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Another Anti-Terror List Impacting Businesses, Customers

HangingChad writes "MSNBC is running a story about yet another government database designed to thwart terrorists and drug dealers that is having impact on people with similar names. Like a no-fly list for businesses, the Office of Foreign Asset Control's list of 'specially designated nationals' has been used in the past by banks and other financial institutions to block financial transactions of drug dealers and other criminals. Use of the list was expanded after 9-11 and now includes almost any financial transaction. Moreover, there is no minimum amount of money attached to penalties for selling to someone on the list: selling a sandwich to a 'specially designated national' can have a fine for up to '$10 million and 10 to 30 years in prison.' The article goes on: 'Businesses have used it to screen applicants for home and car loans, apartments and even exercise equipment, according to interviews and a report by the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights of the San Francisco Bay area to be issued today.'"

176 of 237 comments (clear)

  1. Once again, I'm glad to have an English surname by elrous0 · · Score: 5, Interesting
    I hear Pablo Escobar of Flushing, NY hasn't been able to get a car loan since 9-11.

    But seriously, what really sucks about this list is that it has never been widely publicized. A would venture to guess that the VAST majority of businesses in the U.S. have never even heard of it, yet could find themselves doing business with someone on it, even in a minor capacity (and facing jail time as a result).

    At the other, equally disturbing, end of the spectrum, we have even tiny businesses facing the possibility of just having to completely block out anyone on it (since they don't have the time or resources to verify if this is *THE* Hassad Al-Gurandi), locking many innocent people out of even the most basic business transaction. The law puts the burden of verification almost completely on businesses themselves, leaving them little alternative. The Treasury Department, when asked about this, ducks out of it with a lame "Hey, call the guys who made the screening software, not us."

    The Treasury Dept. needs to either own up to this or abolish it. If they're going to have this, they need to provide an easy, quick way to both verify someone on it and and equally easy way to get off it, if you are wrongly included.

    Right now it sounds like yet another law the government can threaten businesses with, even if they've never even heard of it. Ignorance of the law may be no excuse. But when the government is knowingly hiding the laws, it should be.

    --
    SJW: Someone who has run out of real oppression, and has to fake it.
    1. Re:Once again, I'm glad to have an English surname by faloi · · Score: 2, Informative

      Even an English surname won't save you. There are lots of names on the list, including Congresspeople. The odd thing is that, apparently, a spending bill was passed to clear up the list, wonder if that'll help at all.

      --
      "It is a miracle that curiosity survives formal education." -Albert Einstein
    2. Re:Once again, I'm glad to have an English surname by mpe · · Score: 5, Funny

      Even an English surname won't save you. There are lots of names on the list, including Congresspeople.

      Those might be legitimatly on there though :)

    3. Re:Once again, I'm glad to have an English surname by elrous0 · · Score: 1
      I wonder how many Ramirez Rodriguez's alone there are out there. Must be thousands of them. Hell, I went to college with one.

      -Eric

      --
      SJW: Someone who has run out of real oppression, and has to fake it.
    4. Re:Once again, I'm glad to have an English surname by dattaway · · Score: 2, Funny

      I wonder how many Ramirez Rodriguez's alone there are out there.....Hell, I went to college with one.

      Expect an interview shortly.

    5. Re:Once again, I'm glad to have an English surname by Hijacked+Public · · Score: 2, Informative

      And if he pays cash for a car and someone hits him he won't be able to collect from either insurance company. According to my insurance excec girlfriend they have to scan the list (or some similar list) for their payee's name before sending out checks.

      --
      "Sacrifice for the good of The State" - The State
    6. Re:Once again, I'm glad to have an English surname by morgan_greywolf · · Score: 3, Informative

      Most, if not all of the names on the list are non-English surnames. And I couldn't find a single U.S. Congresscritter on the list, though there were plenty of Congress/MPs/Presidents/Dictators/etc. from other countries, most of them in Bush's 'Axis of Evil'.

    7. Re:Once again, I'm glad to have an English surname by mikael · · Score: 4, Interesting

      Britain had a similar privately maintained list for companies and people - it was the just about the only database that was stored on paper (a legal loophole allowed databases stored on paper to be exempt from data protection laws). The only problem was that Conservative company directors kept putting their business rivals on the list. One tabloid newspaper highlighted this by attending an annual conference and giving business owners their database details for ten pounds (then watching the resulting chain-reaction).

      --
      Vintage computer adverts: http://www.vintageadbrowser.com/computers-and-software-ads
    8. Re:Once again, I'm glad to have an English surname by LilGuy · · Score: 2, Funny

      Yeah like I'm going to believe that post you troll.

      Girlfriend? Please. Woman insurance exec? Tell me another one.

      I'm going to talk with my supermodel slashdot employee girlfriend about getting you chained underneath that bridge. :P

      --

      You're nothing; like me.
    9. Re:Once again, I'm glad to have an English surname by beckerist · · Score: 1

      YES! I'm not a terrorist!

    10. Re:Once again, I'm glad to have an English surname by CodeBuster · · Score: 4, Insightful

      This whole issue touches on a problem that I and others have long perceived with our current legal system and that is the presence of thousands of laws, most of which the average citizen is completely unaware of, that proscribe strict penalties for activities that well meaning and good intentioned citizens engage in on a regular basis (i.e. selling the sandwich to the personal on the "no fly list"). The unwritten rule, of course, is that these laws are invoked only as part of a larger prosecution when the state wants to, "throw the book", at someone, but there is always the threat that they *could* suddenly become arbitrarily enforced on otherwise law abiding citizens to which the authorities only offer the rather weak assurance of, "Trust us, we wouldn't do that to you. This law only applies to criminals." However, recent experience has given even the honest among us pause when that assurance is offered. The other problem inherent to these types of laws is that they engender a lesser respect for the law in general among the population due to the perceived arbitrary nature of the enforcement and that is a very dangerous road to go down for the sake of catching a few more criminals and, "throwing the book at them". The irony here is that through our continued attempts to "get tough on crime" we are increasingly sanctioning ourselves for living normal law abiding lives.

    11. Re:Once again, I'm glad to have an English surname by LifesABeach · · Score: 1

      You know, this wonderful country was founded by thieves, murderers, zeolets, hores, losers, and dumb asses. And you questioning this logic? Makes perfect sense to me. It looks like one of them got in charge, again.

      "Is this a great country, or what?" - movie Night Shift

    12. Re:Once again, I'm glad to have an English surname by h4rm0ny · · Score: 1


      Wonderful. So now we've established that the system has both false positives and false negatives. ;)

      (I'm not on there, either)

      --

      Aide-toi, le Ciel t'aidera - Jeanne D'Arc.
    13. Re:Once again, I'm glad to have an English surname by beckerist · · Score: 1

      Wait...so I am a terrorist?

    14. Re:Once again, I'm glad to have an English surname by SQL_SAM · · Score: 1
      "I've come to the conclusion that most governments are designed simply to sustain themselves through the opression of their own people".

      LMAO - you just figured that out now? You must have been edumacated in public school. (since I mentioned public school) Has anyone ever noticed that teachers want you to question authority - except theirs. I feel like I'm in Bizzaro world in a Seinfeld episode "NO 'A' FOR YOU!!"

      --
      There are 10 types of people in the world: Those that know Binary and those who don't.
    15. Re:Once again, I'm glad to have an English surname by Gerzel · · Score: 1

      Why would the executive branch own up to anything of this kind?

      From their point of view most people who would get mistaken never hear of the list, and it often gives them something to nail down someone they want to catch with when they don't have enough evidence or time or effort to get them another way. It is a back pocket law which many many people might break unknowingly and be charged with if a trump charge is needed.

      Right now the Executive branch is trying to flex all the muscle it can.

    16. Re:Once again, I'm glad to have an English surname by rthille · · Score: 2, Funny

      I'm going to change my name to:
      11001010111111101011101010111110 11011110101011011011111011101111
      Pronounced: CAFEBABE DEADBEEF

      I hope that's unique enough. At least when signing up for some stupid web-service I shouldn't have to add a random 3-5 digit number to the end...

      --
      Awesome furniture, accessories and cabinetry in Santa Rosa, CA: http://humanity-home.com/
    17. Re:Once again, I'm glad to have an English surname by arth1 · · Score: 2, Informative

      Most, if not all of the names on the list [treas.gov] are non-English surnames.


      Like Charles Taylor, Agnes Taylor, Karen Matthew, Charles Bright and Donovan Marshall, you mean?

      Never mind that there's plenty of citizens born and raised in this country that have names like Abu Ahmed, Shu Chen and Antonio Romero (all of which are on the list) -- are they less worthy of protection than Joe Smith?

      Also worth noting is that many of the names on the list are not linked to terrorism in any way, but are either affiliated with Cuba or are opponents (even peaceful opponents) of Israel.

      On a lighter note, I see that they have banned TELNET and BBS. I presume SSH and USENET are still OK.

      Regards,
      --
      *Art
    18. Re:Once again, I'm glad to have an English surname by Red+Flayer · · Score: 1
      GP post:

      According to my insurance excec girlfriend

      Parent post:

      Woman insurance exec? Tell me another one.

      You misread his post. He specifically stated "excec" not "exec" -- we must forgive him for forgetting to use all-caps, but CEC is the standard abbreviation for Chuck E. Cheese's.

      He is obviously dating an insurance-company employee (could be any position, really) who used to work at Chuck E. Cheese's. We all know that CEC is a cover operation for NSA operations in the US (what, you didn't know where Nolan Bushnell [Atari, CEC founder] got the first four letters of his last name?), so I think we can treat his girlfriend's word as gospel.
      --
      "Trolls they were, but filled with the evil will of their master: a fell race..." -- J.R.R. Tolkien on Olog-hai
    19. Re:Once again, I'm glad to have an English surname by ConceptJunkie · · Score: 1

      This is nothing new. Government regulation has become so complex that no one can understand it or adhere to it, even if they are trying. The tax law is a perfect example, but there are far more pervasive and hidden laws that will trip you up only when your political enemies, or someone with a grudge, decides to point them out.

      I heard many years ago that a cop could, for any vehicle that hasn't just pulled out of the dealer lot, pretty much find an infraction at will. While I believe the vast majority of police are honest, it's really heart-warming to know that there is so much leeway for those few who want to abuse their power.

      And even if you haven't done anything wrong, if they want you bad enough, they'll get you anyway just by harassing you until you make a mistake (cf. Martha Stewart, Scooter Libby).

      --
      You are in a maze of twisty little passages, all alike.
    20. Re:Once again, I'm glad to have an English surname by GiMP · · Score: 2, Insightful

      For many states, not wearing a seatbelt is a crime. If a cop pulls you over for this, can you really prove otherwise? Judges tend to the cop's side.

      A cop *can* pull you over for driving out of a dealer's lot.

    21. Re:Once again, I'm glad to have an English surname by elrous0 · · Score: 1

      Didn't Ayn Rand once say something to this effect--if you could set up and country where it was impossible to follow every law, then everyone could be labeled a criminal (and hence, locked up at any time)?

      --
      SJW: Someone who has run out of real oppression, and has to fake it.
    22. Re:Once again, I'm glad to have an English surname by phlegmofdiscontent · · Score: 1

      I work in the Corporate Trust department of a major bank and I have to deal with OFAC fairly often. Anytime a potential bondholder or company with a foreign address is added to our system, we have to send a form to our Taxes department who verifies the information with OFAC. It's actually a pretty slick system. We get the tax documentation (W-8 or W-9) and Taxes searches OFAC's list for the name or tax ID. Takes about 5 minutes. While you may not be able to get a full listing of potential terrorists or criminals, the information IS public on the Treasury Department's website. For instance, if Ahmad Muhammad or Joe Smythe have addresses in the UK, they are checked out against the list and if the query is negative, we can proceed.
            The loophole is that we don't check out people with US addresses. That's covered by our Anti-Money Laundering team who monitors transactions for suspicious activity (money laundering and the like are pretty easy to spot) and report that to OFAC. It's probably not 100% effective, but it's pretty much internal and transaction data are not given wholesale to the government. The burden of verification IS on businesses, but it's pretty easy to do.

    23. Re:Once again, I'm glad to have an English surname by asninn · · Score: 1

      You don't have to prove otherwise: if the judge slaps your wrist despite the fact that it's testimony vs. testimony, he's violated the presumption of innocence, which (while not explicitely being in the US constitution) is inferred from the 5th, 6th and 14th amendments. So in that case, the natural course of action would be to appeal - all the way up to the SCOTUS, if necessary.

      Of course, it'd take years and a vast amount of money to do so, and I'm not sure whether it'd actually be worth it to you, but you've got a choice, at least: you can swallow the injustice because the consequences are less bad than they'd be if you stood up to it, or you can stand up to it and swallow the increased costs.

      I'm not saying that either is automatically always the better option, but it's not like there's nothing you can do, at least.

      --
      butter the donkey
    24. Re:Once again, I'm glad to have an English surname by morgan_greywolf · · Score: 1

      I said most.

      Charles Taylor happens to be the president of Liberia, a nation on Bush's 'Ax15 0f da 3vil!' list.

    25. Re:Once again, I'm glad to have an English surname by ConceptJunkie · · Score: 1

      You gotta love our court system... there's a whole industry of tort based on the fact that it's much, much easier and less expensive to settle than fight and still risk getting some vindictive judge or jury to find against you anyway.

      It seems gaming the courts is more common that using them for actual justice.

      --
      You are in a maze of twisty little passages, all alike.
  2. online services by aalu.paneer · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Does this mean that {free} online services based out of US, like gmail.com, youtube.com, slashdot.org too have to screen users requesting an account soon?

    --
    where did my sig go? where's my sig at?
    1. Re:online services by FesterDaFelcher · · Score: 2, Insightful

      If you can explain how those companies are selling them a product, then yeah. Since they are not, I don't see why this is modded Score: 5, Interesting.

      --
      My user number is prime. Is yours?
    2. Re:online services by CmdrPinkTaco · · Score: 1

      I would assume that unless there is a financial transaction involved, it isn't likely. This list only involves enteties who have trade restrictions against them.

      --
      Please give your mod points to others, Im at the cap. They will appreciate it more
  3. First against the wall by Bloke+down+the+pub · · Score: 3, Insightful

    Businesses have used it to screen applicants for home and car loans, apartments and even exercise equipment, according to interviews and a report by the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights of the San Francisco Bay area to be issued today.
    A spokesperson for the organisation later added "er, please don't put us on it".
    --
    It's true I tell you, feller at work's next door neighbour read it in the paper.
  4. The list by Harmonious+Botch · · Score: 4, Informative
    1. Re:The list by dave420 · · Score: 1

      Now available in arctic-fresh XML!

    2. Re:The list by Qzukk · · Score: 1

      publishing the names and addresses of individuals like this is a very dangerous thing to do.

      As opposed to arresting people for doing business with individuals and companies that were on the list that nobody is allowed to see?

      --
      If I have been able to see further than others, it is because I bought a pair of binoculars.
    3. Re:The List by Wellington+Grey · · Score: 1

      Check out page #8, middle section: AHMED THE EGYPTIAN and AHMED THE TALL.

      "Oh my god run! It's a tall Egyptian and his name is Ahmed!

      -Grey

    4. Re:The List by ColdWetDog · · Score: 1
      Let's Slashdot the server! It would be like DDOS attack on the airline industry - we'll bring air transportation to a halt.

      Oh, wait, they don't need any help. Sorry. Nevermind.

      --
      Faster! Faster! Faster would be better!
    5. Re:The List by mink · · Score: 1

      Watch for when you hit all those Johns from Grovers Mill.

      John Smallberries
      John Bigbootay
      John Yaya

      --
      Well I've wrestled with reality for thirty five years doctor, and I'm happy to say I finally won out over it.
  5. Good by solevita · · Score: 4, Funny

    Businesses have used it to screen applicants for home and car loans, apartments and even exercise equipment
    Thank the lord. This should keep the bodies of criminal masterminds weak and undeveloped; the last thing we need is some super-villain of unimaginable upper body strength. Well done law makers, keep up the good work.
    1. Re:Good by solevita · · Score: 4, Insightful

      There is absolutely nothing funny about any of this. Wake the hell up guys - this isn't a game.
      This statement is, by the very definition of terrorism, incorrect.

      The aim of terrorism is to instil terror into the population at large. If you become terrified, then the terrorists have beaten you.

      World governments and their agencies can fight terrorism with (supposedly) practical measures, whilst the rest of us can fight terrorism by not being terrified. By mocking terrorists we're showing that they're really not achieving their goals. Go outside and declare that you're not afraid; keep flying in planes, keep going on underground trains, keep buying exercise equipment. Keep living your life, not some shadow of previous freedom you once enjoyed. The chances of being involved in a motor accident are much higher than the chances of being the victim of terrorism; don't tell me that you've stopped driving as well.
  6. Which countries will be on the list? by SpaghettiCoder · · Score: 1, Insightful

    This will be the difference between ill-advised economic protectionism that may adversely affect the computing/IT sector, and making a significant impact on countries that indirectly support terrorism. If we're serious about combating terrorism, only Muslim countries with sectarian influence at government level should be on the list. And since the Wahabi ideology behind terrorism come from Saudi Arabia, that would mean the oil Arabs should go on the list too.

    1. Re:Which countries will be on the list? by Mister+Whirly · · Score: 1

      "If we're serious about combating terrorism"

      We are not serious about combating terrorism, we are serious about appearing to combat terrorists.

      --
      "But this one goes to 11!"
  7. Don't give up your SSN! by MalleusEBHC · · Score: 4, Interesting

    I bought a car about 6 months ago, and I ran into this. Even though I was paying straight cash, they demanded my SSN so they could run a credit report. They said that they needed to run a credit report to see if I was on this list. I argued with them that I was paying cash, they didn't needed my SSN, etc., but it was late and I eventually relented just to keep the process moving. I had never heard of the list before, so I wasn't very prepared to put up a good argument. Later when I got home I found that the list was online. That made me even more angry, both at the dealership and at myself for not knowing better.

    Don't give up your SSN to people who don't need it!

    1. Re:Don't give up your SSN! by Billosaur · · Score: 3, Insightful

      Your experience points up the reason for the list in the first place: to block transactions that might be used by drug dealers, et. al. A cash transaction is exactly the kind of thing that could be labeled as suspicious, since drug dealers and their ilk often use legitimate purchases as a method of laundering money. And they don't do it in large amounts; a few thousand here and there is often good enough. So even though you were paying cash, that could still be construed as suspicious.

      Mind you, I'm not defending the practice. I frankly think no drug dealer or terrorist in their right mind would use their name or the name of any of their known associates to move money around. far easier to get faceless minions to do it, whom they can disavow easily. It only seems to be a trap for law-abiding citizens who have the unfortunate problem of having a name similar to their local drug kingpin or international terrorist.

      --
      GetOuttaMySpace - The Anti-Social Network
    2. Re:Don't give up your SSN! by WindBourne · · Score: 4, Insightful

      Funny thing is that no known terrorists who comes to America uses their real name. They use a different one. Without a pix, this lists has only 1 use; the ability to harass and jail others. And even then, the pix can be easily fooled (add or lose weight; fake implants in the cheek; die hair; grow or lose a mustache; cosmetic surgery; etc).

      --
      I prefer the "u" in honour as it seems to be missing these days.
    3. Re:Don't give up your SSN! by zoney_ie · · Score: 1

      I'm glad that as yet, I can buy goods in my country without having any special number.

      --
      -- *~()____) This message will self-destruct in 5 seconds...
    4. Re:Don't give up your SSN! by elrous0 · · Score: 1

      Wouldn't a REAL terrorist or criminal just use a fake ID?

      --
      SJW: Someone who has run out of real oppression, and has to fake it.
    5. Re:Don't give up your SSN! by IL-CSIXTY4 · · Score: 1

      My guess is that the feds would argue that this is a plus, because then they could go after them for having & using a fake ID. It's kind of like how they ended up going after Capone for tax evasion. But that's just a hunch. That and $1 will get you a Coke.

    6. Re:Don't give up your SSN! by Ron+Bennett · · Score: 1

      Perhaps, but more likely they wanted to pull your credit score so they could push financing, which typically is more profitable for dealers.

      Ron

    7. Re:Don't give up your SSN! by solevita · · Score: 1

      The 911 hijackers used their real names and valid ID. Sure, most ended up invalidating their visas, but only because of factors such as letting it expire or not enrolling for college despite having a student visa. That's not the point however, the point is that a lot of bad things can be done without fake ID. The same thing applied in the recent London bombings as well.

      Believe it or not, but name checks and ID aren't the way to counter terrorism.

    8. Re:Don't give up your SSN! by veganboyjosh · · Score: 1

      You mean my underage roommate is a terrorist?

    9. Re:Don't give up your SSN! by TykeClone · · Score: 1

      They don't need your SSN to compare you to the list - just your name.

      But if you were paying more than $10,000 cash for a vehicle, that might trigger a CTR (not sure if that's a requirement for car dealers though), in which case they do need your SSN.

      --
      A fine is a tax you pay for doing wrong and a tax is a fine you pay for doing all right.
    10. Re:Don't give up your SSN! by SpaghettiCoder · · Score: 1

      I agree that seems likely. Right on the money.

    11. Re:Don't give up your SSN! by SQL_SAM · · Score: 1

      ask 12 million of our "Illegal" aliens, they seem to think fake ID's are no big deal.

      --
      There are 10 types of people in the world: Those that know Binary and those who don't.
    12. Re:Don't give up your SSN! by Ungrounded+Lightning · · Score: 1

      I bought a car about 6 months ago, and I ran into this. Even though I was paying straight cash, they demanded my SSN so they could run a credit report. They said that they needed to run a credit report to see if I was on this list. I argued with them that I was paying cash, they didn't needed my SSN, etc., but it was late and I eventually relented just to keep the process moving.

      You should have taken the unsigned contract (with the model and price info) and walked out.

      It's amazing how fast that turns sales people around.

      And if they don't do a 180, just go to another dealer, ask for the manager, tell them what happened, and offer to buy the car for cash from him at the same price as you'd have paid the other guy. (For him it's a better deal: HE gets the sales commission and doesn't have to waste his and a salesman's time.)

      --
      Bantam Dominique roosters crow a four-note song. Once you've heard it as "Happy BIRTHday" you can't NOT hear it that way
    13. Re:Don't give up your SSN! by TykeClone · · Score: 1

      Then they do need the SSN.

      --
      A fine is a tax you pay for doing wrong and a tax is a fine you pay for doing all right.
  8. Re:Yankee doodle dandy by SpaghettiCoder · · Score: 1

    So if you haven't got an English-sounding name, you must have one of the Muslim names on this list? Don't think so.

  9. Obligatory Quote by C3ntaur · · Score: 4, Insightful

    "Did you really think we want those laws observed?" said Dr. Ferris. "We want them to be broken. You'd better get it straight that it's not a bunch of boy scouts you're up against... We're after power and we mean it... There's no way to rule innocent men. The only power any government has is the power to crack down on criminals. Well, when there aren't enough criminals one makes them. One declares so many things to be a crime that it becomes impossible for men to live without breaking laws. Who wants a nation of law-abiding citizens? What's there in that for anyone? But just pass the kind of laws that can neither be observed nor enforced or objectively interpreted - and you create a nation of law-breakers - and then you cash in on guilt. Now that's the system, Mr. Reardon, that's the game, and once you understand it, you'll be much easier to deal with." ('Atlas Shrugged' 1957)

    --
    Loading...
    1. Re:Obligatory Quote by apathy+maybe · · Score: 1

      This quote might be relevant. But the rest of her shitty books and philosophy are not.

      It is not even a particularly original observation. The fascists and Nazis knew this, Orwell warned against it etc.

      --
      I wank in the shower.
    2. Re:Obligatory Quote by monkeydo · · Score: 1

      You dare disrespect the great Ayn Rand?!??!!?!? I hope you are prepared for the mighty wrath of the Slashdot anarcholibertarian cabal. The free market will decide your fate!

      --
      Si vis pacem, para bellum
      The only thing more annoying than a Libertarian is an (un|mis)informed Libertarian
  10. Any actual evidence? by Weston+O'Reilly · · Score: 1

    Is there any actual evidence that unwittingly selling a sandwich to someone on this list would actually put a deli owner in legal jeopardy?

    1. Re:Any actual evidence? by danpsmith · · Score: 1

      Is there any actual evidence that unwittingly selling a sandwich to someone on this list would actually put a deli owner in legal jeopardy?

      To make sure you weren't selling a sandwich to someone on this list you'd reasonably have to ID every person you sell a sandwich to. Somehow I don't think that would stand up in court, so no, there's no actual evidence to that fact and I severely doubt there ever will be.

      I'm not exactly sure why someone like Bin Laden would be able to be at your deli to buy a sandwich in the US without being nabbed by authorities who you think would be looking for him I don't know, just a little bit. But either way, this looks to be a nice case of hyperbole, or maybe just an old fashion exaggeration. Either way, no.

      --
      Judges and senates have been bought for gold; Esteem and love were never to be sold.
  11. Obligatory Simpsons Quote by Mothra+the+III · · Score: 1, Offtopic

    Those who would trade freedom for security deserve neither

    Just kidding, this quote shows up on every one of these discussions. Please mod insightful

    --
    Worst. Sig. Ever.
  12. Antidiscrimination laws by PIPBoy3000 · · Score: 4, Funny
    What will be interesting is when this list comes into contact with established anti-discrimination laws. Looking at the list, they're all rather "foreign sounding". I'm guessing some folks think to themselves "Abdul? Well, there's another Abdul on the list, so I better not loan money to this guy."

    On a brighter note, it looks like Slobodan Milosevic won't be getting a car loan here in the states any time soon:

    MILOSEVIC, Slobodan; DOB 20 Aug 1941; POB Pozarevac, Serbia and Montenegro; ex-FRY President; ICTY indictee in custody (individual) [BALKANS]
    1. Re:Antidiscrimination laws by ray-auch · · Score: 1

      On a brighter note, it looks like Slobodan Milosevic won't be getting a car loan here in the states any time soon:

      Since he's _dead_, getting a loan in his name would come under another entirely different statue (ie. fraud).

    2. Re:Antidiscrimination laws by TheGratefulNet · · Score: 1

      On a brighter note, it looks like Slobodan Milosevic won't be getting a car loan here in the states any time soon

      yeah, but he did get a heck of a deal on his car insurance...

      --

      --
      "It is now safe to switch off your computer."
    3. Re:Antidiscrimination laws by Red+Flayer · · Score: 1

      What will be interesting is when this list comes into contact with established anti-discrimination laws.
      What anti-discrimination laws would apply to this? Seriously, at the federal level, are there any anti-discrimination statutes on the books that prevent the federal government from using nationality and/or race as a factor in determining who gets on this list? I couldn't find a single one.

      And it's worth noting that for each of the people on the list (in theory if not in fact), the US government has specific reasons for them to be there, which would tend to make it very hard to show any kind of discrimination.
      --
      "Trolls they were, but filled with the evil will of their master: a fell race..." -- J.R.R. Tolkien on Olog-hai
    4. Re:Antidiscrimination laws by FishWithAHammer · · Score: 1

      ...Geico has a phone line to the afterlife?

      --
      "You can either have software quality or you can have pointer arithmetic, but you cannot have both at the same time."
    5. Re:Antidiscrimination laws by Builder · · Score: 1

      Yeah, but since he's dead now, he can probably still vote there.

  13. Forgetting a fact by stratjakt · · Score: 1, Insightful

    These are all foreign nationals and do not have any inherent right to do business in the US.

    If you apply for any sort of credit they'll ask for proof of citizenship/residency and bypass this list. If you can't provide either, sucks to be you. Apply for credit in Iran.

    Also, nobody has ever been jailed for selling a fucking sandwich to the wrong guy. That's just FUD.

    --
    I don't need no instructions to know how to rock!!!!
    1. Re:Forgetting a fact by Billosaur · · Score: 2, Informative

      Also, nobody has ever been jailed for selling a fucking sandwich to the wrong guy. That's just FUD.

      True, but people have been arrested for less.

      --
      GetOuttaMySpace - The Anti-Social Network
    2. Re:Forgetting a fact by Rob+the+Bold · · Score: 1

      Also, nobody has ever been jailed for selling a fucking sandwich to the wrong guy. That's just FUD.

      Yeah. Cause these post-911 laws/regs/orders would never be abused by the authorities or used in a way that exceeded the original intent.

      --
      I am not a crackpot.
    3. Re:Forgetting a fact by stratjakt · · Score: 1

      Most of the shit on the list is cuban corps and websites.

      The list is 50+ years old, and has nothing to do with 9-11.

      --
      I don't need no instructions to know how to rock!!!!
    4. Re:Forgetting a fact by Weston+O'Reilly · · Score: 1

      In theory, sure. That's the problem with all of these breathless pronouncements of the post 9/11 police state - a few hastily written laws creates a lot of potential abuses, in theory. There are very few totally clean (i.e., not tainted by some relationship to real terrorists) examples of these abuses. How many times have we heard that Bush critics can be thrown in Gitmo as enemy combatants? Could it technically happen? I guess, if you go by the letter of the law. Has it ever happened? No chance.

      Your best example you folks trot out is Jose Padilla, a terrorist who had his civil rights abused. Hardly a clean example.

    5. Re:Forgetting a fact by misanthrope101 · · Score: 1

      These are all foreign nationals and do not have any inherent right to do business in the US.
      Neither do you. If we're going by a legalistic, "let's see if we can find this written in the Constitution" sense of freedom, then you have precious few of them, and even those have been interpreted out of existence--"free speech zones" and so on.

      The Constitution grants the government not plenary, but enumerated powers. Even if we quibble over the fine points of what powers it should have, the foundational logic is that you have to present a case to justify the government abridging freedom, as opposed to having to present a case to justify that freedom.

      The government making a list and checking it twice doesn't make you naughty, and it sure doesn't give them a broad authority to threaten all and sundry with jail and fines for something as nebulous as "all financial transactions." Something this vague is bound to be abused, so much so that it must have been designed that way. Will an ex-Haliburton CEO be charged with trading with Iran? No, but if something this nebulous is allowed to pass then they can pop up and arrest anyone they want without having to justify it. If you make enough bad law, everyone is a criminal, and whoever holds the reins of the Justice Department can politicize enforcement to keep one party in power forever. Alternatively, they can just use it as a club against anyone and everyone they don't like--Cindy Sheehan, Michael Moore, etc.

      We have to be vigilant almost to the point of parania in protecting our freedom. Freedom isn't free, and the cost is a suspicion of our own government. Trusting the government with fair and non-politicized enforcement of vague law is a cancer to freedom.

    6. Re:Forgetting a fact by Oligonicella · · Score: 1

      "...only conspiracy to abduct and murder people."

      Yeah, that's so unterroristic, ain't it?

    7. Re:Forgetting a fact by Oligonicella · · Score: 1

      "We have to be vigilant almost to the point of parania in protecting our freedom."

      By the way, that includes noncitizens who would brung our government and society down, you now.

    8. Re:Forgetting a fact by SQL_SAM · · Score: 1

      Yeah. Cause these post-911 laws/regs/orders would never be abused by the authorities or used in a way that exceeded the original intent. I tend to agree with your statement, you'd have to be a paranoid nutt to think otherwise - unless you can prove it to me other wise Thaaaaaaaanks.

      --
      There are 10 types of people in the world: Those that know Binary and those who don't.
    9. Re:Forgetting a fact by asninn · · Score: 1

      Also, nobody has ever been jailed for selling a fucking sandwich to the wrong guy. That's just FUD.

      It's not FUD, for the simple reason that the law *does* indeed make it illegal to sell a sandwich to the wrong guy. It doesn't matter that nobody's been prosecuted for it so far (how do you KNOW it's never happened, anyway?); if something's illegal, it's illegal, and pointing out that something IS, in fact, illegal (assuming that that statement is true) is not FUD.

      I wouldn't trust the government if there was a law and if it was promised that it would not actually be enforced. Here, we have a law and NO promise that it won't be enforced - just something that superficially resembles circumstantial evidence but that really isn't any because you didn't (and can't) verify it and that you just pulled out of your arse, using the logic that because you didn't hear about it, it must never have happened. Why should I trust THAT?

      --
      butter the donkey
  14. Balanced Journalism by YouTalkinToMe · · Score: 4, Insightful

    What I love about articles like this is the attempt at "balance". Notice that there are three or four examples of people who are wrongly denied services (of the how many thousand cases that have transpired?). And to "balance" this, they give what was probably the only case in history where such a check might have been relevant (at the end of the article). And even in that case, denying him a car wouldn't have changed anything. It isn't as if he couldn't take the bus to the airport.

    Although this article isn't as bad as some (for example, most articles on global warming or evolution), it is a typical example of how trying to provide "balance" gives people the wrong impression of how likely different events are (i.e., in the article 4 false positives to one real hit, in reality probably many thousands of false positives to one real hit).

    1. Re:Balanced Journalism by advocate_one · · Score: 1

      And even in that case, denying him a car wouldn't have changed anything. It isn't as if he couldn't take the bus to the airport.

      just wait until they make bus drivers check intending passengers against the list when they want a ticket at the bus-stop... after all it is a financial transaction...

      --
      Donald 'Duck' Dunn: We had a band powerful enough to turn goat piss into gasoline.
  15. Lemme get this straight... by blakmac · · Score: 2, Insightful

    "Molly Millerwise, a Treasury Department spokeswomen, acknowledged that there are "challenges" in complying with the rules but said that the department has extensive guidance on compliance, both on the OFAC Web site and in workshops with industry representatives. She also said most businesses can root out "false positives" on their own. If not, OFAC suggests contacting the firm that provided the screening software or calling an OFAC hotline."


    That's great, unless you live in a place like I do in Southeast Texas (or probably most of the small towns in the south). People here are always making comments like "you never know, they could be a terrorist" or using what they call 'racial profiling' as an excuse to promote their prejudiced ways. Note: They call it racial profiling, (not political groups, but the rednecks I hear this from) so as not to sound racist. I call that a failure and a coverup. Their actions and statements reinforce their true beliefs. "Most businesses" around here are either not intellegent enough or biased against people to begin with, giving them a list (read: excuse) won't help matters any.
    --
    http://wstewart.php0h.com - the sugarbuzz project blog
    1. Re:Lemme get this straight... by danpsmith · · Score: 1

      That's great, unless you live in a place like I do in Southeast Texas (or probably most of the small towns in the south). People here are always making comments like "you never know, they could be a terrorist" or using what they call 'racial profiling' as an excuse to promote their prejudiced ways. Note: They call it racial profiling, (not political groups, but the rednecks I hear this from) so as not to sound racist. I call that a failure and a coverup. Their actions and statements reinforce their true beliefs. "Most businesses" around here are either not intellegent enough or biased against people to begin with, giving them a list (read: excuse) won't help matters any.

      Thanks for reminding me why I don't want to move to the south =P. This might get modded as flamebait, but it's actually true, despite all the bonuses I didn't want to move to Texas or the deep south for cultural and political reasons.

      --
      Judges and senates have been bought for gold; Esteem and love were never to be sold.
    2. Re:Lemme get this straight... by blakmac · · Score: 1

      it's really not the south as a whole, but the idiots that unfortunately have power down here now. there are many benefits to living in texas. but one must take the bad with the good.

      --
      http://wstewart.php0h.com - the sugarbuzz project blog
  16. Re:Yankee doodle dandy by Moggyboy · · Score: 2, Interesting

    That's exactly the sort of response I would expect. Although there's no mention of the list being of exclusively Arabic-sounding names, YOUR immediate assumption is that that's what it is. Or insert-whatever-the-TV-says-the-current-world-evil -is sounding names.

    --
    Work smarter, not harder.
  17. SDN isn't new. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Informative

    The use of this list in war ("War on Terror") isn't new. Regardless of the merits of this war, the gem below is from http://www.treas.gov/offices/enforcement/ofac/faq/ answer.shtml.

    How long has OFAC been around?

    The Treasury Department has a long history of dealing with sanctions. Dating back prior to the War of 1812, Secretary of the Treasury Gallatin administered sanctions imposed against Great Britain for the harassment of American sailors. During the Civil War, Congress approved a law which prohibited transactions with the Confederacy, called for the forfeiture of goods involved in such transactions, and provided a licensing regime under rules and regulations administered by Treasury.

    OFAC is the successor to the Office of Foreign Funds Control (the ``FFC''), which was established at the advent of World War II following the German invasion of Norway in 1940. The FFC program was administered by the Secretary of the Treasury throughout the war. The FFC's initial purpose was to prevent Nazi use of the occupied countries' holdings of foreign exchange and securities and to prevent forced repatriation of funds belonging to nationals of those countries. These controls were later extended to protect assets of other invaded countries. After the United States formally entered World War II, the FFC played a leading role in economic warfare against the Axis powers by blocking enemy assets and prohibiting foreign trade and financial transactions.

    OFAC itself was formally created in December 1950, following the entry of China into the Korean War, when President Truman declared a national emergency and blocked all Chinese and North Korean assets subject to U.S. jurisdiction. [05-02-06]


    Full disclosure: I make money by providing software to automatically manage the SDN list for companies that do international trade. You'd be surprised how many people qualify for "hits" against this list and how much manual work needs to be done to clear them.

  18. Useless by mwvdlee · · Score: 1

    All you need to circumvent these lists is a fake ID.

    --
    Slashdot social media options: AIM, ICQ, Yahoo, Jabber and Mobile Text. Why no MySpace?
  19. The list is so flawed it's funny by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Informative

    Well, not funny to the people who are caught by it.

    The "current" list has a modification date of "3/7/2007", but it still has Saddam Hussein on the list. Yes, that Saddam Hussein. The one who was hung last year. He is listed as being president of Iraq since 1979.

    So, if Saddam Hussein comes out of the grave as an undead zombie and visits the United States he will need to use a new alias if he wants to get a mortgage.

    That makes me feel much safer.

    1. Re:The list is so flawed it's funny by TykeClone · · Score: 1

      He's still on there because the estate hasn't closed yet.

      --
      A fine is a tax you pay for doing wrong and a tax is a fine you pay for doing all right.
    2. Re:The list is so flawed it's funny by MillionthMonkey · · Score: 1

      The "current" list has a modification date of "3/7/2007", but it still has Saddam Hussein on the list. Yes, that Saddam Hussein.
      And the ultimate irony here is that Saddam Hussein never had any connection to terrorism.
    3. Re:The list is so flawed it's funny by mOdQuArK! · · Score: 1

      Well, terrorism outside his own country anyway.

    4. Re:The list is so flawed it's funny by SQL_SAM · · Score: 1
      From someone who works with and creates databases. Sometimes data is not to be deleted, ever here of Data warehousing? some data can be needed for referencing purposes, showing links, showing parent relationships etc, etc, etc...

      lets say, Bob is a cousin (or some other bad dude) of Sadam, if you delete Sadam is Bob now any less evil? Or if you simply flag Sadam as dead but dont delete Sadam you lose nothing, and can still pull up all the attrocities of Sadam.

      I think the funnies part of my post is that I have to explain databases to someone on slashdot LMAO!

      --
      There are 10 types of people in the world: Those that know Binary and those who don't.
    5. Re:The list is so flawed it's funny by arth1 · · Score: 2, Informative

      And the ultimate irony here is that Saddam Hussein never had any connection to terrorism.

      He used to have strong links to the CIA.

      Regards,
      --
      *Art
    6. Re:The list is so flawed it's funny by MillionthMonkey · · Score: 1

      ell, terrorism outside his own country anyway.
      What are you talking about?

      I was referring to one of the other 999 guys from Tikrit with the name "Saddam Hussein".
  20. Hackers by flyingfsck · · Score: 1

    How long till that list gets hacked and the whole House of Representatives gets added to it? ;)

    --
    Excuse me, but please get off my Pennisetum Clandestinum, eh!
    1. Re:Hackers by arivanov · · Score: 1

      Well...
      They already have half of Macedonia on it. There is an individual named Milan Ivanovic. That is almost like adding John Doe or John Smith to it.

      --
      Baker's Law: Misery no longer loves company. Nowadays it insists on it
      http://www.sigsegv.cx/
    2. Re:Hackers by alienmole · · Score: 1

      How long before Slashdot trolls like SPAGHETTICODER (a.k.a. 1073236) are recognised for the terrorists they are, and end up with their friends in Guantanamo Bay?

      Seriously, if you turn every little thing into terrorism, the word becomes meaningless, and when the real terrorists blow up a nuclear bomb in your home city and kill you and everyone you know, you'll be able to thank all the time they wasted on overzealously prosecuting misdemeanors under laws originally created for truly dangerous enemies of the state. Try to keep things in perspective. You don't call house burglars terrorists, do you?

      (In case you think I'm overreacting, where I'm coming from is that in Moorestown NJ recently, a 16-year old was arrested at school and charged with making a terrorist threat. So maybe he threatened to blow up the school, I dunno, it wasn't made public. The problem with that is that using the same word for it as the people who killed thousands of people using planes as missiles is ludicrous, insane. It's a kid with a frickin' disciplinary problem. Let's keep things in perspective, shall we?)

  21. Whoops cat got my tongue by sveard · · Score: 1

    If I were a terrorist I'd have this list sync'ed on my PDA to remind me to use a fake ID which is NOT on the list

    That way I could buy some exercise equipment without exposing myself

    1. Re:Whoops cat got my tongue by SpaghettiCoder · · Score: 1

      I'm sure the computer systems have much more information on them than just these names which have been released to the public.

  22. What's next? Sentenced to invisibility? by HTH+NE1 · · Score: 1

    "It's a world much like our own, yet much unlike it. A twisted mirror of reality, in which a man can find himself cast out, made invisible by public acclamation, belonging no longer to society, but only to the gray reaches... of the Twilight Zone."

    The Twilight Zone (1985): "To See the Invisible Man"

    --
    Oh, say does that Star-Spangled Banner entwine / The myrtle of Venus with Bacchus's vine?
  23. reading my bills... by eosp · · Score: 4, Insightful

    This note is legal tender for ALL debts, public and private. (emphasis mine) -- US $1 Bill

    1. Re:reading my bills... by flyingfsck · · Score: 1

      Well, the list prevents people from incurring debt in the first place, so use of money then becomes moot.

      --
      Excuse me, but please get off my Pennisetum Clandestinum, eh!
  24. I'd like to understand by aadvancedGIR · · Score: 1

    If someone receive a NSL, he needs to shut up because of the security risk if the investigated person knows (I can undersqtand to a certain extend), but a federal agency is publically giving away a plaintext list of a lot of people they are monitoring. Am I the only one who finds that weird?

    1. Re:I'd like to understand by maxume · · Score: 1

      It's not a list of people they are monitoring(it's too big), it's a list of people that are on a list. It serves the important government function of appearing to be doing something.

      --
      Nerd rage is the funniest rage.
  25. Back of bus by Fuzzums · · Score: 2, Insightful

    One day the 'specially designated nationals' will have to sit in the back of the bus.

    My apologies to the people who I may offend now, but these measures are getting more and more ridiculous by the day (just like it was rediculious that people based on skin color had to sit in the back of the bus), and nobody is doing anything about it (yet).

    --
    Privacy is terrorism.
    1. Re:Back of bus by SpaghettiCoder · · Score: 1

      Well look if I knew one of those guys was on the bus I would get off the bus pretty fast. In the Netherlands you've had politicians shot dead by these types of people. How could you tolerate them on your bus?

    2. Re:Back of bus by Fuzzums · · Score: 1

      AFAIK it was only one politician and believe me: the friends of the one who shot that politician even didn't expect him to do such a thing.
      So: how vague do the criteria have to be to get persons like him on a list and how many people would be on such a list as a result of that vague criteria.

      You could be on that list for being a vegetarian. Or foreigner. Or Arabic, jew or black or whatever (gristian, white, poor)........

      --
      Privacy is terrorism.
    3. Re:Back of bus by Rob+the+Bold · · Score: 1

      . . . in the Netherlands you've had politicians shot dead . . .

      Politician, not politicians.

      by these types of people

      You mean, people who couldn't buy sandwiches? Or are you going for a particular religion or ethnic group?

      --
      I am not a crackpot.
    4. Re:Back of bus by SpaghettiCoder · · Score: 1

      Going for Muslims.

    5. Re:Back of bus by Rob+the+Bold · · Score: 1

      Going for Muslims.

      Isn't that going to be difficult, from a practical standpoint? Not you getting off the bus, I mean, but identifying the religion of other riders? There are Muslim believers in just about all identifiable (and unidentifiable) ethnic and racial groups. And all these groups contain persons of other faiths as well. Style of dress isn't reliable, because a person can change clothes to appear to be someone else.

      --
      I am not a crackpot.
    6. Re:Back of bus by SpaghettiCoder · · Score: 1

      Perhaps some kind of technological solution might help somewhat, although it wouldn't be an absolute safeguard. If you could only board the bus if your RFID implant scans OK, for instance. In day to day dealings with strangers including commercial transations, it's an ever-present risk that we don't really know who they are (background-wise: their religion, forefathers' religion, country of origin, regional associations, socio-economic status etc). If we had RFID chips I could deal with you happily and safely, in the knowledge that you don't frequent mosques where inflammatory rhetoric is the norm, you don't take out library books on how to make munitions, etc). We could just rely on the software and not have to ask impertinent questions that might be considered rude. With this kind of technology, it becomes safe to use the bus once again because the bad guys couldn't even board without setting off alarms.

    7. Re:Back of bus by mink · · Score: 1

      "take out library books on how to make munitions"

      So there is no reason for this but terrorism?

      --
      Well I've wrestled with reality for thirty five years doctor, and I'm happy to say I finally won out over it.
  26. Since I'm a law-abiding citizen... by dpilot · · Score: 4, Insightful

    There's the old line:
    Since I'm a law-abiding citizen, I see no problem with government surveillance, wiretaps-without-warrants, etc. They NEED these things to fight TERRORISM!!!

    Are you SURE you're a law-abiding citizen? Do you know about this "Anti-Terror List?" How about the other Anti-Terror List, and that other one, over there? Do you KNOW for sure that everyone you've ever done any sort of business with is not on one of these lists, especially the secret ones that you're not allowed to see?

    Then maybe you're not really a law-abiding citizen, you just don't and can't know it, at least not until WE want to tell you.

    By the way, have you ever had sex using any technique other than missionary position? If so, depending on which state you live in, you may have committed a crime!

    --
    The living have better things to do than to continue hating the dead.
    1. Re:Since I'm a law-abiding citizen... by dave420 · · Score: 1

      You seem to have an issue with ridiculous laws, as opposed to laws themselves, which is sensible :) Clearly the old addage of law-abiding citizens not having anything to worry about is bullshit, as laws ARE needed to protect people. It's when laws are made that don't protect folks that there's a problem. Clearly we need to outlaw murder and rape, as those things are not nice for anyone involved. Straight-up deep-ballin' shouldn't be illegal, no matter how insanely pornorific one's moves are.

    2. Re:Since I'm a law-abiding citizen... by djasbestos · · Score: 2, Funny

      How about I change my name to John Micheal Dave Smith and then publicly donate $1 to al-Qaeda to get into OFAC? Then I will be forever known as the man who destroyed teh economy. Pwned.

    3. Re:Since I'm a law-abiding citizen... by dpilot · · Score: 1

      To be perfectly honest, I can't give you a concrete example, even based on hearsay, about where non-missionary is illegal. But I do remember several years back hearing some sort of appeals court (Don't know if it was state or federal.) upholding a ruling against "sex toys," essentially stating that the State was permitted to forbid you to have them in the privacy of your own home.

      That's just plain silly. Consenting adults, privacy, and all of that.

      But then I think most drug laws are misdirected, too. Not that I approve of drugs, but "supply-side" drug control only raises the prices, drives crimes of financing, criminalizes too many people, and warps our foreign policy. I'd favor treating many/most drugs pretty much the same way we treat alcohol and tobacco. Those aren't perfect either, but at least they don't drag along the terrible side-effects.

      --
      The living have better things to do than to continue hating the dead.
    4. Re:Since I'm a law-abiding citizen... by terrymr · · Score: 1

      To be perfectly honest, I can't give you a concrete example, even based on hearsay, about where non-missionary is illegal

      The military according to my former MP friend.

  27. bill of attainder by Joseph_Daniel_Zukige · · Score: 1

    You don't even have to look as far as the bill of rights on this one. It's in the Constitution. Look it up on wikipedia or on the net itself. Or check out the text of the Constitution.

    Hanging by a thread yet? Still?

  28. Terror vsTerrorism by GodWasAnAlien · · Score: 1

    Terror is synonym for fear.

    "anti-terror list" makes no sense unless you are distinguishing fearful people.

    Likewise, a "war on terror" would end if less people were afraid.

    1. Re:Terror vsTerrorism by koreth · · Score: 1

      Likewise, a "war on terror" would end if less people were afraid.

      Which is probably why the proponents of the war on terror so often overhype the dangers of terrorism -- keeps everyone nice and scared.

      (I'm about 100 times more worried about dying in a traffic accident than getting even a scratch from anything remotely related to terrorism, so I guess they've failed in my case.)

  29. Re:Yankee doodle dandy by SpaghettiCoder · · Score: 1
    That is a blog using emotive tactics in a dangerous situation, which posits its premises as fact but without a shred of evidence or counter-testimony from the other side relating to the specific incidents it makes allegations about. That is a blog encouraging terrorism no more no less.

    Now OK, you say there's an organization killing and terrorizing thousands of people, but if I disagree with you about this where do we stand? Are you going to use your beliefs (from that blog or elsewhere) to hack my computer? Threaten me personally? Do you see what I mean about this? That blog just supports what I've been saying all along. Blogging in this situation is a strategy, and you're either on one side or the other.

    To thwart terrorists, if it was within my power I would shut down the blog and have the blogger arrested and interrogated. Then I would undoubtedly find (after some tough interrogation) that he has connections to people in Europe and USA supporting him with his use of technology and the media to support his cause. Taking them out and off the streets would make the world a safer place in which there would be no nasty incidents.

  30. I read your link by dharbee · · Score: 1

    And something smells funny specifically this part

    "Shinnick was finally released around 11:30 p.m., after his father paid $4,500 of $45,000 in bail. Within 24 hours, the district attorney's office dropped all charges against Shinnick.

    In July, a San Francisco Superior Court judge ruled that Shinnick was innocent by "findings of fact" -- a decision that essentially erases all record of the case.

    But by this time, Shinnick said, he'd spent about $14,000 clearing his name. He wanted that money back and he felt BofA should pay it. "

    The charges were dropped, but he went to court anyway? Huh? And the money he spent defending himself from what? Charges that were dropped already?

    What's missing here? Something just doesn't add up.

    1. Re:I read your link by Qzukk · · Score: 1

      The charges were dropped, but he went to court anyway? Huh? And the money he spent defending himself from what? Charges that were dropped already?

      The charges may have been dropped, however the arrest record would remain without suing the government to have the record purged. Not only that, but he probably had a lawyer by the time bail was set, and that lawyer would need to be paid.

      --
      If I have been able to see further than others, it is because I bought a pair of binoculars.
    2. Re:I read your link by dharbee · · Score: 1

      Did you read this part?

      "Within 24 hours, the district attorney's office dropped all charges against Shinnick."

    3. Re:I read your link by dharbee · · Score: 1

      "If he had a bail, he probably had a bail hearing. If he had a hearing, he probably had a lawyer."

      Possibly, and possibly. In neither case is it a certainty. More importantly, 14000 is astoundingly high for a bail hearing. In neither case was it a guarantee. Bail is often (very often) set without the presence of an attorney, so your assumptions are at best, possible, and more likely, wrong.

      And as I said, even if he did have an attorney, 14000 is a ridiculously unrealistic sum for attending a bail hearing.

    4. Re:I read your link by terrymr · · Score: 1

      Well there's the $4500 fee to the bondsman for a start - he doesn't care that the charges were dropped. His fee is fully earned the minute you leave your jail cell.

      So that leaves $9000 to cover everything else, attorney, booking fee (believe it or not some counties make you pay for being arrested even if you're innocent), misc court fees (for filing petitions to clear your name) etc.

    5. Re:I read your link by dharbee · · Score: 1

      "So that leaves $9000 to cover everything else, attorney, booking fee (believe it or not some counties make you pay for being arrested even if you're innocent), misc court fees (for filing petitions to clear your name) etc."

      Sure. And 9500 (not 9000) is still way too high, like well outside the realm of what's possible for that list of costs too high. You're talking attorney + a few hundred dollars. It still doesn't add up.

  31. Mark of The Beast by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Insightful

    It's just about here. You will not be able to buy or sell *anything* (legally) without being branded with "The Mark". If you refuse to take the mark, then you must be a terrorist and that will get you added to the list.

    Perhaps the religious wackos aren't so wacko after all, because every fucking wacko thing they predicted is slowly but surely coming true.

    1. Re:Mark of the beast by Jim+in+Buffalo · · Score: 1

      And the ID number could be right there on your forehead or the right hand for easy reference and scanning. Think of the convenience!

      --
      This sig, aah-ah, is comin' like a ghost-sig...
    2. Re:Mark of the beast by happy*nix · · Score: 1

      Actually I pray to my Heavenly Father. Who BTW would like nothing more than to have me (and you, all of us actually) become like him and inherit ALL that he has in both power and knowledge.

      --
      Gone to my happy place.
    3. Re:Mark of the beast by tekrat · · Score: 1

      Sure and while we're at it, let's also post an armed soldier on every streetcorner to make everyone "safe", let's commence widespread surveilance on all people within our borders to make sure none of them are out to harm us, and let's inject everyone with GPS tracking RFID so we can know their movements and make sure everyone is doing just what they are supposed to.

      It's only one step down that slipperly slope to an Orwellian Police State. King George W. Bush the Dictator would approve. Hey, don't get me wrong, I'm all for making this a nice quiet nightmare of unbridled government power -- maybe people will finally get the hint and we'll have a true American Revolution so that people finally get to appreciate their freedom.

      It seems to me that this country is wallowing in corruption, is totally controlled by large corporations and is badly in need of correction. And the only way to get that is to clamp down so hard on the people that they revolt.

      We *need* to have a few cities burn down and few million killed in riots. It's actually the only way I see to restore the freedoms we are supposed to have and again have a government of the people, for the people.

      Otherwise we're just kidding ourselves about what kind of country we are living in.

      --
      If telephones are outlawed, then only outlaws will have telephones.
  32. Re:Yankee doodle dandy by Moggyboy · · Score: 1
    Yes and we should all be fitted with hormone/adrenaline inhibitors and have our interactions recorded 24/7 too. Would that also make you happy? You purport to be about democracy and freedom of speech, and look what it comes down to.

    "using emotive tactics in a dangerous situation, which posits its premises as fact but without a shred of evidence or counter-testimony"?

    Sounds like the reasons the U.S. invaded in the first place.

    --
    Work smarter, not harder.
  33. **yawn** by thanksforthecrabs · · Score: 1

    Yes, we'd be SO much safer without such a list

  34. If we save just one life... by MillionthMonkey · · Score: 2, Funny

    ...by preventing a terrorist from getting any money to repair his car, then of course I'm all for it.

    What if we let him fix his car and then he drives it into a skyscraper?

  35. Having (almost) done business with someone... by GiMP · · Score: 2, Interesting

    My business was contacted over a year ago by an organization on this list, looking to purchase web hosting. They had provided a credit card and it was automatically authorized. (but funds were not captured) I recognized the website as being that of a rebellion army listed by the USA and the EU as being a terrorist organization. They were at the time being hosted with another US-based company.

    I had thought that providing services to them would be a double-edged sword. I did not have any particular interest in hosting a terrorist site, but I do not believe in censorship. Additionally, I suspected that such sites would be a good source of information for their enemies. (such as the US) On the other hand, there could be a legal danger of providing such services. Having myself worked for another hosting company that had itself hosted Al Qaeda's website during 9/11, I knew that this was no laughing matter.

    Concerned, I contacted Homeland Security and the Department of Defence, which referred me to the FBI. The FBI expressed interest in this enough to have me speak with an agent via telephone. They requested to meet me in person, but due to string of bank robberies, they didn't have the time to follow through, and finally told me (by phone) that they had no problem with my company accepting money from this organization and providing services to them.

    In the end, I thought it was too risky, only having a verbal confirmation of such, and decided to reject this customer. It was a few months afterwards, that I discovered this list, which was never mentioned to me by any of the discussed government agencies. At that time, I was happy to have rejected the business, but was angry that I was mislead into believing that I could safely conduct business with that organization.

    In this case, I had gone through all the official channels I thought were neccessary and wise, and yet, if I had followed their advice, I would have been breaking the law! Heck, just by corresponding with these people, I likely broke some law or another. I'm quite certain at this point, that by running a small-business, esspecially online, you're just asking for reasons to be put into Guantanamo. Not that they need reasons, anymore.

    At no time was I told that I shouldn't discuss this matter, so I assume that I'm free to do so, although I probably shouldn't make such assumptions.

    1. Re:Having (almost) done business with someone... by SpaghettiCoder · · Score: 1

      I don't think it's a good idea to discuss it. If the FBI discussed it with you that's good. I've reported people I suspect to be internet terrorists too, but didn't hear anything.

    2. Re:Having (almost) done business with someone... by GiMP · · Score: 1

      Being that I didn't indicate *what* group, I hope it should be safe enough. Besides, I no longer reside in the US. They can either extridite me, or wait until I decide to risk getting Sklyarov'ed. Not that I really expect them to get all riled up by vague references to events that might not have actually happened, it is the internet, after all.

    3. Re:Having (almost) done business with someone... by DeepHurtn! · · Score: 1
      At no time was I told that I shouldn't discuss this matter, so I assume that I'm free to do so, although I probably shouldn't make such assumptions.

      What the hell has happened to your country?

    4. Re:Having (almost) done business with someone... by GiMP · · Score: 1

      "I'm quite certain at this point, that by running a small-business, esspecially online, you're just asking for reasons to be put into Guantanamo. Not that they need reasons, anymore."

      Why dont you just put on your tin foil hat



      The whole point is that these laws are far-extending, if not simply vague. Will they arrest the average joe-business-owner? Probably not. However, they could. The fact that they can is scary enough, as demonstrated by the famous quote of Martin Niemöller.
    5. Re:Having (almost) done business with someone... by SQL_SAM · · Score: 1
      You do realise our Government or any Government for that matter is not a constant. Government can be changed (especially in America) and overthrown if need be (our founding fathers believed that a government should be over thrown about every 20 years or so) if that said government doesnt do the will of the people.

      New people can be put in positions of power by its citizens (or power can be taken away from these people) simply by its citizens liking or not liking something and voting, new laws can be created, old laws can be revoked - it's just a matter of the people/citizens standing up and changing things. When I here whining that it's all gloom and doom, nothing can be done becuase Law 'CXV-123.3445' has been implemented is a bunch of hooey (alcohal used to be illegal, it isnt anymore because the people stood up).

      It amazes me to think that in a country were it's citizens have so much control, all these doom and gloomers can do nothing but cry like babies. I have a word for people like that I call them Sheep. People like this can be lead to graze without any questions asked and will be happy - or unhappy depending on the farmer in charge - get it?

      --
      There are 10 types of people in the world: Those that know Binary and those who don't.
  36. Slobodan Now! by Afecks · · Score: 1

    SIMMA DOWN NOW! YA HERE?

  37. Thre go my plans by The+Iconoclast · · Score: 1

    Moreover, there is no minimum amount of money attached to penalties for selling to someone on the list: selling a sandwich to a 'specially designated national' can have a fine for up to '$10 million and 10 to 30 years in prison.' Shoot, and I had this great idea to set up a chain of fast-food falafel and shwarma shops in the Afghani Highlands. Meh, I probably would have gotten sued anyway, I was going to call it "Kabul Falafel City".

    --
    Quando Omni Flunkus Moritati
  38. Not so up-to-date -- Saddam's there by helicologic · · Score: 1

    I notice the list has ABU ALI (a.k.a. AL-TIKRITI, Saddam Hussein; a.k.a. HUSAYN, Saddam; a.k.a. HUSSAIN, Saddam; a.k.a. HUSSEIN, Saddam); DOB 28 Apr 1937; POB al-Awja, near Tikrit, Iraq; nationality Iraq; named in UNSCR 1483; President since 1979 (individual) [IRAQ2]

  39. Mark of the beast by happy*nix · · Score: 1, Insightful

    I know that there is a general negativity hear towards Christian beliefs. (more of a negativity towards organized religion in general without general bias against Christians, but I digress) There is also a general knowledge of biblical stories and prophecies. This immediately strikes a cord with me from Revelations: (13:17) "And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name."

    10 years ago this was hard for me to imagine how we could ever get to such a place in history. Now given the methods employed or tenuous holds on on freedoms and "self-evident truths" it is easy to see the path. Lists of bad guys are not all that effective, bad guys (terrorists) o not submit themselves to mis-identification nor do they willfully register themselves. There is no automation (for Joe CashRegister) to check the list and worse business are left with the difficult (and dangerous) task of validating a customers claim in cases of identification. The biggest danger of course is racial prejudice. We must make America free (I mean safe) for all Americans. The best solution of course is a national-id card. Anyone wishing to do commerce will simply need an inexpensive card reader and a phone/cell line or a connection to the internet. We'll make it easy to tie your bank/credit card accounts to to you ID card so those less secure/safe (and potentially illegal) methods of monetary transfers need not be used. Even yard-sales can be secured. We will of course need to be wary of anyone handling large amounts of cash. Fore those individuals are either fragrantly disregarding their civic duty to protect and uphold the laws of this country or they are simply an out and out criminal and/or terrorist.

    --
    Gone to my happy place.
  40. Everyone run for cover by mrtexe · · Score: 1

    Everyone within the sound of your voice: fear for your rights, for your health, for your very sanity. Slashdot has entered the practice of law.

    1. Re:Everyone run for cover by giafly · · Score: 1

      Everyone within the sound of your voice: fear for your rights, for your health, for your very sanity. Slashdot has entered the practice of law.
      You must be new here.
      --
      Reduce, reuse, cycle
  41. These guys are scumbags! by Experiment+626 · · Score: 5, Funny

    Sure, it would be sad if someone innocent was mixed up in a case of mistaken identity, but something has to be done to stop these guys... some of the entries read like a demon's resume:

    NEAL, COWBOY (a.k.a. COWBOYNEAL; a.k.a. PATER, Johnathan); DOB 30 Jul 57; POB Moscow, Soviet Russia; (individual); citizen Iran; alt. citizen Libya; arrested 1 Apr 2003; escaped 2 Apr 2003; Slashdot number 4 (United States); wanted for small arms trafficking, conspiracy to commit nuclear terrorism, attempted presidential assassination, indecency with a goat [SDT] [SDGT]

  42. RFID implants next... by advocate_one · · Score: 1

    and just you wait... when this malarkey has been in place for a few months and people are really, really mad at the queues... they'll introduce this nice smart handy RFID implant that allows you to breeze through the checks by just presenting the implant in the back of your right hand...

    --
    Donald 'Duck' Dunn: We had a band powerful enough to turn goat piss into gasoline.
  43. Why a $ minimum won't work by sanjacguy · · Score: 1

    Before people start saying - "I can't even sell a sandwich to John W. Lind", just remember, lots of financial transactions for property occur under the radar. If your parents "give" you a car, chances are they officially sold it to you for $10. The same holds true for other property transactions - if your parents estate includes a land "transfer", the lawyers involved may have the executor sell the land to you for $10. Some states stipulate what the minimum purchase price is, others don't. YMMV.

  44. US citizen working for foreign companies? by Coldmoon · · Score: 1

    Besides the fact that this list is onerous to say the least, has anyone explored the implications for US citizens who work for foreign companies? The way the law is written could open the doors for abuse against US workers who may unwittingly violate the law by performing their duties. This is not just workers who are stationed in the US, but also those who work overseas. Could a US citizen be prosecuted in the US for doing his/her job while living in another country? At the very least, this could have a serious chilling effect on Job opportunities for US citizens around the world...

    --
    Coldmoon over Dark water...
  45. This is part of economic sanctions by HighOrbit · · Score: 1
    This list is part of the implementing mechanism of "economic sanctions", hence it is maintained by the "Office of Foreign Assets Control". How else do you think these things are done? Do you think "sanctions" magically implement themselves? If you would rather have economic sanctions as an instrument of policy instead of war, then you certainly can have no complaint here. If you think known money launderers should not be moving financial transactions through US banks, then you also should have no complaints.

    BTW.This list is consolidated with some others at the "Excluded Party List System" at http://www.epls.gov/ . That list also contains people who have defrauded the government (amongst other things) and have been debarred from federal contracts.

    Since there is some concern here about false positives, here is an explanation of what the system is and what they say to do when you get a match:

    23.What is SDN?

    As part of its enforcement efforts, the U.S. Department the Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) publishes a list of individuals and companies owned or controlled by, or acting for or on behalf of, targeted countries. It also lists individuals, groups, and entities, such as terrorists and narcotics traffickers designated under programs that are not country-specific. Collectively, such individuals and companies are called "Specially Designated Nationals" or "SDN." Their assets are blocked and U.S. persons are generally prohibited from dealing with them. To access the SDN list, please visit www.treas.gov/ofac and click on the link for the SDN list under the OFAC mission statement.

    24.What do I do if I have a match to the SDN list?

    If you have checked a name manually or by using software and find a match, you should do a little more research. Is it an exact name match or very close? Is your customer located in the same general area as the SDN? If not, it may be a "false hit." If there are many similarities, contact the Office of Foreign Assets Control's (OFAC) "Hotline" at [redacted by me to prevent cranks] for verification. Unless a transaction involves an exact match, it is recommended that you contact OFAC Compliance office before actually blocking assets.

    So you see, people are not denied just because their name "sounds foreign" or by way of casual misidentification. The Government personnel are directed to perform due diligence to ascertain that they are really dealing with a SDN before taking any action.
  46. it suddenly became obvious to me by mapkinase · · Score: 1

    that we did not catch enough terrorists. I am pretty sure there is some James Smith, or John Johnson, or Robert Williams, or Tim McVeigh walking around ready to 'splode some buildings.

    There must be. Otherwise they will keep doing this.

    --
    I do not believe in karma. "Funny"=-6. Do good and forbid evil. Yours, Oft-Offtopic Flamebaiting Troll.
  47. That's not the point. by rantingkitten · · Score: 1

    Also, nobody has ever been jailed for selling a fucking sandwich to the wrong guy. That's just FUD.

    No, it isn't. The fact that there is no minimum dollar amount merchants are supposed to concern themselves with is quite typical of the American style of legislation. You make a law that's ridiculously sweeping and could probably apply to anybody. You only really enforce it when you think it matters, but that ability to go after someone for a minor thing is always looming in the background.

    You're right that nobody has yet been prosecuted for selling a sandwich. But all it takes is one snivelling DA to get pissed off about something unrelated, and use this as an excuse to hassle a deli owner (for example).

    It hasn't happened yet, but this sort of thing happens all the time. Consider traffic law; does anybody really give a damn that your tag light is out? If you're in daylight it doesn't matter and if it's night, and you're close enough to actually read the thing, then presumably you also have headlights trained on it, so what's the difference? The law is there as a "last resort" option for cops and prosecutors -- gives them an excuse to pull you over and make you miserable for a while or try to find something more serious with which they can nail you. Same with annual tag renewals. If you think it doesn't happen, you've been living in a cave.

    Pointing out that a law has potential for abuse is never FUD.

    --
    mirrorshades radio -- darkwave, industrial, futurepop, ebm.
    1. Re:That's not the point. by SQL_SAM · · Score: 1
      You're right that nobody has yet been prosecuted for selling a sandwich. But all it takes is one snivelling DA to get pissed off about something unrelated, and use this as an excuse to hassle a deli owner (for example).

      like the snivilnig DA who NOW dropped the charges for the Duke rape case, and is now being prosectued himself of mishandling? You mean DA's like that? Wait isnt the ends justifying the means? Wholy crap batman, that would mean our system IS working

      --
      There are 10 types of people in the world: Those that know Binary and those who don't.
  48. Ok that does it by unity100 · · Score: 1

    Up to this day i have restrained myself from speaking like this, and even defended u.s. position saying that mistakes and mishaps can happen in democratic processes, however that really does it.

    considering u.s. public voted the idiots who are behind all these charades into power, the bush & co, and considering there are still a goodly number of people who are supporting the party behind these, the republicans, it can be said that a GREAT deal of americans in united states are utterly and plainly STUPID.

    my apologies to democrats, liberals, libertarians, hippies, techies and such, but i had to say this : you are living among a sea of STUPID people.

    plainly stupid ...

  49. Seriously, there's better authors to quote by spun · · Score: 1, Flamebait
    Rand? Seriously? Shittiest self-styled philosopher and author ever to put pen to page. This passage is about as deep and insightful as "a is a," and about as well written as "My Pet Goat."

    You want a good "Atlas Shrugged" quote? here's my favorite: "the band on the wrist of her naked arm gave her the most feminine of all aspects: the look of being chained." Yeah, Ayn had some serious sexual issues. Not that there's anything wrong with BDSM, heck, I like slapping around a willing playmate now and then, but Ayn is seriously messed up with all her non-consensual sex fantasies and homophobia. As writer Jenny Turner wrote in a review of one of Ayn's biographies:

    "the sex in Rand's novels is extraordinarily violent and fetishistic. In The Fountainhead, the first coupling of the heroes, heralded by whips and rock drills and horseback riding and cracks in marble, is 'an act of scorn ... not as love, but as defilement' - in other words, a rape. ('The act of a master taking shameful, contemptuous possession of her was the kind of rapture she had wanted.' In Atlas Shrugged, erotic tension is cleverly increased by having one heroine bound into a plot with lots of spectacularly cruel and handsome men.)


    More insight into the dark and twisted world of Ayn's sexuality here.
    --
    - None can love freedom heartily, but good men; the rest love not freedom, but license. -- John Milton
    1. Re:Seriously, there's better authors to quote by alienmole · · Score: 1

      You gotta wonder about someone who doesn't like Ayn Rand yet appears obsessed with her sexuality... ;-P

    2. Re:Seriously, there's better authors to quote by spun · · Score: 1

      I don't like her as an author or a philosopher. I think she would have really gotten off on the fact that I have no respect for her. Had we been contemporaries, I certainly wouldn't have minded slapping her around a bit and making her call me daddy. ;-)

      --
      - None can love freedom heartily, but good men; the rest love not freedom, but license. -- John Milton
    3. Re:Seriously, there's better authors to quote by Ungrounded+Lightning · · Score: 1

      Rand? Seriously? Shittiest self-styled philosopher and author ever to put pen to page. This passage is about as deep and insightful as "a is a," and about as well written as "My Pet Goat."

      You misunderstand Rand's works.

      She writes in the form of the Russian Epic Novel.

      As a friend of mine once remarked: "Nobody really understands the purpose of the Russian Novel - but it's not entertainment."

      --
      Bantam Dominique roosters crow a four-note song. Once you've heard it as "Happy BIRTHday" you can't NOT hear it that way
    4. Re:Seriously, there's better authors to quote by spun · · Score: 1

      I think the purpose of the Russian Epic Novell is to cause suffering in the reader, the better for them to understand the suffering of the Russian soul.

      --
      - None can love freedom heartily, but good men; the rest love not freedom, but license. -- John Milton
  50. Double Pluss Good, fight this rubish. by twitter · · Score: 1

    the rest of us can fight terrorism by not being terrified. By mocking terrorists we're showing that they're really not achieving their goals. Go outside and declare that you're not afraid; keep flying in planes, keep going on underground trains, keep buying exercise equipment.

    And protest this fucking list as an expensive, impractical and unAmerican capitulation and violation of the US constitution.

    --

    Friends don't help friends install M$ junk.

    1. Re:Double Pluss Good, fight this rubish. by SQL_SAM · · Score: 1

      I call fowl. Please explain how this is a violation of the US constitution, I think freedom of speech covers this list pretty simply.

      --
      There are 10 types of people in the world: Those that know Binary and those who don't.
  51. I don't get the whole premise by hurfy · · Score: 1

    There appears to be no requirement to notify of the location of these people. So they are not sought and apparently allowed to be here?

    So long as they stand in one place outside and starve to death ?!?

  52. so how many? by geoff+lane · · Score: 1

    How many terrorists have been detected, arrested, prosecuted and jailed because of the list?

    100, 30, 10, 3, 1, none?

    The only measure of success is terrorists captured. You can't assume that a lack of attacks is because of a measure like this; the terrorists may just be having a long vacation.

  53. Terrorism by aaronrp · · Score: 1

    The aim of terrorism is to instil terror into the population at large. If you become terrified, then the terrorists have beaten you.

    No. Terrorism is a tactic, not an ideology. The goal of terrorism is to get something else changed by frightening people into allowing it. For example, the goal of ETA was to frighten enough people into forcing the Spanish government to allow Basque independence. If they could have done that by giving away cotton candy they would have done that instead, but they apparently had doubts about its efficacy. Terror is just the means to the end.

    That doesn't mean I support curtailing civil liberties to fight terrorism; quite the contrary. But there is already more than enough fuzzy thinking about what terrorism is

  54. Example of a common theme by hairpinblue · · Score: 1

    the VAST majority of businesses in the U.S. have never even heard of it, yet could find themselves doing business with someone on it The article looks at the existence and impacts of one particular list. Major businesses and employers make routine use of many different lists. How many lists was the average citizen on before the .com era? How many lists do we find ourselves on since the .com information gathering era? Who verifies the authenticity of the data on those lists? How much are those lists bought and sold for?
    --
    Hustlers exist solely through charity. I see their scams, lies, and deceit: I'm too charitable to outright shoot them.
  55. The important census lists of names by geekotourist · · Score: 1

    Here are the Census Bureau's lists of the most common first and last names.

    It's fun to do the math. Remember when a "David Nelson"- one criminal of concern- was on the No Fly List (Perhaps he still is)? His being there put all the 5,000 other David Nelsons on the list. Assuming that each David Nelson flies just twice a year, then well over a year's worth of person-hours were wasted- each time they flew, over and over again- on confirming that the 5,000 weren't the one guy. Time lost to security, and time lost to the Nelsons- who also had the pleasure of being treated like a potential criminal in front of family, friends and fellow passengers.

    But at least with flying there's a defined process known to the limited number of players (airlines, TSA) for dealing with a match. If the airline follows it, then they're clear, end of problem, no liability.

    In contrast, with the Treasury list, if a match shows up, how can the business know it's really done everything it needs to do? The easy-out for 10's of millions of businesses might be to just not deal with the person at all.

    So, this U.S. Treasury list:
    "Maria Gonzalez"-- there's likely at least 4,000 in the US (probably far more- I used overall percentages multiplied rather than Prob(firstname) given (lastname))
    "Jose Gonzalez" -- 3,200.
    "Oscar Hernandez"--700
    "Manual Diaz" or "Rosa Diaz" --500 each
    And then the list seems to have plenty of the most common Chinese surnames.

  56. Bill of Rights only applies to People. by twitter · · Score: 1

    I think freedom of speech covers this list pretty simply.

    No, the Bill of Rights does not apply to government institutions and can't for obvious reasons. A law must be justified and passed before government can spend your money publishing a list. Once mandated, that list may not violate people's rights, such as the right to fair and speedy justice or freedom from race or religious based discrimination. Likewise, there is no government right to privacy as all public spending should be transparent, or government freedom of religion because the government must never advocate any religion over others, and so on and so forth.

    Threatening people with massive fines and jail time for accidentally selling a sandwitch to a suspect will cause a lot of pain and suffering for innocent people. It will cause sellers to discriminate against people with similar names. The idea itself is similar to the ancient Roman exile, where the proscripted were denied all comfort, fire and water within the empire - so that they had to leave, starve or live in the woods like a hermit. The difference in this case is that the proscribed are suspected rather than convicted offenders.

    --

    Friends don't help friends install M$ junk.

  57. There is a very good use for Objectivism. by Ungrounded+Lightning · · Score: 1

    This quote might be relevant. But the rest of her shitty books and philosophy are not.

    Depends on what subject you're measuring relevance against.

    Objectivism has a very important use: It explains, in connected logic understandable by even moderately intelligent psycopaths, how obeying some basic rules of civilized behavior are profitable for them personally.

    Teaching Objectivism is the ONLY (non-religious) "treatment" that has a track record of reforming a significant fraction of hardened criminals.

    --
    Bantam Dominique roosters crow a four-note song. Once you've heard it as "Happy BIRTHday" you can't NOT hear it that way
  58. Free market capitalism by HomelessInLaJolla · · Score: 1

    Since when does the federal government have the right to regulate who can do business with whom? "Interstate commerce" wasn't enough to regulate the sale or status of a slave--it took a Constitutional amendment to give Congress that power. How can "interstate commerce" possibly cover this?

    --
    the NPG electrode was replaced with carbon blac
    1. Re:Free market capitalism by Qzukk · · Score: 1

      Since the SCOTUS decided that interstate commerce doesn't mean anything like what it looks like it means. After all, they decided that if I grow drugs in my backyard and smoke them inside my house, and no drugs or money changes hands or leaves the state, it's still interstate commerce.

      --
      If I have been able to see further than others, it is because I bought a pair of binoculars.
    2. Re:Free market capitalism by HomelessInLaJolla · · Score: 1

      Just more evidence that the courts are bought and paid for and the attorneys working for the good guys are bought and paid for, as well, or else they're not doing their jobs. Other than the obvious detriments of being placed in prison I see no reason to pay the marijuana laws any heed--and I shamelessly promote others to do the same.

      --
      the NPG electrode was replaced with carbon blac
  59. Nothing new by bano · · Score: 1

    The OFAC has been around since the 1950's and the functionality has been around since at least the 1930s.
    IIRC the list was used to stop funding of German and Jap. spies during WW2.

    And at first the funds/messages are quarantined, then hand checked, much like how antivirus software works.
    It also keys off multiple fields in a transaction message not just name.
    So Pablo Escobar(19) in Detroit is less likely to be flagged than Pablo Escobar(actual age of Pablo when/if alive)in Switzerland(or other financial havens) or some place in South America.

    And selling a sandwich does not figure into the OFAC strategy, it only figures in to wiring money, or establishing an account with a financial institution.
    Now when an Abu Saif plant uses paypal to buy something off you, paypal is liable for the checking against the OFAC list, and subject to a fine if they allow the transaction to take place, not you who sold him a hello kitty cockring LNIB.

  60. And some of us are helping "them" do it. by Joseph_Daniel_Zukige · · Score: 1

    Think twice about what you do. Someday you have to account at least to yourself.

    Fortunately, not all the religious wackos are that kind of wacko.

    but is that authentication system your sales cr3w says is going to make the company a million really okay?

    joudanzuki

  61. Selling a sandwich? by nurb432 · · Score: 1

    Can net you a fine?

    WTF is going on here.. Have we all lost our minds?

    --
    ---- Booth was a patriot ----
  62. Hey Smitty by AP31R0N · · Score: 1

    impact != effect The effect (noun) of the meteor's impact (object striking another) was devastating. The blast affected (verb) the power grid for miles.

    --
    Utilizing the synergization of benchmark e-solutions to pre-workaround action items!
  63. Cash cash? Or check? by Slashdot+Parent · · Score: 1

    If you were paying in actual cash federal reserve notes, they needed your SSN to fill out a cash transaction report, assuming your car cost more than 10 grand.

    Other than that, I can't think of why they would need your SSN other than their own misunderstanding of the law. I know that I did not provide my SSN when I last bought a car, but I last bought a car before 9/11 (I drive cars into the ground), so I wouldn't really know.

    I would have walked out.

    --
    They don't grade fathers, but if your daughter's a stripper, you fucked up. --Chris Rock