Saturday, March 13, 2004
Terrorist Security is a Hoax
transit agencies say they're ready for attacks) VTA spokesperson
Lupe Solis had this to say about terrorist security measures, "We have
really invested a lot of energy, money and personnel into a
state-of-the-art transportation security system. We are fully
prepared for any kind of situation that, God forbid, might happen."
While it is true that they have invested a lot of money
into cameras, microphones, and GPS tracking systems for buses and
light rail trains, the only measure to beef up security is a memo
asking drivers to be more vigilant about suspicious activity and
packages aboard buses, but to be sure not to
"unfairly" target anyone who might actually look like a Middle Eastern
Islamic terrorist.
It reminds me of the movie "Airplane" in which airport security allows
several men of Middle Eastern descent in fatigues and carrying AK-47s
to run past them. But when a little old white lady carrying a purse
waddles by they draw their guns and yell, "Up against the wall --
spread em!"
Fear of a politically incorrect stance keeps VTA from truly increasing security.
In reality, the cameras and microphones aboard buses are used for
watching drivers, not passengers, in spite of the fact that no cameras
are specifically aimed at them. Management would point out that many
vandals have been caught with the security cameras aboard buses, but
the real return on their investment has been on increased disciplinary
measures against their own employees backed up by recorded video and
audio from the security system.
They would also point out that the cameras and microphones aboard
buses are a deterrent to would-be criminals. But an Islamic terrorist
on a suicide mission knows only two words -- infidel and jihad. And
the motivation for sacrificing their own life? -- seven virgins to do
with as they please for all eternity in the paradise of Allah. They
want to die. No camera or microphone will deter them. In fact, such
measures may even embolden them if they think their actions will be
viewed by the world.
Invoking such phrases as "state-of-the-art" when describing VTA's
cameras and microphones is a means of instilling a false sense of
security in the public consciousness. In reality, there is no security
system aboard buses. The only watchful eyes are those of the driver,
who must, by necessity, pay attention to the road. The warning to not
unfairly target people of Middle Eastern appearance combined with
VTA's history of using recordings from the video and audio system
aboard buses for disciplinary purposes, rather than deterring
terrorists, only deters drivers from getting involved lest they lose
their jobs.
Cameras and microphones do not enhance security; they do nothing to increase the safety of passengers or drivers. All they can do is document the horrific acts of the insane.
Effective security can only be realized when fear of being politically incorrect is no longer an issue. We must have enough sense and fortitude to "discriminate" based on appearance. Blindly ignoring the obvious -- that most terrorist attacks are carried out by Muslims from the Middle East -- is a recipe for death.
