Facist security at Coors Field (sales, amusement parks, home)

[treedonkey]

I just went to my first game at Coors field ever. Just exactly WHEN did it become fashionable to thoroughly root through everyone's personals at any old public event? I've had the bag check at stadiums in the past, but never as thoroughly or as obnoxiously as at Coors field. They made me take every single thing out of my backpack and open my metal thermos to be sniffed.

Now, I understand the need for security, but the fact is, that they're not really even checking for weapons or other dangerous items... they're really just checking for alcohol and pizzas. They may use 'crowd-control' as an excuse for such policies, but the fact is that what they're most interested in is maximizing sales of their own ridiculously overpriced drinks. The public at large would have never stood for this before 9/11. Franky, using that horrifically tragic event as an excuse to violate our personal privacy for the sake of financial gain shows complete disrespect toward those victims and their families.

[cowboyxjon]

I can't speak for Coors Field because I didn't live here in 2001, but I remember, as a kid in the late 80s and early 90s, going to amusement parks on the east coast (the Six Flags Great Adventure in NJ, Dorney Park, Hershey Park) and having backpacks, purses, and fanny packs (lol) searched before entering the park.

[D-town 720]

Originally Posted by treedonkey

I just went to my first game at Coors field ever. Just exactly WHEN did it become fashionable to thoroughly root through everyone's personals at any old public event? I've had the bag check at stadiums in the past, but never as thoroughly or as obnoxiously as at Coors field. They made me take every single thing out of my backpack and open my metal thermos to be sniffed.

Now, I understand the need for security, but the fact is, that they're not really even checking for weapons or other dangerous items... they're really just checking for alcohol and pizzas. They may use 'crowd-control' as an excuse for such policies, but the fact is that what they're most interested in is maximizing sales of their own ridiculously overpriced drinks. The public at large would have never stood for this before 9/11. Franky, using that horrifically tragic event as an excuse to violate our personal privacy for the sake of financial gain shows complete disrespect toward those victims and their families.

Actually a sporting event is one of the top terrorist targets due to its ability to amass a large concentration of people. Trust me friend I have ran scenarios on this stuff (wrote research papers) and there is no easier target than a sporting event. Recent national intelligence reports have empathized this as well. Its sorta like gathering a heard of sheep together in a fenceless meadow. At least the baggage check provides a sort of fence for the wolves.

As for 9/11, the event was way down the list on its probability of occurance. However, a national security policy that gambles on the odds isn't worth the paper its writ on. When lives are at stake there is no sense in taking a chance no matter how small it is.

If it makes you feel any better they do this in Pac bell park in SF. I would hope they do it everywhere else.

[treedonkey]

Originally Posted by D-town 720

there is no easier target than a sporting event.

Which is exactly why they should be checking for weapons and not booze.

If you've run scenarios, then you know that there truly is no way of preventing any calculated terrorist attacks anywhere. All the security measure we currently have in place are purely reactionary and have been put there so that people who consider themselves responsible for homeland security can state that they're somehow making progress...

The fact is that some snoopy lady going through my sports bag makes me feel LESS SAFE, not more. Somehow, since 9/11, it's become highly taboo to balk at personal invasion in the name of security, and this gives governmental security agencies carte blanche to do with us as they please, which is a lot more scary to me than the possibility of a terrorist attack.

The fact is in this day and age, even just writing this message, someone peeking in could decide that the tone of it represents a threat, and they could come right over and arrest me, and the public at large would do nothing but cheer them on in the name of a safer homeland. So, what's really scary to you?

[Gunluvver2]

Do a bit of reading on Binary explosives Donkey and you might understand the reason for checking liquids.

GL2

[treedonkey]

Originally Posted by Gunluvver2

Do a bit of reading on Binary explosives Donkey and you might understand the reason for checking liquids.

GL2

I highly doubt that that old lady was trained to sniff out binary explosives.

Paranoia debilitates freedom.

[D-town 720]

Originally Posted by treedonkey

Which is exactly why they should be checking for weapons and not booze.

If you've run scenarios, then you know that there truly is no way of preventing any calculated terrorist attacks anywhere. All the security measure we currently have in place are purely reactionary and have been put there so that people who consider themselves responsible for homeland security can state that they're somehow making progress...

The fact is that some snoopy lady going through my sports bag makes me feel LESS SAFE, not more. Somehow, since 9/11, it's become highly taboo to balk at personal invasion in the name of security, and this gives governmental security agencies carte blanche to do with us as they please, which is a lot more scary to me than the possibility of a terrorist attack.

The fact is in this day and age, even just writing this message, someone peeking in could decide that the tone of it represents a threat, and they could come right over and arrest me, and the public at large would do nothing but cheer them on in the name of a safer homeland. So, what's really scary to you?

Actually preventative secuirty measures go a long way in preventing many attacks (not all of course). The defined enemy is one that utilizes archic means which is just the method that can be prevented by a simple bag check etc.

If you don't understand the effectiveness of having a fence or even the presence of a security force at a public event then you don't know much about public safety in general. You nor I may not like the presence of a security officer or DHS agent but they have a job to do that requires leaving no person or place unchecked.

If we can prevent a terrorist attack to occur from every 3-4 years to 10-15 then we doing something right. Of course the intelligence community knows that it is only a matter of time before another attack will occur. Hopefully, implemented security measures can reduce the time frame of how often this occurs as well as the impact.

What scares me? A collapsed democracy due to a government that cannot protect its citizens from terrorist attacks. Terrorism has been a very effective weapon at regime change historically and the current intent is to do just that. I also fear seeing 45K plus folks at a ball game dying from one of the many gases or biological agents that can be employed.

But no the people shouldn’t be scared as the bush administration attempted with their anti-terror slogans. Folks should be aware of a terrorist attack as much as they should be aware of a national disaster. But to discount the former because of an administration's poor use of public relations is irresponsible.

I do not agree with the characterization of your last paragraph in regards to DHS procedure.

[D-town 720]

Originally Posted by treedonkey

I highly doubt that that old lady was trained to sniff out binary explosives.

Paranoia debilitates freedom.

She doesnt need to know that. Rather just that there are things you can and cannot bring into the game. The stadiums security policy needs to decide what things could be potentially be harmful.

Paranioa saves lives, freedom is preceived...

[Cardiff Giant]

In NY they go through your bag, wand and pat you down as well. That's just the way it is now. Don't carry a bag if you don't want it to be searched! Or better yet, stay home and watch it on TV. I used to go to hockey games at the Garden with just my keys; it keeps the line moving faster.

[D-town 720]

Originally Posted by Cardiff Giant

In NY they go through your bag, wand and pat you down as well. That's just the way it is now. Don't carry a bag if you don't want it to be searched! Or better yet, stay home and watch it on TV. I used to go to hockey games at the Garden with just my keys; it keeps the line moving faster.

Yup and people used to leave their cars and front doors unlocked.