Am I supposed to feel safer?

[wrickem]

This NYPD contraption has been parked directly across from the building where I work in NYC (Flatiron) since before Christmas. I think its presence is supposed to make us feel safer, but I'm beginning to get a little freaked out that there may be a real threat around here for landmark buildings

[Delta0311]

Reminds me of a Nazi guard tower.. Nothing to see hear peasant, carry on.

[mojobmw_e90]

Its the fact that people see it make you think you are safer.

[wrickem]

Originally Posted by mojobmw_e90

Its the fact that people see it make you think you are safer.

Maybe at first thinking it was for the crowds for New year's Eve, but I am actually thinking I should work from home more often until it is gone. It reminds me of the things from the War of the Worlds.

[KurtYYC]

It's a bit creepy. Time to move to Canada =P

[zx10guy]

Try working at a high target US Federal Government building when one day you're approaching the guard gate and you're greeted by security with M4 assault rifles and your car is being sniffed for explosives by a K9 unit.

[Delta0311]

Originally Posted by zx10guy

Try working at a high target US Federal Government building when one day you're approaching the guard gate and you're greeted by security with M4 assault rifles and your car is being sniffed for explosives by a K9 unit.

Or try walking into a secured area of a nuclear power plant.

[Axius]

Go up and ask for a tour.

[zx10guy]

Originally Posted by Delta0311

Or try walking into a secured area of a nuclear power plant.

Yep. Point is...it's been years since 9/11 and unfortunately things like this are what life is now.

The situation I described is something that happens without any warning to us. Normally, you just see security with their standard issue side arms holstered. You don't see them too often strapped with M4s and shotguns.

[wrickem]

Originally Posted by zx10guy

Try working at a high target US Federal Government building when one day you're approaching the guard gate and you're greeted by security with M4 assault rifles and your car is being sniffed for explosives by a K9 unit.

Originally Posted by Delta0311

Or try walking into a secured area of a nuclear power plant.

I can appreciate that, and I would expect that if I was working in that type of atmosphere. I work for a book publishing company....oh wait, we did publish that "Kardashian Confidential" book, I see now

[BrokenVert]

Originally Posted by zx10guy

Try working at a high target US Federal Government building when one day you're approaching the guard gate and you're greeted by security with M4 assault rifles and your car is being sniffed for explosives by a K9 unit.

You dont even need to work for the government for that to happen. I got the same treatment crossing the border into the US from Canada.

Note: Im American and my papers were in order.

[Dalko43]

I've been to 3rd world countries where strongmen rule.

I'm familiar with the Orwellian concepts discussed in 'Brave New World' and '1984.'

I get that people have individual rights that should be respected.

But if you expect the government to provide some level of protection to the general public, expect there to be some give-and-take.

Want the government to keep your workplace safe? Expect there to be more hard security measures in place (cameras, checkpoints, observation drones and towers).

Want the government to keep bad people from coming into our country? Expect the border crossing process to be more rigorous and thorough.

Want the government to find would-be terrorists before they actually conduct attacks? Expect the government to snoop and sift through private emails, phone calls, and social media posts.

I'm not saying that I agree with all or even some of these measures listed above. But it's quite funny how there is a general outcry from the public that the government needs to keep them safe on the one hand, but on the other hand just as many criticize the government for invasive posturing and eavesdropping. From a purely military/law enforcement perspective, it's next to impossible for the government to promote/increase security (over what we already have) without adopting measures that many consider to be 'invasive.'

[UncleWede]

I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the blanket of the very freedom I provide, then questions the manner in which I provide it! I'd rather you just said thank you and went on your way. Otherwise, I suggest you pick up a weapon and stand a post.

[wrickem]

Originally Posted by UncleWede

I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the blanket of the very freedom I provide, then questions the manner in which I provide it! I'd rather you just said thank you and went on your way. Otherwise, I suggest you pick up a weapon and stand a post.

I'll go with the option of saying "thank you" and being on my way. The other option offered to me would at best result in the loss of an eye for some innocent person.

[Blksnowflake]

you should be freaked out, there is a real threat, NYC is always a target.....but this is the new normal, welcome to the improved 21st century police state. now carry on.
and thank you terrorist for improving everyone's way of life.....sigh

[bimmerfrk]

These are all over the city. Gives the police a higher vantage point and a deeper field of sight.

[Needbmwpartzz]

Originally Posted by KurtYYC

It's a bit creepy. Time to move to Canada =P

Canada isn't even safe anymore....might want to find another planet far from people

[wrickem]

Originally Posted by bimmerfrk

These are all over the city. Gives the police a higher vantage point and a deeper field of sight.

I hadn't noticed others left after the holidays, but I haven't really been looking. I'm okay with them being the new normal, it's a shame it has gotten to this all over, but at least I know it's not just my building.

[wrickem]

Or that we got hit with a threat for showing support for the Paris attacks

[Cattivo]

It's Commissioner Brattons' way of intimidating NY'ers

[M_Six]

Some politician owns stock in the company that makes those, so NYPD buys a bunch to keep the pol happy. They've had those down by the WTC for years.

Wasn't Chertoff tied to the full body scanners that all the airports use?

http://gawker.com/5437499/why-is-mic...-body-scanners

Security theatre = $$$ in someone's pocket.

[Xtabi]

Originally Posted by Delta0311

Or try walking into a secured area of a nuclear power plant.

I've done that many times at the Cook Nuclear plant in Michigan. I could have reached out to touch the generator.