Charlie Crist No. 5

Dear Governor Crist,

I am writing to you today on the topic of personal security within the state of Florida. As you are very much aware, the presence of CCTV (closed circuit television) cameras have increased tenfold in the past ten years (particularly after the 9/11 debacle). In fact, it is estimated that the average city resident is photographed 300 times everywhere they go! I for one could not be happier; video surveillance not only reduces crime, it makes the average citizen feel more comfortable in their community. Who doesn’t feel at ease knowing that a high school educated security guard is watching their every step?
You can understand my surprise to learn that a sector of the community opposes these necessary security measures. After reading Michel Foucault’s “Discipline and Punish,” I was horrified to learn that a group of contemporary thinkers relate Jeremy Bentham’s “Panopticon” to modern day surveillance procedure. “The efficiency of power, its constraining force have, in a sense, passed over to the other side – to the side of its surface of application. He who is subjected to a field of visibility, and who knows it, assumes responsibility for the constraints of power; he makes them play spontaneously upon himself; he inscribes in himself the power relation which he simultaneously plays both roles; he becomes the principle of his own subjection.”
These traitors go on to insinuate that this method of keeping order may cause permanent mental anguish. In the litigious times we are living in we cannot be too cautious about labeling any such device with a warning (i.e. the surgeon general’s warning on cigarettes). I implore you, Governor Crist, to mandate a warning to be placed on all security cameras used in the great state of Florida. The warning is to read: “WARNING: According to Michel Foucault (and others) Surveillance may be hazardous to your health.” Enclosed is a mockup graphic to illustrate such a warning. This caveat will ensure legal absolution for the great people who make these fine electronic devices. If the warning is to be reworded or there is any question as to how to implement this procedure, I would be happy to form a crack-team to tackle this issue. Thank you.

Sincerely,



Michael Reynolds

Enclosed:


04.18.08