I noticed two cameras attached to poles at 9th and Hennepin downtown for the first time today: one in front of Bravo, and one in front of Rock Bottom Brewery. Does anyone know why those two cameras are there? They don't seem to be aimed at the intersection, but more at Hennepin itself.
Just curious, Jeremy Brezovan St. Anthony East >Message: 8 >Date: Sat, 4 Jan 2003 13:11:45 -0800 (PST) >From: Gary Bowman <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > >I previously had an opinion on street cameras but >chose to not post onlist because the conversation >seemed to move on. > >However, with the opportunity returning, I want to >make two points. > >First, as was previously mentioned, state law would >have to be changed first to allow cameras to catch >traffic scofflaws. I personally pleased my State Rep. >(Len Biernat) was not successful in changing state law >on this. > >Second, and -in my opinion- more importantly, is >whether we really want these cameras as much as we >think we do. Yes, they will likely have a chilling >effect on red-light running. My concern is they will >lead to a slippery slope of more and more cameras on >an already surveillance camera-happy society. > >First, it's the camera that catches the red-light >runner. Then it's the camera that watches for other >crimes. All of these cameras are argued with good >intentions. However, what happens when we get to the >point of cameras watching for "inappropriate >behavior", i.e. protest marches that "might get out of >hand and lead to subversive elements taking hold"? >It's a heck of a lot harder to remove cameras already >placed than prevent them in the first place. > >Yes, call me paranoid. Yet, we can look to many >totalitarian countries that actively employ cameras >for the very purposes I mention. Look at China. I >know I'm not interested in living in fear of what >government bureaucrat might be watching me for, >especially when it's expression of thought. > >Gary Bowman >Audubon Park > --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.434 / Virus Database: 243 - Release Date: 12/25/2002 _______________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
