Thanks to those who have responded to my original message. As a civil libertarian, I firmly believe that public surveillance has a detrimental effect on society. By treating everyone like suspects rather than citizens, surveillance contributes to an overall atmosphere of distrust. In addition to making us aware of government and corporate authoritarianism, surveillance makes us wary of each other.
Everyone has an equal interest in protecting civil liberties, especially since September 11, 2001. Terrorists or criminals may or may not attack, but internal attacks on our privacy justified by “security” are certain. The other problem factor with the surveillance project is corporate sponsorship. Even if a written agreement specifies that surveillance records be used only for law-enforcement purposes, history reminds us that government selectively honors documents of its own writing (consider the Bill of Rights and numerous Native American treaties). Add a for-profit corporation, especially one with a recent history of manipulating the city into funding its corporate center, and the chances of “good faith” are considerably diminished. Before voting on the surveillance proposal, Mayor Rybak and the city council should answer several questions. Were citywide media informed of this issue? Was a public hearing held, and if not, why not? Privately-funded surveillance of outdoor public space could very well be legally unprecedented: have constitutional law specialists been consulted? While I encourage the city to reject the surveillance proposal now, at the very least it should be tabled while these questions are answered. It is easier to prevent a corporate police state than it is to dismantle one. For those who are not opposed to the Target surveillance project: would you feel the same way if it were sponsored by Monsanto? And also on the subject of Target. . . National chains contribute to cultural homogenization and the ever-increasing concentration of wealth. Rather than hope for another national chain to occupy the north Target, a group of local investors (preferably from north Minneapolis) should buy the building and develop an independent retail store with community input. Roberta M. Beach Minneapolis Ward 7, Precinct 5 TEMPORARY REMINDER: 1. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. 2. If you don't like what's being discussed here, don't complain - change the subject (Mpls-specific, of course.) ________________________________ 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
