71 percent of Americans favor the increased use of surveillance cameras

[mawilson 2,133]

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

It sure as hell does.

A lot more than New York, I might add.

[L_n_O 3]

i'm ok with it

[mawilson 2,133]

i'm ok with it

Isn't complacency the problem though? If most people were not ok with it,

the government could never get away with it.

[GaryC 7]

i'm ok with it

Isn't complacency the problem though? If most people were not ok with it,

the government could never get away with it.

But as the OP said, 71% are OK with it. It seems to be what the public wants. If it's in public places only then it's OK with me.

[Hilarious Clinton 452]

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

Yeah. They're wearing us down. People opposed to more government control must be nuts. That's what they want people to think.

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

I think there are clear privacy concerns here. Lets face it - its easier to give these things away without a fight than it is to get them taken away.

[Dan J 277]

I really wonder what question they asked.

Asking this question: "Do you support increased use of surveillance cameras to improve security?"

Probably would get a lot of support in general.

But asking the same question in a different form: "Do you support increase use of surveillance cameras so that the government can monitor all the actions of all people?"

Would probably get radically different results, but the question is the same.

[rclouse 0]

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'm willing to give up some essential liberty to purchase temporary safety.

I'm sure the other 26% agrees with me.

[Hilarious Clinton 452]

Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.

-Benjamin Franklin

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.

-Benjamin Franklin

Already done - to be honest. We have already seen removal of due process for certain people, and more electronic surveillance than you can shake a stick at.

[Arazia 0]

For a time, I've lived in different areas that were known for being 'high crime'. Even when there were security cameras, emergency boxes, and other things of that nature, they were so vandalized that I doubt any of them worked. Sure, there were some areas that I would have liked to see some more security measures put into place, but at the same time, I don't think we need the entire city canvased with cameras from one side to the other in the name of 'security'.

[mawilson 2,133]

I'm willing to give up some essential liberty to purchase temporary safety.

I'm sure the other 26% agrees with me.

I'm going to fix it for you:

I'm not willing to give up some essential liberty to purchase temporary safety.

I'm sure the other 29% agrees with me.

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

It doesn’t really work in London. They now have ‘smart’ traffic cameras that actively read number plates as part of the congestion charging scheme, and can automatically fine you if you’ve not paid. As far as crime goes – the cameras are not intended to ‘prevent’ crime, only to provide a record for the police to follow up on in the event of a subsequent investigation. That said – there’s plenty of unsolved crimes in London.

[SteveLaura 0]

I'm willing to give up some essential liberty to purchase temporary safety.

I'm sure the other 26% agrees with me.

I'm going to fix it for you:

I'm not willing to give up some essential liberty to purchase temporary safety.

I'm sure the other 29% agrees with me.

Actually, 25% (according to the original article) opposed it. I assume the rest were "Don't Know"s.

[rclouse 0]

I'm willing to give up some essential liberty to purchase temporary safety.

I'm sure the other 26% agrees with me.

I'm going to fix it for you:

I'm not willing to give up some essential liberty to purchase temporary safety.

I'm sure the other 29% agrees with me.

Your subtle-fu is weak.