11.20.2006
Like A Screen Door On A Submarine
Securism. Extreme, ineffective security measures. Vain, usually costly, regulations and systems that won’t completely eliminate the threat of terrorism.
For example, after 9/11 Plattsburgh University developed a new set of security protocols. In 2003, when Homeland Security evaluated the treat level as “high” due to the start of Vietnam War II, on-campus students were given new codes to gain access to their dorms. Problem: some codes were too complicated to recall. Solution: students traded codes, seeking out the easiest ones to remember.
So much for that security system.
Now PU is spending about $900,000 to install another security system. The new codeless set-up will feature proximity-card readers. No need to remember a code and punch it in on a keypad. Buildings will be locked 24/7. A card-carrying student will be allowed to enter any dorm building during the day, but at night his access will be restricted to his residence hall. This new and improved system should be in operation for fall semester, 2007.
Within one month of operation, I predict the PU students – who are young, impatient, and value convenience and freedom - will figure a way around the new system.
As I’ve stated before, fear-mongering has blown the actual threat of terrorism into an all-powerful boogeyman, The Specter of Terrorism. Some pols use the Specter to haunt our minds and keep us in line while our rights are infringed and tax-money is flushed down the toilet.
Yes, terrorists can strike. But practical measures should be taken. After all, what difference will a codeless system make if some wacko decides to detonate a dirty bomb?
[SOURCE: Plattsburgh State project to improve security By RYAN HUTCHINS; Press-Republican, Monday, 11/20/06 – Page A5.]
# posted by Stan Spire @ 11:22 PM 
