Don't Just Fight Terrorism Over There...

Terrorism again - will it never end?  Some people are finding new ways to continue the fight.

Back in 2001, we were told that the terrorists "hate our freedom" - so to address this complaint, Congress passed the PATRIOT act, revoking many of them in hopes that this would solve the problem.

Fighting terrorism overseas so that we don't have to fight it here has proven to be extremely expensive, however, and has yet to completely eliminate the threat.  Possibly because terrorism is a noun (rather than a physically real person, place or thing).

More recently, we're looking into ways to fight terror locally - for example, by coming up with new ways for ordinary citizens to be labeled terrorists.

This blog recently explored how people who record video on farms can be counted amongst the enemies of democracy.

Now a Tennessee state official has come up with an even simpler way for us to join the ranks of international doom-bringers - no need to shoot footage, just complain about your water quality.

Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation Deputy Director Sherwin Smith revealed this innovative approach at a recent community meeting in Maury County, and someone who I presume is already under investigation by DHS covertly recorded the audio with his or her terror-phone.

In response to reports that children are becoming ill drinking the water in the area, he agreed that water quality is something to be taken seriously while advising caution in making an official report:

"But you need to make sure that when you make water quality complaints you have a basis, because federally, if there's no water quality issues, that can be considered under Homeland Security an act of terrorism."

State Representative Sheila Butt organized and was present at the meeting.  She breaks new ground for this blog inasmuch as she's an elected official, yet for a change she's not the hysterical nincompoop who spouted the nonsense inspiring this post.  In fact, she said:

"I think that we need to be very careful with how we use the words 'terrorist' and 'terrorism' - I thought it was out of context, that it did not apply to anything that we were discussing at the meeting."

Wise words, Mrs. Butt.  But with the sequester cutting deeply into funding even for the military, I wonder if you're overlooking a sparkling-clear opportunity to continue fighting the evildoers threatening our way of life without resorting to expensive overseas operations.

Heck, Tennesseans don't even have to travel to worry about drinking the water any more - this saves yet more money in the civilian sector.

Job well done, Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation!  You're a part of why we're doomed.