Security is a concept often sold with excess packaging like a giant bag of chips with contents that occupy the air-filled bag well below the halfway point in height. The flashy exterior conveys more of a sense of completeness filling a party snack bowl.
I live in a state that has been affected more than most by the pandemic and pandemic security measures. The effectiveness of these measures is difficult to quantify and often interpreted by a party with a predetermined outcome. The term "cases" has been overused, covering a wide range of effects. Industries are thirsty to produce new products for perceived new threats. Who else stands to benefit financially from increased security measures?
Currently, in New York City, there is no limit to the number of people riding in a single subway car. Well, it’s self-regulating if you consider that the subway cars will take as many as they will physically hold.
On a 4-train ride from Grand Central to Union Square yesterday, the "sardines in a can" simile applied. Even if I had wanted to get out and wait for a less crowded train, I physically could not.
After I boarded, a group of 6-7 people proceeded to cram in before the door could close, forcing me and a Pelican case in a tricky spot. Many could not even hold a subway pole and leaned on their fellow riders for stability. My legs were awkwardly placed and unable to move, shoe to shoe with the guy next to me. Yes, there were face coverings, but sincere concern about people and proximity in a closed environment that should exist even in non-pandemic times was absent.
Do I feel safe in New York State and New York City specifically? Overall, less so than I have felt in my 16 years here, especially with the notable uptick in crime throughout.
What is the most insecure element of concern living in New York State?
After living through the lockdown, inconsistent medical guidance, and onerous rules opening the door to verification of things beyond a vaccination status, I feel like the state and city governments are the biggest threat to security.
Recently, we tossed a skeevy narcissist who could not be trusted alone in a room with an attractive woman. In return, we got someone who feels comfortable enough speaking for God from a pulpit about what you should do to your body. Both are horrifyingly farcical; neither has made me feel safe.
While a State Assembly bill like A416 still resides in committee, I have some serious concerns about what a Governor will do when the next state of (health) emergency is declared. Here is a taste of the amended new section, now with more confinement:
“§ 2120-a. Removal and detention of cases, contacts and carriers who are or may be a danger to public health; other orders. 1. The provisions of this section shall be utilized in the event that the governor declares a state of health emergency due to an epidemic of any communicable disease.”
This week, Hochul ominously warned of "larger protocols":
By this point, in the good citizen/bad citizen game, we should view these types of threats as plans and plan for their enforcement.
This post has been deemed safe
Such a shame what’s gone on with poor leadership at local and state level. I can’t imagine how theatre district and restaurants are able to survive. Good luck and as always, stay safe!