71 percent of Americans favor the increased use of surveillance cameras

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

Given the chief arguments, pro and con — a way to help solve crimes vs. too much of a government intrusion on privacy — it isn't close: 71 percent of Americans favor the increased use of surveillance cameras, while 25 percent oppose it.

...

New York City ... plans 100 new surveillance cameras in downtown Manhattan by year's end and 3,000 — public and private — by 2010. Chicago and Baltimore plan expanded surveillance systems as well.

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Seniors are most apt to support the increased use of these cameras, with under-30s, least so; Republicans more than Democrats; women more than men; higher educated people more than the less educated; and whites more than African-Americans.

Story source: http://abcnews.go.com/US/story?id=3422372&page=1

Click here for PDF with full questionnaire and results

[Jenn! 918]

[mawilson 2,133]

How can we fight it?

[JJWashington 0]

good question

[Jason-Sasha 1]

If ikt makes our cities safer and I'm living an honest life, why would I oppose this?? Its a no-brainer. I can certainly see why 71% approve. Not at all surprised by the stats.

Edited July 30, 2007 by Jason-Sasha

[mawilson 2,133]

If ikt makes our cities safer and I'm living an honest life, why would I oppose this?? Its a no-brainer. I can certainly see why 71% approve. Not at all surprised by the stats.

It's not a no-brainer. I oppose all forms of surveillance.

[Dan J 277]

If ikt makes our cities safer and I'm living an honest life, why would I oppose this?? Its a no-brainer. I can certainly see why 71% approve. Not at all surprised by the stats.

Actually its not that simple.

If you have "nothing to hide" do you mind if people watch everything your doing, or monitor all your conversations and communications? What happens if something you do becomes illegal? Do you want people to know about that? How many people do you want to see your personal information? Do you trust this information with the people who are acquiring it?

What if the laws change, and something you do everyday becomes illegal or you become associated with crime because of something you said? Do you still want to be watched?

[Scott & Lai 12]

If ikt makes our cities safer and I'm living an honest life, why would I oppose this?? Its a no-brainer. I can certainly see why 71% approve. Not at all surprised by the stats.

It's not a no-brainer. I oppose all forms of surveillance.

I oppose criminals getting away with their crimes, and being able to operate with little fear of being caught.

[Dan J 277]

If ikt makes our cities safer and I'm living an honest life, why would I oppose this?? Its a no-brainer. I can certainly see why 71% approve. Not at all surprised by the stats.

It's not a no-brainer. I oppose all forms of surveillance.

I oppose criminals getting away with their crimes, and being able to operate with little fear of being caught.

You can still accomplish that without giving up your privacy.

[Sheriff Uling 3]

Most Americans have their own surveillance cameras in the bedroom so having them on the street is no big deal. Hehehehehe!!!

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

If ikt makes our cities safer and I'm living an honest life, why would I oppose this?? Its a no-brainer. I can certainly see why 71% approve. Not at all surprised by the stats.

It's not a no-brainer. I oppose all forms of surveillance.

I oppose criminals getting away with their crimes, and being able to operate with little fear of being caught.

You can still accomplish that without giving up your privacy.

Or indeed if the cameras actually work. For all its surveillance cameras London still has a lot of crime.

[natty bumppo 289]

If ikt makes our cities safer and I'm living an honest life, why would I oppose this?? Its a no-brainer. I can certainly see why 71% approve. Not at all surprised by the stats.

I wonder who will watch the watchers ?

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

America is going down. They win.

[trueimage 0]

Surveillance society............we are being desensitized to this. Before we know it, they'll be implanting a chip in our right hand or forehead.

[homesick_american 1]

Or indeed if the cameras actually work. For all its surveillance cameras London still has a lot of crime.

It sure as hell does.