Tom Ridge Demo 07/23

San Francisco- 07.23.03

Dept. of Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge was in San Francisco to give a speech sponsored by the Commonwealth Club at the Mark Hopkins Hotel. Around 100-150 demonstrators held a picket line- while penned inside of police barricades :-( - outside of the hotel. In addition, there were about 10-15 police officers, and a few secret service agents in front of the hotel and the demonstrators.

Despite its size, the demonstration drew the attention of the local media, tourists, motorists, and passersby. Except for a couple of tourists and motorists that booed or insulted demonstrators, most of the public that was watching were in support of the demonstrators and their message.

Before the demonstration, a commanding officer from southern station sent back a Honda Unit (part of the SOS bureau) because he thought it would not look good if there was a large police presence. The commanding officer did place a tactical (SWAT) unit inside of the hotel- “in case of extraction.”

About the Dept. of Homeland Security:

One of the most troubling developments of the Dept. of Homeland Security is the creation of the Visitor and Immigrant Status Indication Technology (VISIT) system. This system will track the status and whereabouts of people visiting the country as tourists, students, workers, etc; it will also keep track of their biometric information. (read about it here) To develop this tracking system, the Dept. of Homeland Security is collaborating with the private sector. (read more about it here) Speaking of partnerships with the private sector, the Dept. of Homeland Security recently signed a contract with Microsoft and Dell worth 90 million dollars. (read about it here).

Meanwhile, the Democrats are tried to increase funding for the Dept of Homeland Security, but failed to secure enough votes. (read about it here). A think tank tied to the Democrat party also criticized the government for not spending enough on homeland security... (read about it here)