Didn’t the Soviet Union, East Germany, et al have a ‘report your suspicious neighbor’ deal going? It starts as helpfully watching out for bad things like someone breaking into a car, planting a bomb, etc. Followed by that guy hasn’t done anything but looks suspicious, so he must be thinking of doing something bad. He needs arresting. It then becomes a crime not to report it.
Shoppers at Walmart will soon have something other than glossy magazines and chewing gum to look at when in the checkout line: A “video message” from the Department of Homeland Security asking shoppers to look out for “suspicious” activity and report it immediately.
It’s part of a new Department of Homeland Security program that could see Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano’s face on video screens in malls, retail outlets and hotels across the United States. The Walmart video, which will soon be launched at 230 locations nationwide and may eventually be expanded to nearly 600 locations in 27 states, features Napolitano thanking the retailer by name for participating in the program.
[...]
The video, which doesn’t appear to offer any advice on what constitutes “suspicious” activity, is part of DHS’ “If You See Something, Say Something” program. It was launched originally in the New York City public transit system and, according to the DHS, is about to go nationwide.
Guess it’s time to get your fear on!
WOW… WTF? Why don’t they take over channel 1 on all the cable stations and broadcast it to people homes as well…
I want to report that creepy guy at the exit who paws through my recently purchased belongings.
The most suspicious activity at Walmart is when they went from the “Made in the USA” to the “Made everywhere else but the USA” moto.
If everyone would just do their part, and report that backpack or package lying suspiciously on every street corner in every neighborhood, I am sure the Federal police would be very busy this holiday season.
Very busy.
I remember how busy the hazmat teams were checking out every “white powder” in society. Two of my favorites were the grated cheese packets, and the star shaped glitter doo-dads that trickled out of a passenger’s greeting card while a plane taxied at San Jose Airport a few years back.
Those Federal cops are quite expensive. I think we should keep them very busy.
Getting the idea?
“Yes there something very suspicious at my local Walmart. Seem there are these 1984 style video screens spouting fearmongering propaganda encouraging me to report on my neighbors to the Gestapo…”
The only suspicious activity I see on a daily basis is the media coverage of our government and the actions of our “representatives”.
“Big Brother” turns out to be Big Sister !!! And you “Uncle Sam” turns out to be the Who’s “Uncle Ernie” – Watch out for the TSA/GGA (Titty Squeezing Agency and Gonad Gropers of America !!!
Where will it end ?
#23 for the win!
Dang it! I meant #22. Sorry.
It was launched in New York City? Any word on whether anyone reported 3 missing World Trade Center Towers, 2 of which were struck by airplanes while the Air Force looked the other way? The third one just fell suspiciously.
There is this guy dresses in red, has lots of aliases, breaks into peoples homes without a warrant, gives away presents for free – sounds like some sort of communist.
@12 TThor
Its your country, not mine. I had the honor/pleasure/circumstance to live in your country for almost 10 years, and i think i can emphasize. But it bugs me to see that the US appears to fall into the same trap germany in the 1930ies did. (certainly not the same, but you get me)
I see a market for DHS armbands to be sold at the checkout alongside the Weekly World News and the obesity enhancing corn syrup candy.
I was asked to sign a petition to stop the petition to stop Walmart from popping up everywhere. Pretty much sign here so Walmart can thrive. I declined of course having seen some towns and cities small businesses suffered and go bye-bye because of Walmart.
What I didn’t expect was the persons reasons for insisting I sign. She presented her case that hundreds are employed across the nation due to Walmart. Yay. I responded by telling her I’ve been to China, see the workplace there, the Walmarts there, read the reports on their treatment of employees, etc., and I could not morally sign anything allowing them to open more stores when there are already 2 of them 5 miles of each other here in San Diego!
But hey, at least her last comment was that she made 0.50 cents on every signature!
#12
Your definition of fascism is faulty: “fascism is socialism with a capitalist veneer.” It says a lot more about the author’s biases. And yes, I did look the guy up and read the whole article: http://www.econlib.org/library/Enc/Fascism.html
He’s essentially arguing it is unfair to call the modern hard-right a bunch of fascist thugs. That’s none too interesting.
My definition:
Fascism is where government, business leaders, and unions all get together as a unit. They preach a version of ‘power of personal improvement’ stuff and then work everyone into the ground.
It is actually quite a bizarre thing. As a matter of practicality today, nascent Fascist types are going to tend to group with the right. At a higher level of political success it becomes more like a cult. Very odd.
#32 – Not my country. Sad to see the ideal collapse the way it does. That said, noth better where I live. The social-democrats has however not gone as crazy as in the US – yet.
#35 – We don’t disagree, and we both state the obvious. Fascism is government and business setting basic law aside for its own intents and purposes. Corporatism is a good description as well: “relating to a government or political system in which the principal economic functions, such as banking, industry, labor, and government, are organized as corporate entities.”
i haven’t shopped at walmart for about a year, and to be honest, before that it was about 1-2 years. so it’s not like this affects me too much. i’ve got k-mart and target as well as other stores to choose from up here in the twin cities.
I’m with Talcum powder (#24). People, let’s embrace the message and innundate the messenger. Whenever you see anything even slightly (but honestly) suspicious, report it immediately by calling 911 or, better yet, calling the FBI or Homeland Security directly. Be sure to mention that the activity is occurring in or around a Walmart and that you are doing your civic duty as a citizen and true patriot.
First, though, we should all be sure to brief ourselves on what might be considered strange persons or activities by visiting http://www.peopleofwalmart.com.
I saw someone at the grocery the other day buying several cans of the same flavor soup and then a bottle of worcestershire sauce and then some olives. Surely, that’s a bit odd, don’t you think?
#6 Try again
fas·cism (f²sh“¹z”…m) n. 1. Often Fascism.a. A system of government marked by centralization of authority under a dictator, stringent socioeconomic controls, suppression of the opposition through terror and censorship, and typically a policy of belligerent nationalism and racism. b. A political philosophy or movement based on or advocating such a system of government. 2. Oppressive, dictatorial control.fas·cism (f²sh“¹z”…m) n. 1. Often Fascism.a. A system of government marked by centralization of authority under a dictator, stringent socioeconomic controls, suppression of the opposition through terror and censorship, and typically a policy of belligerent nationalism and racism. b. A political philosophy or movement based on or advocating such a system of government. 2. Oppressive, dictatorial control.