Cameras To Watch Cameras In Maryland 297
Cornwallis writes in with a story reminding cameras everywhere that just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they aren't watching you. "Many people find speed cameras frustrating, and some in the region are taking their rage out on the cameras themselves.
But now there's a new solution: cameras to watch the cameras. One is already in place, and Prince George's County Police Maj. Robert V. Liberati hopes to have up to a dozen more before the end of the year.
'It's not worth going to jail over a $40 ticket or an arson or destruction of property charge,' says Liberati."
Re:But... (Score:5, Interesting)
I would have to agree that you are putting way too much faith in us. I used to work at Mobile before it merged with Exxon, and it was right off the interstate. It was fairly common for bullets to hit the glass as high as the 14th floor.
People love to shoot at things that irritate them, and these cameras are nothing more than revenue machines.
Considering far too many of these speed cameras and the associated street lights they monitor, have been caught shortening yellow light times beyond federal standards to 'catch' people running the light, I would question their motives.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6he1M5wexic [youtube.com]
Re:But... (Score:5, Interesting)
It can more simple than that.
RC Helicopter. Just create a payload with a strong magnet. Fly by, stick it to the camera, and detonate. Small controlled explosion with no collateral damage. Even better, just design something to block the camera itself. Sticks on and is passive. No damage to anything.
What about high powered lasers? Cameras can't be watching everywhere. Set a laser up to hit the camera over a longer period of time and it will be slow damage, but ultimately very effective. Has an added bonus that anybody caught while the camera was an impaired can effectively argue against the ticket due to the damage.
I'm all for civil disobedience and the destruction of these cameras, but that's not an excuse to break out the ol' RPG.
What would be the optimal solution is actual mass protests. Have real human beings blocking cameras and sensors with their own bodies. That stops the cameras from functioning and has the added benefit of a quite visible protest.
Re:um... (Score:5, Interesting)
Not that I've given any thought to this in the past...or.....anything....
Re:um... (Score:4, Interesting)
The sad part is, these people, will pass blame for their actions onto the government, rather than taking responsibility for what they've done, and feel completely justified in doing so. The response to this will be the government putting up more cameras...
Well, the blame IS largely on the government, as often these camera programs are slipped in "under the radar", so to speak, as most city/county councils/governments are aware that in many cases most of the constituents are against them. Also to blame are judges that are fine with witnesses that can't be cross-examined (the camera) used to "prove" guilt.
Maybe these camera-snipers would be more effective if they changed targeting priorities to the government officials responsible for pushing these programs and accepting them as legal proof of guilt, if they refuse to listen to their constituents when they object to Big Brother style surveillance? The camera system makers/contractors and the Feds are throwing a lot of gold at these officials to adopt camera surveillance and enforcement systems, so lacking gold, maybe the populace should throw hot lead instead?
Thomas Jefferson and his contemporaries knew that government, despite their best efforts to keep it in check, would grab more and more power and confiscate ever more of the people's wealth. They envisioned the citizens rising up using the 2nd Amendment and forcibly "downsizing" the government every few decades. According to TJ and his buddies, we've been slacking at decorating the trees in the town square and downtown D.C. with government officials swinging by their necks at the end of a rope.
Just sayin'...
Strat