Ridge: New Department Is 'Not What You Think'
Putting on his best "Trust Us, We're Professionals" face, Tom Ridge, the High Priest of Homeland Security today tried to calm the American public. Addressing fears that Homeland Security will become code for "Big Brother", Ridge tried to make the case that Americans have nothing to worry about.
"I know a lot of folks think that we're going to be spying on Americans," said Mr. Ridge. "I know that because of all the emails and phone calls from average Americans that we've intercepted."....
"You don't need to be concerned about those things," said Mr. Ridge. "I'm not saying we won't do those things...just that you don't need to be concerned about something that you can't control anyway. Relax. We're from the government, and we're here to help you."
One point that Ridge studiously avoided addressing was an amendment buried deeply in the 430 pages of legislation that effectively merges America Online with the new Department of Homeland Security.
Republicans who wrote the legislation felt that, since AOL already reaches millions of American homes, it provided a ready-made tool for spying on potential terrorists. It's also a cost-effective tool, since subscribers pay $23.95/month. Officials speculate that once the systems are streamlined and efficiencies of scale are achieved, spying on Americans may actually become a profit center. What could be more American than that??
