T riders to face searches during convention
Subway and commuter rail riders will face more random searches as part of Democratic National Convention security measures, and will be discouraged from bringing backpacks and briefcases on board public trains. Is this necessary? Will you comply?
in today's globe: T riders face more random checks
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Just for this I'm going to bring two bags everytime I step on the T!
dee, somerville
I might as well start wearing a yellow star and a pink triangle in my sleeve. Seems like any violation to our collective happiness or individual privacy is permissible under the name of "security." This is at once alarming and disgusting, and horribly un-American. The terrorists, as they say, have already won.
Gabriel, Boston, MA
Typical overreaction. Does the T do anything right? I didn't realize that buying a t token automatically suspended my constitutional rights.
jonny, chelsea
Big Brother is alive and well, George Orwell would be proud. What happens if I refuse, that's what I'd like to know. Are they going to arrest people?
Deb, Tewskbury
I am so disgusted by this whole convention. I live in the North End and it's going to be a nightmare for us. This was really really badly thought out - between the terrorism concerns, the Big Dig mess, the re-construction of the T at North Station and our usual traffic problems, what the hell was Menino thinking of? He should be canned for this. I'm going to try to be out of the city for most of that week but for the inconvenience and expense this man has cost the people of the City of Boston - he should be fired as mayor. Remember this debacle in the next election.
joan, boston
Almost everyone that rides the commuter rail with me each morning carries some sort of bag or backpack. Where do they expect people to put laptops and lunches? I think this latest measure is going too far. I doubt any terrorists care about a bunch of delegates from Hoboken NJ and other such places. And Kerry will be in his heavily guarded home on the Hill. My company is asking that we work from home that week or take time off - I'm staying home, it's not worth the hassle.
LF, Easton
Just another reason to prevent me from getting to work. Thanks for nothing, Democrats!
Cookie, Concord
Completely unnecessary. One thing that all of this DNC BS will cause me to do is this: Vote Republican in November.
sf, Melrose
Ugh. Frankly, this is very annoying. There seems to be absolutely no concern about the actual people who live and work in the city. Roads are closed. We are "strongly encouraged" to flee the city- which I do plan on. Now, those who are unable to take time off during this nightmare are expected to carry no bags or subject themselves to search. Who doesn't carry a bag or briefcase to work? Does this mean all women should leave pocketbooks at home too? Of course, the hidden message is this- GET OUT OF TOWN! And if you insist on continuing to live your life as usual during this time, you'll get what you deserve. All this in the name of safety. But the safety of whom? Politicians at the Fleet Center, thats who. As a side benefit, it'll be more convenient for them, of course. No pesky Bostonians to bother with, cheap cab rides, free and easy parking... And for these "big boys," bars will open past the blue-law hours we locals are all forced to bide by for some reason that has never quite been explained. On September 12th, 2001, I couldn't see any police officer anywhere during my commute. Harvard Station, which seems to me a major transit point, still very rarely has any kind of security staff on duty, no matter what the threat. It's obvious that this has nothing to do with the welfare or safety of the city's residents, and everything to do with politicians taking care of their own.
Bob, Somerville
I understand the need for security, and support that, I suppose. However, the idea of telling commuters not to take bags and briefcases on the T is, to me, completely ridiculous. These are things people need, and generally have for work, and the government is going to tell thousands of people to go without for a bunch of politicians? Please. It's an insult.
marissa, cambridge
