Americas News Online
By Audrey Howard on December 10, 2010, 8:33 am
“The “If You See Something, Say Something” campaign—originally implemented by New York City’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority and funded, in part, by $13 million from DHS’ Transit Security Grant Program—is a simple and effective program to engage the public and key frontline employees to identify and report indicators of terrorism, crime and other threats to the proper transportation and law enforcement authorities."
Walmart Is Next
The first stages of the campaign in airports and transit stations have already been rolled out. Within the coming weeks, more than 600 Walmart stores in 27 states will begin playing video messages at the checkout stations from Secretary Janet Napolitano–or Big Sis, as she is referred to in some circles–aimed at encouraging Americans to play an active role in ensuring the safety and security of our nation. Conveniently, nowhere in the short PSA is “suspicious activity” actually defined, leaving it up to average Americans like you and me and your next-door neighbor to determine what kind of behavior should be reported to the government (or Walmart manager). What’s more, if you do get reported by a clerk or neighbor or ex-boyfriend, you’ll be entered into a permanent suspect file, whether or not you’re actually guilty of any wrongdoing.
Security Video
On cue, the Department of Homeland Security is rolling out a security video starring DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano that will be played on a constant loop at checkout counters at hundreds of Walmarts around the country. Napolitano tells Walmart shoppers to inform the police or a Walmart manger if they see something suspicious “in the parking lot or in the store.
What Should Be Reported
What sort of suspicious activity should be reported? It’s not entirely clear. Oklahoma Watchdog has put in interview requests via email and telephone to both Walmart’s corporate office in Bentonville, Ark. and to DHS’s media center in Washington.
Peddling Paranoia
The government seems to delight in peddling paranoia, especially since 9/11. However, with this latest campaign to turn Walmart shoppers into domestic spies, their tactics have taken a sinister turn.
