15 JUL 05: YOU'D BETTER WATCH OUT
Columbus Mayor Bob Poydasheff made a proposal Thursday which may upset some people. He suggested major local companies step up their use of surveillance cameras. This could be the first step toward our city hosting "Big Brother 7."
Mayor Poydasheff is concerned about security, after what happened in London last week. That's why he wants companies such as AFLAC and TSYS to have security cameras around their complexes. I can see one side benefit of this - something to show for a change of pace on the government access channel.
AFLAC has made noticeable security changes in the last couple of years. Metal fencing was put up around the grounds on Wynnton Road. Some entrances were closed. And I wouldn't be surprised if there's a "secure undisclosed location" set up for the duck.
The TSYS main office also seems careful with security. You'll see it if you take a stroll on perhaps the most-ignored area of the Columbus Riverwalk, between 14th and 18th Streets. Other than TSYS employees, the only people who might use it are homeless people -- who sleep on the 14th Street Bridge and eat at the Salvation Army.
I jogged on that portion of the Riverwalk one recent night, and found the west end of the TSYS grounds protected by high hedges and gates requiring numeric codes. The walkway was completely deserted -- and if anyone jumped out to attack me, I might have been better off running to Country's Barbecue.
Mayor Poydasheff apparently is concerned about possible attacks on big Columbus companies. But he said nothing about security cameras at Fort Benning - perhaps because terrorists are too cowardly to take on the infantry to its face. It makes the S.O.A. Watch protesters look brave by comparison.
But are YOU concerned about the increased presence of security cameras in Columbus? Some people consider them an invasion of their privacy - to which I would give a two-word response: Google Maps. Satellites are spying on you already....
Almost two years ago, your blog took a random trip to several Columbus businesses to see how secure they were [23 Jul 03]. We found the Ledger-Enquirer was wide open to anyone who wanted to walk in and cause trouble. But these days, there's a big difference - as "Streetscape" work on Broadway keeps almost everyone away.
Meanwhile, the Phenix Citizen has moved to a new office since our 2003 check. In fact, it changed its name to the "Citizen-News." Those old web pages you find on Google searches will keep any potential terrorist guessing.
BIG PREDICTION UPDATE: Well, what do you know! Some people actually are lobbying to put Roy Moore on the U.S. Supreme Court. I can think of only one person who might be a more controversial choice - and President Bush wouldn't dare nominate Karl Rove.
A group called the "Conservative Caucus" has started a petition drive, backing former Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore for the open U.S. Supreme Court seat. This could be the most unusual way to promote a campaign for Governor that Alabama's ever seen.
The Conservative Caucus argues Roy Moore is the perfect choice for the U.S. Supreme Court, based on what President Bush says he wants in a justice. The President wants what they call a "strict constructionist" - and Mr. Moore would be very strict in how a Ten Commandments monument is built.
The Southern Poverty Law Center in Montgomery dismissed the petition drive Thursday, claiming the campaign for Roy Moore must be "some kind of a joke." This group should watch what it says - or does it want God to send a third hurricane to Alabama within a year?
Let's see what else was stirring Thursday:
+ Part of the Columbus Riverwalk remained underwater downtown, for at least the fifth day in a row. It's too bad the city budget is tight - because it might be fun to swim there, with a lifeguard watching over you.
+ The Columbus Solicitor General hosted a self-defense workshop for women at the Government Center. Fraternal Order of Police President Randy Robertson displayed what women should do if someone grabs them to harm them. Remember, City Manager Hugley -- that could have been you.
+ A convoy of giant plastic cows rolled into Atlanta, as a big-name dairy marks National Ice Cream Month. That convoy goes next to Huntsville, avoiding Columbus - which may prove how powerful Kadie and B.B. really are.
+ Instant Message to a local TV personality whose name I will keep anonymous: You WERE kidding, weren't you? You know, when you guessed the Shirley Caesar performing at the Columbus Civic Center tonight was "the wife of Julius?"
SCHEDULED SATURDAY: More e-mails in the religion debate.... including one which brings up whisky....
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