Secret Service steps up Inauguration security

[DeepModem Mom]

Source: CNN/AP

Law enforcement officials bracing for the largest crowds in inaugural history are preparing far-reaching security — thousands of video cameras, sharpshooters, air patrols — to safeguard President-elect Barack Obama's swearing-in.

People attending the ceremony and parade on Jan. 20 can expect to be searched by machines, security personnel or both. Precautions will range from the routine — magnetometers like those used at airports — to countersnipers trained to hit a target the size of a teacup saucer from 1,000 yards away. Plus undercover officers, bomb sniffing dogs and air patrols.

The Secret Service — the agency coordinating the security – also has assigned trained officials to identify and prevent cyber security risks. And, as it does at every inauguration, the service has mapped out escape routes for the 44th president.

In addition Washington's 5,265 surveillance cameras, spread around the city, are expected to be fed into a multi-agency command center.

"When you have an event like the inauguration, the more eyes we have in and around the city the better off we are," District of Columbia Police Chief Cathy Lanier said. Streets will be closed within seven-to-eight blocks on both sides of Pennsylvania Avenue, and two-to-three blocks around each inaugural ball site, she said....

Read more: http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/11/22/inauguration-security-enlists-snipers/#more-31162

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. Sounds like they're on top of things...

And I could NOT be happier about it!

Obama is so damn important, and he must live to accomplish all the things he needs to do for our country...

[smiley]

2. I hope, but it will probably amount to nothing but rhetoric.

considering the great history of our nation within the last 100 years. Lots of talk, but the rich keep getting richer and the poor keep getting poorer.

Sorry, I'm a skeptic.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

3. Go ahead and be a skeptic...

Just keep an open mind...

And give Obama some time, OK?

[smiley]

6. I'm tryin'

but already his cabinet posts make me feel that we're just going back to the Clinton years, even though they were better than the Bush years. Where exactly is our foreign policy heading? Is he really going to end this unending war? Doubtful....

He wants a surge in Afghanistan? Come on, even if you do believe in the lies that have been told about 9/11, the perpetrators we're supposedly from Saudi Arabia, not Afghanistan. So why are we their? I have my opinions... you tell me yours.

But IMO the number one issue on his agenda should be the investigation of the last 8 years and I don't realistically see that happening at all. Until that happens this country will never be able to move ahead economically, racially, or socially. The American dream died a long, long, long, time ago.

But thank god (whoever he may be) that we finally have a black president (who cares).

[CaliforniaPeggy]

7. I could care less about his race...

Neither gender nor race should enter into the discussion about who should be president.

We are apparently in Afghanistan because Al Quaeda was behind the 9/11 attacks, and they are established there.

I am not going to try and second-guess his cabinet appointments. He is way smarter than I am, and, most importantly, I trust him.

I agree that the last 8 years need to be investigated for the many crimes that were committed then. I don't know what his plans are for that.

And I don't believe that the American dream has died. As long as there are Americans, we will dream...

[OGpoopin]

8. not exactly

he's against a surge they spoke of this in great detail in the debates....investigations are underway already as well....i dunno i'm a skeptic too but ya gotta keep your facts straight

[CaliforniaPeggy]

9. Welcome to DU!

:hi:

[Mari333]

11. This looks like why we are in afghanistan, and it isnt about 'al queda'

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=115&topic_id=171417

[NoodleyAppendage]

4. tea cup sized target at 1000 yards assumes stationary target, I bet. n/t

J

[liberal N proud]

10. I wouldn't want to take my chances with guys that have that kind of aim

Even if they can shoot a tea cup, imagine what they can hit otherwise

[amdezurik]

5. I would hope so

just read freeperville...

[Tandalayo_Scheisskopf]

12. On the subject of investigations:

Many times, events have overtaken history and best-laid plans. If we are to believe Sy Hersh, there is a line of whistleblowers a mile long, wide and deep, complete with supporting documents, who are locked loaded and aimed at Jan. 21, waiting for the maladministration to leave office so they do not face retaliation. They are ready to blow a lot of shit out their barracks bags.

This could get fun.

[qwlauren35]

13. Having a Black President is getting expensive, fast!

I know that sounds sarcastic and mean-spirited, but it's just my way of being angry at all of the malice that is aimed against him, and the extraordinary lengths that have to be gone to in order to protect him... from the American people.

I don't think this was the job creation and economic stimulus that Obama had in mind.

:(

[Justess]

14. I do hope

they use the bulletproof glass as they did in Chicago, on election night. We cannot be too careful. Bush was, and is, the most protected man on the planet. Considering the hatred dredged up and promulgated during the last eight years, President-elect Obama needs to be even more so.

As God has blessed America, may He continue to bless and keep the whole planet - and our new President.

Peace &

Justess

[DeepModem Mom]

15. I agree completely, Justess. Peace to you, too, and welcome to DU!