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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I strongly suspect the MBTAs policy of doing random checks is patently illegal, under the Fourth Amendment. I am seriously debating whether or not to comply with such a check, and I haven't ruled out refusing to comply...even at the risk of arrest. It's impractical to do that sort of search--and I truly don't believe that such a "random" search will ever be "random." I don't believe these searches could ever be considered "legal," unless there probable cause were present, as the Fourth Amendment says there must be, in order to proceed with a search of the person and his belongings. You figure, you're going to inconvenience over a million riders a day here...with what chance of catching a mad bomber?? Not much, I contend to you. In Mexico City, passengers can't bring backpacks aboard the subway; here, they have always been allowed, with no ill effects, save for jostling a few passengers around. No one yet has tried to bomb a subway car in this city, as has been the case in Manila and New York. One day, this country is going to wake up...and find that the constitutional protections we have been enjoying all along are gone--and the Supreme Court will be of no help, because they will have been going along with the "Compelling Government Interest" doctrine of the law in justifying searches to go on unchecked by the police. This happened with bus passengers in Florida; the Supreme Court basically said these random searches were legal because of a compelling government interest...which was the war against drugs. If that reason can be used to allow random searches, then what about this "threat" of terrorism? It should make you stop and wonder just how safe our democracy really is! Any reason can be sufficient enough to justify suspending constitutional protections...we rely on our elected officials not to abuse the power they have been entrusted with. Now...I fear we can't trust them not to take our civil liberties away. There are better ways to protect against terrorism, other than eroding our consititutionally protected liberties. Better the T installs metal detectors at the entrances to their subways and commuter rail stations, or else use other technologies to scan people's backpacks
Mark, Dorchester
I'm moving to New Hampshire in a couple of months. Sadly, I feel that it has become time to escape from the place that should have its nickname changed from "The Bay State" to "The Fascist State".
Matthew, Arlington
I think they're going too far. Instead of checking everyone's bags, they should be using some intelligence. Basically they're saying that I'm going to have to submit to a search just to get to work. Why do I live in America, then? I'm going to be taking the bus.
Crespo, Jamaica Plain
I'm carrying my bag as usual. If they really want to have security guards check out my newspaper and sandwich, big deal.
Catrin, Rosindale
Welcome to Massachusetts, the Emergency State! (State bird: the ambulance siren.)
Jennifer, Somerville
Absolutely not. How am I supposed to carry my work if I can't have a bag? Not to mention these searches seem like an enormous violation of the fourth amendment. I understand wanting to keep people safe, but there is just too much room for violating people's rights.
Sarah, Dorchester, MA
Another worthless, senseless and unconstitutional burden on the citizens of Greater Boston. Thank you so much, Mayor Menino. I hope you enjoy the Convention.
mark, quincy
First, it's "don't drive to work, take the T". Then, it's "no bags or briefcases on the T". Now, it's "be prepared to be delayed, stopped and searched". Can they make the DNC any more uncomfortable for the poor souls who actually have to live and work in Boston that week?
Jim , Brighton
If one more ounce of dignity and privacy of our citizens gets taken away, what the hell are we here for? The whole thing makes me sick.
Linda , Boylston
Will I comply to random searches? Of course I'll comply. I can imagine many people putting up a fight, complaining (because that's what people here in New England seem to do the most), and making threats, should they be subject to scrutiny. The fact is, the city/state is doing what it thinks is best to try to minimize security threats to the general public. It may not be the best solution, but given the nature of the city's infrastructure, the relative freedom we experience in this country, and frankly, the ease with which someone could "terrorize" in this country, we must cooperate with whatever security strategy is employed. Imagine a "Resevoir Dogs" scenario: Mr. Green, Mr. Blue, Mr. Red, Mr. Orange, Mr. Silver, Mr. Purple, Mr. 326/93/230/354. Organized, suicidal fanatics with explosives strapped to their chests take public transportation into Boston during the week of the DNC. Each one coming from a different part of Boston's suburbs, at approximately the same time. It will be quite crowded with all of Boston's major arteries closed. Imagine all of the MBTA subway and commuter rail service shut down, along with several express and local MBTA buses, due to coordinated explosions during morning rushhour. Imagine the panic. Imagine the effect on the economy here in Boston when public transportation is shut down for days or weeks. Imagine a dirty bomb. Of course, anything is possible, and most things are improbable, but the point is, wouldn't a quite frisk by a security official be a small favor in return for a higher level of safety?
Ken, Medford
