So, I went into the Citigroup building this afternoon

[prodigal_green]

to browse the magazine racks at Barnes & Noble. Had to pass though the most half-hearted, "open your bag please" type of inspection. The place was nearly empty. Usually, at that time of day, it is packed.

You couldn't exit into the rest of the shopping area but had to go out through the street exit (for those who've never been there, there is a shopping atrium and several restaurants on the first two floors of the building--it is a popular lunch spot for the building's and surrounding neighborhood's workers), which means if I wanted to pick up something from the sports store, I'd have to exit the building, walk all the way around it and come in from the other side.

Do these businesses get compensation from the government for driving off custom? I didn't feel the slightest fear, but when I'm on my lunch hour, I don't want to be hassled just to pick up the latest issue of The Nation.

[Hoping4Change]

1. Intersting isn't it that a solidly Democratic state is bearing the

expense of this PR campaign. TYhe Rethuglicans don't give a damn if they inconvenience and alienate New Yorkers. For rethugs New York is just a stage.

[Cronus Protagonist]

2. Well, teh cops are loving it, but the people will be voting

The cops are loving all the increased powers and control over people, but there's a lot more people than law enforcement and Homeland Security lovers and this will be reflected in the election.

Hey George, search us more, please, it will make the landslide that much greater. Thanks.

SHOVE IT! - Drop Bush Not Bombs! - Hero Kerry AWOL Bush
http://brainbuttons.com/home.asp?stashid=13

[Frederic Bastiat]

3. I visited NY this week from Montreal

Can't believe the fortress America has become wow, how do you folks get around every day?? I go a week without seeing a cop nevermind a bag search.

[pifflePill]

4. Will Kerry refrain from bothering us with these types of warnings?

What will happen if a citigroup building blows up after a warning was surpressed to avoid the "government driving off custom" charge? Will the families of those that die forgive Kerry for supressing the information?

[Bridget Burke]

5. I'd hope that Kerry can tell real warnings from false.

Bush ignored the warnings that preceded 9/11 & is now using old information to make political points.

[prodigal_green]

6. It neither surprises nor frightens people that live around here

There was no need to announce that to the entire country. How 'bout just protecting the buildings. They're specifically telling us NOT to stay home. Are they looking for more bodies to wave flags over?