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Who's Watching the Watch List?

By John Graham, AlterNet. Posted July 7, 2005.


My name is on a list of real and suspected enemies of the state and I can't find out what I'm accused of or why, let alone defend myself.
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Heading for Oakland from Seattle to see my grandkids last week, the Alaska Airlines check-in machine refused to give me a boarding pass. Directed to the ticket counter, I gave the agent my driver's license and watched her punch keys at her computer.

Frowning, she told me that my name was on the national terrorist No Fly Watch List and that I had to be specially cleared to board a plane. Any plane. Then she disappeared with my license for 10 minutes, returning with a boarding pass and a written notice from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) confirming that my name was on a list of persons "who posed, or were suspected of posing, a threat to civil aviation or national security."

No one could tell me more than that. The computer was certain.

Back home in Seattle, I called the TSA's 800 number, where I rode a merry-go-round of pleasant recorded voices until I gave up. Turning to the TSA web site, I downloaded a Passenger Identity Verification form that would assist the TSA in "assessing" my situation if I sent it in with a package of certified documents attesting to who I was.

I collected all this stuff and sent it in. Another 20 minutes on the phone to the TSA uncovered no live human being at all, let alone one who would tell me what I'd presumably done to get on The List. Searching my mind for possible reasons, I've been more and more puzzled. I used to work on national security issues for the State Department and I know how dangerous our country's opponents can be. To the dismay of many of my more progressive friends, I've given the feds the benefit of the doubt on homeland security. I tend to dismiss conspiracy theories as nonsense and I take my shoes off for the airport screeners with a smile.

I'm embarrassed that it took my own ox being gored for me to see the threat posed by the Administration's current restricting of civil liberties. I'm being accused of a serious--even treasonous--criminal intent by a faceless bureaucracy, with no opportunity (that I can find) to refute any errors or false charges. My ability to earn a living is threatened; I speak on civic action and leadership all over the world, including recently at the US Air Force Academy. Plane travel is key to my livelihood.

According to a recent MSNBC piece, thousands of Americans are having similar experiences. And this is not Chile under Pinochet. It's America. My country and yours.

With no real information to go on, I'm left to guess why this is happening to me. The easiest and most comforting guess is that it's all a mistake (a possibility the TSA form, to its credit, allows). But how? I'm a 63-year-old guy with an Anglo-Saxon name. I once held a Top Secret Umbra clearance (don't ask what it is but it meant the FBI vetted me up the whazoo for months). And since I left the government in 1980, my life has been an open book. It shouldn't be hard for the government to figure out that I'm not a menace to my country.

If they do think that, I can't see how. Since 1983 I've helped lead the Giraffe Heroes Project, a nonprofit that moves people to stick their necks out for the common good. In the tradition of Gandhi, King and Mandela, that can include challenging public policies people think are unjust. In 1990, the Project's founder and I were honored as "Points of Light" by the first President Bush for our work in fostering the health of this democracy. I've just written a book about activating citizens to get to work on whatever problems they care about, instead of sitting around complaining.

I'm also engaged in international peacemaking, working with an organization with a distinguished 60-year record of success in places ranging from post-war Europe to Africa. Peacemakers must talk to all sides, so over the years I've met with Cambodians, Sudanese, Palestinians, Israelis and many others. You can't convince people to move toward peaceful solutions unless you understand who they are.

As I said, I'm not into conspiracy theories. But I can't ignore this administration's efforts to purge and punish dissenters and opponents. Look, for example, at current efforts to cleanse PBS and NPR of "anti-administration" news. But I'm not Bill Moyers and the Giraffe Heroes Project is not PBS. We're a small operation working quietly to promote real citizenship.

Whether it's a mistake or somebody with the power to hassle me really thinks I am a threat, the stark absence of due process is unsettling. The worst of it is that being put on a list of America's enemies seems to be permanent. The TSA form states:

The TSA clearance process will not remove a name from the Watch Lists. Instead this process distinguishes passengers from persons who are in fact on the Watch Lists by placing their names and identifying information in a cleared portion of the Lists.
Which may or may not, the form continues, reduce the airport hassles.

Huh? My name is on a list of real and suspected enemies of the state and I can't find out what I'm accused of or why, let alone defend myself. And I'm guilty, says my government, not just until proven innocent or a victim of mistaken identity--but forever.

Sure, 9/11 changed a lot. Tougher internal security measures (like thorough screenings at airports and boundary crossings) are a dismal necessity. But, in protecting ourselves, we can't allow our leaders to continue to create a climate of fear and mistrust, to destroy our civil liberties and, in so doing, to change who we are as a nation. What a victory that would be for our enemies, and what a betrayal of real patriots and so many in the wider world who still remember this country as a source of inspiration and hope.

I don't think it's like Germany in 1936 -- but, look at Germany in 1930. Primed by National Socialist propaganda to stay fearful and angry, Germans in droves refused to see the right's extreme views and actions as a threat to their liberties.

And don't forget that frog. You know that frog. Dropped into a pot of boiling water, he jumps out to safety. But put him into a pot of cold water over a steady flame, he won't realize the danger until it's too late to jump.

So how hot does the water have to get? When the feds can rifle through your library reading list? When they can intimidate journalists? When a government agency can keep you off airplanes without giving you a reason? When there's not even a pretense of due process? We're not talking about prisoners at Guantanamo; this is you and me. Well, after last week, it sure as hell is me and it could be you, next.

Oh, yes -- Washington State just refused to renew my driver's license online, a privilege given others. I had to wait in line at the DMV before a computer decided I could drive home. This conspiracy theory debunker smells a connection to the Watch List.

I'm mobilizing everything I've got to challenge the government on this issue, in a country that I love and have served. Whatever your politics, it's your fight too. Yes, there needs to be a list of the bad guys, coordinated among the security agencies with a need-to-know. But we must demand that the government make public its criteria for putting people on this list--and those reasons can't include constitutionally protected dissent from government policies.

The feds can't be allowed to throw names on the list without first doing simple checks for mistaken identity. And no one's name should be added to the list, or kept on it, without a formal, open explanation of charges and the opportunity to challenge and disprove them. This assault on civil liberties must not stand--not for me, not for anybody.
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John Graham is the author of Stick Your Neck Out: A Street-smart Guide to Creating Change in Your Community and Beyond (San Francisco: Berrett-Koehler, 2005). He is also president of the Giraffe Heroes Project and a former US diplomat.

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Enemies of the state?
[Report this comment]
Posted by: murph on Jul 7, 2005 1:32 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
This is a real person, not just a "story" repeated second hand. The Bush administration moves closer and closer to facism every day. Wake up those of you who think waving the flag makes you patriotic. Questioning those we elect and making them answer the hard ones by any means short of violence is patriotism.

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Forget convincing the elected. ---> Elect the convinced.
[Report this comment]
Posted by: Meremark on Jul 7, 2005 3:04 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Congress, especially the House of Represendummies, already showed what they know. Squat. And flatten to a doormat. And let booted bushers wipe the mud all over them.

What, you think any of us can write an email that 'sends a message' that wises (or wakes) them up? Maybe infinite monkeys on infinite typewrites for infinite time could. We can't. And there's no time.

( Says multiple voices at this research website. )
For example: We have very little time ... to start planning for a winter that may include inflation, blackouts, fuel shortages, and even possibly rationing.

We can elect in '06 a whole new House -- the people's chamber -- ready and rearin' to Impeach, just by organizing and gathering 435 names (at least one for each seat), a National Slate of candidates who each pledge and sign a Contract With Democracy, which says: IMPEACH. Period.

And then repeal and undo every last order, bill, and measure that the lying, murdering, war criminals signed into law -- including bogus terrorist-surveillance 'watch lists.'

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what the legislature did not do...
[Report this comment]
Posted by: stonemason on Jul 7, 2005 3:08 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Has anyone out there yet read the Patriot Act? Our legislature did not have the time, we are told. Yet the lengthy piece of statecraft revoked our every civil liberty, and set the snare for criminalizing anyone. Perhaps a read of that legislation will bring the author's "crimes" to light. Evidently the Patriot Act neatly supplanted the Bill of Rights.

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and that's not all
[Report this comment]
Posted by: stonemason on Jul 7, 2005 3:38 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
For those who have not yet seen 9/11 as the semi-aborted military coup it was (remember: Hitler bombed the Parliament building and blamed it on communists to whip up public support of war - this trick isn't even original, and mirrors classic CIA strategy), we have seen nothing yet. With cybertechnology, it is very possible that pretty soon, credit cards may not work for certain gasoline purchases, telephone lines may have automaton voices denying access... and I'm just waiting for some big explosion or something by which the regime will scapegoat the internet ("see, if we didn't have hackers, this [you fill in the blank] terrorist event would not have happened...") and close down all meaningful communication (surely Fox News will survive). We can just as easily be denied internet access as airport clearance.

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Please keep us updated on this situation, Mr. Graham
[Report this comment]
Posted by: bettsoff on Jul 7, 2005 4:00 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Since you have chosen Alternet as the place to release your 45-day ultimatum, I will be watching here as your case unfolds.

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A Fascist Farce
[Report this comment]
Posted by: erinachara on Jul 7, 2005 4:07 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Bad news: I've waited the 45 days, and here's what TSA had to say in a non-personalized form letter: "We are pleased to report that upon further review of the information you have presented, we have determined that the delays you have encountered do not result from being mistaken for an individul on a TSA watch list."
HUH? Does that then indicate that I experienced delays because I am actually on the list? The TSA is one of the most frightening of our government's new agencies. Even before I was forced to give up curb and kiosk check-in, I experienced being publicly humiliated by TSA agents at the security station, and knew that resistance, or response of any kind, placed me in jeopardy of arrest. I travel by air for my job, and now prefer to drive if at all possible when I am traveling for pleasure. This is NOT the USA where I grew up and was educated. Our government has begun to accellerate down the road to a fascist state. Unless we move to stop the farcical behavior of the TSA and other more subtle invasions of our privacy and rights, we will soon find that "homeland security" has gone to seed and grown into fascism. We are not the enemy!

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» RE: A Fascist Farce Posted by: Jersey Devil
» RE: A Fascist Farce Posted by: crazedwolf95
The worm turns
[Report this comment]
Posted by: sheherezade on Jul 7, 2005 4:12 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Welcome to the real world.

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Waiting to Hear
[Report this comment]
Posted by: grandpadave on Jul 7, 2005 4:38 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Like Mr. Graham, the last time I traveled I discovered that I am on the watch list as well. Sent in all the required documentation but have never heard from the TSA.

In all of my fantasizing about why I, an older American, am on this list, suspect that all of the letters and faxes sent to our nations leaders may have contributed although that seems like a stretch. (These were not letters of congratulations on their fine work but were generally quite critical.)

The other possibility that I learned of a number of months ago was that the FBI started files on all persons who traveled in the weeks around 9/11. Unfortunately I was hiking in Utah on that fateful day, having flown into Las Vegas a few days before. Made the trip home via the airlines several days afterward. Still, why would I be added to this list, I wonder. It's aggravating.

With an organization like this one operating in our country, what freedom can we expect to lose next?

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» RE: Waiting to Hear Posted by: Samantha Vimes
You're either with us or.............................!
[Report this comment]
Posted by: ragmachine on Jul 7, 2005 5:48 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
"I'm also engaged in international peacemaking,"

Which puts you with the terrorists (see Bush speech, post 9/11) -- only people who hate Amerika would think anything other than war is the appropriate approach to foreign relations! It is treasonous to disagree with the divine right of the USA to impose its will on the world!

It is this administration that should be displayed on "wanted" posters - like the shrub remembers from out west in days of yore.

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Watch List? Who are they watching?
[Report this comment]
Posted by: cyclone on Jul 7, 2005 5:56 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Everyone but the terrorists. My white anglo brother is also on the Watch List. Happened when our mother passed away and he had to buy a one way ticket, not knowing when the death would actually occur. He has to use a PO Box when buying a ticket (a bad combination, one way tx and PO Box) because that is the address that his credit card statements go to. Now, he is manhandled by security each time he flies. Too late to wake up now, the party's over. I hope all the dumb asses that voted for the fascist party are happy with what they have created. Everyone that posts on this website is watched, I can guarantee that. About time for that coup, which will probably come in the form of a God who has seen enough.

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» RE: Watch List? Who are they watching? Posted by: AmericanVictim
Be very afraid! ! !
[Report this comment]
Posted by: Erin on Jul 7, 2005 6:35 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Bush, Rove, the Patriot Act - all boils down to one thing....we are in real trouble here. Wake up, America. Your rights and freedom are surreptitiously being taken away. Even posting your opinion on this site probably means that we are on some watch list or another. The Patriot Act is a ruse to get control. Americans are asleep at the wheel, and when they wake up it will be too late.

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John Graham's wake-up call
[Report this comment]
Posted by: CJC on Jul 7, 2005 6:57 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Nobody should wait for a personal experience like Mr. Graham's to realize that our country has entered a condition where fear of terrorism has become an excuse to terrorize us. The "Patriot" Act and the Dept of "Homeland Security" do not make us safer. The disappearance of due process of law and transparency are not restricted to the detainees at Guantanamo Bay, Abu Ghraib, Bagram, and secret detention sites around the world.
The real possibility that any of us could find ourselves on a "watch list" without any possibility of finding out why or being able to clear our names is absolutely chilling. And I suppose the more common and plain vanilla one's name is the more likely it is to show up on a list. Even Edward Kennedy or Ted Kennedy's name was/is on the list and Senator Kennedy was reported to have been subject to extra scrutiny for some time. And who of the rest of us has so recognizable a face and such a prominent position?
To lose the ability to travel by air is a kind of imprisonment. How could one get overseas if one couldn't get on an airplane? The authorities might as well confiscate one's passport!
But how do we get lawmakers' attention????

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» RE: John Graham's wake-up call Posted by: royrogers
» RE: John Graham's wake-up call Posted by: royrogers
» RE: John Graham's wake-up call Posted by: Samantha Vimes
You Are Sooo Guilty
[Report this comment]
Posted by: nakis on Jul 7, 2005 7:05 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
It would seem your admission of guilt lies in your subversive activities. Peace and empowerment movements! Why do you hate America?

I have some friends who are some of the kindest, friendliest, sharing people you can find who were raising money for the Palestinians in refugee camps. They are under watch for their subversive, anti-America acts of trying to feed the starving.

In one of my many letters to my Senator asking him to defeat the renewal of the anti-Bill of Rights Patriot Act, I received this response.

Thank you for sharing ...regarding the USA PATRIOT Act and the ....(SAFE) Act. .......
The PATRIOT Act,... signed into
law on October 26, 2001, provides important
legal tools and resources to the FBI and
other law enforcement agencies to better
protect our nation's security. ............. the first title ...states that the civil
rights and liberties of all Americans,
including Arab Americans, must be protected,
and that every effort must be taken to
preserve their safety while fighting the war
on terrorism.
.......... I
also remain committed to preserving the civil
liberties of the people of Massachusetts and
the rest of the nation. After much
consideration, I voted in favor of the
PATRIOT Act.
......... I will continue
to work closely with the Congress and the
President to ensure the safety of both our
country and our civil liberties.
....
Sincerely,
John F. Kerry
United States Senator

It would seem that he did read it through and reviewed it completely. It seems that you are being protected having your rights restricted. Silly citizen.

I have a hard time accepting that the Democrats are any different than the Republicans except in minor variations. And some Democrats are nothing different.

Sorry about your no fly status. The responsibility lies with all Americans. I have to agree with the 1930 Germany analogy.
There is a website (I lost the address) that makes a chilling comparison of the current acts in America and the warning signs of fascism.

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» RE: You Are Sooo Guilty Posted by: apodapa
» RE: You Are Sooo Guilty Posted by: Jersey Devil
» RE: you make no sense Posted by: apodapa
» RE: You Are Sooo Guilty Posted by: diamondvajra
» RE: You Are Sooo Guilty Posted by: BlueStateBitch
Frogs aren't stupid...
[Report this comment]
Posted by: CLB on Jul 7, 2005 7:14 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
This "And don't forget that frog. You know that frog. Dropped into a pot of boiling water, he jumps out to safety. But put him into a pot of cold water over a steady flame, he won't realize the danger until it's too late to jump," is an urban legend--stop using it!

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Happy to be watched!
[Report this comment]
Posted by: jefhadist on Jul 7, 2005 7:38 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Let's all get paranoid....real paranoid. On second thought... let's not. What's the point? We are all being "watched" in one form or another and it's been going on for at least fifty years. Ask Dr. King, Malcolm X, Dennis Banks, The Hollywood Ten, etc. how it felt. I'm embarrassed and ashamed to be a citizen of this country. We are told it's for our own good? Just watch TV, have a beer or take a chill pill, and if you don't like what's on just change the channel. More bombings in London. Don't worry. Everything is o.k! We won't let this distract us from "accomplishing the mission." If there is anything you need to know, they'll tell us, just turn on the boob tube. This is total madness people....we are fully through the looking glass here. "If you don't like the news maybe it's time to go make some of our own." (Scoop Nisker) Just good luck getting anybody to pay attention, or get it published, for more than a five-second sound bite. Good luck with your fight, brother giraffe. We are with you.

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» RE: Happy to be watched! Posted by: Erin
» RE: Happy to be watched! Posted by: windy
It ain't easy being orange
[Report this comment]
Posted by: JesseBC on Jul 7, 2005 7:43 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I'm on the list too. Right now, I'm only Orange. So I can still fly. But in the years since September 11, I've watched my security status increase. Last time I flew, TSA informed me I'm now Orange, but of course wouldn't tell me why and I have no clue. I have to go through all kinds of crap to get on a plane now, including (because my front-clasp bra hooks set off the wand) having a TSA agent reach up under my shirt and feel my breasts). To add salt the wounds, TSA also managed to lose the boarding pass for my connecting flight when they were searching my carry-on, almost resulting in me missing my connecting flight. At first I merely resented spending a couple hundred dollars to be treated like a criminal. Now, I think we have some real reasons to be afraid.

I'm sure it's only a matter of time before I'm placed on the No Fly list too.

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ClintEastwood
[Report this comment]
Posted by: ClintEastwood on Jul 7, 2005 8:23 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
"Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?"
Juvenol, 1st cent. Roman satirical poet's warning for a corrupt government

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BoldAnd so the Republic dies, with a whimper.Bold
[Report this comment]
Posted by: ddmffood on Jul 7, 2005 8:46 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
We are getting what we deserve....we (as a nation) are more interested in Brangelina, and the latest (un)reality t.v. show. We are bamboozled by the latest version of the Roman's "Bread and Circuses" ploy. Keep the people fed and entertained, and they will fiddle while the Constitution burns.

I am continually amazed by people who say that after 9/11 we have to sacrifice some personal liberties to keep the country safe. We are now the land of the monitored and the home of the scared shitless. Liberty comes at a high price, our founding fathers understood this. Most of the signers of the Dec. of Independence died penniless or at the hands of the British for their timerity.

We have to take our country back, and it will be a battle. I for one, am willing to be on whatever 'watch list' my vocal opposition puts me on....I'm a 56 yr. old grandmother and the only weapon I have is my voice, and "I'm Mad as Hell and I'm not going to take it anymore!"

Diane R. Jones, Citizen

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Chickens come home to roost
[Report this comment]
Posted by: apodapa on Jul 7, 2005 9:28 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
The government is now the enemy of the people. It's time for revolution.

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» RE: Chickens come home to roost Posted by: youhavegottobekidding
uklibcat
[Report this comment]
Posted by: lbowling on Jul 7, 2005 10:01 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Ok., folks. You're all totally correct. But as much as sharing the pain & horror stories may be cathartic, the only way to change things is to work state by state, district by district to recruit sane, electable candidates and then replace the weasels that are passing these laws and supporting the Bush agenda. There's not going to be any coup, revolution, or impeachment to change things. If it didn't happen in the 60-70's it won't happen now. Just the revolution at the ballot box; and it sure better happen in '06 or it may be too late.

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» RE: uklibcat Posted by: heliosweb
» RE: uklibcat Posted by: nardo
Of Course You're A Terrorist, Mr Graham!
[Report this comment]
Posted by: DaftAida on Jul 7, 2005 10:02 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
What? Empowering people to challenge the status quo? To build confidence in people that they can effect change? Any campaigner for truth either currently active or in the past has to be eliminated under the commie/fascist NWO.

Well, the only positive side to this undue and unwarranted harrassment is that you now know that conspiracy 'theorists' deal mainly in conspiracy Facts, and you are in a much more powerful position now to potray these facts to others, that they too may open their eyes and mobilize!

To commemorate 4th July, I read the Declaration of Independence and wondered whether America will ever reclaim her freedom. Right from the start, moves were made to crush this spirit because 'one' simply cannot control or exploit a free people and, heaven forbid that other nations of peoples might catch on to this idea.

We, in the UK have never had the advantage of a constitution or a declaration of independance which means we have no rights at all (don't mentioned the feudal propoganda called the Magna Carter). That's why it's so very important that you, who had a framework set in stone, pull through and eliminate the parasitic elements who have knawed through the bowels of your constitution.

There are bloody times ahead; may fortitude and grace be with you all.

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The giraffe did it.
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Posted by: Sparks56 on Jul 7, 2005 10:04 AM   
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I think the author made the list with his "Giraffe" work, sticking his neck out to help others. Another clue arrives in the next paragraph when he describes his work with a "peace-making" organization. If that organization is Amnesty Int'l. it's for sure that's how he made the list.
The Bush Administration views anyone who does not agree with their policies 100% as an enemy of the state.
If I were the author, I would assume that every phone conversation, every e-mail, is being monitored.
Sieg heil, Hitler! for the Patriot Act!

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» RE: The giraffe did it. Posted by: wannabersc
We Need Tightened Security in the US
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Posted by: Taj on Jul 7, 2005 1:17 PM   
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What we are forgetting is that we DO need tightened security in America. There ARE people who would love to blow up as much as possible here, killing as many as posible. This is NOT a right wing fantasy.

If there is a significant event such as a large nuclear or biological incident, you can BET the very Constitituion itself will VANISH OVERNIGHT. Look what happend when two buildings were destroyed and one damaged.

We cannot take a chance with our very Constitution, giving those who don't like it much anyway a chance to demolish the rest of it.

The problem is our "security" is dumb, very, very dumb. It can't stop a Mexican peasant from walking into the US. Its the "tweezer patrol" at the airports. Its FBI Terrorism "experts" who don't know who Osama's right hand man is, or the difference between Shites and Sunni Muslims.

We NEED some small, smart agency in government to take effective action to prevent a major terrorist incident.

If we don't, overnight America and her freedoms could become a footnote in the history books.

Bob

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Mr. & Mrs. J. Obelcz
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Posted by: mara obelcz on Jul 7, 2005 1:46 PM   
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Strange he can't understand why he's being targeted. He's a person for peace! I've read many an artical that are a mirror image of his situation. Hell, I've even read where the powers to be infiltrate peace groups! Anyone can understand just what a threatening bunch we can be to a government hell bent on world domination!

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Re "Tightened Security" etc
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Posted by: CJC on Jul 7, 2005 1:56 PM   
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To Bob and all worried about "security"

The problem with "tightened" "security" is that we don't know how to provide "security" much at all, and less how to "tighten" it. I don't mean to belittle the real dangers we all face, but security is relative at best. No one can be "safe."
And therefore we have to be very wary of actions like the "watch" and "no fly" lists that cannot be evaluated. Too many of our "security" measures are like looking for the keys under the lamppost because that's where the light is, not necessarily where the keys are likely to be. So John Graham is on a watch list but our ports are wide open. They screen the baggage but not the air freight. Feeling better now?
In Jan 2002 I took a flight abroad. The security personnel at Boston's airport were confiscating pen knives, nail clippers, small corkscrews etc etc. Then inside the "secure" area they were selling Nantucket Nectars in glass bottles! Go figure.
15 of 19 Sept 11 hijackers were from Saudi Arabia, but the first guest invited to a tete a tete dinner at the White House a day or two later was Prince Bandar, the Saudi ambassador (and long-time Bush family friend). Al Qaeda is an international terrorist organization, but we invaded Iraq, where there was no evidence of al Qaeda activity, and provided the chaotic conditions where the borders cannot be controlled and terrorism can thrive.
If we are too willing to compromise our freedoms, our rule of laws, our basic sense of fairness in being able to know why your name is on a list and able to clear yourself from it, then we've lost the "war on terrorism" by inviting it inside.

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» RE: e "Tightened Security" etc Posted by: royrogers
Did they let you on the plane?
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Posted by: jrh1972 on Jul 7, 2005 2:16 PM   
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According to your story, it looks like you did get a boarding pass, and apparently were able to fly. So my question is, what is the point of this list, then? Just to hassle you? You're on the list, whether you should be or not. If you're on the list by mistake then they should take you off, if you're not on it by mistake, then they shouldn't let you fly, since after all, that seems to be the point of the list.

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TSA Screening Job Opportunities!
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Posted by: ponsak on Jul 7, 2005 4:37 PM   
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I interviewed with one of the "private contractors" hiring screeners for the TSA when they were first starting up. The gentleman interviewing me was making an effort to tell me what a great opportunity this was. I was informed that Airport security screening was only the beginning.

I was told the TSA had plans for and the company was looking forward to having security screeners at more than just airports. Yes indeed. They were looking forward to having security screeners at ports on waterways, on highways, and more. I was told a big bold bright future was available for security screeners because the opportunities would be endless.

The man's enthusiasm for the erosion of civil liberties and apparent revocation of the 4th amendment was not inspiring. I tried to keep my expression neutral as I asked if this was really something they planned on. Searching people before they could go boating or driving? Enthusiastic yes! For our own protection and security! Maybe even searching us for walking down the street at random checkpoints! Hurray for security!

The whole enthusiastic presentation really creeped me out. They really are looking forward to eliminating what liberties we have left, in the name of security, and they have plenty of brainwashed pod people who actually have been convinced that this is a good idea.

This is serious scarey stuff, folks. In the name of security. Security screenings at ports, on highways, at random checkpoints along city streets. It's all part of the plan, they really intend for this to happen. Just to keep us safe. Which it won't of course, but it will make us less free. A lot less free. So it's really about control. Don't let it happen.

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Yet another Laura Lippscomb
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Posted by: pmurray on Jul 7, 2005 6:19 PM   
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Yet another Laura Lippscomb, who didn't see the wrongness of the war until her own kid was killed.

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» RE: Yet another Laura Lippscomb Posted by: staugustus
Apparently a tad more angry than you
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Posted by: no666 on Jul 7, 2005 9:47 PM   
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You're all so . . . nice, golly gee whiz, about watching a bunch of power hungry bastards piss on every last civil liberty that you supposedly value.

Oh, by all means let's vote them out of office. Silly children, by the time the next presidential election rolls around, the Bush Regieme will have decided it's a matter of national security NOT to have elections.

If things continue at their present decline, I strongly suspect the only thing that will get their attention is blood.

I propose to designate the next April 1st as "Kill a Kongressman Day" Or sooner, if you prefer. :-)

But if you simply *must* eliminate blood letting as a social political art form, then I would also have to concur with LaVieja's "impeach every damn one of 'em and restore our civil rights" campaign. Boringly plebian*, perhaps, but effective.

*C'mon, isn't a pitchfork up the ass a lot more visually appealing? :-)

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a tad more angry
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Posted by: bansidh@citlink.net on Jul 7, 2005 10:14 PM   
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no666, I understand your anger , but, resorting to violence ALWAYS leads to more violence. Following the rule of law is the only way to deal with this lawless pack of thugs running our government. If you resort to their tactics , how are you any different from them? I not only think they used 911, I am all but positive our government had a big hand in it, but heaping evil on top of evil won't help us.

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» RE: a tad more angry Posted by: tittiger
Misappropriating 'Patriotism' to disguise 'nationalism'
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Posted by: TrueUSPatriot on Jul 8, 2005 5:21 AM   
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Not only has the word "Patriotism" been abused and bandied about as a club to stir nationalistic tendencies, but "Enemies of the State" has been misappropriated to mean 'Enemies of those controlling the US", not necessarily indicating anyone who's actually ~an real threat~ to the nation. In fact, the term now appears valid for those who would challenge the entrenched threat currently occupying our government, a threat which has severely limited the founding tenets and principles of our nation.

...a growing number of citizens have recognized this, and are now taking action (check it out here).

The first thing, IMO, that we must address is the complacency of the people and the press, when it comes to letting little digs and jabs, misdirections, and misleading statements to pass by unopposed. If we give an inch, those who are utilizing those linguistic tools will increase their stranglehold on the abused version of the language, and straightening out the warp they have introduced will become far more difficult.

Good luck and best wishes on correcting your situation. I sincerely hope that you can help us find a way to clarify and contain the rampant misuse of the watch lists.

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elsie
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Posted by: trurel on Jul 8, 2005 6:03 AM   
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Sounds familiar. In 1994 I was recommended for a teacher's job in the Detroit School System, where I had made applications and heard nothing; when I investigated, I found that I was on a list because I had been arrested at a protest in Washington, D.C. 5 years before.

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Time to become a "Conspiracy Theorist"
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Posted by: plunger on Jul 8, 2005 7:04 AM   
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As your story illustrates, it's high time to think with a new point of view about your government. If you are not prone to think in terms of conspiracy theories, you can never understand the truth. Of course there is a conspiracy to strip you of your rights and create the conditions for a war without end which enriches the rich at the expense of the poor. You worked in the government - you know what they are capable of, and you should know that a "plan" IS a "conspiracy."

The term "Conspiracy Theory" is used to debunk any attemt to understand a PLAN. It is used most vociferously when those who are determined to expose the truth of THE PLAN are actually making headway at getting to the truth.

Another tactic is to accuse those who are getting too close of being anti-Semetic, as most PLANS presently being carried out are done by NeoCONS who are under the direction of AIPAC and their overlords.

If you get too close to the truth, they will shout you down with words including conspiracy, anti-Semitism, and even throw in UFOs and tin-foil hats for good measure.

When all of these efforts fail, they will simply blow shit up and take the focus off their own crimes:


Given how desparate the criminals have become,
what lengths might they go to in order to save their own skins?

AIPAC under the gun for Spying.
Rove under the gun for Treason.
Bush on the verge of Impeachment.
9/11 truths on the verge of being told.
Time for a crisis...time for fear...time for martial law to be imposed...time to shut down the internet.

All of the New World Order's best laid plans are under threat of being exposed. Time for terror:

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TSA has gotten me too ...
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Posted by: Lindie on Jul 8, 2005 7:12 AM   
Current rating: 2    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
My sympathies to everyone on the list - you'll not eve be able to get off unless the current cretins in office are removed.

We shall all have to speak with our neighbors and friends - it will be difficult, but we must speak out to even begin to right this end-run around our constitution that is called the "Patriot Act". We must stand against the government's "anyone who doesn't agree with us is our enemy" policies, or our nation is lost. I sympathize with Mr. Graham, even though his is the sin being the ostrich with its head in the sand, until they got hiim, anyway.

I got myself on TSA's hit list also, by traveling too close to 9/11, by traveling to my family on one-way tickets (sick and dying or dead relatives, funerals), and by writing letters criticizing administration policies and engaging in activism to preserve our fast-dwindling rights. We can work together to stop this assault on our contry by joining and being activie in groups supporting our rights and constitution against the predations of the quickly-becoming-fascists in high office. We must, for our own sakes.

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what other lists are there?
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Posted by: foofoo on Jul 8, 2005 7:24 AM   
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I work at a "secondary financial institution". We cash checks, sell
money orders, western union, and payday loans. After 9/11 we now have a government mandated program on our computer systems that checks the names of every customer new and old.
We are required to record the first and last name of everyone who buys a money order, no matter how much its for. If a customer is flagged by the system we have "protocol" to follow.
I am not allowed to disclose these things to our customers.

I just wonder if we have to do these things, who else does to?
I wouldn't be surprised if the grocery store has a watch list too.

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What happened to freedom and civil liberties?
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Posted by: Tonya on Jul 8, 2005 8:10 AM   
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ACLU has a lawsuit against the federal gov't re: the no-fly list: www.aclu.org/SafeandFree /SafeandFree.cfm?ID=12740&c=206 (remove space for link to work)

My husband is also on the no-fly list, and like the author he has to travel for his job. He has missed flights, meetings, etc, when it takes too long to get FBI clearance. The head of TSA at JFK knows him well because he is called every time my husband tries to check in for a flight, but has no power to clear him to board.
What's frustrating is that the no-fly list only takes into account first and last name, not middle name, date of birth, social security number, passport number, etc. So everyone with his first and last name (it's a very common name) is supposedly on the no-fly list.

Lufthansa told him that the name "Jurgen Schmitt" is on the no-fly list, and of course every flight they have a Jurgen Schmitt who is on the list (it's one of the most common men's names in Germany).

Bush keeps talking about wanting to spread democracy and freedom to other countries, but we don't seem to have them here. Once civil liberties are gone, it's really hard to get them back.
I'm willing to undergo additional security procedures if those procedures are actually making us safer, but the no-fly list is not. The list is something like 88 pages and has thousands of names. Meanwhile, commercial cargo that travels on passenger planes is still not screened at all. The chemical and nuclear plants are still unsecured as well.

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» RE: Barnacle Bill Posted by: Lindie
That's just the beginning
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Posted by: CyberChas on Jul 8, 2005 11:35 AM   
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So, Mr. Graham doesn't think he did anything wrong, but can't fly as easily on planes any more, and could his flying rights TURNED TOTALLY OFF at a moment's notice.

That's a good FIRST STEP in controlling him.

But, he could still get to his engagements via bus, train or even car, so they haven't COMPLETELY controlled his ability to talk his dangerous "world peace" message.

Now that 7/7 has happened, expect similar "safe lists" for trains, planes and automobiles (toll road checks? interstate security checks? Etc.).

We can't have all these rabble-rousers just going wherever they please, can we? Anybody who would discuss "peace" is obviously a sympathizer of the terrorists who would probably rather give them "therapy" than kill them without trial. Hell, this fellow is probably against torturing anybody who has visited a "radical" website like 911truth.org. These people are DANGEROUS, and should be kept under a VERY short leash.

Welcome to Germany in 1935. The camps will be open soon.

Don't worry, if you think you'll use the Internet to communicate and outflank the theo-neo-con controlled right wing mass media spin machine. The Gov. has just said that won't give up control over the DNS computers that route Internet traffic. (It's a bit geeky, details here) but the basic bottom line is that they can "turn off" any website they want to at the push of a button. At any given moment (of their choosing) somebody typing in www.alternet.org would get a blank screen or be directed to www.fbi.gov/internet_policy.

And really, isn't that a GOOD thing? Terrorists could be putting dangerous un-American things on www.buzzwatch.com or www.rawstory.com or www.truthout.org, and innocent American citizens could accidentally getting INFECTED with that anti-Government filth. Maybe Justice Gonzalez and Justice Owens under Chief Justice Scalia will overturn that -- don't hold your breath.

f you get a chance, rather than watching CNN or MSNBC or PBS, take a few moments and read a little bit about the events leading UP to the rise of Hitler. You can pick it up at the republic collapses if you want to skip the early parts.

Charlie L,
Portland, OR
CLL2001@Gmail.com

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» RE: That's just the beginning Posted by: royrogers
Baa Baa
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Posted by: ddmffood on Jul 8, 2005 12:39 PM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Baa Baa

reprinted from netscape;

450 Sheep Jump to Their Deaths in Turkey


ISTANBUL, Turkey (AP) - First one sheep jumped to its death. Then stunned Turkish shepherds, who had left the herd to graze while they had breakfast, watched as nearly 1,500 others followed, each leaping off the same cliff, Turkish media reported.

In the end, 450 dead animals lay on top of one another in a billowy white pile, the Aksam newspaper said. Those who jumped later were saved as the pile got higher and the fall more cushioned, Aksam reported.

Wellll......

Will this be our fate, just one after another, following the lead sheep over the cliff. That's what they hope for, that we'll just follow mindlessly.

We have to stop following them blindly. They are not working for us.



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Mr Graham should know better
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Posted by: Dad.don on Jul 8, 2005 1:24 PM   
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Mr Graham...if you had the clearance you cite, you should also know it's a security violation to reveal the fact that you have it or have had it.
I've had the same hassles as you, in spite of possession of clearances that require polygraph and recent FBI EBIs.
I'm over 70.

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» RE: Mr Graham should know better Posted by: staugustus
You poor clueless leftists
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Posted by: bobw on Jul 8, 2005 3:15 PM   
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You poor clueless leftists still don't get it.

This is not Conspiracy Theory.

This is Conspiracy Reality.

How much you wanna bet that AlterNet and ZNet are your Gatekeepers of the Left?

Take a look at Conspiracy Planet

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from the other side
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Posted by: just tina on Jul 8, 2005 5:17 PM   
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My heart goes out to you, and I could see being nervous about the government and your current themes. It's natural to focus on "why me" in such situations. (I thank you for your ox goring confession); BUT let's look at this from the other side:

there is a name that is purportedly the name of a terrorist on a list

you have the same name

Is there no more information on this terrorist? How can they tell a person is a terrorist only by name? If this is a person being investigated by all of Homeland Security and the FBI, probably Interpol, etc., is there no other identifying information? A mug shot perhaps? A driver's license photo? Country of origin? Height? Hair color? Eye Color?

No?? Just a name. Huh. The authorities must have consulted an oracle or something.

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from the other side
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Posted by: just tina on Jul 8, 2005 5:19 PM   
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My heart goes out to you, and I could see being nervous about the government and your current themes. It's natural to focus on "why me" in such situations. (I thank you for your ox goring confession); BUT let's look at this from the other side:

there is a name that is purportedly the name of a terrorist on a list

you have the same name

Is there no more information on this terrorist? How can they tell a person is a terrorist only by name? If this is a person being investigated by all of Homeland Security and the FBI, probably Interpol, etc., is there no other identifying information? A mug shot perhaps? A driver's license photo? Country of origin? Height? Hair color? Eye Color?

No?? Just a name. Huh. The authorities must have consulted an oracle or something.

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xargaw
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Posted by: xargaw on Jul 8, 2005 9:00 PM   
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Mr. Grahams problem is simple to comprehend. First, he works for the "common good." Second, he promotes activism to do good. Both are reviled by the current administration. He is a perfect candidate for harrassment and attempted obstruction of his good works.

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Time to act
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Posted by: Ann Weaver Hart on Jul 8, 2005 9:19 PM   
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If not now, when?
If the congress is swamped with phone calls, faxes, emails and letters, something will happen. But they have to be swamped, and it has to happen NOW.

Call your Rep. Write both senators. Better yet, call, e-mail, fax and write all three. Then ask your friends and family to do the same. The Jews yelled "Crucify him!" Americans need to yell "Impeach him!" as loud and for as long as it takes to make it happen, and now is the time to act.

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Take heart
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Posted by: Earthwatch on Jul 8, 2005 9:27 PM   
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I am both a sincere civil liberties activist and also an employee of the airline. Despite having being checked against the list, if you eventually flew that means you were not on a "No Fly" list. Very simply, if you were you would not have been cleared to travel and your day would have ended very differently. However, your name (or one similar enough to yours) must have been on some list in question. This doesn't mean it is you, individually, under suspicion - - it just means that someone with your same name (or similar) is a person of question. It needed to be established that you were not that person, and then you were free to fly.

I know the process can be unnerving, and I know the airlines and even the TSA screeners at the airport often have very little helpful information to share. Even once you finally connect to the TSA agents who do understand the system, they may only be able to verify that it isn't you who is in question, but you still may have to have this verified each time you fly.

There may be relief in sight, however, but at the price of less privacy. For example the "registered traveler" program is being tested in select airports. Passengers who submit to a background check may be issued a state-of-the-art biometric ID card (recognizing fingerprints, iris scan, etc) which can be used for speedy check-in and express security check points. There are a number of articles available on the subject, or you can visit the TSA website to learn more about it.

Of course, flashing this ID card also means that your every move is easily trackable (personally, I'd prefer being selected for extra screening every so often). Anyway, I hope this information is helpful.

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» RE: Take heart Posted by: windy
Have you heard of "Suspicious Activity Report"
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Posted by: foofoo on Jul 8, 2005 11:25 PM   
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This is probibly one way people end up on the terrorist wach list

"The SAR should be filed if the bank knows, suspects, or has reason to suspect that:

1. The transaction involves funds derived from illegal activities or is intended or conducted in order to hide or disguise funds or assets derived from illegal activities (including, without limitation, the ownership, nature, source, location, or control of such funds or assets) as part of a plan to violate or evade any federal law or regulation or to avoid any transaction reporting requirement under federal law;

2. The transaction is designed to evade any regulations promulgated under the Bank Secrecy Act; or

3. The transaction has no business or apparent lawful purpose or is not the sort of transaction in which the particular customer would normally be expected to engage, and the bank knows of no reasonable explanation for the transaction after examining the available facts, including the background and possible purpose of the transaction."

"Confidentiality Of Reports

Suspicious activity reports are confidential. Any bank subpoenaed or otherwise requested to disclose a suspicious activity report or the information contained in a suspicious activity report shall decline to produce the suspicious activity report or to provide any information that would disclose that a suspicious activity report has been prepared or filed."

It is illegal to tell someone if you are submitting a SAR on them. If a transaction is large (for us over 2000.00) you have to find out where they got the money and why they are performing the transaction. If the answers arent good enough, you have to file the SAR.

for more information on the bank secrecy act please read

http://www.uhuh.com/laws/31usc1051.htm

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How much good can a list like this do anyway?
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Posted by: mikemikef on Jul 9, 2005 3:58 AM   
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Why would a professional terrorist use their real name anyway?

Have we not publicized the watch list enough to keep the amature terrorist off our airplanes and the proffesional terrorist informed?

Would professional terrorist not create a new identity or steal a safe identity?

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WISH YOU WOULDN'T GIVE UP
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Posted by: balu on Jul 9, 2005 6:56 AM   
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"...I know what I will do. If my name is not removed completely from the Watch List in 45 days I will use every resource I've got to challenge the government of a country that I love and have served.
..."

so what's so special about "45 days" ? ... is not what happened to you a blatant disregard of all that is right?
a move toward a police state ? a tear in the constitution ?
I am not on the no-fly list yet (that I know of) --- BUT THIS IS WRONG. And just because they take some
names off does NOT mean that the rest of the names are "on their own" .

whether they take your name off in 45 days or not, there are still those incarcerated without charges, held without recourse to justice and on "no-fly lists" without explanations.

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» RE: WISH YOU WOULDN'T GIVE UP Posted by: royrogers
Re: How much good can a list like this do anyway?
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Posted by: Earthwatch on Jul 9, 2005 7:22 AM   
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Your right - - fake IDs with common names are being used which is exactly why John Graham needed to be checked to be sure he really was one of the safe "John Grahams" out there. It wasn't him they are after (or he wouldn't have been allowed to fly) it was someone with his (or a similar) name who must be a person of question.

In the entire history of airport security, though, I don't think they've ever caught a terrorist before they boarded... So even though I don't feel the author is being individually victimized himself, I think the purpose behind the elaborate show of security at airports is more to condition society as a whole to submit to these kind of unauthorized searches as an acceptable part of life.

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Ideas with handles
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Posted by: 42Years on Jul 9, 2005 4:15 PM   
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Excellent story of a post-9/11 plan gone horribly wrong. First-rate links. Perhaps you can collect a petition of people who have been in a similar situation and present it to your elected officials. All you need to do is get the attention of the right person or group on the internet to sponsor such an initiative and it may fly.

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I'm skeptical ... BUT .....
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Posted by: Windstalker on Jul 9, 2005 10:10 PM   
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I work a lot of night shifts at a necessary but uneventful job.
That leaves the mind unoccupied a lot.
One thing we do to maintain alertness is listen to Coast To Coast AM (Art Bell).
Usually with tongue planted firmly in cheek and chuckling.
BUT
One caller I've been amused by for years is John Titor who claimed to be from our future, 2038.
He has made many ludicrous claims of "his" history.
What is Very Frightening is that for the last three years the news is starting to sound play by play like Mr. Titors rantings.

Read for yourself and see if the hair on the nape of your neck doesn't start to stand on end.
http://www.johntitor.com/
When you get there pay special attention to the section in the left panel labeled "Civil War"

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Me Too!!!
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Posted by: MausMasher on Jul 10, 2005 2:03 AM   
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Well I have not been flying in the last few years, but I was taking a trip over to Canada, at the border I was told I was inadmissable. In admissable without a visa, I thought that strange and asked and in no uncertain terms, was told nada, upon return to US, I was given rather rude treament too and yet no explanation. I have written to a few Senators and Congressmen and have yet to get a real answer. I do know however that I have a very distant cousin that has a felony rap sheet longer than the paper trail of Bushler's lies and may very well be the problem. But I think also those of us who tend to have discourse here and at other sites are being monitored and listed for our beliefs and open frankness. As I have said before, after making some rather unkind remarks about our esteemed administrantion, any and everything I did on the web was routed thru 3 government leased/owned servers, for what, to monitor activities to see if I am an actual threat, I guess. But still no replys to any inquirey I have made to our government or Canadian has ever managed to find it's way to my email box in the last 2 years, to tell me exactly what or any of my offences might happen to be. So, yes we are and have been losing our rights ever since 9/11. Just let me migrate to Canada and I will shut up(yeah, right...when Ali Bu$h and his 40+ Thieves depart for the Hague, I will).

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» RE: Me Too!!! Posted by: Johanna Moren
Every American Should Read this Article
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Posted by: jeri on Jul 10, 2005 10:42 AM   
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Just reading Mr. Graham's tribulations gave me an elevated heartbeat of indignation and worry. What are we, as a nation, becoming? If Mr. Graham would give his consent, I think everyone who has posted on this should make printed copies of this article and give them to everyone we know and ask them to do the same; forward this link to anyone and everyone.
If the Rove/Plame also strikes this same fear/nerve for us, then I think we have clear indications to what extent this Administration is willing to do to subvert our liberties AND our safety. AND most dern fool Americans are clueless.

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The Power to Abuse
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Posted by: tittiger on Jul 10, 2005 1:33 PM   
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"My name is on a list of real and suspected enemies of the state and I can't find out what I'm accused of or why, let alone defend myself." …

I can hazard a guess.... It's because John Graham believes in freedom, he believes in the Constitution. He and others like him are a very real threat to the despots, thugs, scum (i.e. our masters, owners....) that enslave and abuse us under color of law. Any one who somehow was not brainwashed in the government schools can see it.
It's really not that difficult: This is NOT about King George; it’s NOT about the abuse of power, it IS ABOUT the power to abuse. No one should have it!



The question remains what are we to do about it?

Joe

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A la Rothbard
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Posted by: tittiger on Jul 10, 2005 5:30 PM   
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For a minute I heard Murray Rothbard wispering in my ear. "Its the free market stupid" he said.

Why didn't every family that was victimized on 9/11 sue the airlines for $100 million each? The neocons spewed out some dogma about bankrupting the airlines. Great! Thats the idea you morons! In our American Free market system (when it is allowed to function) someone would have bought these airlines that would be a bit more serious about security. When there are consequenses to your actions it's amazing at how corperations would act. Who knows maybe they would subcontract their airlines security out to Mosad that does security for Al-Air. Perhaps ther government would get the hell out of the way and let the airline and the customer come to an agreement as to whether they can be armed on their flights. I would bet dollars to donuts that any airline that allowed cutomers to carry a fire arm could charge a premium for the service.
We don't need no stinkin' no fly list! All you need to do is put Bubba with a 357 in the seat behind anyone that may be a real threat. Either that or face the piper in a law suit for damages from the person that was not allowed on board.

The sad fact is the government does not want to make anyone really safe. They want to exert power, steal more money and freedoms from us. As soon as their lips start moving they are lying and usually trying to do the opposite of what they say they are up to.

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So what's next? (the no-fly list Trilogy)
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Posted by: tittiger on Jul 10, 2005 9:00 PM   
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I ask you to sit down with any first grader and present him or her with the following scenario: You have public event (i.e. an airline flight) and you have 100 participants. Are you with me so far?
Good!
You are also clairvoyant and know the name of the person that is going to try to do harm to the other people during this flight. BUT-- before anyone boards the flight they are all thoroughly searched, and no one has as much as a finger nail clipper on their person.

Any questions yet? I know this is a lot to absorb all at once. I can go back and reiterate if anyone wants me to. No? Alright then….

Do you think that the first grader can figure out the solution is; to let this person on the plane.

(This is a rhetorical question.)
Then why do Congress and the President have trouble with this concept?

Using the same logic that our masters/owners use we should have screeners and no-bus lists at the Greyhound station. A no-stadium list and screeners at football games and concerts. The no-mall list and inspectors at all of the nation’s malls. Let us not forget the no-McDonalds list. We must protect the children.

Then they will institute a 20% national list-tax to pay for all this. Hire 500,000 federal employees to man it. And guess what? The next terror attack will be a 100 pound plastic explosive in the road along the bus route.


And you can be damn sure that the next day our brilliant owners in Washington would rally for a no-road and no-sidewalk list. Raise the list-tax to 30% and swear up and down that THIS measure is going to stop the terrorism. Don’t question them that would be unpatriotic. Such as: Why didn’t at least one show these guys that a 357 trumps a whole slew of box cutters. Not to mention why they are ignoring the root causes.

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John Graham
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Posted by: Giraffe on Jul 10, 2005 10:31 PM   
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Comments from the author:
Thanks for all the comments. They led me to write a different ending for his piece, one more helpful to all those people who want to do something about this loss of our civil liberties. Here it is:
What to do? To help keep us safe, there needs to be a list of the bad guys, coordinated among the security agencies with a need-to-know. But the actions that could get your name on that list must be made public, and they can’t include constitutionally protected dissent from government policies. The Feds can’t be allowed to throw the names of innocent people on the list without first doing simple checks for mistaken identity. And no one’s name should be added to the list, or kept on it, without a formal, open explanation of charges and opportunity to challenge and disprove them. This assault on civil liberties must not stand--not for me, not for anybody.

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hillcntrysweetie
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Posted by: texas1 on Jul 18, 2005 10:20 PM   
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My boyfriend is in Canada right now, unable to fly his cargo plane back into the United States. Although he works as a pilot for a Worldwide Cargo shipping company, and flew the plane into Canada on Friday, his name was put on a terrorist watch list while he was in Canada and now his company is sending another pilot to fly it home. He was told that the company would send him home on a commercial flight tomorrow, if they could. I don't know if he will be able to get on that flight either. It is truly sad because he is a retired Air Force Pilot and private pilot, and has worked for this company for 15 years. He doesn't fit the "typical" terrorist discription, if there is one. He is just a good ole country boy from Texas. I am frightened by the fact that he will be on a list now. Does this mean we will never be able to fly without being hassled at the airport, more than normally? Thanks for letting me vent!

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The other John Graham
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Posted by: jgrayhome on Jul 20, 2005 9:55 PM   
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Mr. Graham: some possible insight from another John Graham. My wife looked on the net, and it appears that we share a name with a third John Graham who got into some trouble--a murder?--associated with the American Indian Movement. This gentleman, if memory serves, is 49 and is now in Canada. It would seem fairly plain that neither you nor I (a 56-year-old resident of Vancouver, WA) fit either of those criteria very closely, and yet we're both stopped for every flight. I share your view that this is mostly a necessary inconvenience--except for how little real security it provides, and the completely improper way this event was allowed to happen. Hang in there.

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DO NOT BE AFRAID
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Posted by: michaeldarwyne on Jul 30, 2005 2:07 PM   
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Mr. Graham's sincerity and obvious chagrin have inspired some fascinating ideas. Would the airlines help?

Who has the most to lose in the final analysis from no fly orders? Who suffers most if people decide the hassle is too much and take the bus instead or just stay at home? How many Senators and Congressmen are influenced by what Mr. Graham says? Some perhaps. On the other hand how many Senators and Congressmen refuse to listen to lobbyists for major airlines?

"Dear Sunshine Airlines

I appreciate the need for ensuring persons who are reasonably suspected of wanting to kill or injure your passengers should not be allowed to fly. No fly lists are one way of doing this.

On the other hand, when there is little if any transparency and accountability in the process of creating these lists, when perfectly innocent, reputable, upstanding citizens find themselves listed and are as a result humiliated and inconvenienced through no apparent fault of their own, clearly the exercise has ceased to be a proportionate response to a problem: it has become an unreasonable intereference with freedom of movement.

Your airline has a duty to follow Government orders. You also have the ability to influence the process for the better.

I would like to ask you to lobby the appropriate officials to make the No Fly process more transparent, accountable and open to speedy and objective review. Quite frankly, if a mistake can not be corrected quickly, the whole process must be regarded as fatally flawed and should be discontinued.

I do hope that with your help I shall be able to fly again confident that reasonable measures of security are balanced by a sensible respect for the right to enjoy freedoms which lie at the heart of our society.
Very truly yours."

Michael Darwyne
21 Chemin Des Gotettes
Vesenaz
Switzerland
CH 1222
Tel: 41-7941-584-717
mdarwyne@hotmail.com

PS I put all my contact details because all this talk of government agents watching this discussion is a way of terrifying (? terrorisng) ourselves. There really is nothing to be afraid of. Even government folk may be on No Fly lists!

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