The War On Terror: Vigilance

NY and Washington DC have both undergone increased security concerns, due to threats that apparently are very credible. As usual, the pundits all weigh in with their critiquing of our Homeland Security's response to these threats. Mayor Bloomberg yesterday told the waiting crowds that he'd much rather err on the side of caution. Given the curent climate of intense criticism and scrutiny, I agree.

The issue that seems to escape so many Americans, is it is just not possible, given the size of our country for any branch of law enforcement to do this alone. We all have a vested interest in being proactively vigilant. Both online and in our physical world. We must be partners in this guarding of our country.

One of the main things troubling Americans wanting to help is just what do you look for? In this article, I'll try and address some common misconceptions, as well as what not to do. First, the idea that terrorists are all sinister people of Arabic origins is both erroneous and naive. Timothy McVeigh was blond haired, blue eyed and former member of our Armed Forces, as is Leon Aragoncillo. Our enemy is highly intelligent, and very adaptable, in addition to being very knowledgeable about American ways. My feeling is that in order to get at us next time, cells will reach out to our own citizens: those angry, frustrated or simply greedy, to use as tools to harm us. These cells are in place here and in Canada. To think otherwise is just purblind foolishness. Gangs in some areas, particularly Salva Maratrucha, are either offering to or actually assisting terrorists.

Things to watch for in anyone near you would be a sudden unexplained change in behavior or income. Especially a friend or relative who up until this point had severe financial difficulties. A sudden refusal to engage in dialogue about terrorism or related issues, when it hadn't been a problem before. Large purchase of fertilizers, nails or wires, when no obvious construction or landscaping is ongoing.

In crowded places, people who appear unduly watchful or nervous. Someone carrying multiple cell phones-these can be used as explosives. Baby strollers and buggies are perfect vehicles for carrying explosives. Try and casually glance to see if there is a real baby in one of these carriers. If you notice an unattended stroller, and it appears to have a child in it, try and visually ascertain if this is a real child or a doll. If no one comes to recover the stroller in a short period of time, don't attempt to touch or remove it, go get a security guard or police officer to check it out. The same thing applies to unattended packages or bags.

Watch for people filming the exterior of certain buildings: Federal, state, malls, hospitals and arenas. Bridges, dams and railroad tracks are potential targets too. If this seems like a lot, it is, but that's tough. We're on a wartime footing, having lost 3,000 lives in the 9-11 attack.

Don't report your Uncle Jerry because he never paid you back the three grand he owed you, or your husbands mistress. This type of retaliatory reporting hurts us all, and slows the process down tremendously. Online, look for people who appear to be anti- American, issue threats, or try and convert you to their way of thinking. This may not be obvious at first, but with vigilance, sooner or later, if they are serious, it will become apparent. Don't be foolish and place yourself in sexually compromising positions online. One of the oldest tricks in espionage is using sexual exploits as a lever to extort and compel people to do someone’s dirty work for them.

In the workplace, particularly in sensitive jobs, maintain a relaxed awareness of those around you. If you notice someone continually lingering near areas they aren't granted access to, pay heed to that. If someone becomes secretive, is seen printing out materials after hours, or other behaviors out of the norm, make notes of times and dates. If you genuinely feel this person is somehow breaching security, report it. If you hold high clearance, and someone begins to display an undue interest in you or your work, be very, very careful of what you say. If the questions seem in anyway suspicious, again-report it. Not to a supervisor, but to your local FBI office They are skilled at assessing real risks, against the possibility someone is merely nosy or unsuited to work in that particular area.

By practicing this relaxed awareness, and by simply becoming more in tune with your immediate surroundings, you may help avert a tragedy.

Homeland Security
Great information on how to keep safe