Be Optimistic, Libertarians!
Some months back, I thought it would be worth the chuckles to send in a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to the CIA and FBI. Under the FOIA, every citizen was granted the ability to seek the file which the government held on him or her. Little did most citizens know, myself included, “We can’t say if we do or do not have a file about you” is, by law, an acceptable response by both agencies. Loopholes, loopholes…
You can imagine what my letter said (see above). However, it is not inconceivable that either agency has a file on me today, since the definition of “extremist” is changing. Libertarians and anarchists are some of the main people being demonized, and believing that government policies such as taxes are wrong is quickly being pushed toward criminal status. “You are under arrest, citizen, for you’ve had too much to think!“
But that isn’t all. The FBI recently issued a bulletin encouraging people to narc on each other for “suspicious activity.” Some examples of that behavior?:
“Are overly concerned about privacy, attempts to shield the screen from view of others”
“Always pay cash or use credit card(s) in different name(s)”
“Act nervous or suspicious behavior inconsistent with activities”
“Are observed switching SIM cards in cell phone or use of multiple cell phones”
“Travel illogical distance to use Internet Café”
“Evidence of a residential based internet provider (signs on to Comcast, AOL, etc.)”
“Use of anonymizers, portals, or other means to shield IP address”
“Suspicious or coded writings, use of code word sheets, cryptic ledgers, etc.”
“Encryption or use of software to hide encrypted data in digital photos, etc.”
“Suspicious communications using VOIP or communicating through a PC game”
“Identify license plates, vehicle description, names used, languages spoken, ethnicity, etc.”
If you are in a hotel, there’s more:
“Request specific room assignments or locations.”
“Use cash for large transactions or a credit card in someone else’s name.”
“Arrive with unusual amounts of luggage.”
“Make unusual inquiries about local sites, including government, military, police, communications, and power facilities.”
“Refuse cleaning service over an extended time.”
“Use entrances and exits that avoid the lobby.”
“Abandon a room and leave behind clothing and toiletry items.”
“Do not leave their room.”
“Change their appearance.”
“Leave the property for several days and then return.”
Are the political elite having so much trouble finding terrorists that they need to make average citizens into demons to justify the “war on terror”?