[WikiEN-l] News agencies are not RSs

[Ray Saintonge]

Gwern Branwen wrote:
> On Mon, Jun 29, 2009 at 2:42 PM, Sage Ross wrote:
>   
>> It would raise his profile, indicate that Western media had taken
>> notice of the kidnapping, and therefore raise his value to the
>> kidnappers (either his value as a negotiating chip or his symbolic
>> value if executed).
>>     
> I don't buy this thinking. This is the sort of wooly-headed stuff that
> has us throwing billions down the black hole of Homeland Security &
> taking off our shoes at airports. 'security experts' will say
> anything; I don't trust them unless they're Bruce Schneier.
>
>   
Fear is one of the great motivators, and those (motivated by the other 
great motivator, greed) making big money out of Homeland Security know 
it.  I doubt that their antics would stand up to any kind of 
cost/benefit analysis.  Smaller amounts spent in other areas would be 
far more effective at saving more lives.

Ec