Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Brave New World



The large number of surveillance cameras in

The large number of surveillance cameras in London may help identify the bombing suspects. "In all, there are at least 500,000 cameras in the city, and one study showed that in a single day a person could expect to be filmed 300 times."

On a trip to Chicago I was struck by how the urban landscape has changed...slowly almost imperceptible...but still changed since 911-2001. Out front of most of the larger buildings...open areas have become filled with steel barriers so cars cannot crash into them with bombs. I had to make a call in the Sears Tower and the whole front of the structure was closed off by these steel walls.

I suppose this is the price we pay for security. But when does it cross the line? Such a difficult question...I have a hard time answering it but in my gut...I know the the loss of privacy is wrong...Have I...have we... given up that right for security?

The banner of Shakespeare was just above the steel pylons...sort of makes one wonder who old "Bill" is looking at...I think it is us.


What are your thoughts on privacy vs security?


Dan



10 comments:

The Muse said...

all i have to say cannot be posted...but this is not a very happy muse.........

DawnTreader said...

We have this discussion about surveillance cameras in Sweden as well, although perhaps not on quite the same level as in places like London or New York. Mind you, though, we've had one prime minister and one foreign minister murdered in public places in our capital Stockholm. Olof Palme in 1986 (in the street) and Anna Lindh in 2003 (in a department store). Palme's murderer never got caught. Anna Lindh's did and surveillance cameras played their part as evidence.

Discussion of course has to be kept up so as to prevent misuse, but in some places I do think the cameras serve their purpose.

I like your street picture.

glnroz said...

Oh my goodness, I am a strong support of freedom (no need for security), but the protection has gone to the side of the offender per our Liberal attitude. I could rant forever, but my purpose was to drop by and look at your pics. I have been neglect since the suspension of "Pictures, P..P.." Thanks for keeping the photos coming.

Dan Felstead said...

Muse...I hope I didn't offend you???

Dan

Dan Felstead said...

Thanks Dawn Treader...yes it has become a delicate balancing act...I see the need for both but not sure how to resolve the issue.

Dan

Dan Felstead said...

Thanks for the point of view Glnroz. Yes I miss PPP as well...that was a great site.

I know it is a cliche but the "new normal" has changed so much in our society. I don't know that it will ever go back to pre 911.

Dan

amatamari© said...

Oh wonderful!

Sunny said...

I think there is a very thin line between the two. I know there is a need for security but it should not be at the expense of our privacy. It bothers me that there are cameras that apparently we don't know about, that seems very invasive.
I could go on and on...but I'll spare you! LOL
Sunny :)

Dan Felstead said...

Thanks for the comment Amatamari...I appreciate it.

Dan

Dan Felstead said...

Sunny...I think we are in agreement here.

Dan