Man questioned for singing The Clash

[So, I've created a few threads to spawn discussion, but nobody's following my lead...]

A man was questioned after getting in a cab and singing "London Calling" by The Clash. The cabbie, who was driving the man to the airport, got scared after the lyrics said "War is declared and battle come down".

Given the FISA warrant fiasco a few months ago, is this something that newer surveillance tech is going to aim to target?

BBC linkage

[There is no reason why this thread should end up in Flame.]

I think the only problem here was a communication between the passenger and the driver. It would seem to be obviously that someone who is going to bomb stuff isn't going to be singing about it using white guy music.

I am glad that citizens will take time to consider the possibilities and report to the authorities, and that those reports are taken seriously by the government. Unfortunately the man missed his flight. This I don't like, but I think the big problem was a confused taxi driver, not a problem with the government...

I agree with Fuzzy to an extent. We may not know the entire story but often some people can give away vibes which may be interpreted by someone as something different. Maybe the cab driver was having a bad day or had read too much of newspapers or even news channels. It may have been just a fancy of his own mind. After a police complaint the cops did what they should - question the alleged.

I am glad he was released without much hassle. But it is not much different than someone getting caught at custom clearance for something considered suspicious or whatever.

The issue about the particular song is quite debatable. But I am always afraid of singing a 50-cents song, because it may sound offensive to someone. (Some words in these songs are very offensive) So, it is pretty much a person's own perspective at some weak moment. And the media's own interpretation of the event itself may be very misleading at times.

This is where "reasonable person" theory comes into play...

BTW, Fuhzy, you've been quoted.

I'm wondering how many terrorists would actually be taking cabs.

People are becoming paranoid of terrorism. Yes, you should be wary in this day and age, but there comes a point when it becomes unreasonable (as D1 said).

Did anyone hear about the girls arrested for putting up Mario Question Blocks around their town on April Fools Day? Yes, that seems a little more suspicious than this, but its still being paranoid. Especially since there is still a possibility of them being convicted even though it has been proven they didn't mean anything by it.

Article: Girls May Face Criminal Charges for Hanging Mario Blocks

Did I say 'reasonable person'? Ahh I can't find it!