As a simple illustration of the inability to separate the "Good Guys" from the "Bad Guys" I use my experiences with my Visa card company. I use the damn thing to buy gas a few times a week and every so often I'll use it for a big ticket item like a PC or a Spa for example. At which time I generally have to spend 20 minutes on the phone with the numbnutz at the credit company explaining that despite the fact that their SW tells them I behave like a credit card thief ( testing the card at the relatively low-risk gas pump then buying a laptop ) I really am the customer, the card is in my posession and I really do want to use it. I usually get a warning about my language at which point I am allowed the priveledge of speaking with some sort of manager. Maybe I am a bad guy since I curse and almost never carry a credit card balance. Very unpatriotic.
I remember that in the weeks post 9-11 Safeway or one of the other grocery store chains offered to profile customers. What are they going to do? Question everyone who buys olive oil, chick peas, garlic and sesame paste? The whole surveillance thing is bound to proceed at breakneck speed and bound also to be a useless waste of effort. The next terrorist event will probably be something quite unexpected and not easily detected. Oh well, it makes a good discussion topic and a good freak show ( on the TV news I mean, not here, no freaks here ). Mike
