«The idea that firefighters should be trained to sniff out would-be terrorists is a perverse corruption of one of America’s most honored professions,» said Cory. «We’re taking guys that were the heroes of 9/11, and turning them into domestic spies.  The Bush administration should be ashamed at how out of touch they are with the American public in pursuing their so-called ‘War on Terror.'»

Last week, an AP story written by Eileen Sullivan broke the news that the DHS was training firefighters in New York City to look for «signs of planning and support for terrorism,» as well as anything «expressing hate or discontent with the United States.»  The program, if found to be successful, would then be tried in other cities.  Items of suspicion are to include «ammunition, firearms or weapons,» along with video equipment, night vision goggles, and other Constitutionally protected items.

«Well, I just hope I never have to call the fire department,» says Libertarian Party Media Coordinator Andrew Davis. «The fact that I have firearms, video equipment and am member of a pro-liberty organization apparently puts me on the government’s radar as a suspected terrorist.  Since when did discontent with the policies or management of the United States government become grounds for suspicion of terrorism? Is there honestly any American who is content with the way things are currently going?» 

This new program is very similar to a 2002 program instituted by the Bush administration that encouraged workers who regularly access private dwellings, such as letter carriers, to report behavior they thought to be suspicious. Unlike police, firefighters do not have to have warrants to enter private property. 

«We’re turning firefighters, who are a symbol of heroism in America, into symbols of an oppressive government,» Cory concluded. «Have we really gone this far?»