SierraTimes - Important Announcement: NO LOOSE LIPS

SierraTimes ^ | September 18, 2001 | JJ Johnson

[Jeff Head]

JJ Johnson just asked that I post this on FreeRepublic, regarding active measures he is taking on SierraTimes in terms of preventing any critical information regarding our war time efforts being posted prematurely, thereby aiding the enemy.

I know here on FR this is already the stated policy. JJ, a great patriot himself, also understands this and asks that all internet sites do likewise.

An Important Notice from Sierra Times.com
For Tue 09.18.01 15:00 Sierra Time

Another milestone in history and technology is being reached, and I believe it is time to address this serious issue. It is my sincere hope that other Internet outlets adhere to what follows, and engage in a policy of self-policing.

For the first time in history, a 'wired world' is going to war. If we in America are not careful, this can become a double-edged sword.

As Internet users know, news breaks here first and fast, and we all have a zeal for getting the information, and getting it out to the public in a timely manner. But the Internet is also known for people to obtain bits of information - truthful or otherwise, and translate such information into different meanings. I fear things may come up in the near future that best be addressed BEFORE they happen.

My primary issue is that of troop movements, and preparations of military operations from U.S. Soil. Like many others, Sierra Times.com has eyes and ears across the nation - and in other countries as well. This message is to let the Sierra Times Staff, its readers, message boards and other outlets aware that we will NOT BROADCAST TROOP MOVEMENTS OR ANY INFORMATION DEEMED 'CLASSIFIED' unless authorized by the Department of Defense Public Relations or equivalent office. We ask that others follow suit.

Sources tell Sierra Times.com that information released deemed 'classified, in any manner may result in an official visit to your residence. The Internet makes this temptation by knowing or unknowing users that much easier. This is especially pertinent for online military personnel.

National Security is an issue that must be important to all of us. Sierra Times.com also cautions that Internet users are wary of what is transmitted even in private digital communications. Foreign operatives have proven their ability to penetrate even government web sites and electronic transmissions in the past. In the current State of the Nation, always remember that we have American personnel in the field, and we can safely assume that enemy eyes will be on the Internet.

Thank you,

J.J. Johnson - Sierra Times Editor & Chief

This Message is archived at:
http://www.sierratimes.com/archive/files/sep/18/notice.htm

[2ndMostConservativeBrdMember]

Thank you and God Bless You!

[Lurker]

Thanks Jeff.

L

[Darth Sidious]

[Think free or die]

I agree there is likely a lot of disinformation which the adminstration is counting upon the media to distribute and amplify. More worrisome are fragments of information that we may have individually acquired, notably reports of activity surrounding neighboring military bases or communication with service personnel. In the latter case, we can all help by keeping our lips sealed.

[RightWinger]

All I can say is . . . "let's roll."

[Jeff Head]

You're welcome bro.

You got FReemail.

[nunya bidness]

Roger that fellow rancher.

[StockAyatollah]

Excellent point. BTW, I just heard that US troops will absolutely, in no way, be attacking anywhere.

[GVNR]

My butcher said that there seems to be a "run" on hog guts for some reason.
Sausage is SO hard to get now.

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

Loose Lips Sinks Ships Author: Jim Robinson

DO NOT DISCUSS IT WITH ANYONE
in public, on the phone, in a letter, in an e-mail, in a chat room,
on an internet instant messenger or post it on any forum.
OUR ENEMIES MONITOR ALL COMMUNICATIONS,
INCLUDING FREE REPUBLIC

"Loose Lips Sink Ships"
Millions volunteered or were drafted for military duty during World War II.
The majority of these citizen-soldiers had no idea how to conduct themselves
to prevent inadvertent disclosure of important information to the enemy.
To remedy this, the government established rules of conduct.
The following is excerpted from a document given to each soldier as he entered the battle area.

[Hank Rearden]

we will NOT BROADCAST TROOP MOVEMENTS OR ANY INFORMATION DEEMED 'CLASSIFIED' unless authorized by the Department of Defense Public Relations or equivalent office.

My, my, my. Aren't they puffed up about themselves?

As if they're ever going to see a single page marked "Classified" at any level of classification, and as if DoD has even heard of them, much less has any interest in chatting them up.

Buffoonery and puffery prevails amidst the chest-thumping.

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

ping

[Storm Orphan]

Operational Security BUMP

[Dave W]

I am wondering how any military information would even get on this site or Sierra Times. It is not like this is an organ of the Dept of Defense. Perhaps we are taking ourselves a bit seriously.

So many people want to think they are in the know, when they are not.

[Dave W]

I agree. Isn't it hilarious???

[Jeff Head]

There are many people who post here and on FR and on SierraTimes who work DOD projects, who have family in the military, who work on bases, etc.

Talking about specific unit movements, talking about specific project status, etc. even in an indirect manner can lend information to an enemy that would be detrimental.

Anything we can do to help avoid this would be best.

Noone is taking themselves too seriously. I know JJ personally and folks who work for and with him. You wuld be surprised what they know, given their background and who they are. Any effort to avoid the slightest inadverdant leak or divulgance of G2 is worthwhile.

[ClancyJ]

When the enemy is reading info online they are collecting data that will be interpreted by others. When all the information is laid out, they can readily go through and find patterns that show the truth. They will see the duplicate info, the wild rumors and will easily be able to fill in missing data they are looking for. They will be searching many internet sites and they will gain much information this way. This is why I expect the Bush administration to go to a "no info released" and "no press info" mode of operation.

They really won't have any choice since the enemy is here in our country - not just overseas speaking a different language.

[truth_seeker]

I have self-edited a couple of my posts. At first the idea was that the topics, places, ideas would be obvious and non-secret. Upon thinking further, I decided "why put anything into cyber-info world, that might prompt a lurking terrorist?" One was mention of a military base, another of a technology.

I hope others will observe caution. We interned potential subversives, in the last WW. The least I can do is keep my mouth shut.