jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

At the risk of turning this into another "prolonged stupid posting," I'm going to make a few comments about photographing federal buildings.

These buildings are not hidden underground. They are there for the whole world to see. Tom Terrorist and Sam Spy (not their real names) don't have to set up tripods and DSLRs and spend an hour getting detailed shots. That's what tourists do. Anyone interested in doing harm could drive by in a car and take multiple shots unobserved. Spy cameras of all types have been around for years. If a cop tells someone not to take pictures of the Treasury or the Capitol, I'd have to wonder what he thought he was accomplishing.

Having said that, I heard on the news yesterday that authorities in NYC have reported that potential terrorists have been observing government buildings and landmarks. If they are in NYC, how can they not observe them? So what do we do about that? Are they terrorists or not? If so, lock 'em up.

Speaking of strange, my wife and I were at a U. S. airport, and we watched a TSA agent inspecting the diaper of an infant. In doing so, he attracted a bit of attention. Maybe he was doing his duty - the TSA, not the baby.

You probably saw the video with the TSA agent patting down the 3-year-old in a wheelchair. http://blog.sfgate.com/sfmoms/2012/03/19/video-of-tsa-agent-patting-down-child-in-wheelchair-goes-viral/?tsp=1

Could the kid have been carrying a bomb? Of course, but then, who couldn't? If this is the line of reasoning they want to follow, then giving everyone a thorough strip search should be the rule.

02Nomad Loc: Catonsville, MD

When I was stationed in Pakistan in 1968, we were told that we could not take pictures of anything that had "military significance", like footbridges over tiny creeks, airports, forts, etc. I would have loved to get some shots of the fort at Khyber Pass, but you get so paranoid that you have to fight with yourself about it. I live in Baltimore and work at the VA, but I'm not aware of anyone being harassed about taking photos of any buildings. I imagine that anyone may expect some sort of attention if they are standing there for a length of time taking pictures at various angles, but, hey, I'd be surprised if pedestrians wouldn't start taking notice. MHO

Glenn K

I work in a federal bldg and am not permitted to bring in a camera without first obtaining written authorization from the admin svcs office. Of course, the guards ignore my iPhone with its 5 MP camera. There's logic and then there's government logic -- Repubs or Demos; it makes no difference.

Sneidley Loc: Goodyear, AZ

I went to a gun show in AZ (the Cardinals stadium) last weekend and I had to take my DSLR back to the car. 95% of the people have cameras in their phones. I didn't get it.

02Nomad Loc: Catonsville, MD

I've carried my camera in and out of the building several times now with no hassle at all. This is off topic, but thought that you'd enjoy. When my wife and I went to Italy for the first time, I had a Swiss Tool on my belt as we were waiting to go through security to see St. Peter's in the Vatican; the guard asked to see it and told me that I could not take it inside. I asked if he could hold on to it until we came back out, but he said that he could not do it. He did tell me that my wife could put it in her handbag, though. Out of sight, out of mind?????????????????????

TimothyBuss Loc: Virginia/West Virginia

too funny.....