A culture of fear: Japanese traveler removed from train for taking pictures

Our post-9/11 culture of fear is not having the best effects on our economy. And this depressing story, of a foreign traveler removed from a train for taking pictures, is just another sad highlight as to why:

The police speak through the interpreter, with the impatience of authority. �The conductor asked this man three times to discontinue. We must remove him from the train.� The traveler hears the translation, is befuddled. Hidden beneath the commotion is a cross-cultural drama. With the appearance of police officers, this quiet visitor is embarrassed to find he is the center of attention. The officers explain, �After we remove him from the train, when we are through our investigation, we will put him on the next train.� The woman translates. The passenger replies, �I�m meeting relatives in Boston. They cannot be reached by phone. They expect me and will be worried when I do not arrive on schedule.� �Our task,� the police repeat, "is to remove you from this train. If necessary, we will do so by force. After we have finished the investigation, we�ll put you on another train.� The woman translates. The traveler gathers his belongings and departs.

Link here (via Schneier).

Alex Eckelberry