Investigation of Terrorists?
No—It’s an Inquisition

Nov 19, 2001

The government is in the middle of questioning 5,000 men between the ages of 18 and 33, mostly of Middle Eastern origins, here on legal student, tourist or work visas. This questioning is based on secret criteria and the denial of rights of those investigated. The list of 5,000 names has on it those who “fit the criteria of persons who might have knowledge of foreign-based terrorists.” What is that criteria? Those who come from countries where al Qaeda is supposed to have an activity, which, according to U.S. sources totals 60 countries. But the government did not reveal the list of countries–it’s a secret, like in a police state. In Los Angeles, the government said those who fit the profile include those who have attended flight schools or... attend a community college! Community college?

The men will be questioned at their homes–by a team of “investigators” who will show up unexpectedly.

Cooperation with the questioning is supposed to be “voluntary”. We can imagine what will happen to those who say they don’t want to talk to “investigators” who come barging through their door.

The purpose of this questioning is to intimidate those who came here as tourists, to go to school, or to work in a particular field. Whatever “information” is gleaned out of this will be far overshadowed by false statements given to please the inquisitors–or just to get free of them.

This is not a way to stop terrorism.

From what’s known about the 19 terrorists who died in the September 11 attacks and about Osama bin Laden, the most important criteria for possible terrorists would be those who worked with foreign intelligence services or the CIA. These people are well known to the FBI and the CIA. If the government were interested in stopping terrorism, this is who they would be questioning–not 5,000 innocent men who are being intimidated just because of their ethnic background.

This is nothing but a show designed to make us think the government is doing something.