Pentagon spying on american anti-war groups?

**Ronin** · 12-14-2005, 16:39

From NBC news:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10454316/

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10457369/from/RL.1/

Pentagon may be spying on US anti-war activists - NBC

Updated: 9:27 p.m. ET Dec. 13, 2005
WASHINGTON - The Pentagon has a secret database that indicates the U.S. military may be collecting information on Americans who oppose the Iraq war and may be also monitoring peace demonstrations, NBC reported on Tuesday.

The database, obtained by the network, lists 1,500 "suspicious incidents" across the United States over a 10-month period and includes four dozen anti-war meetings or protests, some aimed at military recruiting, NBC's Nightly News said.

The network said the document was the first inside look at how the Pentagon has stepped up intelligence collection in the United States since the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.

The report quoted what it said was a secret briefing document as concluding: "We have noted increased communication between protest groups using the Internet," but not a "significant connection" between incidents.

Americans have been wary of any monitoring of anti-war activities since the Vietnam era when it was learned that the Pentagon spied on anti-war and civil rights groups and individuals. Congress held hearings in the 1970s and recommended strict limits on military spying inside the United States.

A Pentagon spokesman declined to comment on the NBC report about the database. However, he said: "The Department of Defense uses counterintelligence and law enforcement information properly collected by law enforcement agencies.

"The use of this information is subject to strict limitations, particularly the information must be related to missions relating to protection of DoD installations, interests and personnel," he added.

The Pentagon has already acknowledged the existence of a counterintelligence program known as the "Threat and Local Observation Notice" (TALON) reporting system.

This system, the Pentagon said, is designed to gather "non-validated threat information and security anomalies indicative of possible terrorist pre-attack activity."

this is starting to ring a few bells.....anyone wants to run out and check if the head of the FBI is wearing a dress again too?

discuss......

**master of the puppets** · 12-14-2005, 17:38

...idiotic, though i do not like to look to NBC for such...stirring events thhey are probably the only source. but to both protesters and the gov, WTF the protesters feel oh so strongly about this that they show up at recruitment centers to try and scare young and loyal amewricans from serving there country. And to the government believing they are so much of a threat that they have to be monitered lest the do...what, harm public image? the gov has already done that, or will the anti-war anti-violence people decide to blow somethin up. its just so stupid.

**Geoffrey S** · 12-14-2005, 19:23

D'oh?

**Xiahou** · 12-14-2005, 21:31

Well, you'll have to fill me in on why I should care.... If they're just sending people to attend meetings or read websites to gather info that any other shlub could get on their own, I don't see the big deal. Now, if agents are performing wiretaps or hacking websites without appropriate warrants, then we have a problem.

**kiwitt** · 12-14-2005, 21:45

Originally Posted by Xiahou

Now, if agents are performing wiretaps or hacking websites without appropriate warrants, then we have a problem.

Agreed. I think it is prudent for the military to protect it's interests. If any of their equipment were to get in the wrong hand it would be very serious indeed.

**bmolsson** · 12-15-2005, 02:03

I guess they just have to much time these days and not all can learn Arabic and participate in the war against terrorism, so why not stay with hippies and the lefties, they might even get laid.....

**Soulforged** · 12-15-2005, 04:29

Huh? I'm lost now, I thought that it was already known that intelligency organizations spy on everybody.... *puts tinfoil hat*.

Americans have been wary of any monitoring of anti-war activities since the Vietnam era when it was learned that the Pentagon spied on anti-war and civil rights groups and individuals.

Well taking actions is perhaps the only separation between this and the control of the masses.

**LeftEyeNine** · 12-15-2005, 04:39

Every regimé has the right to defend itself for a future concern. But it's quite hard to inquire and make sure of the acceptable limits of such a surveillance database. And this somehow disturbs your privacy.

**Seamus Fermanagh** · 12-15-2005, 05:27

Spying on anti-war movements and the like was first reported as a "negative" act of government during the Vietnam conflict.

Prior to that, when wars were actually declared and coupled with censorship of military activities, the FBI or other government agents would be actively trying to suppress or monitor what would have been labeled "potentially treasonous" activity.

**Devastatin Dave** · 12-15-2005, 06:05

Know thy enemy...

**LeftEyeNine** · 12-15-2005, 06:14

Yes, and do not imagine an enemy.. I guess US citizens would not like free flights to Guantanamo..

**Devastatin Dave** · 12-15-2005, 06:32

Originally Posted by LeftEyeNine

I guess US citizens would not like free flights to Guantanamo..

Nor would we like to be attacked again because of the indifference of persons such as yourself that would embolden those that want us dead.

**LeftEyeNine** · 12-15-2005, 14:10

Originally Posted by Devastatin Dave

Nor would we like to be attacked again because of the indifference of persons such as yourself that would embolden those that want us dead.

I want you dead ? Did you steal my mp3 archive ? It makes sense then...

Get a better read of what I posted here and put it before your prejudice..

Every regimé has the right to defend itself for a future concern. But it's quite hard to inquire and make sure of the acceptable limits of such a surveillance database. And this somehow disturbs your privacy.

And the following post has nothing to do with what you posted on "Bush Confesses" topic:

Yes, and do not imagine an enemy.. I guess US citizens would not like free flights to Guantanamo..

It was neutral, clear and out of any personal satire on you. I hope you think so as well. And let's keep this peaceful.

**LeftEyeNine** · 12-15-2005, 15:13

There were similar rumours that the Turkish society was being monitored and classified internally under safety terms by general staff (sp?). I get the need for a inner control, it has to be somehow. But it must not be about sacrificing your privacy. They should know the limits.