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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Has anyone noticed ? FOR THIS CONVENTION: our roads are being fixed - causing traffic delays already our bars are staying open later (and they will be able to smoke too!) our commute is becoming more difficult day by day we are being asked to take vacation - which will be difficult because they are asking you to not take bags on the T so I can't take luggage on T and I also have to get to the airport 4 hours before my flight and even that - will be paying more money for my flight as it is peak travel season so there are fewer "cheap" fares the politicians will have cheap cab fare - while I pay the $35 dollars because the T does not want me to take my bags disrupting the lives of thousands upon thousands of people while the RNC - there is not a peep out of them. AND they are having it in the city that was most affected by terror! if that doesn't make you want to vote against Kerry - what else will?
gigi, brighton
I'll be on vacation July 23 thru Monday, August 1, specifically to avoid the convention and the craziness surrounding it.
Barbara , Tiverton, Rhode Island
The Dems should be embarressed.....poorly thought out and managed, over budget in a big way, shutting down the city for a week is only going to cost us all more in the long run. Traffic problems, budgets blown out of the water, tax payers picking up after Manino's poorly managed convention, anyone who waves a flag for J. Kerry should ask your self...what has this gent done for the state of Mass in the (16) years of his service...? Sick...
Andrew, Charlestown
I think that the T is overstepping its boundaries and is making an attempt to intrude upon the rights and freedoms that we all enjoy as Americans. The proposals from the T for the search policy and rider policy during the convention only show me that the T is no longer concerned about the rights of those who ride it on a daily basis and it is a slap in the face to the Boston community. It is an intrusive, cumbersome, and poorly thought out plan that will hopefully be found unconstitutional in the bear future. It is because of actions like these that are only going to add delays and problems to an already grosly mismanaged public transit system that has enough problems simply getting from A to B on time. With major highways closed for the DNC and commuters already traveling an 30-60 minutes just to get to work now we are being asked 'not to bring bags or briefcases'. This is an idiotic plea. What does the T think we do all day long? Sit around and twiddle our thumbs, I guess. Well, here's some news for you guys: Not everyone is as fortunate as you are to work for an agency where wasted time, wasted resources, wasted money, and incompetent emloyees (Can we remember the student dragged by the Green D line and the driver who would not stop?) are not only accepted but cherished and then allowed to supervise and make policy. Going forward I plan to make every effort to avoid the T at all costs, anyone want to split a cab? -Matt, 23, Cambridge
Matt , Cambridge
I am not allowing anyone to search my purse or my bag containing my lunch. Our rights are being violated.
Nae, Boston
Accepting the premise of a search, being hysterical over the possibility of a threat, allowing the threat of terrorism to shut down businesses, keeping people from working and disrupting our lives to this degree is UNCONSCIONABLE. The terrorists have won. Menino and his friends are responsible for the victory, we are all the victims probably to the tune of $100 million. Terrorism is a constant state of fear that causes people to change the way they live and alter their way of life. Not just a single act. I haven't changed my life to let them beat me until now and it's going to cost me a lot of money. I hate being a victim and I'm really angry about it especially because it's not my choice. VOTE REPUBLICAN!!!
michael, danvers
I think it's awful that our rights to carry a purse, a backpack, a carry-all bag necessary for work is being questioned. Next thing you know, you will be told not to bring your purse with you.
KATHY, WINTHROP
Nope. Tired of restrictions on anything and everything we do as people. Riding the T is drastically different then flying. I will not consent to their searches and I'm sure more than a few people will be stopped because of the way they look. It's inevitable. The "highly" skilled MBTA force does not give me the warm and fuzzy feeling of a State Police or NYC police department might. Time to wait for the lawsuits.....
Terrence
DNC @ Fleet Center - $15+ million Traffic jams, congestion, loss of work - $5+ million Another 4 years for Bush - Priceless
Steven, Quincy
Give myself extra time in the morning and happily respond. It is afterall for our own safety.
Susan , Brockton
