http://www.lapdonline.org/iwatchla/content_basic_view/42535

Quote :

"I'M NOT as creeped out by this video from the Los Angeles Police Department as some libertarian types, who think "it could be playing in the background in a scene from 'V for Vendetta'". Perhaps that's because I grew up around neighbourhood-watch programmes and have lived in cities where the police have relatively extensive surveillance capabilities. But I do find the related programme somewhat comical and I'd be interested to know what our readers think. Do programmes like this work, or do they simply make the paranoid more paranoid and result in bad leads? For example, I'm not sure I need the iWATCH website to tell me that I ought to report "intruders in secure areas where they are not supposed to be." That seems a tad obvious. But I hadn't been aware that "people wearing clothes that are too big and hot for the weather" are security threats. Turns out I know a number of potential terrorists who also happen to prize fashion over comfort."

http://ow.ly/15Wknj

10/21/2009 5:47:05 PM

Quote :

"That, more than any fundamental principles of Marxism, may have been the real danger of communism. Anytime you create a massive state apparatus capable of repression--no matter how supposedly enlightened the intent--it will fall into the hands of bullies and busybodies."

http://reason.com/archives/2006/01/01/totalitarian-busybodies

10/21/2009 6:11:41 PM

I suppose the question that begs to be asked is where the line is between community policing like neighborhood watches and a suppressive government network. Based on the types of things they ask people to look out for on their website however, this appears to be about as threatening as the regular airport messages asking "Is that your bag?"

10/22/2009 11:30:48 AM

And which political party was involved in the greatest expansion of internal security measures, wiretaps, and other surveillance?

Oh, that's right, the Republicans. I suppose they ARE the communists, then.

[Edited on October 22, 2009 at 11:36 AM. Reason : FUCK]

10/22/2009 11:36:14 AM

And which of those measures has this administration backed off of?

Face it, your precious Dems are every bit as guilty. The rhetoric may be different, but that's about it.

10/22/2009 12:01:22 PM

Quote :

"And which political party was involved in the greatest expansion of internal security measures, wiretaps, and other surveillance?"

The Democrats? Your boy Obama voted as a Senator to re-authorize many of the expanded FISA provisions and grant immunity to telecom cos who violated the law conducting illegal wiretaps.

Whoops!

10/22/2009 12:28:59 PM

i find this to be more than slightly disturbing.

"if you see something report it and let the police decide if its a threat".

who says they're the best to determine what is threatening and what is not? why should i be afraid to use my own reasoning skills to determine if what someone is doing is safe for those at large or not?

insisting to the public that its patriotic to spy on your neighbors is disconcerting at best.

10/22/2009 4:34:02 PM

Quote :

"And which political party was involved in the greatest expansion of internal security measures, wiretaps, and other surveillance?"

This particular incident isn't about the US, it isn't even about the state of California, it is specifically a Los Angeles program.


That being said, the GOP could be more accurately described as Fascist leaning than Communist.

10/22/2009 4:49:53 PM