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'll go to Maine on vacation for the week. This is one commute not worth the trouble, and the news keeps getting worse and worse...
Kelly, Reading
I think it's ridiculous that this is something people in the city of Boston have to worry about on their daily commute, even if it's only for one week. I don't want to be put in the position where I need to worry about whether my bag will be searched, which is both inconvenient and embarrassing, not to mention that I believe it's illegal - so I will probably not ride the train at all. I will walk everywhere, however inconvenient that turns out to be.
Jennifer , Boston, MA
All you hippies complaining about the violation of your Constitutional rights should take a moment to actually read the Constitution. You are the same people that will be complaining that not enough was done to prevent an attack if something happens. This is being done to ensure your safety. Is all of this an inconvenience? Of course it is. Stop complaining and just deal.
Michael, Jamaica Plain
Isn’t it just typical of life in Massachusetts, that politicians, who are in control more and more of our daily lives, deem their safety and well being FAR MORE IMPORTANT than the CITIZENS. All for the sake of a PARTY!!! To enforce these ridiculous and hysterical “security” measures in order for a group of politicians to have a wonderful multi-day party is BEYOND disgusting. This state is a mockery of itself. All states should pick one Tuesday in March and have a nationwide election to nominate a party candidate whom would then be on the November ballot. This would eliminate this convention crap and allow all states to have an equal say as to who gets nominated. I’ll will take the T and carry one if not more bags!!!
Karen
Amendment IV The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized. If I am asked to open my briefcase, I will tell the officer to pound sand. Why is it that a bunch of Democrats come to town and all laws and rights are thrown out the window? Why would terrorists attack during the convention anyways? They should contribute to the Democrat's cause because if Kerry wins he will probably want to give them free rein to do what they want. Besides, the T is a great target anytime the Sox are in town as they allow people to pack into the cars until the doors will hardly close, I wouldn't be suprised if the ridership during the convention is no higher than normal due to people leaving town.
Andy, Boston
I think that this whole convention is just one huge inconvenience. The city is making an embarassing spectacle of itself. If they have to search bags, I understand. Personally, I don't take the T. But the whole road closure thing is ridiculous. I will be avoiding town like the plague, even though I work in Boston and go to school in Boston. It is not worth the aggravation to try and get in and out.
Danni, Revere
Let see if I have this right. We are being left with few alternatives but to use public transit, if we want to get into the city to work, but we are not to carry bags, backpacks or brief cases???? They are holding East Boston and the North End virtually hostage. Meanwhile the DNC members get vouchers for taxis and free T rides. I suppose it could be worse. They could ask us all to submit to a body cavity search. Since the intelligence community has issued warnings that terrorists are now likely to pose as either pregnant women, or as families, maybe they should exclude them from riding. Maybe we should be glad they aren’t holding this convention in February, then they might have to ask us to leave our heavy coats at home. We should declare July 26th DNC Evacuation Day.
Margaret, Cambridge
Not at all. Not necessary, not going to comply. The pathetic fear this country has decided to live under is getting out of control. We're the United States, we SHOULD be above this.
Darin, Saugus and Boston
Unless you DO have a bomb in your bag and ARE planning to blow up the subway or the city, SUCK IT UP. People with nothing to hide should have no problem with the extra precautions Boston and the MBTA are taking to help ensure everybody's safety during the DNC.
Sandy, Somerville
Will I comply? I don't take the T, but if I did then I would not comply. Please folks, if you didn't have a bag before, then start bringing one. Lock your bags with a pad lock and refuse to open it. If they confiscate it, then stay with your bag. They may end up destroying your property, so be ready to sue and don't leave anything irreplacable in the bag. Obediance is for dogs, don't let them pull this crap on us.
Pat, Nahant
