The New York Times is reporting that the FBI has been interviewing, subpoenaeing, and keeping tabs on political demonstrators since before the Democratic Political Convention.
I find this very disturbing because it not only smacks of a police state, but it also can have a chilling effect on free speech. It is not the job of the FBI, or any other government agency to track and follow those that don't agree with the policies of the current administration, or any administration. The FBI is supposed to be tracking criminals, real criminals, the kinds that kill, rape, steal, etc.
Why are they wasting their time following those that merely want to protest?
You don't think there were terrorists or their agents amongst those idiot protestors, casing our security? What people don't seem to understand, is that if you don't do anything to draw attention to yourself, if you keep a low profile, and you obey the laws of the land, then the FBI, or any other agency for that matter, will not bother the normal, everyday citizen. If you attend these protests, however, that just raises eyebrows, and to me, it smacks of shadiness. Get a life, people. Why don't these protestors try being productive members of society, rather than losers who have nothing better to do than waste air and protest something you aren't competant enough to be able to change. Being a member of the military, I am NOT permitted to attend an organized demonstration due to the ramifications and the negative image that it presents. Our FBI has enough manpower to do an exhorbitant number of operations, and guarding this country against terrorists, like those that struck us 3 years ago, in a similar, low-profile recon operation, is their job. Being a law-abiding citizen, I see no problem with this, I have nothing to hide, and I do NOT feel that my rights are being infringed on. And, if in the name of national security, I have to put up with slight inconveniences and a bit less freedom due to these terrorist bastards, then so be it. This isn't anno 1787 anymore, this is 2004, and the world is completely different now than it was when Jefferson and Madison were around, forming the Constitution and Bill of Rights. The sooner people realize this, the better off this country will be. The citizens of this country, with the highest murder rate amongst industrialized countries, have proven that our liberties may be a bit too much for some of us to be able to handle, in my opinion. So yeah, maybe the feds are onto something. But, this is how I feel, based on my experiences of the inner workings of our government.
I'd have to agree with Jeff on this one. Security has been increased due to fear that another terrorist attack will occur prior to our presidential election. NYC is on high alert and it's a nightmare to get in and out of the city. Commercial vehicles, tractor trailers, and towed vehicles can no longer go through the Holland Tunnel. The Goethals Bridge from NY to NJ is closed overnight Monday-Thursday's. So, if the FBI feels it's necessary to keep tabs on political demonstrators then I trust there judgement.