Almanac Users Beware
OK… so the FBI is just getting plain goofy and a bit scary.
I ran across this story earlier today: FBI Issues Alert Against Almanac Carriers.
According to The Associated Press story, the FBI wrote the following in its alert:
“The practice of researching potential targets is consistent with known methods of al-Qaida and other terrorist organizations that seek to maximize the likelihood of operational success through careful planning.”
Yes, and I would say that the practice of researching potential targets is consistent with know methods of tourists as well. OK, well, nerdy tourists like me. I’ll admit it: I love maps, tour guides, and almanacs.
Now, of course, I understand the point of the warning, sort of.
I appreciate the fact that law enforcement officers have a tough job to do and that all clues are vital in the prevention of future terrorist attacks. However, I think we’ve hit an odd point when the possession of reference materials can move the suspicion level up to “potential terrorist.”
I just used another reference guide to look up a few words.
The definition of terrorism is “the systematic use of terror especially as a means of coercion.”
Terror is defined as “an intense state of fear.”
The “intense state of fear” is the spot we’ve hit. We’ve been here for awhile, but I think it is getting worse. We are intensely afraid. Obviously, we have good and legitimate reasons to be afraid, but we are becoming afraid of ourselves, of anyone who is not like us, and of people carrying reference books (?). That is not good. That is not healthy.
The definition of paranoia is “a tendency on the part of an individual or group toward excessive or irrational suspiciousness and distrustfulness of others.”
My New Year’s Resolution for the United States: Stop being afraid. It only leads to paranoia.
My New Year’s Resolution for the FBI: Stop feeding the paranoia.
Advice of the Day from The Old Farmer’s Almanac: “On New Year’s Eve, kiss the person you hope to keep kissing.”