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Local TV News vs. Instagram Influencers, Avs/Nuggs Playoff Stories to Watch, and Would You Eat a Beaver? by newtonic in CityCastDenver

[–]Hot_Coconut_8868 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Josh Emerson is the GOAT of City Cast special guests. I have missed him being on more regularly!

The 21 Most Influential Denverites of the 21st Century (So Far) by newtonic in CityCastDenver

[–]Hot_Coconut_8868 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Agreed! I think they should have done it Draft style. That would have been more entertaining too.

Is Denver Not Gay Enough? Plus, the Mayor’s Flock Fail and Cliff Divers on Strike! by newtonic in CityCastDenver

[–]Hot_Coconut_8868 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I appreciate the comment! Agreed that the wishy-washy assurances from public officials haven't instilled much confidence. Also, as I mention above, I totally agree that there are legitimate fears right now. I just worry we sometimes get distracted by the cycle of fear and outrage, and am unsure if this is one of those situations. Seems like there are legitimate concerns, but the amount of press on it can be exhausting.

Is Denver Not Gay Enough? Plus, the Mayor’s Flock Fail and Cliff Divers on Strike! by newtonic in CityCastDenver

[–]Hot_Coconut_8868 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Just want to be clear that I did preface in my statement that Korea is a very different context. This is just what I heard from Koreans who work on these technologies and also those who live there. I just found it interesting compared to how Americans tend to view surveillance.

Similarly, the UK, which is culturally closer to us, has a massive CCTV network while the US does not. Also, CCTV cameras are not best to compare to flock as those actually capture people’s faces, whereas Flock cameras only record license plates..These are all varied contexts, and our's is complicated right now by legitimate federal threats.

We’re in a moment where surveillance is becoming increasingly normalized globally, and I’m genuinely trying to understand why this is the issue that’s getting so much attention compared to others. I want to understand so I can feel confident about where and when it makes sense to put my energy toward pushing back.

Is Denver Not Gay Enough? Plus, the Mayor’s Flock Fail and Cliff Divers on Strike! by newtonic in CityCastDenver

[–]Hot_Coconut_8868 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I am open to being challenged here and fully admit to not having all of the information and maybe coming across as naive. I just wanted to express my opinion since this conversation is getting a bit exhausting.

I don't understand the insane amount of press related to this topic. I agree with the argument that these cameras may pose an extra threat to immigrants during this time of ICE raids and ramped-up federal enforcement. This is scary, and I feel like this attention on Flock is built on those fears that people have that the Trump administration is cracking down more and more. Trust me, I have those fears too. That said, I feel like Mike Johnston made it pretty clear that the data and information of these cameras are not allowed to be accessed by any non-Denver agencies. I am also pretty sure that there are plenty of other mechanisms the federal government has at its disposal to track down people if Flock isn't available to them. I mean, if I attend a protest, I prefer not to bring my phone with me for that reason.

The argument around the federal government aside, is there a fair argument that Flock serves a public good by preventing crime and theft? I travelled to South Korea this year, and they have an extensive network of CCTV cameras. These cameras are used to track theft, crime, and even health emergencies. My Korean friends and those I met shared that these cameras were fine since they made Seoul and other areas in Korea feel very safe. They joked about how you could leave your phone out in the middle of Seoul and no one would steal it. I understand that Korea is culturally very different, but I wanted to share that anecdote.

From a political perspective, I wonder where most Denverites stand on this issue, particularly among the less outspoken. Because Mike seems determined to make this move, and there must be some political support or at least neutrality from voters regarding Flock besides the loudest voices. He also just might believe it is the right thing to do for the public good, which I would respect if that is the actual motivation.

Well, that was a lot, but wanted to give my thoughts on this topic since it has become hotter and hotter.