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30 years of terror? Britain faces terrorist threat until 2038
Britain will be vulnerable to terrorist attacks for another three decades, according to a major report by Lord Stevens.
The study, commissioned by David Cameron, warns that Britain's borders are insufficiently protected and that militants can enter the country undetected. There is "no indication that the [terrorist] threat level will reduce significantly" for "at least 20 to 30 years," said the author of the report, former Metropolitan Police Commissioner Lord Stevens. "There is no doubt more attacks will be attempted against the UK and those involved are again likely to travel abroad for preparation. Others may travel to the UK for the sole purpose of carrying out attacks."
"The lack of a clear border security strategy has resulted in a situation where agencies are unaware of where their shared priorities lie," Lord Stevens said. "Border Protection Service for the UK: Policy Proposals" highlighted some of the threats to the UK's border security, including fears that it is now easier to enter the UK's airspace by light aircraft. There are many small airfields within easy flying distance of continental Europe, thereby facilitating the movement of people or illicit goods, it found.
Protection at some British airports is also poor, Lord Stevens claimed, pointing to the lack of armed police on duty when two suspects attempted to blow up Glasgow Airport last year.
Measures to intercept suspicious foreign mail were "inadequate to provide sufficient border control and security as the current automated scanning and physical inspections cannot ensure all items are thoroughly checked". Lord Stevens added: "The air cargo system is vulnerable to security threats including potential plots to place explosives aboard aircraft; illegal shipments of hazardous materials; criminal activities such as smuggling and theft; and potential hijackings and sabotage by persons with access to aircraft."
He also called for more "regulation of private security companies working at airports and sea ports" and said the screening of those who work for them is necessary.
Overall, he said, "there can be no overall indication of whether or not the taxpayer is receiving value for money on the control of borders". Britain will be vulnerable to terrorist attacks for another three decades, according to a major report by Lord Stevens. ... more -
This is not a pipe dream
Subcomandante Marcos comes to the United States with the plans for a trickle-up democratic reform to empower the downtrodden.
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US Border agents turning into copyright police?
New trade agreements in the US, Canada, UK, and many other undisclosed countries will allow the government to confiscate any laptops, iPods, and other electronic devices with material that infringes on copyright laws.
A lawyer does not have to be present, and at the discretion of the agent, any suspicious material can be destroyed.
The first thought is "border checks are already long as it is..." but what is worse it that even copies of legal CDs, DVDs can be confiscated.
This legislation is still in draft form, but there is little reason to believe that it wouldn't come into full effect. Last month, US border agents were allowed to hold laptops for up to 7 days and copy their entire contents. New trade agreements in the US, Canada, UK, and many other undisclosed countries will allow the government to confiscate any laptops, ... more -
Blackwater: Privatization of military permanent?
With the concentration of military might in private hands growing, I wonder what happens to the soldiers and equipment if the Democrats are elected? Personally, the best thing I can come up with is to enlist all of them. They're trained soldiers and we apparently need them in the ARMY. What do you think?
How dangerous is it to have private military operating in US (or any) territory?
What is the "right" or conservative point of view? And the liberal POV? Shouldn't they be close?
STORY from DemocracyNow.org
Southern California Residents Gear Up for New Fight to Stop Secretive Expansion by Military Firm Blackwater
Just two months after local opposition thwarted its effort to build a massive outdoor training facility near San Diego, the private military company Blackwater USA is being accused of secretly trying to build a new one just blocks from the US-Mexico border. Blackwater received approval for the 61,000 square-foot indoor facility in Otay Mesa, California, by filing for permits using the names of two subsidiaries.
Follow link for extended coverage and interviews...Full text, audio and video of Amy Goodman's on DemocracyNow with interview with Raymond Lutz, l(Local resident who has fought Blackwater’s expansion into the San Diego region), and Rep. Bob Filner, Democratic Congress member representing California’s 51st congressional district. With the concentration of military might in private hands growing, I wonder what happens to the soldiers and equipment if the Democrat... more -
Al Qaeda recruiting "western" fighters: CIA boss - Yahoo! News
There goes racial profiling, America!
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A Day With the Minute Men
With immigration such a hot topic, I spent the day with the minute men to see the current status of our southern border. What a day it was! With immigration such a hot topic, I spent the day with the minute men to see the current status of our southern border. What a day it... more
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Texas showdown
The U.S. government has a blunt message for landowners along the Mexico border: Let us on your land or we'll sue.
This week, the Justice Department began legal action against landowners and municipalities who have refused to give government surveyors access to their land. The U.S. government has a blunt message for landowners along the Mexico border: Let us on your land or we'll sue. ... more -
Homeland Security forces Texas landowners to give up land for border wall
Sen. John Cornyn said today that DHS secretary Chertoff will be taking legal action against Texas landowners who refuse to give the government access. Sen. John Cornyn said today that DHS secretary Chertoff will be taking legal action against Texas landowners who refuse to give the go... more
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How to Not Be Seen
Her Majesty's Public Service Films tell us how not to be seen
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The Border Fence Cuts Through My Life
Why one Texas border town REALLY doesnt like the proposed border wall
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Visiting Tijuana -Travel Guide
Tijuana has a reputation for partying that is rooted in the rich history of the city dating back to Prohibition in the U.S.. You can find plenty of entertainment on the it's most famous street, Avenida Revolucion, but there is also a vibrant culture to explore outside of the party scene. Tijuana has a reputation for partying that is rooted in the rich history of the city dating back to Prohibition in the U.S.. You can ... more
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Failure at borders
Us and Mexico cannot catch a Mexican national with a dangerous strain of tuberculosis due to him using a fake name
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