Terrorism in the City

Terror threats and terrorism have become more widespread across the world, and their impact can be felt here in New York City.  The police are being ever more vigilant in their efforts to prevent an attack on the subway or trains.  I am not sure if their hard work actually makes me feel safer, but I appreciate the effort. 

On the downside of this effort, we now have a police state where your bags can be searched at anytime.  A new world order is upon us as the police and our government strive to make us safer, and use the same excuse to keep us in check.  How many steps is it from our current situation to a point where everyone’s movements are tracked at all times?  All we would have to do is implant each of us with a small chip and soon we can do away with passports.  You could be scanned each time you enter or leave a building.  Perhaps as you drive down the street and pass scanners mounted on top of each stoplight.  Each time you drive across state lines, the government would know.

I know this sounds like a conspiracy theory and the rant of a crazy man with tin foil for his hat.  Remember it wasn’t long ago that the patriot act didn’t exist, and we just renewed it.  It wasn’t long ago that random bag checks in the subway would have been unheard of, and even would have caused an uproar among the citizens of New York.  Now searches are just day to day life.  Thus, while I know we have to work to make this country, and in particular this city, safer, we also must remember some of the things that made the country what it is, personal freedom and privacy.

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