NYPD stormtroopers to patrol subways

DHS and the NYPD have collaborated to bring us another taxpayer funded PR stunt. At a cost of $30 million dollars for the next two years, ‘Operation Torch’ will put heavily armed officers in the subways in a mostly futile effort to prevent terrorist attacks.

I’m with them in-so-far as there is a terrorist threat to the NYC subway. This program will provide for bomb sniffing dogs. Of course, that is money well spent.

Where I depart from their logic is the need for cops in stormtrooper gear armed with submachine guns. I think what they’re trying say is ‘look at all this security.’ In reality, it says ‘holy crap, we’re under siege.’

This squad unsettles everybody and does not deter terrorists. The bomb sniffing dogs may stop terrorists because they serve a purpose that’s deeper than their presence. But the guys walking around in black suits with huge guns are just guys walking around in black suits with huge guns. How many bags will walk right by them everyday? Unless they have some supernatural ability, anyone of those bags could have explosives and they would have no idea.

The problem here is bombs on the subway. Stormtroopers don’t address that issue by any measure of effectiveness. So instead of spending this money on excessive firepower and gear, the NYPD should put it all towards training and funding additional bomb sniffing dogs and handlers. That’s a real solution to the problem.

See also:

+ GTA IV goes political

+ NYPD scare tactics in full force

The government would probably BENEFIT from another terrorist attack at this point (morale to fight this “war” is waning). I believe the dogs are only there for show, to make us believe that a “troop” presence is worthwhile. The officers are really there so that the people of New York can continue to feel that another 9/11 is imminent. Way to keep the population in fear..

PS I’d also like to point out that it is alot easier for investors to make money off of the production of bullets, armor and firearms then it is for said investors to make money training dogs..

El military industrial complex te gusta el terrorismo.