New York City Security Cams

The city of New York, aided by Federal funds, is beginning the installation of over 500 security cameras around key public areas of the city. Now as a citizen of the metropolis, I must consider if this is a good idea. Public assurances have been made that the cameras will not be an invasion of privacy etc., but we all know how these things work. A couple of months after the system is up and running the Post will run a story (with pictures) about some wacko security guy who is caught looking up some chicks skirt on the corner of Broadway and 45th Streets, or some smart-ass divorce lawyer will get tape revealing his client's spouse picking up a transvestite hooker in the Meat Packing district.

So presuming these transgressions to be a given, do the positives outweigh the negatives? I guess it's sort of a no brainer. New York City has a very obvious terrorist target on its back and can use all the help it can get. The mere fact that we have to share Homeland Security funds with some very nice, but safe, cornbelt states (where they have wisely spend the dough on stuff like police dog body armour) -- because of Congress' penchant for local pork -- makes it imperative we get all, as well as any, means of protection we can -- as soon as we can. I know I might get a ticket for littering or speeding or be punished for my propensity for public urination but I believe overall these invasions of my personal space are but a small price to pay to make this great city a little safer.
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