Remember the bright idea Ashcroft had about having service workers and postal carriers spying on the rest of us? Operation TIPS? Well it didn’t go through – but that doesn’t mean it still isn’t going to happen in one form or another.
The Department of Homeland Security this year gave $19.3 million to the American Trucking Associations, which is based in Alexandria, Va., to recruit a volunteer “army” called Highway Watch. So far, 10,000 truckers have signed on to become amateur sleuths.
The truckers, who haul hazardous material across 48 states, explained how easy it is to spot “Islamics” on the road: just look for their turbans. “I’ll be honest. They know they’re not welcome at truck stops. There’s still a lot of animosity toward Islamics.” Eddie Dean of Fort Smith, Ark., also has little doubt about his ability to identify Muslims: “You can tell where they’re from. You can hear their accents. They’re not real clean people.”
Does anyone else think this is an incredibly stupid idea? (via MeFi)
Comments
3 responses to “Truckers Spy on You”
It is a stupid idea and what makes them the authority on who is suspicious and who is not? They are basically relying on stereotypes.
What the hell is an “Islamic”?
I think it’s redneck for don’ look like me or one of them devil religions.