Webs’ Random Ideas

Man removed from train for taking pictures…

My earlier suggestion that you imagine being in his place leaves you free to respond and draw your conclusions. Remember: you’ve been removed from the train, are being interrogated, perhaps having your equipment confiscated; while I continue to do what I take for granted ­ traveling unimpeded, on to Providence.

The more I replay the scene, the more troublesome it is. It is the stuff of nightmares. Relations between people and countries lie at the heart of the issue. The abstract terms that inform political and social debate appear, as if in person, unexpectedly, near enough to hear, touch, feel. Taking no position is not an option. As an educator, I would prepare and deliver a lecture on how others perceive America in the world community, then seek an audience. I’ll spare you. But — I just watched armed police officers remove a visitor from the train for taking pictures. I don’t understand this. I’m disturbed ­ no, shaken ­ to bear witness to these events.

I wish I could say this doesn’t scare me and is just a fringe example of an overzealous security guard. But there have been similar cases reported. Has anything changed since 9/11? I would argue with those that answer no by saying it seems we are more than willing to give up a little liberty for a little safety.