BORELLI CONSULTING: Recommended Reading

The Hidden Enemy: Sympathizers & Recon Personnel
By: Frank Borelli

We've all read stories about the middle-eastern appearing men with cameras taking pictures of bridges; the Coast Guard has asked boaters to keep a look out for people doing such things from boats; if we saw someone with an olive complexion and a camera walking around near fuel storage tanks most of us would take note. What about the things we just don't expect and therefore dismiss if we even notice it at all? Let me give you two examples:

Example One: (names left out to protect sources and locations): a friend of mine and I were having lunch one day and we were discussing whether or not we had any local prime terrorist targets. The conversation evolved into a discussion of what behavior is "suspicious". That conversation evolved in to him telling me about a guy that his wife had recently started working with. His wife works at a large retail store that carries a wide variety of products to include clothing, cleaning supplies, food items, electronics, household items, etc. Think WalMart, Target, K-Mart, Sam's Club, BJ's Wholesale, etc. What made my friend's wife suspicious was that her new workmate - we'll call him Bob just so he has a name - what made my friend's wife suspicious of Bob were the circumstances of his hiring and the questions he'd been asking since he started.

It seems that he was hired based on his application (no surprise there). On his application he had listed a significant amount of managerial experience with other retail stores, and as a result he was hired into an entrance-level management position with the store in question. What made that suspicious? He hadn't provided a resume or any supporting documentation with his application. He was hired into a management position that gave him greater access to information and store security procedures without any verification of the experience he claimed in order to get that position. The only document he submitted with his application was a copy of his driver's license. It would not have been uncommon for that to be an out-of-state license because there is a large military installation and many service-members' spouses don't get driver's licenses for our state.

So, he gets hired and starts working before his background is confirmed. Then the questions start. Bear in mind that all of these questions might be legitimate questions from a newly hired entrance-level management employee. How long is the food left on the shelves before we rotate it? How long is food left in the trailer (outside) before it's unloaded? Are the chemicals (cleaning supplies, torch fuels, propane, etc) kept secure in any way? What are the security procedures for opening doors during the store's closed hours? How many people are in the store at night? What time do the cleaning people come in and go out? When are the doors unlocked for smoke break? (He didn't smoke) How much food is kept in the employee break area?

OK: innocent questions, right? My suspicious mind thought, "How weird is this?" First, the guy gets hired without a background check or confirmation and second, he immediately starts asking questions that are all centered around store security or product security. Think I'm being paranoid? Think about this for a few minutes before calling me whacko: How many terrorists would it take to take over your local WalMart after it was closed? What would they need to know? What might they want to do or accomplish? Hmmm…

They might want to know what time the doors are locked and unlocked during the hours the store is closed. They might want to know when the alarm is activated and deactivated. They might want to know how many employees are in the store at any given time. They might want to know at what times other people would expect to gain access or egress. They might want to know how much food they'd have on hand to sustain them through whatever time period their operation was being planned for. They might want to know what supplies they'd have to build improvised explosive devices. If they were planning on poisoning or infecting food items, they might want to know how it was stored or where it was kept that it might be accessible.

Sure, I'm paranoid. This guy got hired with little or no background information and immediately wanted to know everything he'd need to know to set up a nice takeover of the store by as few as six to eight terrorists. If the "bad guys" could come up with twenty terrorist operatives willing to die taking over four planes do you think they could come up with eight or ten to take over a store? Poison a food supply? Do you think they'd enjoy doing that in a largely military community?

So, I did what I thought was prudent: I passed all this information along to a deputy I trusted who worked in the area of that store. Know what happened? As soon as someone in the store questioned the guy's background info, he resigned. Quit almost immediately. Nah; he wasn't up to anything.

Example two: same statement about names: a police officer candidate is attending mandatory firearms training prior to being hired by a municipal agency. During the course of the classroom portion, a conversation is had about Active Shooter training and how it could be applied to Terror-Response duties. If terrorists decided to attack malls, schools, etc in an effort to shut down our economy in the long term (a realistic possibility in my opinion), then Active Shooter training would be essential for the responding officers. Entering, possibly under fire, an area where subjects are actively shooting innocents to neutralize the threat. That sounds like Active Shooter, or Immediate Response, training to me.

Well, one of the officer candidates speaks up and says, "Those guys who flew the planes into the World Trade Center towers weren't terrorists. They were freedom fighters defending their homeland and families." Oops - Someone's sensibilities had been stepped on. Then the instructor realized what that officer candidate had said. He was defending the actions of the terrorists who attacked our country and killed over 2,600 innocent people; not soldiers; men, women and children who were in no way involved in our armed forces. The instructor couldn't just leave that alone.

Asking why the officer candidate believed that, the instructor received a brief discourse on how the United States of America is a collection of international criminals who habitually lie not only to the world, but also to all Americans through the use of media manipulation. He heard all about how the United States military has killed untold thousands of innocent citizens from other countries who America was unhappy with for economic or political reasons and then how all those bodies were buried in mass graves or destroyed by fire. Hmmm…

The instructor felt it necessary to bring this officer candidate's political beliefs to the agency that was preparing to hire him. The Chief of Police at that agency was a man I know (for about twenty years now) and he listened to what the instructor had to say and took it seriously. The fact that there were other witnesses to the conversation and that officer candidate's statements made the Chief seriously consider whether or not he needed to hire the man. As it worked out, that officer candidate withdrew from the hiring process, lying to several officers about why (he made differing statements to three different officers) he was withdrawing. Shortly thereafter that same officer candidate was hired by a different municipality.

The municipality that hired him was made aware of his political outlook and statements. He was still hired.

Here is a man who is obviously sympathetic to the terrorist cause. He said so in front of a collection of witnesses. His agency was made aware of his statements (the instructor wrote the acting Chief of Police a letter to make sure he knew) but they hired him anyway. As a matter of observation, that officer proudly talks about his Muslim beliefs and how his religion makes him better than the "Christian trash" that surrounds him. (I am not attacking the Muslim faith - simply repeating what was said) This man is a police officer sworn to uphold the Constitution, and the laws of state, county and local governments. How can anyone take that oath seriously?

Now, here I go being paranoid again. We know terrorists are trying to recruit Americans. We know terrorists gather pre-operation intelligence and plan accordingly. Terrorists know that things have changed in America since the attacks of nine-eleven. If I were a terrorist, wouldn't it be ideal for me to recruit someone who could become a police officer? He could then feed me back any and all information that came across that was "law enforcement restricted". He could show me what tactics and techniques officers were being taught to counter terrorist activities. He could show / tell me what tools, weapons, training officers had to use in the fight against me. Hell, if I were a terrorist, this would be my favorite intelligence operative. I say this again: this man is a police officer. In Roll Call he gets told about all lookouts, warnings, etc. What in the world is that agency thinking?

There are two examples of what I term "the hidden enemy". The point I'm making though, is that they are not hidden. If the store manager who had hired Bob had been using his head, Bob wouldn't have been put on the schedule or payroll until after he'd proven his background. If the Acting Chief of Police who hired that officer candidate had been using his head, he wouldn't have hired the man at all.

We, as Americans, cannot forget that the terrorists who hate us and wish to destroy our country - physically, emotionally or economically - are constantly studying us, looking for weaknesses. They are constantly learning what supplies we already have that they can use against us. They are constantly probing our security levels. They are gathering intelligence and looking for the tidbits of info that they can build into attack plans.

That one store, in the first example, has literally thousands of patrons going in and out each day. A terrorist on the night crew could easily build an improvised explosive device with a timer to go off during peak shopping hours. That officer, in the second example, works within a convenient driving distance of our Nation's Capital and has access to every bit of controlled information normally disseminated to police agencies. Mistakes like this cannot be made. We are literally inviting the terrorists in to attack us. We're openly telling them how prepared (or not) we are and in what ways we will respond.

Be mindful in your daily lives. Pay attention. If something looks suspicious, say something. Call someone's attention to the issue at hand. What's the worst that's going to happen? You're going to look paranoid? So be it. But if your information is acted on and it prevents a terrorist attack (or several) then the price paid for saving an unknown number of lives was a little humiliation. I'll take that every day of the week and twice on Sunday.

I have a comment on this article.

This article was released through the Blackwater Tactical Weekly newsletter on Monday, 21 June 2005. The responses have been mixed but overwhelming. Below are some of the comments / emails I've received. The comments / emails are italicized, and my responses / comments are in bold. Each email / comment and my reply is seperated from the next with a line of "****************************".

Monday, June 20th, 0721: SCARY ARTICLE. I JUST HOPE AND PRAY THAT OVERALL WE ARE SMARTER THAN THE TERRORIST. I BELIEVE WE ARE MOSTLY LUCKY TO HAVE STOPPED WHAT WE HAVE SO FAR. NOTHING IS PERFECT BUT AN INFORMED SOCIETY HAS A CHANCE. WHAT RELY WORRIES ME IS THE OFFICER CANDIDATE YOU MENTIONED. WE SEEM TO HAVE TO MANY SCREWBALLS AROUND THE WORLD. LISTENING TO ALL THE OPPOSITION TO THE IRAQ WAR YOU WOULD HAVE THOUGHT MOST HAVE FORGOTTEN 911.

You are absolutely correct, sir.

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Monday, June 20th, 0739: Good piece!

Thank you.

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Monday, June 20th, 0756: I agree 100%. I have worked as a cop for 17 years and have seen many examples. Most are committed by managers that have an attitiude of "just enough to get by is enough". I feel I am realistic and don't see a terriorist behind every bush but it is not necessary to be a foreign born terriorist in one of Osama's groups to snap and commit a crime in the name of political or religious beliefs.

You are absolutely right. Domestic terrorists are a threat as well, and vigilance is what is required from all of us to stay safe.

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Monday, June 20th, 0800: I do not think you are being paranoid at all. Your two stories are going into my document file for future reference. I work at a prison in Indiana, Miami County Correctional Facility, (MCF),as a Correctional Officer in the Offender Services Building. I hear and see your two examples being played out day in and day out. Your last example, the police candidate who is "sympathetic to terrorists", (Stockholm Syndrome?), has a lot of company here at [prison name deleted] especially with the Muslims. I would like to see articles on your web site about "non-verbal communications". I try to learn as much as I can about this subject because that is the prevalent "secret" communications out in the Yard. I work the "med line" every day and I have witnessed offenders trying their best to outwit me when they hide their meds to resell later on. I do not catch all of them but when I do the pills go in their mouths real quick. Of course I look in their mouth and check out under and beside their tongues.

I didn't think about the implications of terrorism / sympathizers in the correctional setting. Look for information on non-verbal comms in the future.

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Monday, June 20th, 0845: If the guy felt this way, well then good for him! I have grave reservations about *not* hiring people who have differing opinions. It could become far too easy for us to form a real police state if we don’t. Once we start marching down the path of orthodoxy, we face some serious challenges in becoming our own form of the Taliban – at least in thought if not in practice. However, as long as his personal opinions don’t interfere with his duties and his performance then so what? He is entitled to see world opinion and politics in whatever manner he sees fit and we have an obligation to allow him to have those opinions and to work as a police officer. Perhaps a few years working in the real world will change his idealism (it did for me) into something a bit more focused on the reality of the day to day ride and simply getting surviving the shift one more time. I met folks in Fire/EMS who had (what I thought to be) some wacko opinions about politics, race, religion, and sex. I didn’t always want to work with them, but as long as the patient got cared for regardless of their own views and we got back to the house in one piece that’s what counted.

My reservations about this are simple: Police officers take an oath to protect and uphold the Constitution of the United States, and to enforce the laws of the state / county / municipality that they serve. How can anyone take this officer's oath seriously if he freely admits that he doesn't believe in the values of the United States? His oath is then hollow and therefore he shouldn't be a cop.

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Monday, June 20th, 0924: Reality. This article should be published in all of the newspapers in the U.S. Because of attacks on people that clarify issues, some are too afraid to "offend people of diverse ways of life". This apathetic distorted way of thinking creates an atmosphere where the innocent (and yes there are innocent) are therefore vulnerable to preditors (and yes there are preditors). When our forefathers wanted freedom of religion that was not freedom of a religion that would promote the murder of anyone opposed to their religion (that is one of the reason many fled to America because of religous persecution) and the Islam faith clearly encourages the physical annihilation of non-believers. Some of the Islam faith say they are not "fundamentalist" yet no-one is to say they will not become "fundamentalist" at some time in their life. We need more clear thinking realists in America and not apathetic "boob-tube" watchers. Thank you for your excellent article.

Thank you for your comments. I believe that far too little consideration is given to the violent implications of any religious extremism. Once a person elevates themselves to a point of no longer being held responsible to his/her fellow man, they become "free" to commit any act in support of their cause. If it's a benevolent act, then great. If not...

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Monday, June 20th, 0933: Excellent write up. The article was great. I recently retired from XXPD and spent about a dozen years on the CT Squad (now JTTF) at FBI XXXXXXXXX......I know how frustrating these incidents can be. I've witnessed it first hand myself. Anyway, as always, good job and take care.

Thanks. Do you have a current contact at JTTF?

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Monday, June 20th, 1009 (paraphrased): In many respects, your article hit the nail right on. However, I don't believe that you thought through other implied ramifications. such individuals could be purposeful "red herrings"; positioned to exactly elicit a response of some sort for data collection concerning other then the obvious. Yes. "Normal people" , (if such a person even exits anymore subsequent to 9-11) , should exhibit both more caution, and be more observant; while participating in socio-politico-economic activities. However..... One has to be careful in regards to what might turn out to be unfounded paranoia versus what justifies true suspicious activities / questions / statements.

Interesting point of view and not one that I had previously considered. My outlook though is this: if we ignore anything, don't we make ourselves easier targets? If we still point out these people, aren't we still contributing to their ability to distract us from whatever the true attack plan is? The only choice I see is to remain vigilant and report all suspicious activity appropriately. Thanks again for the thought.

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Monday, June 20th, 1025: Sounds typical in our pc correct country. We are sheep being led to slaughter, fat dumb and happy. Then when it happens we will all say, who was responsible? Just like the Rolling Stones Song: who killed the kenedy's, when after all it was you and me. Thanks for the article.

You are absolutely welcome. "typical in our pc correct country" is a recurring theme in the emails I'm receiving.

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Monday, June 20th, 1054: In our case, here at Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas, I was involved in a similar situation. Last year, 7-11 Corporation mailed out a post card announcement concerning the new franchise owner of their store located at 7th and Metropolitan. This location is directly across the street from the main gate of Ft. Leavenworth and has an unobstructed view (with binoculars) of access control procedures used at the gate by security personnel, 24x7x365. You'd never guess in a million years who the new owner was; Khalid xxxx. I actually went by the store to buy a bag of ice (to conduct a little recce) and the guy is [Middle Eastern]. Some coincidence, huh? Ft. Leavenworth contains at least [list of potentially sensitive locations]. I did pass (through an FBI acquaintance) all the information to the Joint Terrorism Task Force in KC MO; never heard anything back, so I just hope this individual was thoroughly checked out by the Bureau and vetted by 7-11 Corporation prior to hiring. Bottom line; trust no one...if they aren't vetted. Cheers...

Isn't that where the term "In God We Trust - Everyone else gets watched" came from? But, as you can easily see from some of the reactions above and below, I'm obviously simply paranoid - as is anyone who is equally cautious. {grin}

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Monday, June 20th, 1106: Great article Frank. We all need to pay closer attention. I can’t believe the agency that hired the officer, talk about stupid, bone head acts.

We are in agreement, sir. You just said it a little more bluntly than I could in the article.

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Monday, June 20th, 1108: Frank, I loved the article and truly believe the Trojan Horse scenario is currently being played out in the U.S. It is happening because of the touchy-feely, nonjudgemental, multi-cultural, PC environment that pervades in this country. I have to take exception to one part of the article. You went out of your way to say you are not attacking the Muslim faith while speaking of the Jihadist "sleeper cop." Since 911 I have researched Islam, the Koran and the teachings of the prophet Mohammed and have learned that Islam is a huge threat to civilized human existence. It bothers me that western society, Christians and even our government has not recognized this fact, or at least is unwilling to announce it. Everyone seems to think that a few radicals have hijacked Islam and this is not the case. The Jihadists just prefer different tactics to achieve their objective, total world domination by whatever means necessary as directed by the Koran. For the infidels there are only two choices; convert to Islam or die!

I'm very careful about how I say things for this very reason: the same could have been said about Christians during the Crusades. True, there is a long history of terrorist / criminal acts being committed by those who announce themselves as "true believers" of the Muslim faith, but I refuse to believe (because maybe I'm naive?) that history proves every Muslim is a danger. I also believe that in every religion there are those who warp the true teachings to their own selfish ends. This is very much a conversation I'd enjoy having with you over the beer that I would gladly buy... Thanks for all you do.

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Monday, June 20th, 1118: A patriot should feel the need to remove the Police officer from our midst. That is the unavoidable truth. Obviously, the author is in a position to reveal more about the who and where of that terrorist-sympathizer. I encourage those compelled to do the right thing to do whatever it takes to protect their community and our country from the damage that that very likely potential terrorist can wreak by having law enforcement status.

And you have to trust me when I tell you that no one is being idle on the issue.

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Monday, June 20th, 1139: This was a very good article. I find myself looking for suspicious indicators on all levels. Do you believe that all terrorist are from the Middle East?

Thank you for the kind words, and NO, I don't believe all terrorists come from the middle east. History proves that terrorists come from all cultures, at all socio-economic levels. Only current world circumstances force a spotlight onto the terrorist ties that exist in the Middle East.

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Monday, June 20th, 1158: I am writing in response to the "Hidden Enemy" article you wrote. I just ETS'ed from the U.S. Army. I was assigned to XXXXX at XXXXXXXX as an 18D SF Medic. While I was clearing post about one month ago I noticed a car sitting on a rule road outside of post housing at XXXXXXXX. While leaving post about two hours later I saw the same car at a different location on the same road. The two male occupants appeared to be observing post housing. I immediately took up over-watch and called the XXXXXXXXX MPs. About 30 minutes later there was no response so I drove to the main gate and gave the make model and tag number to the civilian security guards, told them who I was and said you need to get some MP's out here because there is no doubt these guys are up to no good. I drove back to my over-watch position and finally about 15 minutes later the MPs showed up. I pulled in behind the MPs and gave them the time frames and locations I has seen the car. Turns out that the two males (one olive skinned fella and and younger white male) said that they worked as laborers on XXXXXXXX for a construction company and had forgot their post vehicle pass. The Olive skinned male had no ID and the white male had an outstanding warrant. I left shortly after and do not know what came of it all. I was a little disappointed that my first call to the MP's was ignored and there response time was so long. I was a little worried that if it turned out to be nothing I might be embarrassed. However like you said if preventing a terrorist attack on XXXXXXXXXX Post Housing causes me some embarrassment then I would also take that all day long and twice on Sunday. Good article. Take Care.

You have no idea how thankful I am for folks like you who serve(d) and continue to remain vigilant. Great job and be safe.

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Monday, June 20th, 1654 (paraphrased): I just read your article, The Hidden Enemy: Sympathizers & Recon Personnel and could not agree with you more. Today's society in the name of acceptance has set aside all common sense in order to accommodate every race, color, creed in the world. Many people who live here do not know our true history ( colleges have watered it down and are teaching garbage about our nation.) and think the freedoms we enjoyed just materialized out of thin air. They do not understand that there are nations dedicated to the downfall of America just because of their religious beliefs. I fear the day bombs start going off in our malls because we have let so many anti American people into our nation. The ACLU and the whole gambit of anti American establishments must come down. I believe in freedom, but too many people are anti American and are ruining our nation. If you live here, you MUST love our nation and what it stands for. I do not mind people disagreeing, but I notice those who live here and hate us never leave for the nations that support their beliefs. Why? they would be killed in any other nation for speaking out. Our borders are not being guarded and basically all Americans have become complacent and so wrapped up in the dollar that they do not see the enemy within. I haul gasoline for a living and serve many, many customers from the (specified portion of the planet & religion). They are the rudest, quarreling bunch of people you have ever dealt with. They always make statements like, "well in MY country we do not do things this way." I ALWAYS say, "well if this is not your country, why are you here? Go home!" Keep writing these articles, it will keep people on their toes.

Just this morning on the radio I heard a segment about how we (America) could reduce the flow of dollars to the terrorists who get their funding in the Middle East if we found a replacement fuel for gasoline. I'm not sure I buy that logic, but one thing is for sure: gas prices do hold us hostage to some extent and it's one of the few places America has found no independence. Stay alert!

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Monday, June 20th, 1714: I wish stupidly was restricted to civilians. As you are aware, police management can and has been as stupid as any federal agency. I won't bore you with examples like L.A. etc. What is needed by law enforcement is the same type of accountability you get from the Uniform Code of Military Conduct with all, repeat all its penalties.

Thanks for your comments. I think that police agencies are already so paramilitary in structure that they are prime targets for criticism beyond reason. Still, I understand your point of view.

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Monday, June 20th, 1746: I read your article about "The Hidden Enemy" So how do you feel about the Christians who lie about our Founding Fathers, the founding of OUR country and the intent of our Founding Fathers? Or the Christians who do think that they have the right to make the members of other religions and non-religious people live by their rules? The FACTS are that the United States was NOT founded on Christian principals and the United States was NOT meant to be Christian nation! (Which is proven by sufficent in-depth and open-minded research.) The FACTS are that our founders did NOT want the members of any religion, to put their beliefs into places where they do NOT belong! LIKE, "In God We Trust" on OUR money or "Under God" put in to OUR pledge. All of which was done due to the hysteria caused by Sen. Joseph McCarthy and his communist witch hunt. I, like MOST of America's MORE than 28,000,000 Atheists WERE Christians before we "saw the light." (I do not know if Pat Tilman was a Christian before he became an Atheist or not.) Only we, having open minds and a desire to know the TRUTH, DE-Programmed ourselves and now we know what true freedom really is. You are right, the United States has many hidden enemies. And MANY of them are members of the Christian Far Right! And of course, so are members of the Loony Left. Jeeze, are they idiots! At least the guys on the Far Right can blame the religious programing they received. Those in the Loony Left are just totally screwed up. Please, Take Care!

As I said above, I think there is something wrong with anyone who uses religion as an excuse to commit criminal acts of violence or terror. As to your opinion about the intention of our Fore Fathers, since neither of us was here to discuss with them what their intentions were, we both have to rely on what other people write and the conclusions they come to. Our conclusions - yours and mine - differ. What I am relatively sure of, because to believe otherwise (to me) is ludicrous, is that our Founding Fathers had no intention of allowing the United States of America to become an easy target for anyone under any circumstances. Be safe.

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Monday, June 20th, 1758: Makes you stop and think. Here in the Midwest people say it won't happen here, there are no terrorist targets in the Midwest. That is just the type of thought process the terrorist are counting on. A few weeks after 9-11, I was in a service station talking with the attendant, when I here this voice behind me ask if the service station sells diesel fuel? I turned around and what do I see? A small male of middle eastern descendent. The attendant responded that they did not. Now you say what is wrong with this type of question. Well when I walked outside, what did I see? A rental box truck, no big deal you say? Well why was this person looking for diesel fuel when on the side of the fuel tank in printed " UNLEADED FUEL ONLY". Hmm let's put this together, Male of Middle eastern descendent, driving a rental box truck, looking for diesel fuel, when the fuel tank on the truck say use only unleaded fuel, and we were within 5 miles of a very large retail shopping mall. Should I have notified the local police, FBI, CIA, or am I being paranoid? You tell me. I did not notify the local police and to this day I think I may have made a mistake in not reporting the incidence.

We'll just never know. Obviously, something was out of whack, but was it just someone that thought they were driving a diesel rental vehicle? Or was there a sinister motive? The best news is that you were paying attention and noted something that most wouldn't. Next time I encourage you to report it... even if it turns out to be nothing in the end.

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Monday, June 20th, 2042: Thank you for the opportunity to respond to this article. You could have not put your feelings, moreover, the feelings of most rational people into perspective. I am a retired Police Officer and am aware of exactly the type of information that this officer will be privileged to. His very principals violate his sworn oath, so how can he be retained by this Police Department? I thought that was the point of the oath was swearing allegiance to the United States of America and the values and standards we hold dear. These values, and standards, are what this country was built on. I have just recently returned from Iraq where I worked for a contractor in the Basrah area. I saw first hand what this officer's beliefs produced. These are just a few descriptive adjectives I can think of: Terror, pain ignorance, fear, distrust, corruption, abject poverty and a completely dysfunctional society. I have copied and pasted some facts and figures of what our values and standards have given to Iraq, I have seen some of things first hand.

Did you know that 47 countries have re-established their embassies in Iraq?

Did you know that Iraq has a counter-terrorist unit and a Commando Battalion?

Did you know that the Iraqi Police Service has over 55,000 fully trained and equipped police officers?

Did you know that there are 5 Police Academies in Iraq that produce over 3500 new officers each 8 weeks?

Did you know that 96% of Iraqi children under the age of 5 have received the first 2 series of polio vaccinations?

Did you know that the Baghdad Stock Exchange opened in June of 2004 and that the Iraqi economy is BOOMING?

Did you know that 2 candidates in the Iraqi presidential election had a televised debate?

The lack of accentuating the positive in Iraq serves only one purpose. It undermines the world's perception of the United States and our soldiers. All of these facts are verifiable on the Department of Defense website and many other independent sources. It's not the Muslim faith that is the problem, it's their cleric leadership. There are no checks and balances. This old adage is true here;"absolute power corrupts absolutely".

No, I didn't know all those things. The facts most certainly show a different picture of Iraq since the United States troops moved in to remove Saddam Hussein from power. Somehow, I don't think those clerics you speak of - those abusing the Muslim faith for their own gain - want these types of facts known. If Iraq is doing so well with the assistance of the United States, then how can they recruit fighters to resist the U.S.? Thanks for the info.

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Monday, June 20th, 2106: Excellent job with the article Frank!

Thanks!

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Monday, June 20th, 2352: Is it simple mistakes that these people made or is it gross negligence? Especially for an acting chief of police to actually give a helping hand to someone so questionable. I would tend to say that the chief (as many others in authority that purposely live in denial and force their fantasy on others) are aiding and abetting, or at the very least need to be held accountable once something happens (which probably won't happen due to politics) but then it will be too late. I operate a ferry on XXXXXXXXX bay. A lot of phony covering peoples backsides is done on paper and in grossly, obvious wasteful ways. Yet virtually nothing is done for the boats. We are left defenseless, unprepared, with no real nor substantial support. This is what political correctness and people who are incompetent and choose to be so gets us. One day there will be a tragedy and it will have been easily avoidable except for some groups dysfunctional attitude and politics. What a needless tragedy.

But as long as you keep your eyes open and your mind working, those on your boat will be a bit better off.

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Tuesday, June 21st, 0345: This article was wonderfully written. It gives great pause, attention and concern to the security plight of our great nation. I often find my attention drawn to suspicious behavior in places that one wouldn't think of. If I must go to a large store to pick something up, I never take my children, this makes it easier to escape if it is robbed or attacked. Also, I usually don't fuel up at a store that doesn't have at least 2 exit points. Lastly, when attending public events, games, parades etc. I always have an exit stagetegy devised in the event of an emergency. It includes car location, meeting point and place name and address cards in my kids clothing in case they are lost. If more people paid attention to little things, I imagine the USA would be and feel much safer.

I agree with you - though comments received clearly indicate that you and I are simply paranoid - if not outright mentally warped. I think I'd prefer "overly cautious" as a descriptive term. Thanks for the comments!

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Tuesday, June 21st, 0830: Glad somebody is trying to get stories like this out. As a professional police officer, and former Air Force, I have long questioned putting people like this in positions of trust. I have wondered about converts to Islam. If you can turn your back on all you were raised on, what do I mean to you? Keep fighting the info war.

A recent conversation I had with a professional in the field of counter-terrorism related a story about another man... a policeman who was also a convert to Islam. During a discussion about one case that involved Islamic suspects, the police officer / Islam convert made it clear that - compared to the Fraternal Brotherhood - Islam would always come first. In fact, he made it clear that the difference in importance between the two was so great that the Fraternal Brotherhood wasn't even on the screen. Sad state of affairs for a brother cop. Be safe.

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Tuesday, June 21st, 1601: I am appalled that the Chief hired this individual. The Chief is probably college educated (which is fine), but what did he learn with his degree?... he probably thinks he is being politically correct because he thinks that is the right thing to do. He is also a leader, and the leaders and decision makers of this country are the ones that are allowing our standard to be degraded, and slowly become a third world country. Everyone else wants to come to THIS country because of the freedoms that are available... but these freedoms are only available because we have rules and regulations that most people abide by... when the leaders of this country slack off on these basic standards we become easy targets by those that take advantage of these freedoms.

Amen. So if we set and maintain our standards, then we'd all be better off? Sounds like common sense to me. Unfortunately, the standards - in whatever profession, occupation, etc - get reduced so that hiring quotas can be met. The only people who then suffer are those in the community served.

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Tuesday, June 21st, 1719: I just wanted to tell you that was a great article. It is ridiculous how easy it is for the terrorist to get into our system. I to was a police officer,SWAT, for five years and have been with XXXXXXXX in Iraq for nearly 4 months now. Again, thank you for the article and keep letting the public know.

I'll keep doing all I can. Let me know when you're back stateside and I'll buy the first beer.

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Tuesday, June 21st, 2054: Loved the article it brought out alot of things that most of us don't think of.

Thanks.

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Wednesday, June 22nd, 0201: I recently read in a Blackwater Newsletter your article "The Hidden Enemy: Sympathizers & Recon Personnel". I understand your business, that being selling protection and advising on security. I also understand about the tragic events on 9/11, and the fear of another attack on the continental USA. But what I fail to understand is that you -among so many other of your fellow countrymen- see enemies everywhere. That is kind of crazy isn't it. And I do not mean crazy in the sense that you must not be vigilante, but crazy in the sense that this kind of life is not worth living. Your country is a great one, but one among many other great ones. Your government has chosen a path of war in order to dominate in various sectors of life. Exporting democracy has nothing to do with it. I am Greek and one thing I know is democracy. I was educated in the USA and I feel that your country is sometimes a great place to live in, but you are turning it into an Israel kind of state. Lots of wars, civilians dead, and a dedicated enemy that has found a valid right to fight against you. The world is not just the USA and the Islamic terrorists. The world has many people in it, weather they are democrats or not. And although force is what your country might do best, one must realize that you must start thinking beyond war as a policy. It is easy to like Americans, especially since all of as wear, drink, use etc something American, but once you grown to hate Americans with their attitude, it is difficult to change that. Thus, you might consider developing a peace consulting section in your business, one that has nothing to do with weapons and war. The "winning of hearts and mind" is less difficult that trying to find terrorists in a mall or a police force. Thank you for your time.

Thank you for the time you took to put together your thoughts and comments. First, I need to clarify something: I'm not in the business of selling protection or advising on security. I write, evaluate equipment, and sometimes train cops / soldiers. Second, I don't see enemies everywhere, but I don't see unconditional friendship and trust either. Reality is that there are people in this world who are willing to kill innocent people simply because they hold a different belief structure or even just a specific country citizenship. I consider my life very worth living and full of blessings. It is interesting to read what the beliefs are of citizens from other countries around the world to see how the United States is viewed internationally. A great many "world citizens" argue that America is forcing its belief structure onto other countries wrongfully. Yet, America is obviously the most successful country - economically, patriotically, and in every other measurable venue - in the world. Why is it then that so many of those other countries seem so eager to change the United States' beliefs and values? Our way of life has been proven to work. Millions of immigrants each year prove that our way of life is desirable and held dear. I'm all for civil conversation and the exchange of ideas to "win the hearts and minds" and I encourage you to reread the facts above this posting to see some of the great stuff being accomplished by the United States of America in Iraq. What I'm not willing to do is be cordial to a man who is trying to kill my family merely because they worship a different god or claim a different citizenship. My response to him is limited to killing him before he can attack mine. For what it's worth, I'd also argue that force isn't what my country does best. To the best of my knowledge, the United States still spends more money each year assisting other nations than it does invading or taking over other countries. We are the primary arm of Peace Keepers for the United Nations. Why is that?

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Wednesday, June 22nd, 0824: I don't usually call in, or respond to any articles and/or radio-t.v. talk shows. However, I will in this case. You are absolutely correct about the fact that there is a hidden enemy. Unfortunately, you are incorrect in who the hidden enemy is. The hidden enemy in the USA is the citizens of this great country. It seems that everyone is so damned concerned about being politically correct, sued, considered racist, getting votes, etc., that they refuse to make serious decisions that have grave effects if they are wrong. Case in point, my wife works as a professor at a large campus in their Criminal Justice program. They have as many non-U.S. citizens professors employed there, as they do U.S. citizens. What is someone from India, Great Britain and Canada going to teach me about American law enforcement? Further, I have seen some of their hiring practices. These "professors", or whatever they are, do not have any background investigations done on them and rarely even have their listed references called on the telephone. These professors are teaching not only entry level C.J. classes, but graduate programs too. Guess who the students are taking the graduate level classes? That's correct, mid-upper level management law enforcement. For what it's worth, I work for the Sheriff's Office in my area. I have been on Patrol, Identification, Detectives, SWAT, Narcotics. I am now a Sergeant assigned back to the patrol division. Our worst enemy is ourselves. We refuse to make needed decisions because they are unpopular. What will it take? Maybe another 2,600 lives?

Lord, I certainly hope not - but the observation was made that patriotism hadn't been as high in the United States of America as it was on nine-eleven since it was the day after Pearl Harbor. What does it take to maintain a higher level of patriotism in our citizens? I could rant about revisionist history and teaching liberal ideals, but it would do no good.

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Wednesday, June 22nd, 1005: My complements to you. This article is a (down to earth) masterpiece of projected & thought provoking daily scenarios. Most people do not think dimensionally & have a very short term memory. I too, think about numerous/potential opportunities any group of evil individuals will attempt/plan to attack our infrastructure. One only needs to look back @ history, which unfortunately tends to repeat itself.

Because we are sometimes too short sighted for our own good. Thanks for the kind comments.

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Wednesday, June 22nd, 1930: It seems that author of this article suffers from a disease that seems too be consuming the American population at an alarming rate. It's called D.S., or Dumb Sh*t. This infliction is highly contagious and often clouds a man's vision of his true reality. His symptoms include narrow vision, uncritical thinking, and a ever-growing tendency to wrap himself in saran wrap and hide behind an American flag. Public officials seem to have the greatest effect on someone suffering from D.S., often exploiting the sick one's weakness (a.k.a. stupidity, easily-manipulated) to divert attention away from their own personal immoral and unconstitutional actions. Brain-rot results, eventually leaving the diseased in a constant state of confusion and misplaced rage. Unfortunately, there is no known medical cure. D.S., it seems, is a choice, much like ignorance. The affected become D.S.ed by accepting everything at face value, quickly replacing rational, critical thought with panic through knee jerk reactions. Thinking, it seems, is thrust onto the backburner, often times even becoming extinct in one's everyday life. Breathing and Defecation soon become the affected's most valued and most notable skills. This disease is very painful to any thinking individual within the person's vicinity, though that pain can sometimes be ignored in times of assumed national crisis, allowing the infliction to spread with very little resistance. The only advice I can offer you is to completely disassociate yourself from said author as soon as humanly possible, if only to avoid any hint of future intellectual pain. These kind of people are very destructive and can bring down any person or organization in it's path. Asamulamulekem, Johnny Normal

While I may not appreciate what you had to say about my article, I did find your response very entertaining. I have to give you credit for your creativity and imaginative writing structure. If all of us "D.S.ed" people are so destructive, I challenge you to explain why we, as a collective whole, have made the United States of America so successful over the past 230 years? Just so everyone knows, I posted the closing and the signature name only to show that this individual tried to hide his true identity in such a pitiful way. His email address had his real name - full and complete - and he's listed in the white pages online. To his credit, he obviously has nothing to hide... even if he tried to.

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