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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What will I do? I will refuse to be searched. What are the goons at the T going to do? Arrest me? For what?
Miguel, Whitinsville
I don't think increased random searches on the T are strictly necessary, but I can understand the reasoning of "better safe than sorry" too. I'll probably comply with only bringing what I need on the train those days, but just to selfishly try to avoid the inconvenience of being searched. I'm more worried about the crowding & delays in service than I am about random searches.
Karen, Quincy
Considering I have to work Downtown that week, I will do nothing to alter my commute, for I have nothing to hide. I'll just give myself some extra time.
Jeff, Mansfield
I can't comply. Anyone who brings work materials home with him or her needs to transport it back and forth in something. Is the T going to give me a note to bring to my boss explaining why I couldn't prepare for an early-morning meeting? My impulse is to fill my backpack with taxidermy, pornography, and French-language books, so I can at least enjoy the reactions of T personnel. I suggest that everyone make the inspectors' jobs a little more interesting. Of course, most people will just drive to work instead.
Robert , Somerville
How come we haven't heard anything about the paranoia that exists around the RNC in NYC? Is not The President of The United States a far greater terrorist target than the Opponent? Or is it that somehow they are (not) doing something that we here should (not) be. Boston's approach to the DNC is a fantastic comedy of paranoid errors.
Adam , Cambridge
Excuse me?? I will commute to work like I always do: bike the Minuteman and lock up at Alewife to the Red Line. I have materials which need to travel to/from work with me. They will be in my backpack just like they are every day. Since I am insulted by this invasion of my privacy, I might stick extra junk in my pack. If they want to search it, that's fine. I don't punch a time clock. This whole affair has gone way too far and I'm about ready to (gasp!) vote for Bush in the fall in response. (not that it makes a bit of difference given how the electoral college works)
chris, winchester
I will certainly not comply with a random search request. The practice is invasive and demonstrative of a continuing erosion of civil liberties.
John , Somerville
The only bag I carry is see-through plastic mesh. If they want to search it okay, but have the dogs leave my sandwich alone!
Deborah D, Boston
This is a clear violation of the 4th Amendment. If any T police officer asks to search my bag, I'll ask to see a warrant.
Matt, North End
People don't carry around backpacks and briefcases for grins. Most of us NEED to carry these things. What about tourists? Are diaper bags "discouraged" as well? I am growing quite weary of the DNC.
J, Boston
