Supporters on terrorist list?

[Ericstac]

Is this true?

[Dave2]

Are you asking if it's true that it can happen, or if it's true that it has happened?

[Ericstac]

I'm just wondering if the statement is true. Did Obama rewrite something that allows this to really happen? It's off some Obama hate group site and sometimes the extremist make stuff up so I just wanted to see what the thoughts on it was.

[Dave2]

No idea. I wouldn't be surprised, but your post is the first I've heard of it.

[G.A. Heath]

The truth of the matter is we are not sure how people get added to the terrorist watch list. It could be anything from sneezing to actually getting convicted of terrorism. The fact of the matter is the contents of the list are secret and how the contents are added is secret.

[VMI77]

The truth of the matter is we are not sure how people get added to the terrorist watch list. It could be anything from sneezing to actually getting convicted of terrorism. The fact of the matter is the contents of the list are secret and how the contents are added is secret.

The reported numbers are far too high for it to be due to being convicted of terrorism, so there have to be many other factors involved.

[K.Mooneyham]

The truth of the matter is we are not sure how people get added to the terrorist watch list. It could be anything from sneezing to actually getting convicted of terrorism. The fact of the matter is the contents of the list are secret and how the contents are added is secret.

This is certainly a factual statement.

And, to address what the OP asked, please remember the Department of Homeland Security training document from some time back talking about veterans coming back from the war potentially being "right wing terrorists", or words very close to that effect. So, while no one can substantially say that this HAS occurred, it is certainly not out of the realm of possibility, at least at this point.

[Dadtodabone]

[ Image ]


Is this true?

Probably not. The fact that neither statement can be verified, due to the confidential nature of the list and the criteria that is used to determine members, makes it suspect in my eyes. You have to decide it's veracity based on what you believe.

We do know that entry on the list is multi-step process and involves a nomination from one actor/agency and verification/entry from others.
We also know that mistakes have been made, famously a Catholic Nun and a Congressman from GA.
We know that if an error has occurred there is a redress process in place.
We know the list is estimated to contain 750,000 names and that if your name falls outside of naming conventions, first-middle-last, contains 4 or more name components, or is very common, hello Smith or Jones, the likelihood of your name being flagged is increased.
We know that a surname that would be considered Muslim(Kalifah) if it does not fall outside of naming conventions(Lawrence Walter Kalifah) is not flagged.

We suspect that if you visit websites that support terrorism, promote armed overthrow of the government, teach bomb making, etc. you could be flagged.
We suspect donations to certain charities could lead to flagging.
We suspect that International financial transactions that involve large sums of money but are not tied to specific business or real estate transactions would get a look.
We suspect that multiple last minute flight bookings, I used to live out of a suitcase and rarely knew what airport Hilton I'd call home next week and so a concern for me, without a defineable pattern is looked at.
We suspect that the name Abdullah, slave or servant of God, is always given a look. Unless you're a member of the House of Saud.
We suspect that some veterans returning from the Middle East who have been vocal in their opposition to the war have been flagged. We can thank T. McVeigh for that one.

Other's could add to the suspect list I'm sure, but I think the know list is pretty solid. That said I've been known to be wrong on occasion.