Seattle newspaper shows courage by its refusal to publish photos
September 4th 2007 16:21
The F.B.I. asked several media outlets in the Seattle area to publish photos of two men that had been seen on ferries and reported to be acting "suspiciously." The Seattle Post-Intelligencer refused to run them. In a statement by the paper, editors pointed out that the men do look Middle Eastern. Or Italian, Hispanic, or many other possible nationalities. They also point to the fact that the F.B.I. said the men were not suspects or accused of anything. Remember, this is the same F.B.I. who has been found out to be exceeding the law in its interpretation of the Patriot Act, among other concerns. The paper chose to take a position that has drawn rabid fire from right wing circles. I, among others, applaud them. This is just one more example of fear-mongering run amok. The crazy level some have taken "awareness" to needs to be reigned in. Remember the "terror" that arose a few months ago by those advertising lights in Boston?
What's next, an "Ahmed alert?" Should we pattern a system after the Amber alerts, so that citizens everywhere can be alerted to Middle Eastern men among them? Dateline Seattle: An Ahmed alert has been issued for two men seen riding the ferry more than once, and looking around. If you see these men, please notify the F.B. I. so that appropriate measures can be taken. You know, "questioning."
If they truly are involved in anything, why the hell publish the info? Wouldn't the F.B.I. want to place agents on the ferries, watch the men, try to learn more about the operation, perhaps tail them, and so on? Why would they blow their operational knowledge by wanting photos published? Because it had nothing to do with real concern, and everything to do with keeping up the hype, keeping up the level of fear. Ask yourself this....if the F.B.I. - or any other law enforcement agency, for that matter - was curious about drug dealers using ferries to bring drugs into the United States, would they ask photos to be published? Or would they begin an investigation?
I used to live in the Seattle area, and still live close. I love the Puget Sound ferries, and ride them when I get the chance. It's always an interesting way to get around a very beautiful region. Am I "suspicious" because I have taken a ferry ride, only to get off and take another? That I look at, and photograph, the Seattle skyline, the area bridges, the navy yards in Bremerton? Because I don't like to sit, I wonder around. I look over the side, I might even walk around the different decks. I like to stand on the bow and feel the breeze. Hmm...should my photos be published? Perhaps my skin isn't brown enough for these to be "suspicious" activities. So I suppose I should just be quiet, it's not me, after all.
What's next, an "Ahmed alert?" Should we pattern a system after the Amber alerts, so that citizens everywhere can be alerted to Middle Eastern men among them? Dateline Seattle: An Ahmed alert has been issued for two men seen riding the ferry more than once, and looking around. If you see these men, please notify the F.B. I. so that appropriate measures can be taken. You know, "questioning."
If they truly are involved in anything, why the hell publish the info? Wouldn't the F.B.I. want to place agents on the ferries, watch the men, try to learn more about the operation, perhaps tail them, and so on? Why would they blow their operational knowledge by wanting photos published? Because it had nothing to do with real concern, and everything to do with keeping up the hype, keeping up the level of fear. Ask yourself this....if the F.B.I. - or any other law enforcement agency, for that matter - was curious about drug dealers using ferries to bring drugs into the United States, would they ask photos to be published? Or would they begin an investigation?
I used to live in the Seattle area, and still live close. I love the Puget Sound ferries, and ride them when I get the chance. It's always an interesting way to get around a very beautiful region. Am I "suspicious" because I have taken a ferry ride, only to get off and take another? That I look at, and photograph, the Seattle skyline, the area bridges, the navy yards in Bremerton? Because I don't like to sit, I wonder around. I look over the side, I might even walk around the different decks. I like to stand on the bow and feel the breeze. Hmm...should my photos be published? Perhaps my skin isn't brown enough for these to be "suspicious" activities. So I suppose I should just be quiet, it's not me, after all.
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