How Did I Not Know This?
Posted 1st March 2008 by Candance
Wednesday was my dad's 70th birthday, so I posted a happy birthday message to him on my blog, http://crazytxmommy.blospot.com. In the post, I pointed out some of the cool things about his long life, one of which was that he'd gone to Ole Miss Law School with Thad Cochran. The next morning when I checked my Sitemeter someone from a US Senate Office of the Sergeant of Arms in Grenada, MS had visited my site. Okay, no big deal. I know that a lot of companies check the trades everyday to see what people are saying about them and their products. I could see a Senator's office tasking a staffer with the same sort of thing. To make sure my info was accurate I checked with my dad. It's a big, long story that can be found on my blog, if anyone's interested.
Anyway, this morning when I checked my Sitemeter someone in D.C. had checked it by Googling "Thad Cochrane". Again, no big deal. But, this afternoon that same Grenada, MS person was back on my blog. I probably would've thought they just enjoyed my blog if this hadn't happened to me once before with FEMA after I posted something about how stupid they were acting over that spy satellite they just shot down. My boss actually warned me I should watch it because, even though it was all done in fun, someone might get their panties in a wad. I took what she said to heart and took down the post. But this latest thing made me wonder what in the world is it about my blog the US Government keeps coming back to and are other people experiencing the same thing?
I Googled, "government hits on blogs" and I found I don't know how many stories and blogs about the fact that, in the spirit of protecting us against terrorists, one of the things the government does is routinely monitor people's blogs. WHAT? How did I not know this? I knew about the domestic spying situation, but I had no idea blogs, especially mommy blogs ,were part of their program. I don't know why I'm surprised since they wanted Google to hand over information on what people search, but I am. Maybe it's because my blog has it's political moments but for the most part it's about being a mom. And, it's layout has burnt toast on it. Hello, that's so not threatening. Why would I even be a blip on their radar?
I don't think I'm okay with all of this.
2 comments so far...
I think they were offended, because they didn't write back."
Molly, you are my hero!!! Totally, 110% my hero!
Flag as inappropriate Posted by Candance on 2nd March 2008
For what it's worth, I get visited too. I have a website for my business with teens. Because of the word teen, I get gross spam and the occasional FEMA person looking to see if I do child porn.
I got the address (just as you can when you see who visits you) and wrote them a friendly letter, explaining my business and letting them know that from here on out, I will never post the grade level of any kids, so they can shamelessly recruit them for their war on terror.
I think they were offended, because they didn't write back.
Flag as inappropriate Posted by on 1st March 2008