I was listening to NPR in the car this afternoon and caught a story about the FBI's new database, whereby they track people involved in "suspicious activities." I knew instantly where this was going.
So it seems, for example, that if you're caught taking a picture of something considered -- how did the reporter phrase it? -- "nefarious," that you can end up in the FBI's new database. Of course, the example given was of a man taking pictures of a fireboat near a harbor. Here's the story.
LOL, I'm *sure* I'm in that database. I was detained by airport police near O'Hare for taking this photo:
They did not ask me to delete any photos, and only detained me for perhaps 15 minutes. They even gave me a ride back to my car. But they did take down my personal information, and I am certain I am now on someone's list somewhere.
I have a feeling they've got me in that DB a dozen times for various things..
I even have a DPC entry that may have raised eyebrows, as I'm sure they just love me pointing my long glass at their test range.. Of course, I'm usually photographing a roadrunner or an antelope...
"Audie asked if this is all part of an attempt to "connect the dots" before a terrorist plot can be carried out. Priest said the real goal, "is to see whether there is a dot — to see whether you're a dot that's worth connecting to something bigger":
LOL, I'm *sure* I'm in that database. I was detained by airport police near O'Hare for taking this photo:
They did not ask me to delete any photos, and only detained me for perhaps 15 minutes. They even gave me a ride back to my car. But they did take down my personal information, and I am certain I am now on someone's list somewhere.
Just out of curiosity, what, if anything, did you do about it? Or do you think it's okay for the police to detain and question people for doing something that is perfectly legal?
If it were me, I'd file a complaint against the officers and write my congressperson. Depending on the circumstances, I might also consider filing civil suits against that police department and the airport.
What really scares me about this whole "database" nonsense is that it shows just how lame, weak, and ineffectual the FBI really is. It's tantamount to them randomly stopping people on the street and asking, "Are you a terrorist? No? What about you Miss, are you a terrorist?" It's frikkin pitiful!
I guess the next thing the ~GOVT~ will want is for everyone to apply for a CAMERA PERMIT (like a gun permit). Three to seven day waiting period while they do a background check on the person. They are going way to far!
Actually, the day the government knows as much about you as your credit card company does...THAT is the day you should start worrying.
Ray
Agree! and in the news over the past few days, you can say the same about the app's on your smart phone. Gathering your information (sometimes including your location) without you knowledge and selling it to third party sources.
A database filled with useless clutter is just about as effective as not having one. Sure, the FBI has the technology, but do they have the brainpower to actually use it to do anything?
A database filled with useless clutter is just about as effective as not having one. Sure, the FBI has the technology, but do they have the brainpower to actually use it to do anything?
And this is exactly why I don't mind... It's just another avalanche of data that no-one has the time to go through...
(Kinda like my photos, I take more than I can really even examine carefully...)
There are a lot of databases that flag things like words, names, phrases, and the like automatically and generate reports that are subject of review. Similarly, audio interceptions operate in a similar manner. Human interaction in a lot of instances consist of conducting an analysis of things brought forward, and even these are processed via IT mechanisms.
It may surprise a few here to find that some of the information garnered in this way that has benefited our societies and in some instances possibly twarted nefarious plots devised by those who would do us harm.
Mind you, the sad truth is that, for a significant segment of our population, jumping to conclusions is the only form of exercise they get. :O)
There are a lot of databases that flag things like words, names, phrases, and the like automatically and generate reports that are subject of review. Similarly, audio interceptions operate in a similar manner. Human interaction in a lot of instances consist of conducting an analysis of things brought forward, and even these are processed via IT mechanisms.
It may surprise a few here to find that some of the information garnered in this way that has benefited our societies and in some instances possibly twarted nefarious plots devised by those who would do us harm.
Mind you, the sad truth is that, for a significant segment of our population, jumping to conclusions is the only form of exercise they get. :O)
Have a great day.
Ray
Yes, it's the information age. So what? The data in those databases wasn't obtained by illegally detaining and harassing honest citizens going about their daily lives.
Personally, I'd much rather get my exercise jumping to conclusions than bowing and scraping.
Keep in mind people, this guy is Canadian and doesn't give a rat's ass about the freedoms and rights that American citizens enjoy. In fact, he'd probably prefer that we loose those rights.
Keep in mind people, this guy is Canadian and doesn't give a rat's ass about the freedoms and rights that American citizens enjoy. In fact, he'd probably prefer that we loose those rights.
...and exactly how did you arrive at that conclusion... you know diddle about me [/quote]
