FBI Issues Alert Against Almanac Carriers
By TED BRIDIS

WASHINGTON (AP) - The FBI is warning police nationwide to be alert for people carrying almanacs, cautioning that the popular reference books covering everything from abbreviations to weather trends could be used for terrorist planning.

In a bulletin sent Christmas Eve to about 18,000 police organizations, the FBI said terrorists may use almanacs ``to assist with target selection and pre-operational planning.''

It urged officers to watch during searches, traffic stops and other investigations for anyone carrying almanacs, especially if the books are annotated in suspicious ways.

``The practice of researching potential targets is consistent with known methods of al-Qaida and other terrorist organizations that seek to maximize the likelihood of operational success through careful planning,'' the FBI wrote.

The Associated Press obtained a copy of the bulletin this week and verified its authenticity.

``For local law enforcement, it's just to help give them one more piece of information to raise their suspicions,'' said David Heyman, a terrorism expert for the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies. ``It helps make sure one more bad guy doesn't get away from a traffic stop, maybe gives police a little bit more reason to follow up on this.''

The FBI noted that use of almanacs or maps may be innocent, ``the product of legitimate recreational or commercial activities.'' But it warned that when combined with suspicious behavior - such as apparent surveillance - a person with an almanac ``may point to possible terrorist planning.''

http://cnn.netscape.cnn.com/news/sto...97.htm&sc=1110

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Nothing seems to amaze me anymore, especially when it comes to the "terrorist scare that we're under." (God has not given us the spirit of fear) It makes complete sense that they would use that as a resource. I just hope the "overly-brave" officers of the law won't get too over zealous, and use some discretion with this matter.

I had to go to the airport recently and lemme tell u is a bag a police out there and dem segment the road fi stop people right at the airport mouth. As long as dem no step pon mi toe everting criss but mek dem mash me corn and see how fast me release de MAD pon dem.

Ummm, temper! I feel you though. A friend of mine's husband is a police officer and some of the stories he tells. I started seeing him in a whole other light. He's an as*whole. I understand that some situations warrant different reactions, but he got that badge and an instant tuff guy emerged.

Thanks for the update, kc4u. It's scary but I will not allow fear to stop me from living my life. I know it's going to be a madhouse when I go out of town in two weeks. I suppose I should get to the airport even earlier now.

The Department of Homeland Security yesterday announced that it issued three aviation emergency amendments to further enhance security on both passenger and cargo aircraft flying to, from and over the United States.

International air carriers, where necessary, will now be required to place armed, trained, government law enforcement officers on designated flights as an added protective measure. Some countries already place armed law enforcement officers on flights traveling to, from or over the United States. The measures contained in these Emergency Amendments are in addition to requirements of federal regulations currently in place. The directives are effective immediately.

Homeland Security remains concerned about Al Qaeda's desire to conduct attacks against commercial airlines within the United States. Homeland Security is continuing efforts to enhance the security of commercial passengers, crew and cargo.

"We are asking international air carriers to take this protective action as part of our ongoing effort to make air travel safe for Americans and visitors alike," said Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge. "I have said that we will take specific steps to increase security whenever necessary, and with this action we are doing just that."

Homeland Security will continue to conduct checks on passengers and crew of flights entering and leaving U.S. airspace, in addition to analyzing threat information related to those flights. When intelligence information warrants, the Department will direct additional security requirements for those flights, to include where necessary, protection by Government law enforcement officers.

Do you think this is a neccessary factor, should it be done?

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This method will only help to minimize potential hijackers as the risk the missions failure if they are lkilled before blowing up an aircraft or using the planes in attacking outher land minds. I agree that it is a neccesary factor.

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Be Good