Prompt Cast
The Flaws and Controversies of the US Government's Terrorist Watch List
TLDR The US government's terrorist watch list, created after 9-11, has flaws and controversies, including lack of communication between agencies, potential violations of constitutional rights, and individuals being flagged based on questionable criteria. People can end up on the list without suspicion of terrorist activity, and it can take months to get off the list once on it.
Timestamped Summary
00:00
The hosts discuss the need for a watch list and the lack of communication between agencies in sharing information about potential threats.
04:08
After 9-11, the US government consolidated various watch lists into a central terrorist watch list, which includes anyone suspected of engaging in terrorist activities or supporting terrorism, but associating with a known terrorist is not enough to get on the list.
08:26
The government cannot release information about the terrorist watch list because it would allow people to figure out how to avoid being on it.
12:24
People can end up on the no-fly list while on vacation and then be unable to return to the country, and it takes an average of 67 days to get off the terrorist watch list.
16:30
People can end up on the no-fly list if their name matches the spelling of someone on the terrorist watch list, even if they are not suspected of any terrorist activity.
20:20
People can end up on the government terrorist watch list if they are a member of a hate group or extremist group, if they search certain terms on Google, if they book last minute flights or pay with cash, or if they say something suspicious in an email.
24:39
The government watch list system is flawed and potentially unconstitutional, as it allows for searches and seizures without probable cause, and individuals can be flagged based on criteria that include purely Muslim environments, technical subjects like engineering, and even living in a ground floor apartment with little furniture.
28:37
The host discusses a story about a man whose wife was on the no fly list, causing him to lose his job, and mentions that if you want to know if you're on the list, you can try to fly, but it may be an expensive way to find out.
32:38
The hosts read a sweet email from a listener who says that the podcast helps her feel closer to her twin sister, who is a Marine and lives far away.
Categories:
Society & Culture
