US Firefighters As Domestic Spies? WTF!!

[Orwellian_Ghost]

....

The American Civil Liberties Union says using firefighters to gather intelligence is another step in that direction. Mike German, a former FBI agent who now is national security policy counsel to the ACLU, said the concept is dangerously close to the Bush administration's 2002 proposal to have workers with access to private homes, such as postal carriers and telephone repairmen, report suspicious behavior to the FBI.

The Homeland Security Department is testing a program with the New York City fire department to share intelligence information so firefighters are better prepared when they respond to emergency calls. Homeland Security also trains the New York City fire service how to identify material or behavior that may indicate terrorist activities. If it is successful, the government intends to expand the program to other major metropolitan areas.

As part of the program, which started last December, Homeland Security gave secret clearances to nine New York fire chiefs, according to reports obtained by The Associated Press. "They're really doing technical inspections, and if perchance they find something like, you know, a bunch of RPG (rocket-propelled grenade) rounds in somebody's basement, I think it's a no-brainer," said Jack Tomarchio, a senior official in Homeland Security's intelligence division. "The police ought to know about that; the fire service ought to know about that; and potentially maybe somebody in the intelligence community should know about that."

....

When going to private residences, for example, they are told to be alert for a person who is hostile, uncooperative or expressing hate or discontent with the United States; unusual chemicals or other materials that seem out of place; ammunition, firearms or weapons boxes; surveillance equipment; still and video cameras; night-vision goggles; maps, photos, blueprints; police manuals, training manuals, flight manuals; and little or no furniture other than a bed or mattress.

.....

http://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/112607L.shtml

FIREFIGHTERS TRAINED TO SPY BY DHS ~OLBERMANN
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JaEuLTKKDcA

[Doctor Cynic]

1. In 1937 Goering assigned chimney sweepers to each district

officially it was to ensure better respiratorial health, but they were also instructed to watch for suspicious behaviour. Yes, yes, that's Godwin right there. Anyway, this policy is not necessary. If anyone sees ammo lying around for no apparent reason, they could just ask what's up. This doesn't need to be an official policy.

[tom_paine]

7. We are LIVING IN Godwinland. Godwin's law has no value if the nation really IS totalitarian

Godwin's law presupposed living in a strong, healthy, free nation.

Therefore, Godwin does not apply.

[AX10]

2. Randy, Thom, and Ed discussed this in some detail

It is absurd and angering to hear this.

DISMANTLE THE DHS!

[Union Thug]

3. Wait a sec... let me do a quick walk through here...

Expression of discontent with the US (esp. BushCo and Repukes): Check
Firearms: Check
Still and video cameras: Check

Uh oh.

Since when did expression, firearms and cameras become evidence of terrorist activity, anyway? What a F*ed up...oops.

[lvx35]

5. well so long as you don't have the REALLY suspicious parts:

maps and photos. Its the people who have been on vacations that are the deadliest of them all!!!

[magellan]

4. Ever read "Fahrenheit 451"?

"1984" isn't the only book they've mistaken for a how-to manual....

[reprehensor]

6. Ray Bradbury... prophet.

The Fireman is coming.

[cali]

8. do they ever stop with their bullshit?

that was rhetorical. Of course they don't. And it is an atrocious idea; still, thinking of it actually happening where I live, makes me giggle. No way are the volunteer firemen that constitute most of the fire fighting force in my state, going to go along with this.

[Echo In Light]

10. Nope. that's why it's up to the citizenry to react and respond accordingly

[Echo In Light]

9. This was posted the other day

They'll end up being lacky snoops who turn in those whose political views they disagree with, artistic "weirdos," and of course, casual pot smokers.