SF Cell Shutdown Safety Issue Or "hint" Of Orwell?

[Patch]

http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2011/08/14/...ng_8622522.html


An illegal, Orwellian violation of free-speech rights? Or just a smart tactic to protect train passengers from rowdy would-be demonstrators during a busy evening commute?

The question resonated Saturday in San Francisco and beyond as details emerged of Bay Area Rapid Transit officials' decision to cut off underground cellphone service for a few hours at several stations Thursday. Commuters at stations from downtown to near the city's main airport were affected as BART officials sought to tactically thwart a planned protest over the recent fatal shooting of a 45-year-old man by transit police.

Two days later, the move had civil rights and legal experts questioning the agency's move, and drew backlash from one transit board member who was taken aback by the decision.

For the rest of the article you can access the above link.

[MacEoghainn]

Now how could this ever happen in the liberal "Mecca" of San Fransisco?