FBI Issues unusual denial

In a move sure to fan the flames of conspiracy theorists everywhere, the FBI publicly denied the allegations made in the New York Times over the weekend and commented on by my sister here.

It's reassuring to hear that

The Attorney General Guidelines permit agents to attend such rallies only "[f]or the purpose of detecting or preventing terrorist activities," and explicitly prohibit "maintaining files on individuals solely for the purpose of monitoring activities protected by the First Amendment." We scrupulously follow those limitations, and we do not investigate or maintain dossiers on persons because of their "political activities."

That's good to know. I mean, if John Ashcroft says so, I have nothing to worry about.

That being said, my friends and family are now laying odds on whether or not I'll be detained coming through Immigration when I return for Christmas. I'd really prefer not to be, if it's all the same to you, thanks very much.

Comments

[Del]

Hi Mark,

Not to worry - the FBI is also going to be at the Thanksgiving Day parade here in NY keeping tabs also.

Sent out a note to JA - not to pester you.

I wouldn't worry - if they do stop you just mention my name - he's a bud...

[Luke]

Mark? Who's Mark?

Every so often, I get the impression that you are posting from a public library somewhere in the midwest, taking furtive sips from a bottle in a brown bag, and muttering to yourself.

Then again, you could be a Republican.

[Colin]

My parents are also taking bets as to if I will be stoped going back to the US. They don't think the article on my site was such a great idea. : )

[Del]

Oops... sorry - there you go again making assumptions.

Really the only thing I can think of why I made the mistake - a Christian thing - having studied the bible in my younger years - Luke - Mark - get it?

Anyhow I do prefer vodka straight up or in a gimlet...

And yes 'puro Republicano’ and currently in the Bronx.

Tell you what Luke - being that your coming to the states I figure it'll be through JFK though Newark also has an international airport - that wouldn't be a problem - I've done business with the city of Newark and know Sharpe James and traveled through there frequently.

Anyhow - how about we meet - I'll buy you a beer or whatever your pleasure…

[Del]

Ah Mark - Oops I meant Luke...

Oh and another thing...

There's nothing wrong with muttering to oneself.

As long as you don't answer back…

he-he-he...

[bobo]

No offense, Del, but after your "Delta 6" post, do you really think that Luke would be interested? You've also made some rather alarming insinuations about what you "learned" growing up in "Da Bronx"......?

[Del]

I'm flabbergasted!

You bobo that have traded what I perceived were somewhat logical comments.

Do you not think that if it were I that was responsible for the remark from Delta 6 that Luke would not know? Do you think that if Luke thought it was I, I would still be on this site still identified as Del?

Sir (or Madam not knowing if you are male or female) I take offense at your ‘INSINUATION’ that I wish to cause Luke physical harm!

The fact that I grew up in the ‘da bronx’ and was subjected to things that I wish I had not been was beyond my control. Did you have control where you were born and raised? Yes I am streetwise and have survived due to skills that I have honed but never, ever INSINUATE that I am not a law abiding extremely generous individual.

I’m not sure why I’m wasting my keystrokes telling you this… Though born and raised in the Bronx – in my later years I’ve lived throughout this great country and the Caribbean. Today I am back due to investment property I own which incidentally I rent and house to those much less fortunate than me! Unlike most blabbering liberals who talk the talk – I not only ‘talk the talk but walk the walk’! Please notice the ‘most’ in front of liberals. I am not naïve such as you – I do know liberals that do the right things!

The few comments I posted under other names were satirical in nature. Only one did I impersonate Luke – to whom I apologized because he was offended. The post I made under his name was NOT vindictive and ‘tongue –n- cheek’ if you know what that means.

Now I may have been curt, you can even say I’m arrogant – heck I’m easy going enough to say you can mention how much of a pain in the ass I am but never, ever classify me as someone that would cause harm to anyone!

If you really knew who I was… you would be extremely surprised!

Now sir or madam as I was man enough to apologize to Luke for an ill discretion let’s see what you are made of…

[Uvavo]

Don't feed the trolls!

[Del]

Yes – especially a troll that is most challenging and makes too much sense!

Wouldn’t want to be responsible for a liberal hurting his or herself!

He-he-he…

[Del]

In all sincerity,

First - though at times I got real ornery on this site please remember like you Expats and Liberals I have real passion and conviction. Honestly your protesting really pissed me off because in my eyes it endangers our soldiers by emboldening our enemies. Remember - put your same passion and conviction on what I stated above and hopefully you can understand where I'm coming from.

With that said - I want to openly apologize to anyone that felt that I offended you. Like Mike Corleone said 'It’s not personal Sonny - its bizness'.

Anyway - to those that celebrate Thanksgiving - I want to wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving!

To those that don't - have a pleasant Thursday!

Signed,

Your friendly neighborhood troll!

[bobo]

Happy Thanksgiving Del!

Say hi to Da Bronx for me! ;)

(Perhaps my sense of humor is back after the gloom earlier today when I was worrying about my friend going to Iraq)

[Kaj]

Boy.

It's truly kind of sad to see, me living in a truly free country, how Americans living abroad and voicing their opinion are now in fear. "What will happen when I go back? Will I be arrested?"

Some of the writings by Americans (and not only on this site) remind me of the fear German journalists, politicians and ordinary people had when they had criticized their government while being abroad in the 1930s... Let alone their Russian counterparts in the same period. Being afraid of going back to your country... FFS, that takes the cake, baby!

The land of the free / and the home of the brave

Pfff, from what I'm reading here, you'd have to be brave as an American to return to your native soil, I guess. But what about 'the free'...?

"What, the land of the free? / Whoever told you that / is your enemy" - Zack de la Rocha, Rage Against The Machine

I went to the US several times, and the first time I did so, travelling solo, I was advised by an American neighbour here in the Netherlands to wear 'neutral clothes', preferably a casual suit.

Oh, and did I mention that journalists wishing to travel to the US are advised NOT to say that they are journalists when applying for a visa? Journalists are not really liked by the State Department. I was refused a visa the first time because I said I was a journalist, writing for a games magazine. Oh yes, "the land of the free", oh yes...

[Luke]

Kaj,

Just to set the record straight - I am not in fear of the consequences of my actions. But I have had any number of comments from friends and family warning of those consequences, and like you I have been astounded by the apparent fear of retaliation that pervades any hint of political activism now. That's a truly disturbing aspect of life in the US (and, unfortunately, the UK) now, and it's an aspect that's new to me.

[Kaj]

Well, several US governmental (i.e., Federal) organisations have, for years, had slogans. Like 'E Pluribus Unum', and so on.

I think it's time for a catchy over-all slogan, to be applied to all organisations, and this umbrella-like slogan should read:

"Trust No One."