How that slippery slope works Is it a good idea to put cameras everywhere to punish noncriminal behavior?
Most people would say no. So how does it happen? It starts with justifying the use of surveillance and then reinforcing the decision, often in the following sequence: 1. Dramatic fears are used for justification. Terrorism and violent crime — such as big, horrifying news events like Columbine and Virginia Tech — are trotted out by people in charge of security to justify cameras everywhere. 2. Cost is another justification. Cash-strapped school districts and other organizations think that cameras can save money. It’s cheaper to install 20 cameras and hire one guard than it is to hire 20 guards. 3. When big events do happen on camera, it’s news. We hear about most of the high-profile, true-crime, happy-ending events where a real crook is busted with the help of a camera and then brought to justice. These stories build our comfort level with ubiquitous surveillance and strengthen the hand of those who want cameras watching everyone, all the time. 4. Most of the activity caught on tape i
