Posted on 02/01/2007 1:06:07 PM PST by struggle
Making a profit might be a crime now too judging by the reactions of some today.
Exxon Mobil Corp. Posts the Largest Annual Profit in US History - $39.5B!!
You can google this string -
Middle east men buying cellphones site:freerepublic.com
or click this
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1685695/posts
I suppose when they abandoned any terrorism charges for guys buying 1000's of phones that guys buying a dozen could be considered a " non-threat ".
Don't get me wrong ... not knowing the full story could freak out anyone, but when the story is known to keep frightening people is just supporting the ones who try to create terror.
I think the FBI is smart enough to dismiss loony calls like this and I have said so. Remember that this is not even a first-hand observation, but second-hand rumor overheard between two other students.
"One of the students mentioned to her friend that there were bunches of Middle-Eastern guys buying phones in the Radio Shack."
The report of a concerned citizen costs nothing.
Only if they toss it into the rubbish bin. If they investigate, then it costs money. Are you one of those who think government services are free?
It matters a good bit. I have seen so many lives lost and money wasted by those who just need to do something even if it's wrong, crowd. Panic is giving into the terrorist. Every time a refinery in Texas catches fire, or a train derails in the mid west, or an odd package is found, America panics and FReepers post "dry run?". NO it's just life.
BTW Yes it does matter what you've done. If you can be in a nuke missile battalion and move out to target Russia when we think they are moving on Israel (1973)and leave your young wife behind, or get your friends calmly from an upside down burning car in Italy (early 80's) or pull people from a burning wreck when in High School, or be shot at on the job, or had a couple of rigs burn down around you, or ride out a hurricane in the oldest floating rig on earth, or face down a hundred mad miners at 3,000 ft, and never once panic, then I will respect your input.
When you have friends in the FBI, CIA and at the Army War College that you talk to, on this very subject, then I will listen. I will not be a sheep, ever.
Some of the replies I have seen on this thread really surprised me. Don't pay em no mind. You did the right thing struggle.
In reading some of the replies, it struck me how many people seem to have forgotten what happened to our country less than 6 years ago.
Take care,
Ruck
Sir, I salute you. We are after all supposed to be "The Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave" as the National Anthem proclaims. I count you as one of the free and the brave.
Again? What's up
"Nothing there suggests that cellphones don't get used by muzzies for nefarious purposes."
?? I thought the point was that buying them in quantities is somehow an indication of terrorism ?
Can you point me to any information, anywhere in the world, where middle eastern looking men buying cellphones retail in quantity was traced to nefarious purposes ?
So Mr. National Security Expert, how many lives have been lost as a result of "dry run" threads on FR? And you call these threads "panic?" Puleeeaaassse.
BTW Yes it does matter what you've done. If you can be in a nuke missile battalion and move out to target Russia when we think they are moving on Israel (1973)and leave your young wife behind, or get your friends calmly from an upside down burning car in Italy (early 80's) or pull people from a burning wreck when in High School, or be shot at on the job, or had a couple of rigs burn down around you, or ride out a hurricane in the oldest floating rig on earth, or face down a hundred mad miners at 3,000 ft, and never once panic, then I will respect your input.
Wow. If this is your criteria for expertise, you must not give a rats ass then what President Bush, Condolezza Rice, George Tenet, Dick Cheney, Paul Wolfowitz, or many other members or former members of this administration think regarding the subject of national security.
"So Mr. National Security Expert, how many lives have been lost as a result of "dry run" threads on FR? And you call these threads "panic?" Puleeeaaassse."
FR is a place where we hope that accurate information can be spread.
Most times it works, sometimes the ones who can yell the loudest prevail temporarily.
The originator of this thread obviously did not know the history of the subject.
The knee-jerkers and those who knowingly seek to spread poor information will jump on, others will attempt to educate.
Unlike other forums, in most cases FReepers attempt to find the reality and truth of events - those that don't tend to disappear in frustration.
Regarding your comment on "Dry-runs" ... Is it your idea a foolish post should not be challenged until it kills someone ? That someone who is afraid of what appears to be a boogie-man should not be comforted ?
You can feel free to challenge anybody you believe to be reactionary, and you rightfully should. However, you should not brow beat and belittle everybody who comes to these threads to discuss potential terrorist threats as many have been doing. First, it is a nasty thing to do, and second, people should indeed remain on guard a little bit. Of course, I am not advocating that people's imaginations run wild either.
You guys make it out that these threads are are dangerous and akin to yelling "fire!" in a crowded theater which is not the case at all. And given this, you tell me who the reactionaries really are.
You forgot your SARCASM tag...
>The originator of this thread obviously did not know the history of the subject.
Suppose these men were funding terrorist organizations with the money they got. Then what would you say?
Suppose they were setting up a cell in Jackson with the money. Then what would you say?
Suppose you let the FBI do their job and just let me spread the info to my fellow Mississippians. I remember when I was living in Japan and the media called a police investigation into an Arab man who was profiting in the same semi-legal fashion "racist," until the police released info that he had founded an Al-Qaeda cell there with the money. (Niigata in 2002, I think).
Don't just pan something simply because you think you are "the educator," and all others are just those who "yell the loudest." We all try to find the truth and reality, but one must actually be paying attention to do so. I know we all like to sound intelligent and fair, but those of us who are suspicious of groups of Middle-eastern men certainly have the right to be. It's not racism, but reputation.
Before your time ( the old geezer said ) every occurance of events like this was jumped on by people advocating everything including Concentration Camps and forced deportations.
Those of us who have been through those times on this forum have seen the situations and will respond to defuse them, some with facts, some with humor, some with the tried and true " This is Series! Hugh! " ( ... ask an old timer )
Others seek to promote ignorance and fear when there is no need. You want to discuss potential terrorist threats ? fine, but there is none in this news thread. Try a vanity or opinion post.
"Suppose these men were funding terrorist organizations with the money they got. Then what would you say?"
Gee - I guess I should call the FBI - 10 middle-eastern men driving similar yellow cars just pulled up to the airport !
What you appear to advocate is that EVERY middle-eastern looking person who earns any money should be investigated by the FBI to see if they have links to terrorist organisations.
Is that your idea ?
OK, I googled it myself. The Pin-Del Motel was converted to a Best Western. Nothing unusual about that, is there?
Link to story about hijackers.
I didn't realize that these establishments had become tourist attractions for the ghoulish. Perhaps destroying them will be good for the new businesses which are built on their sites, although it seems very weird to me to feel animosity about a perfectly innocent building that never did anybody any harm.
I mean, let's be honest here, the 9/11 hijackers were careful to not break laws or call attention to themselves. And buying thousands of cell phones is not an illegal act. And what does this prove? Apparently, that one should call the FBI whenever one observes a man with dark hair and swarthy skin doing something that is perfectly legal.
It seems that there is a lot of frustration on this thread. It is not usual. It could be a lot of things. Sorry for the bitterness, it seems to have gotten out of hand.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.