic. Random searches are like trying to find a needle in a haystack; the only thing they provide is harassment, inconvenience and the immense possibility for abuse.
If a police officer requests to search my bags randomly, I will refuse. And simply enter the subway at another point. The system cannot be secured except by draconian methods that are worse than the safety they provide.
I strongly urge you to reconsider a decision that will do far more harm than good. Your actions on this matter will have immense bearing on my vote in the next mayoral election.
Very truly yours,
Leigh A. Witchel
Posted by Leigh Witchel at July 22, 2005 4:45 PM
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Comments
Aren't you even a little worried about what they might do to a refusenik who wouldn't allow a search?
I've got visions of that making you "suspicious" and the consequences being fairly dire...
(Oh look...it's working. I'm almost willing to give up your civil rights...)
Posted by: stephanie at July 25, 2005 8:48 AM
Hey, he'll be fine, Stephanie. The security dweeb types just go after the little old ladies to prove they're not profiling.
Posted by: AlisonH at July 26, 2005 6:52 PM
not to mention a waste of tax payer dollars...
Posted by: Edward at July 27, 2005 1:15 AM
It hasn't been a problem for me yet, because I walk to work, but even more ludicrously I haven't seen a single station where there is a search.
Another friend had a better answer. She suggested "Carry your really large dildo in your backpack on the subway" day. Which is tempting enough to make me buy one . . .
Posted by: Leigh Witchel at August 4, 2005 1:35 PM