Careful: The FB-eye may be watching

[burek]

Careful: The FB-eye may be watching

Very interesting...:Q

 

[reitz]

Good lord, I really hope that account isn't true. Not because the conduct of the FBI frightens me (from the author's account, it seems pretty clear that the FBI agents did not know what article he had been reading), but because some sick fsck called the FBI to report that someone was reading it. Whoever that lowlife was would probably have a field day with some of the articles in my Favorites.

 

[lameaway]

Given that the first three words of the title were "Weapons of Mass", I wouldn't think it implausible that some pinhead would catch a glimpse over his shoulder and call the FBI, thinking he was plotting some sort of terrorist attack. Overall I don't see anything particularly wrong about the FBI's actions in this case, considering they only went to talk to him and asked his consent before any search was made. The entirety of the blame I adress to some paranoid idiot in the coffee shop. Move along, there's nothing to see here.

 

[jackschmittusa]

I think it is a sad day when the government takes enough of an interest in what you read that they would investigate an unsubstantiated report of possible improper reading material. Has it become "you are what you read"? Read bad stuff and you might be a bad guy! I suppose that if didn't like somebody, I could have 20 copies of "The Anarchists Cookbook" shipped to them (paid for with cash, of course).

 

[NesuD]

Seems to me they were just checking out something mildly suspicious. From his account the agents seemed very courteous and up front with him. Considering the terrorist threats that we face as a nation these days I don't find it particularly surprising that the fbi would check these little things out. Kinda comforting actually to know that they are taking the time to check even the littlest things out just in case there is something there.

 

[tcsenter]

I think it is a sad day when the government takes enough of an interest in what you read that they would investigate an unsubstantiated report of possible improper reading material. Has it become "you are what you read"? Read bad stuff and you might be a bad guy! I suppose that if didn't like somebody, I could have 20 copies of "The Anarchists Cookbook" shipped to them (paid for with cash, of course).

Law enforcement has been investigating these kinds of reports and complaints for a long time, its just moved them up a notch or two in priority. This really has nothing to do with the FBI, it has a duty to follow-up on credible complaints or reports, but how the FBI ultimately handles the matter.

I could carry a shotgun down mainstreet in the town I grew up and nobody would bat an eye. If someone did see me and didn't feel comfortable, they are accustomed to seeing people carrying firearms, so if they were to call the police, the worst they would say is [calmly] "There is some guy walking down the street with a shotgun" no different in tone or urgency than they would say "There is some guy walking down the street."

A Deputy from our County Sheriff's department would be more likely to stop and ask "Hey, is that a Beretta you got there? How do you like that? I was thinking of getting one myself. By the way, would you mind carrying that thing in a case of some type next time? It might make someone uncomfortable to see you carrying a shotgun openly. I personally don't mind, but you know, we might get calls. I'd appreciate it if you would."

Try that in another area of the country and I'd have 20 patrol cars and a helicopter descend upon me. Some lame brain would see me, dial 9-11 and tell the dispatcher "There's some maniac walking down the street with a shotgun, he's going to start blasting people! OMG I think he's heading for the day care! Oh wait, that would be in the other direction. Well he's gotta be heading for a school or something! For the Love of God, please send someone before he starts killing all the children!"

The same innocent and harmless conduct in two completely different cultures and environments would result in two dramatically different responses. Cops have to investigate the report of the calm and rational caller just like they do the hysterical and irrational caller whose only experience with firearms is hearing about what people do with them on CNN.

Now you can imagine what someone might have told the FBI. "Hello? Yes, there was a Middle Eastern looking guy in my coffee shop, reading some kind of terrorist manual or something. The title was about making Weapons of Mass Destruction, I think. I got his license plate as he left."

By this guy's own description, the FBI conducted itself professionally and handled the matter prudently. This is the best you can hope for. The only alternatives are unacceptable; completely failing to investigate the complaint at all, or raiding the guy's home like gang-busters using some tactical antiterrorism unit.

 

[Moonbeam]

Anybody who even reads criticism of the right should be made to fear. Now is a time of wolves and the flock must herd tight. Dissent is subversion and it's time to fear to speak.

 

[CaptnKirk]

Weapons of Mass !

Catholic plot to use the Church to conduct Religious Offensive Prayers.
Not a Fundamental Babtist thing.

Or it could be a Ted Kennedy thing coming out of Massachusetts.
He drove a weapon.

 

[JellyBaby]

Beamer, I hope the Government Minder assigned to you is a good one. I hope mine is a brunette. And may your re-education be as pleasant as your birth!

But tscenter is right for now. Luckily these FBI agents here were reasonable, courteous people. But as we continue to trade convenience and liberty for security, both citizens and The Law are bound to clash from time to time.

Unlimited, unconstitional government (the kind with "robust", "get-things-done" foreign policies) has it's upside but for every up there is a down.

 

[dmcowen674]

This story is getting some National News coverage outside of Creative Loafing as well now.


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Politically incorrect, that is. --Declan

---

Careful: The FB-eye may be watching


Reading the wrong thing in public can get you in trouble

BY MARC SCHULTZ

"The FBI is here,"Mom tells me over the phone. Immediately I can see my mom
with her back to a couple of Matrix-like figures in black suits and opaque
sunglasses, her hand covering the mouthpiece like Grace Kelly in Dial M for
Murder. This must be a joke, I think. But it's not, because Mom isn't that
funny.

"The who?" I say.

"Two FBI agents. They say you're not in trouble, they just want to talk.
They want to come to the store."

I work in a small, independent bookstore, and since it's a slow Tuesday
afternoon, I figure, "Sure." Someone I know must have gotten some
government work, I think; hadn't my consultant friend spoken recently of
getting rolled onto some government job? Background check, I think,
interviewing acquaintances ... No big deal, right? Then, of course, I make
a big deal about it in front of my co-workers.

"That was my mom," I tell them. "The FBI's coming for me." They laugh; it's
a good joke, especially when the FBI actually shows up. They are not the
bogeymen I had been expecting. They're dressed casually, they speak
familiarly, but they are big. The one in front stands close to 7 feet, and
you can tell his partner is built like a bulldog under his baggy shirt and
shorts.

"You Marc Schultz?" asks the tall one. He shows me his badge, introduces
himself as Special Agent Clay Trippi. After assuring me that I'm not in
trouble, he asks if there is someplace we can sit down and talk. We head
back to Reference, where a table and chairs are set up. We sit down, and
I'm again informed that I am not in trouble.

...


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