Indy 500: Spy In The Sky

[LarryFlowers]

Blimps above sporting events are nothing unusual, we are used to seeing them. TV cameras and advertising are the common uses and this years Indy 500 was no exception... except for one.

An unmanned remote controlled white arrow shaped blimp over the Indy 500 appeared to be a perfectly harmless floater advertising the Fisher House Charity.

The blimp though was owned and operated by Raytheon, best known for it's weapon systems. It contained a highly sophisticated military camera system that was feeding information to racetrack security officials and the Indiana State Police.

The test event was such a success that Raytheon will be targeting stadiums and event sites across the country. It is hoped that though the system isn't cheap that it's dual use for advertising will make it affordable. The system is essentially the same as those deployed by Raytheon in Iraq and Afghanistan.

I am both dismayed and encouraged by this development :nono2:.

Needless to say the ACLU is already writing briefs...

[djlong]

When you are in a public place, you are subject to being treated, well, like you're IN PUBLIC.

[Mike Bertelson]

Blimps above sporting events are nothing unusual, we are used to seeing them. TV cameras and advertising are the common uses and this years Indy 500 was no exception... except for one.

An unmanned remote controlled white arrow shaped blimp over the Indy 500 appeared to be a perfectly harmless floater advertising the Fisher House Charity.

The blimp though was owned and operated by Raytheon, best known for it's weapon systems. It contained a highly sophisticated military camera system that was feeding information to racetrack security officials and the Indiana State Police.

The test event was such a success that Raytheon will be targeting stadiums and event sites across the country. It is hoped that though the system isn't cheap that it's dual use for advertising will make it affordable. The system is essentially the same as those deployed by Raytheon in Iraq and Afghanistan.

I am both dismayed and encouraged by this development :nono2:.

Needless to say the ACLU is already writing briefs...How could the ACLU argue against being videoed while at a public event televised to billions around the globe?

What am I missing? :scratchin

Mike

[Nick]

...Needless to say the ACLU is already writing briefs......and I am crapping in mine!

If the feckless, 'bend-over' public accepts this, yet another encroachment on personal privacy (and they will), and the implied right to be anonymous in a public venue , then let's just go ahead and let the government proctologists shove peeper (pooper?) cams up our butts!

Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean they're not out to get me! :new_cussi

[SayWhat?]

It contained a highly sophisticated military camera system that was feeding information to racetrack security officials and the Indiana State Police.

being videoed while at a public event televised to billions around the globe?

I think that's the difference. One is intended for the public at large, the other isn't. How much more detailed is the spy cam video? What are they looking at? Can it be intercepted unlike wired closed circuit video?

[Grentz]

If you arent doing anything wrong you should have nothing to worry about.

I am all for it, if it is keeping us safer go for it IMO.

[LarryFlowers]

That's kind of my reaction. On the one hand, it potentially makes me much safer. On the other hand, do they need to know that there is a bic pen in my pocket? :confused:

If you arent doing anything wrong you should have nothing to worry about.

I am all for it, if it is keeping us safer go for it IMO.

[coldsteel]

Is it a Bic or a detonator...?

[HDJulie]

Or are you just happy to see them ;-)?

I'm alright with it -- it is a public event so I shouldn't be doing anything that I wouldn't want others to see anyway.

[Grentz]

I'm alright with it -- it is a public event so I shouldn't be doing anything that I wouldn't want others to see anyway.

Exactly ;)

[dennisj00]

Don't worry, if you're in any major city on a sidewalk, you're on video. Just a sign of the times.

[Nick]

I'll do the worrying for both us.

[djlong]

Remember - you are *in* *public*.

Now, if they were peeking into your house with that - different story...

[Marlin Guy]

Imagine a couple of hundred civil rights protesters smuggling in bin laden masks at the next big outdoor event like this. ;)