Okay, this is going to be a short one (unless I get carried away). I just heard about this and wanted to toss it out for discussion. Below is a video that Walmart shoppers will be required to watch as they check out with their items.
This seems a little disturbing to me. Do we really need Walmart hooking up with Homeland Security to make us all paranoid about each other while we shop for socks? What is next, porn scanners and gropes from Walmart greeters?
Seriously, do we need to have them say at the door, "Hello, welcome to Walmart. Would you like a cart and may I feel your crotch? Oh, here is a coupon for 25 cents off Doritos."
It just seems a little weird to me. Didn't Bush and Co. try this years ago? It didn't pass muster then, so why is it being rolled back out.
I am not shopping at Walmart ever again. Imagine having to here this over and over again as you stand in line.
How can you define suspicious behavior? I think that anyone wearing a Bears jersey in Wisconsin is suspicious. Is that Muslim guy over there suspicious? He looks crafty to me. Just look at what kind of soup he is buying! What about those African-American kids? I can see this being abused all over the place given the climate of fear we have been conditioned to react to.
What happens next? Do we need to have them say at the door, "Hello, welcome to Walmart. Would you like a cart and may I feel your crotch? Oh, here is a coupon for 25 cents of Doritos."
The Walmart video, which will soon be launched at 230 locations nationwide and may eventually be expanded to nearly 600 locations in 27 states, features Napolitano thanking the retailer by name for participating in the program.
Napolitano then says: "If you see something suspicious in the parking lot or in the store, say something immediately. Report suspicious activity to your local police or sheriff. If you need help, ask a Walmart manager for assistance."
The video, which doesn't appear to offer any advice on what constitutes "suspicious" activity, is part of DHS' "If You See Something, Say Something" program. It was launched originally in the New York City public transit system and, according to the DHS, is about to go nationwide.
Maybe I am wrong.
Cheers.