Looks like the Indiana Government Center will be getting a little less friendly.

Public entrances to the Indiana Government Center agency buildings will soon be limited to one each, with visitors banned from bringing in weapons and required to pass through metal detectors and have bags and packages X-rayed.

Contrary to what we’re told from time to time, risk from others is not new to the world. Used to be we more or less trusted our fellow citizens and took our chances. You can’t prove nothing will happen. In fact, eventually, something probably will happen. And, when and if it does, blame will fall heavily on those who advocate for openness. The tiny bits of liberty eroding here and there hardly seem worth the effort; particularly in the face of fear of potential violence. As for the extra expense, it’s not something where you can measure units of safety per dollar spent.

Suffice it to say, I think it’s a mistake to lock down our government buildings and make citizens feel like suspects for the privilege of interacting with public servants.

Update Left in Aboite has a disturbing post about the Dept. of Homeland Security’s apparent interest in what amounts to a dog shock collar for airline passengers. Maybe everyone entering a government building could be made to where one as well.