Vans With X-Ray Scanners Now Patrol US Streets

[Hugo Chavez]

for those that would rather read it at Forbes before thinking it's true

"Privacy-conscious travelers may cringe to think of the full-body scanners finding their way into dozens of airport checkpoints around the country. Most likely aren't aware that the same technology, capable of seeing through walls and clothes, has also been rolling out on U.S. streets."
http://www.forbes.com/forbes/2010/0927/technology-x-rays-homeland-security-aclu-drive-by-snooping.html?feed=rss_popstories

or maybe this is a legit source
"I just have some real problems with the idea of even beginning a campaign of rolling surveillance of American citizens, which is what this essentially is."
http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/2010/0929/Feds-radiating-Americans-Mobile-X-ray-vans-hit-US-streets

[Dos Equis]

 

Rotenberg sees the ZBVs as mobile versions of the same full-body scanning technique that has tested Americans' tolerance for intrusion as it's been deployed in airports around the country. His organization is currently suing the Department of Homeland Security to prevent airport deployments of X-ray backscatter and millimeter wave scanners, which can reveal detailed images of human bodies. (Just how much detail became clear last May, when a Transportation Security Administration employee was charged with assaulting a co-worker who made jokes about the size of his genitalia after receiving a full-body scan.)

I don't like airport scanners and don't like the idea of scanners in vans. 

[OzmO]

It would seem that "if" they are randomly driving these vans around trolling for crime that it would be a violation of rights. 


Is this happening?

[Dos Equis]

It would seem that "if" they are randomly driving these vans around trolling for crime that it would be a violation of rights. 


Is this happening?

From the Forbes link Hugo posted:

And while the biggest buyer of AS&E's machines over the last seven years has been the Department of Defense for operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, the company says law enforcement agencies have also been using them domestically, deploying the roving scanners to search for vehicle-based roadside bombs in American cities. "

[OzmO]

From the Forbes link Hugo posted:

And while the biggest buyer of AS&E's machines over the last seven years has been the Department of Defense for operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, the company says law enforcement agencies have also been using them domestically, deploying the roving scanners to search for vehicle-based roadside bombs in American cities. "

We have road side bombs here?

[Dos Equis]

We have road side bombs here?

Well, we almost had one:  http://www.getbig.com/boards/index.php?topic=350957.0

But yeah, it's not like roadside bombs are a problem in our cities.  I think the article mentioned the vans being used to look for drugs, weapons, and illegals. 

[240 is Back]

But yeah, it's not like roadside bombs are a problem in our cities.  I think the article mentioned the vans being used to look for drugs, weapons, and illegals. 

This is a tricky thing.  It's in use.  not debatable.  No doubt (if there isn't a radiation issue) it does keep us safer.  However, it only takes a penstroke for Obama to do soemthing like ban guns under some false flag drama/pretense - and suddenly the vans we are okay with now - are being used for house-to-hosue and car-to-car searches for weapons.

But hey, I guess we'll listen to Rush and get his take before forming an opinion, right guys? 

[Dos Equis]

This is a tricky thing.  It's in use.  not debatable.  No doubt (if there isn't a radiation issue) it does keep us safer.  However, it only takes a penstroke for Obama to do soemthing like ban guns under some false flag drama/pretense - and suddenly the vans we are okay with now - are being used for house-to-hosue and car-to-car searches for weapons.

But hey, I guess we'll listen to Rush and get his take before forming an opinion, right guys? 

What are you talking about?  Who is talking about banning guns?  Obama can eliminate the Second Amendment with the stroke of a pen?  lol.  Oh brother. 

And who is o.k. with these vans? 

[240 is Back]

What are you talking about?  Who is talking about banning guns?  Obama can eliminate the Second Amendment with the stroke of a pen?  lol.  Oh brother. 

hi lib

[Dos Equis]

hi lib

Yawn.

[240 is Back]

Yawn.

i'm actually being serious.  we all saw how it took Bush 5 minutes after 911 attacks to enact patriot act.  All it takes is 10 crazy bald white guys shooting up some place, and you never know what 'emergency' anti-gun legislation could pop up.

And of course, since the vans are already everywhere - it's a breeze to enforce.

It could happen.  Ya never know.  On 9/10/2001... nobody could have predicted that a month later, we'd be at war, the patriot act would be in place, anthrax... etc etc.  you're telling me, some militia acts up - and far-left libs wouldn't start the anti-gun shit up?

[Dos Equis]

i'm actually being serious.  we all saw how it took Bush 5 minutes after 911 attacks to enact patriot act.  All it takes is 10 crazy bald white guys shooting up some place, and you never know what 'emergency' anti-gun legislation could pop up.

And of course, since the vans are already everywhere - it's a breeze to enforce.

It could happen.  Ya never know.  On 9/10/2001... nobody could have predicted that a month later, we'd be at war, the patriot act would be in place, anthrax... etc etc.  you're telling me, some militia acts up - and far-left libs wouldn't start the anti-gun shit up?

Bush didn't enact the Patriot Act.  Congress did.  And they passed the Patriot Act with bipartisan votes.  In any event, what does the Patriot Act have to do with this story? 

And no, the president cannot ban guns with the stroke of a pen.  Takes a pretty vivid imagination to come up with the president banning guns based on this story.   

[240 is Back]

Bush didn't enact the Patriot Act.  Congress did.  And they passed the Patriot Act with bipartisan votes.  In any event, what does the Patriot Act have to do with this story? 

And no, the president cannot ban guns with the stroke of a pen.  Takes a pretty vivid imagination to come up with the president banning guns based on this story.   

That anthrax mailed to congress prevented them from debating it, remember? 

At any rate, it's unlikely, but I woludn't out it out of the range of possibility.  After a terror attack, people let their emotion do some silly things.

[Hugo Chavez]

This guy raises a good point.  In places this would be acceptable and places it wouldn't be:  I think most of us are not going to have a problem with these being used to scan trucks coming into the country.  Stuff like that.  It's stated these are being sold to local law enforcement.  They are openly talking about roving the streets.  How is this not something that's valid and worth debating?  I don't know how many times I have to say this, but you don't wait until they're doing it everywhere to say it's not ok.  You say it's not ok when the prospect is there and it is starting.  Rest assured, the company will try to market and sell these things to whoever than can and law enforcement will use them as far as they can get away with using them.  It's up to the people to voice how far they think is appropriate and of course ultimately the courts.  The people have a valid role in this debate and it's not crazy to raise and talk about this kind of stuff.  We are dealing with the constitution on this.  I find it ironic that some here will say this isn't worthy of a debate.  I guess they're only concerned with the constitution when it fits their agenda lol...

Where Not To Use Vans: Homes and Streets

Z Backscatter Vans should not be used on homes and streets. Their use could lead to nightmare scenarios. Do we want the vans rumbling down our streets checking to make sure that everybody evacuates during a hurricane? What if, at some time in the future, the government was to pass a law outlawing private possession of handguns or gold? Do we want the government driving down our streets with Z Backscatter Vans to make sure that people are in compliance? If the government wants to search my home or even my car, they should get a warrant, as the Constitution requires.

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/5852742/where_should_xray_vans_be_used.html?cat=15

[Dos Equis]

That anthrax mailed to congress prevented them from debating it, remember? 

No, I don't remember.  Link?

[Hugo Chavez]

must you two puke on the topic like this?

[Dos Equis]

If we weren't talking about something, the topic would probably be buried on page 2 already. 

[Hugo Chavez]

If we weren't talking about something, the topic would probably be buried on page 2 already. 

not if I sticky it again   BUT, I'd rather see it buried 2 pages down than see you guys go on with absolute useless nonsense like you have.

I will give you kudos BB for your comments above before you started in with 240.  I just think the crap you guys got into aftwards was pointless on both your parts.

[240 is Back]

No, I don't remember.  Link?

how could you not remember such a HUGE coincidence?

hell, the list of ppl who received it was a Bush shit list LMAO....  the top opposition voices of left congress, the top left media voices, the building where debate would take place... even that little prick photog who printed pics of dubya's daughter changing bikinis - that dude got the first anthrax.

I am surprised a man of your brainpower doesn't remember all of this.

[Dos Equis]

how could you not remember such a HUGE coincidence?

hell, the list of ppl who received it was a Bush shit list LMAO....  the top opposition voices of left congress, the top left media voices, the building where debate would take place... even that little prick photog who printed pics of dubya's daughter changing bikinis - that dude got the first anthrax.

I am surprised a man of your brainpower doesn't remember all of this.

Sorry.  Don't believe you.  If you have a story from a credible source that confirms there was no debate on the Patriot Act because of the anthrax attacks, I'll read it.  

[240 is Back]

Sorry.  Don't believe you.  If you have a story from a credible source that confirms there was no debate on the Patriot Act because of the anthrax attacks, I'll read it. 

no need to apologize.  If you give a shit, youll research it.  if not, you probably wont.  g'day mate.

[Dos Equis]

no need to apologize.  If you give a shit, youll research it.  if not, you probably wont.  g'day mate.

Or, to be more accurate, because I take nothing you say at face value, I'll consider this another embellished comment you distorted from some event/story. 

[Skip8282]

Or, to be more accurate, because I take nothing you say at face value, I'll consider this another embellished comment you distorted from some event/story. 

Tis is embellished!!  Some congressman and their staff (mostly if not all liberal) had to leave their offices and work elsewhere, but it didn't have any significant disruption on the congressional agenda and (I think) most of the people affected had their COOP in play.  Another popular CT is that it was passed while House and Senate buildings were closed, but again this was actually affected offices and did not stop the entire congress from working.

The real reason, IMO, that there was little debate is because it was hugely popular back then.  Don't remember the House vote, but the Senate vote was like 98 - 1.  Many have expressed regret since, but back then it was very popular, and it was renewed.

[Dos Equis]

Tis is embellished!!  Some congressman and their staff (mostly if not all liberal) had to leave their offices and work elsewhere, but it didn't have any significant disruption on the congressional agenda and (I think) most of the people affected had their COOP in play.  Another popular CT is that it was passed while House and Senate buildings were closed, but again this was actually affected offices and did not stop the entire congress from working.

The real reason, IMO, that there was little debate is because it was hugely popular back then.  Don't remember the House vote, but the Senate vote was like 98 - 1.  Many have expressed regret since, but back then it was very popular, and it was renewed.

Thanks.  So this:

That anthrax mailed to congress prevented them from debating it, remember? 

is false.  Why am I not surprised?  I guess that explains why he ran away and wouldn't provide a link.

[Skip8282]

Well, I would say more embellished than false.  It was very "coincidental" that the attacks hit around the same time.  But, it didn't actually shut down the congress and even if the attacks had never happened, there's nothing to say there would have been a lot of debate anyway.  It was very, very popular at the time.