what do you think?

Yes Mike, it's bl.... stupid and a huge waste of time and effort.

Aside from plans to public buildings being freely available there are Google Earth, maps and all sorts of other resources.

This shows a fundamental and complete lack of understanding of the meaning of 'hearts and minds strategy' and in any case, it undermines our traditional democratic freedoms far more than any terrorist group could wish for - as such it totally plays into the hands of extemists.

London has hundreds of thousands of tourists at one time - the police couldn't handle such stupidity if each one was taken as a threat, so the only ones who will suffer are serious photographers.

I've actually experienced this nonsense while out on a shoot of the city with one of my photography groups. We've been hassled by security and the cops on only a couple of occasions, but when it does happen, I feel very embarrased not to mention offended. I was out taking shots of my son from a distance not too long ago and was asked by some woman why was I taking photos of the "kids", like I was some pervert or something. Someone see's a non-white guy with a camera and a long lens and is automatically "labled" as up to no good. Nevermind my wife being right next to me at the time. All I can say is, NOT cool. At all. I think the paranoia is running rampant in this country and just another way to monger fear amonst the people and marginalize freedoms in a back handed sort of way, and during an election no less. Surprised? I'm not.

This sort of thing does not happen often, as I said. So I worry little.

Mike, you need to take this to your local newspaper and television stations. Most any of us could "seem odd" to some people. Make mention of a few salient facts:

The plans for bridges and public buildings are available at your local courthouse or library. These documents are of more use to a terrorist than a few photographs.

What about all the camera phones being used? Shouldn't they come under suspicion also? Obviously your local police haven't seen many spy movies with characters using a miniature camera to secretly copy documents or troop movements.

When talking to the newspaper or TV station, mention the Bill of Rights, especially freedom of speech, freedom of expression, freedom of the press. Don't forget the 4th. Amendment which deals with unreasonable search and seizure of persons or property.

Mike, it is up to Y-O-U to bring this into the light of public scrutiny. You and your fellow photographers who believe such idiocy has to be stopped.

Did you notice that they didn't mention people taking photos of kids?

Really? That's terrible. Maybe we should start distributing posters telling the public to look out for cops that "seem odd" and report them to the "anti terrorist hotline!"

I think there are people in our government who profit from the paranoia of the American people. Some politicians are trying to make careers on our fears (GEORGE W. BUSH) (DICK CHENEY) (JOE LIEBERMAN)