Reply #11: I'm not a true expert.

[meldroc]

Some of what I learned about the SS I learned when I read up on their raid against Steve Jackson Games back in 1990 (when they were on one of their hacker witch-hunts.) Other than that, Wikipedia or the Discovery channel. But yes, they do more than protecting VIPs - anti-counterfeiting operations are a big part of their business.

I have no idea why they're operating the way they do today, or how they budget their money. I find their use of "free speech zones" to be completely reprehensible. THIS ENTIRE COUNTRY IS A FREE SPEECH ZONE!!! I can understand them doing what they have to do to keep the POTUS and other VIPs from getting shot, but that doesn't mean that peaceful protesters should be penned up a mile away. We have the right to make our voices heard, and even heckle him in some cases (non-violently, of course, and not causing disruption to speeches & such.)

In other words, Agent Mike, you shouldn't be throwing people out of Bush events and harassing them because they're wearing anti-war t-shirts. By all means, screen them for weapons (in exactly the same way that you screen everyone else for weapons) and make sure they're not a security hazard, but as long as they're being peaceful and non-disruptive, LEAVE THEM ALONE!!!