Dangerous plans
Angela Houser, Emporia
Monday, November 3, 2008
I MUST COMMEND the security guards at the Lyon County courthouse. They successfully thwarted my attempt to enter the building packing a small tape measure, an inhaler, and an Avon pocket dentist — which they confiscated while I exercised my inalienable right to vote.
With that kind of crackerjack security in place, I was a little befuddled that I was allowed to vote without showing any identification. I didn’t think that showing my driver’s license would be asking too much.
If I would have known these things in advance, I would have left my weaponry at home and slipped in daily to impersonate another voter who might have been planning on voting for someone else. On election day, I could have gone to my voting place and voted as myself. It’s probably too late for this election, but perhaps something to keep in mind for 2012.
Kujiin (anonymous) says...
Apparently you have not traveled much since 9/11/2001. The courthouse security does their job. I'm sure by 2012 there will Aliens doing some probing, I'd think giving up your tape measure for 15 minutes pales in comparison.
November 3, 2008 at 2:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Pollyanna (anonymous) says...
Seriously? This person is bitching about having security at a courthouse?
November 3, 2008 at 3:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Kujiin (anonymous) says...
Apparently you have not traveled much since 9/11/2001. The courthouse security does their job. I'm sure by 2012 there will be* Aliens doing some probing, I'd think giving up your tape measure for 15 minutes pales in comparison. oops!
In some countries they actually tell you who to cast your vote for. Can you imagine a person with AK-47 standing next to you and telling you, that you will vote for X. Thank goodness we are free to choose who we want to.
I sure hope your voting experience was a fun as mine. Minus the detainment of your inhaler, of course
November 3, 2008 at 3:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Free4all (anonymous) says...
So were you going to measure the voting machine, have an asthma attack or even practice dentistry during those 15 minutes? Yes this might seem like silly rules but hey, who thought you could bring down the twin towers with a box cutter.
November 3, 2008 at 3:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
romano1784 (anonymous) says...
I do think its crazy to criticize the security for doing their job. One good point was made however, why not check any identification before you vote? Not really a huge concern, but a concern nonetheless.
November 3, 2008 at 8:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
dml (anonymous) says...
I have to agree with romano. I think we should be required to show photo I.D to vote, but then that would not be of much use if our dumb governor and Obama get their way and start giving drivers licenses to illegal Aliens! Also, what is wrong with someone taking an inhaler into the courthouse? I think that sounds like a lawsuit waiting to happen the first time someone has an asthma attack in the courthouse. I am not sure what one could do with a pocket tape measure...I do not think the point is that Ms. Houser had to have it with her...just the silliness of having to hand it over.
November 4, 2008 at 6:42 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
spectator (anonymous) says...
Give the officers a break. It is possible to conceal all manner of nasty little problems in the most common and seemingly innocent containers. That's why airlines limit the size of toothpaste, shampoo, soap etc - it's for your, and my, safety. That includes the inhaler. If it was a desperate I-might-need-this-real-soon issue, just tell the officer where you will be. And as for the ID, why did you feel that you had to be asked for it? The officers don't pick and choose who does or does not take in certain items - the rules should apply to everyone. These guys are working for our safety, we can meet them halfway. I'm sorry that you, and I, were placed in this position as a result of 9/11 but improved safety and security will require that we all put up with a few inconveniences from time to time.
November 4, 2008 at 8:52 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
LifeGoesOn (anonymous) says...
They didn’t take anything EXCEPT the pocket dentist , which happens to look like a pocket knife, and the person got it back after they were done voting.
http://www.avon.com/1/1/4435-pocket-d...
November 4, 2008 at 9:42 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
equalrights (anonymous) says...
Seriously? Why would you complain about that?
Thank you officers for doing your job!
November 4, 2008 at 10:22 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
I'm just happy about having such vigilant security officers on duty. They are doing a good job. Last month, on my way to a meeting at the courthouse, the scanner showed something in my purse that they questioned. It turned out to be something I always carry with me -- my harmonica. I played it for them, one of them did a jig to keep time, we laughed, and I went on my way -- with my harmonica. No need to bitch when we have people like these on duty to protect us all. Good job, guys!
November 4, 2008 at 12:32 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Deepthoughts (anonymous) says...
Do people still complain about security? Welcome to the post 9/11 world people. I'm so sick of people complaining about people protecting them. You complain because you were inconvenienced, but I bet you would complain if they didn't protect you and you got hurt now wouldn't you?!
November 5, 2008 at 1:42 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )