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
Page 4
To everyone up in arms about the searches. Get a grip, actually READ the Constitution, and then take another look. Terrorists have already blown up a railway, and just a few short years ago successfully hijacked several planes flying from Logan. I'd rather be safe than sorry where national security is concerned, and nowhere in the Constitution does it state that a random search of your belongings when entering a public facility is illegal. You don't want to be searched? Walk. And to the person who likened these searches to Nazis; you should be ashamed of yourself. Your misguided sense of entitlement is a disgrace and is a slap in the face to every person who risks their life to keep you safe.
Jeremy, Allston
I live North of the City and I manage a movie theatre in Quincy. There are four ways that I use to get to work. 1) 93 South 2) Storrow drive to Mass Ave then through the City 3) Side streets through Charlestown which bring me right down by the Fleet center or 4) the Red Line. The three traffic routes that I take will be insane and now the MBTA is urging people not to take bags and briefcases on the trains during the DNC so that will cause a bottle neck and turn the subway into a nightmare. So now my options are 1) taking 93 north to 95 south, going south of the city just to turn north to hit Quincy turning my 20 minute commute into 40 minutes to an hour depending on traffic. 2) Can't take the train because I have to work past 1 am some night so I would be stranded in Quincy, so I guess walking the 20 miles wouldn't be so bad.. 3) Sleeping in my office.
Patrick, Somerville
No, this is not necessary. Someone is trying, and succeeding, in making Boston and the DNC out to be a bunch of fools. I think the GOP is behind this. No, I will not comply. I will bring my usual briefcase with me.
Denis , Malden
Ridiculous! For the past two weeks I have had to ride in a sweltering commuter rail car because they can't seem to get the AC working and now I have to pay a monthly fee to potentially get searched while trying to make a living. What's next Menino - placing metal detectors in restaurants at Quincy Market so i don't leave Pizzeria Regina with a butter knife? And don't get me started on the $12 cab voucher - fat cats get all the perks!
Bill, Worcester
I just decided to take the week off. I was going to use the T as an alternative to the driving nightmare expected that week but now with all this bag checking (which unfortunately is necessary) I am just going to stay away. This is the worst decision Boston (Mayor Menino) has ever made...may he never win again!
sonya, hingham
Typical that the democrats run around stating they are for the working man and our rights and then remove all of our rights the minute they want to get drunk and make jerks of themselves.
Sheldon, Boston
Since I commute everyday into Boston, and quite nervous about all of the threats, I welcome this. It's reassuring to know that the MBTA will not take this lightly!
Audra, Boston
Yes, this may be inconvenient, but what do you have to hide? Is there something in your bag you shouldn't have to begin with? My objection is these measure will delay my commute. I have nothing to hide, therefore I'm not worried. I am happy to see the T make the committment to safety. Would you prefer they sit idly by and have to react to a situation? God forbid anything actually happening, because I'm sure the same people concerned about their personal rights will be the same ones speed dialing their lawyer, suing the T for failure to do enough!!
realist, boston
I bring my lunch to my office every day in a small refrigerator bag-I will continue to do so during the DNC, unless the city of Boston is offering to purchase my lunch at a local restaurant for those four days? Didn't think so.
Tracy, Malden
I will have to be away from my home and holed up in some hotel out in the North Shore in order to avoid the horrific commute the media promises. In my eyes the DNC represents nothing but inconvenience and putting out the tax-payers.
Jill N., Chestnut Hill
