J.D. Tuccille on the Security State and Institutionalized Fear

One year after a bloody bombing that made
international headlines, the Boston Athletic Association, organizer
of the Boston Marathon, was blunt about the new environment
surrounding what was once a fun outing. “Spectators approaching
viewing areas on the course, or in viewing areas on the course, may
be asked to pass through security checkpoints, and law enforcement
officers or contracted private security personnel may ask to
inspect bags and other items being carried.” Similar measures are
appearing at many of America’s high-profile events and public
places.

But the move toward checkpoints and bans may be precisely the
wrong response to a rare, but fluid danger, writes J.D. Tuccille.
Armed police can’t protect every possible target. Empowering people
to respond to rare terrorist attacks may be safer, and allow us to
live without institutionalized fear.

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