I must comment on this. This is for therapeutic purposes only. The only thinking is my incredulity–but really why does this stuff continue to shock me? Maybe that’s the thought for the Doc on this one.

All Things Considered, March 30, 2006 — The city Dillingham, Alaska — population 2,400 — has eighty that’s EIGHTY!) surveillance cameras installed around town and at its port. The cameras were purchased with grant money from the Department of Homeland Security. Hear entire sordid tale here.

These cameras might be useful, according to the locals. Maybe they can save people who are drunk and fall into the harbor. Three people have drowned in the past 15 years. If you want to see what the community cameras see, click here. (There is still a bunch of snow on the ground in Alaska.)

So, here’s my question. OUR HOMELAND SECURITY DOLLAR$ NEED TO GO THERE??

I was trying to explain this to the 11 and 14 year olds.

ME: There’s this town in Alaska. It’s small, like 2,400 people and they have EIGHTY security cameras.

14-year old: Do we have that many in D.C.?

ME: Yeah. Like what’s that about? I can’t even remember the name of the town…..

14-year old: That’s the point.

ME: Hunh?

14-year old: That’s the point, they spent all these homeland security dollars and you don’t even know the name of the town. Now that’s a big terror threat? Have you heard of New York? D.C.? San Fran? L.A.?

‘Nuff said.