Big Sis & Wal-Mart: 'If you see something, say something'

Amplify’d from newsofthenorth.net

Big Sis & Wal-Mart: 'If you see something, say something'

Joe Costanza, NN.N Editor

Big Sis is at it again.

More formally known as Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Janet Napolitano is coming to a Wal-Mart near you. It’s not enough that we’re being x-rayed or fondled at the airport as terror suspects in violation of our Fourth  Amendment right against unreasonable search and seizure.     Now Bis Sis wants shoppers to report “suspicious activity” – two words that are open to much interpretation. Here, according to the “National Terror Alert Response Center” (I know, I never heard of it either), are the scores of things we ought to be on the lookout for: click     Napolitano has just announced an expansion of the so-called DHS national “If You See Something, Say Something” campaign in hundreds of Wal-Mart stores across the country. She says the new partnership between DHS and Wal-Mart is all about keeping us safe and secure.     “Homeland security starts with hometown security, and each of us plays a critical role in keeping our country and communities safe,” said Big Sis. “I applaud Wal-Mart for joining the ‘If You See Something, Say Something’ (IYSSSS) campaign. This partnership will help millions of shoppers across the nation identify and report indicators of terrorism, crime and other threats to law enforcement authorities.”     In the so-called “war on terrorism,” there’s a new quiver in the arrow. Now when the old guy or gal at the door greets you with the customary “welcome to Walmart,” you can respond by saying, “I saw someone in the parking lot who looks weird.” Assuming the greeter gets the message, you can then move on knowing you’ve done your civic duty and shop worry-free.     The “If You See Something, Say Something” campaign was first implemented in New York City, the nation's Nanny State capital that has already banned short-term apartment rentals, bake sales in schools, cellphones in theaters and public schools, trans-fat in restaurants and is pushing to outlaw salt.     Thanks to a $13 million grant from DHS (taxpayer money), the New York City Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s IYSSSS is described as an “effective program to engage the public and key frontline employees to identify and report indicators of terrorism, crime and other threats to the proper transportation and law enforcement authorities.” For 13 mil, you better have something good to say.     Now, more than 230 Wal-Mart stores nationwide climb onto the snitching bandwagon with IYSSSS, with a total of 588 Wal-Mart stores in 27 states joining in coming weeks. Big Sis says a short video message will play at select checkout locations to remind shoppers to contact local law enforcement to report suspicious activity.    Over the past five months, DHS says it has has worked with “federal, state, local and private sector partners,” as well as the Department of Justice, to expand the “If You See Something, Say Something” campaign. Others joining in include the Mall of America, the American Hotel & Lodging Association, Amtrak, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, sports and general aviation industries, and state and local fusion centers across the country.     Napolitano says that in the coming months, DHS will go national with IYSSSS to “help America’s businesses, communities and citizens remain vigilant and play an active role in keeping the county safe.” Pretty soon, everyone will have their eyes open and ears out for "suspicious activity." All that remains are Orwellian "tele-screens" to monitor our every move and utterance.     I realize I leave myself open to a charge of paranoia. Perhaps warranted. I concede that an unclaimed bag at an airport or on a train reasonably raises a red flag and there are other signs of obvious “suspicious activity.” Common sense, however, tries to prevail. We are told by DHS that it’s “impossible” to tell a terrorist by “appearance, nationality or language.” This is known as “profiling” in politically correct America and not legally sanctioned – so far. Many traveling Americans identify with Juan Williams, who was fired from National Public Radio for expressing heightened fears of seeing someone in "Muslim garb." Face it, burkas and turbans make some people nervous if not "suspicious."    Then again, what “suspicious activity” occurs at the airport that allows the government goons to keep grabbing crotches without probable cause? There is none. Yet the groping and full-body x-rays are here to stay.    Now another layer of "security" has been added. Next time you’re in Wal-Mart, whose partial slogan is to “live better,” remember to be on your best behavior. Beware of dressing, looking or acting "suspicious." Someone will be watching waiting to say “something.” Read more at newsofthenorth.net

 

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