Our Brave New World
Published on 10-07-2010 Email To Friend Print Version
Share |

Source: Dallas Observer

Remember when that used to be considered a bad thing?

Look, we don't want to overstate the situation here, but we've heard about the old U.S.S.R., and we can't help but be taken a little bit aback by how readily a Dallas City Council committee this week embraced the police department's new "iWatch Dallas," a "virtual crime watch" that allows the citizenry to anonymously type in tips of suspect behavior from computers and cell phones.

Not sure if DPD is trying to make this sound like a dystopian novel, but at a briefing on the program held Monday, the coppers sure had some fantastic iWatch terminology: Information goes through a "Fusion Center" once tips come in from SAR (private sector Suspicious Activity Reporting). But before you check out of the real world and into that bunker in the yard, Deputy Chief Brian Harvey assures that racial and ethnic profiling will be minimized because of the Fusion Center, and also because of an online focus group that'll be used to evaluate the program. Harvey says DPD has been in touch with civil liberties groups in trying to ensure nobody's liberties get uncivilly taken away.

Focus group marketing meets the police state meets government bureaucracy. How do you improve three things that, each on their own, produce miserable results? You combine them, and create a cell phone app. It's called Paranoia 2.0.

Says the DPD, "iWatch Dallas focuses on criminal behavior and criminal enterprises that could also indicate a nexus to terrorist activities."

As one local blogger pointed out in a post on the program's homeland-security aspects, iWatch's definition of suspicious behavior casts a pretty broad net. Paying for anything with cash is hinky. Devoted hobbyist? That model train builder may, in fact, be an Al Qaeda agent. You say you're a tourist and want to see the local sites? Oh, we have your number, Bin Laden Boy. (Actually, that last one makes a certain amount of sense, considering this is Dallas.)

It would sound so creepy and threatening if it weren't for the fact that this program will depend on the risible combo of complex Internet and cell phone technology with police and city bureaucracy. Our future is safe from the intrusion of Big Brother because, and we hate to be unkind, Big Brother is kind of, um, dim.

At least for now.
http://www.blacklistednews.com/index.php?news_id=10938

Views: 49

Comment

You need to be a member of 12160 Social Network to add comments!

Join 12160 Social Network

"Destroying the New World Order"

TOP CONTENT THIS WEEK

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THE SITE!

mobile page

12160.info/m

12160 Administrators

 

Latest Activity

Doc Vega posted a blog post

They Won’t Stop

 The demonically driven left will not stop. Makes no difference how much violence they call for or…See More
8 hours ago
Doc Vega posted a blog post

What US Scientist unwittingly helped the Nazis devise the V-2 Missile?

  In the early 1920’s and leading up to World War II German technology outpaces the peace time…See More
Monday
tjdavis favorited Sandy's video
Monday
tjdavis posted a photo
Monday
Christopher Walker is now a member of 12160 Social Network
Sunday
tjdavis posted videos
Sunday
Burbia commented on tjdavis's photo
Thumbnail

Reflection

"Let's see if this goes past indictment."
Saturday
Doc Vega commented on Doc Vega's blog post Something Watches From Out there in the Wilderness
"cheeki kea That's very interesting history. So many things about history that go ignored or…"
Saturday
Burbia commented on Burbia's video
Saturday
Burbia posted a video

Programmed To Kill/Satanic Cover-Up Part 433 (The Charlie Kirk Conspiracy Show)

https://www.programmedtokill.net/projects---- DISCLAIMER! ----Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair u...
Saturday
cheeki kea commented on cheeki kea's photo
Thumbnail

American werewolf- 2018

"Yip I've looked again and this is what the creature looks like, even has stripes just like…"
Saturday
cheeki kea commented on cheeki kea's photo
Thumbnail

American werewolf- 2018

"The mystery continues I guess. ( reminds me of something out of the under world )"
Saturday
cheeki kea posted a photo
Saturday
cheeki kea commented on Doc Vega's blog post Something Watches From Out there in the Wilderness
"Another fine story Doc V. I think it's Dogman the werewolf out there roaming around in high…"
Saturday
Doc Vega posted blog posts
Saturday
Doc Vega commented on Doc Vega's blog post What Four UFO Whistle Blowers All Suffered in Common?
"Less Prone Thanks for you comment Buddy! Dabbling in government kept secrets can cost you dearly. I…"
Saturday
Burbia posted a blog post

Sebastion Piñera and 5G

 Sebastion Piñera “The start of the bidding process for the 5G network. Let’s listen to the threats…See More
Saturday
tjdavis posted a photo
Friday
Doc Vega posted a blog post
Oct 16
Less Prone left a comment for Tammy
"Welcome"
Oct 16

© 2025   Created by truth.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service

content and site copyright 12160.info 2007-2019 - all rights reserved. unless otherwise noted