Originally Posted by
cparekh
Were people simply able to say buzz off? It seems that on most Metra platforms there are plenty of places to get on the train and at least two entrances to the platform. Were they blocking the entrances or walking around?
The way it usually works in Greater LA is that all entrances are blocked except one or two where they do the bag searches. There are always a few goons from LA County Sheriff's Department present ready to arrest anybody who refuses to either comply with the search or leave the station.
I have tried to simply walk past the table without making any kind of eye contact with any of the goons. Worked most of the time, but once I got stopped. I refused to open my backpack, exited the station, got on a bus, rode to another station, and got on the train there.
However, before leaving the station I told them loudly enough for everyone to hear: "I did not leave the USSR to be subjected to another police state!".