I have to admit, though in some ways I don't mind (it will make me safer) I don't think this is the right tactic to use. It is giving in, in some ways, to the terrorists. Restricting my freedom because of the acts of phsychos. People don't get it. To stop terrorism you have to go after those who perpetrate the acts, and you have to create an environment that will be conducive to disuadeing potential terrorists, either through intimidation, or more effectively through bringing democracy and freedom. This does fall under the latter, but the cost is very high. I now have to have my freedom restricted and my privacy infringed upon.
So, hey, it isn't bad that we are now being checked all the time, but it isn't the answer. Someone will still get through. You have to hunt them down and kill or capture them.
This does, by the way, affect me. Not as much as some, but I take mass transit to NYC all the time. Once there, I usually walk, but I do sometimes take the subway. If they stop me (unlikely, I don't look like the part) I will consent, but it is inconvenient.
An interesting caveat, one man is doing something about it:) I might get a shirt just for kicks...
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So, how nasty are the searches? Are we talking airport style "Everyone checks everything" or are we talking more like spot-checks where every Nth person gets pulled out of line? Big difference in my opinion.
What the NY Times has described is basically like what you get at a Yankee's game or something. A quick opening of the bag, looking inside, waving you on through.
The thing is, if they find contraband (drugs or whatever) then you get arrested. And, if you refuse, they won't search but they won't let you on.
I don't mind the searching, if it will keep me safe, but I do wonder how far this will go...
Oh, and they are choosing about 5 people per 15 minutes.
5 people every 15 minutes in the NYC subway. How effective can THAT be? Maybe just the increased visibility of the authorities might be a deterrent, I guess. I'm not that optimistic that these spot checks will be anything but expensive.
Well, that is 5 searches per subway stop. There are 468 stations, most with multiple entrances. So that is 28,080 searches per hour. Not bad:)
I think it is more of a deterrent and a way to assuage fear. When you see police around, you feel safer.
And I am not sure on the exact number. It is random. One story said there were about 5 in the 15 minutes they were watching, but I am sure it fluctuates.
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