Christiana Dominquez at the San Francisco Metroblog ^[1] reads the London Metroblog ^[2] and is inspired to ask her fellow city dwellers how they feel about increased public surveillance ^[3].

Up here in Seattle we’re at least as fond of our individualism and rights to privacy as they are down in SF, if not even more so, but for all the vague talk I still hear about how our privacy rights are being invaded and eroded by post-9/11 reactionary law, I haven’t had any first-hand experience with having my rights trampled. This doesn’t change my (negative, very negative) opinion of most portions of the Homeland Security Act, but I do wonder how invasive those laws are, actually, for the average citizen.

A friend reports seeing K-9 units in the bus tunnel [MSN article about increased security in Seattle ^[4]], but I rely on public transportation daily and I’ve not seen any overt signs of increased security outside the tunnel. This doesn’t mean that there isn’t any–I’ve worked in the security industry and it’s amazing how discreet cameras can be. It doesn’t bother me to know that if I’m in the bus tunnel or waiting at a bus stop or even on the bus itself, I’m appearing on Metro’s own candid camera–I’m no more exposed there than I am when I’m walking through any local grocery or department store, all of whom rely on security guards and security hardware/software to monitor what’s going on in their stores.

What I wonder is how you feel about it, Seattle? Does it bother you to know that you’re being filmed while you wait for a bus? (Or, for that matter, while you check out the new fall fashions.) Have tightened security measured effected your daily life in other ways? I catch a bus in the morning near the Federal Building; even badged employees have to go through a security screen, including an x-ray of their bags–are these sort of measures in place anywhere else?

In NYC ^[5], you might be subject to a search just getting on the subway. Would you tolerate such a thing for the sake of safety, or would you object? We live with searches to board the ferry, attend a sporting event or visit public officials as it is–do you feel any safer with these measures in place? Do you feel as if your right to privacy is being invaded? Do you think a loss of privacy is worth an increased sense of security?

I’ve heard it said that anyone who would sacrifice liberty for security deserves neither, but I don’t think that’s quite fair. Is it possible to negotiate a balance between the two?