Ineresting discussion I had with a Homeland Security agent

reply to post by Supes


Or the guy hates his job. And it sounds like it. Ever hated someone and you reveal things about them that's supposed to be kept secret?

Originally posted by LittlePinky82
So you know every person here intimately offline in the real world?

Just because someone happens to be a college student doesn't mean he/she doesn't have "real world" experience? Hardly.

Actually, I was referring to the college professors, but feel free to read into that whatever you wish. This is your ego and insecurity at play.

I'm not an expert and never claimed to be. Not yet anyways.

Yes. Quite the ego.

I am studying criminal justice so this is my profession. I'm still a new student so obviously I don't know everything yet but I know enough to be a skeptic.

In my opinion, it is better to have an open mind and actually listen while you are in school. Make no judgements. Do a lot of listening. The classroom is always completely different than the real world in any profession. If you hold to preconceived notions, you may not be listening to someone who knows better and may miss something VERY valuable. Leave the ego at home and never take it to work or school.

If you want to succeed in law enforcement, you may want to remember that it is about service to others. It is not about a big shiny badge on your chest that lets you intimidate people because you have a pistol on your hip and a loud authoritative voice. You will be a guardian of your community. Once again... service to others. Selflessness.

And as I've already stated: THIS IS THE INTERNET! People can make up all sorts of #. If I was to tell you I was a CIA or FBI agent and provided no sort of proof to you would you believe me? Hardly. When you tell a story like this at least provide some sort of proof a long with the story if you want me to believe you.

Just like anything else, you must gather evidence and then proceed from there. Look, listen, and save it for later. It might come in handy. You must use something more useful than skepticism... your gut.

I find that more "debunkers" and "skeptics" spray more bovine excrement than poeple who just wish to tell a story. So many "official stories" stink to high heaven.

The first time I laid eyes on actual FBI credentials, I just thought to myself how they really look nothing like the ones you see on TV. I also thought that all agents were non-human cold hearted drones. Nope. They are just human beings who put their pants on one leg at a time. They also have their own daily dilemas to deal with. Some are frustrated with work but they show up every day because they must try to make a difference in this world. Sometimes, they slip up and pull cartoons.

This is why I don't discount the story. I have seen my friends do worse. To completely discount it outright is foolish. That was my point. Take it or leave it. Leave the BS at the door and just try to make a difference.

Just a thought.

reply to post by Supes


Badges do not make a federal agent, many are counterfeited. what counts is the words, font and format of the "cred" page....I won't detail here, but I will be happy to discuss the specifics of the "other side of the creds".

For public consumption, ignore the metal badge, read the creds......

Op, why does your homeland security guy remind me of stanley clifford weyman?

Stanley Clifford Weyman (1890-1960), was an American multiple impostor who impersonated public officials, including the Secretary of State and various military officers. Weyman was born as Stanley Jacob Weinberg in 1890 in Brooklyn, New York.

OnPedia Article

reply to post by EldersCouncil


You are correctly speaking and quoting what is done with an internal security badge, not the credentials issued to authorized federal agents....an ID card is not the "ID" of a federal agent..............The real credentials of a federal agent is composed of a "badge wallet" containing a badge identifying the agency and the other side that identifies the agency and contains authorizing info of the individual.

Habu I stand corrected thanx.

If I'm correct though the Federal ID credentials themselves as issued most likely do not display a clearance level, I would think it would be on the magnetic strip but it would surprise me if it was visibly displayed.

The reason I say this is because the badge is used to establish authority within a public arena. Those who have a need to know would be known without having to prove it beyond their basic Federal ID. Access to a secure facility or physical data may be a different issue when you have multiple unknowns floating in the environment.

I did hear once a long time ago there was a colored stripe on the ID that denoted clearance level but I was never able to confirm this.

[edit on 24-11-2008 by EldersCouncil]

Originally posted by xman_in_blackx

Originally posted by LittlePinky82
So you know every person here intimately offline in the real world?

Just because someone happens to be a college student doesn't mean he/she doesn't have "real world" experience? Hardly.

Actually, I was referring to the college professors, but feel free to read into that whatever you wish. This is your ego and insecurity at play.

I'm not an expert and never claimed to be. Not yet anyways.

Yes. Quite the ego.

I am studying criminal justice so this is my profession. I'm still a new student so obviously I don't know everything yet but I know enough to be a skeptic.

In my opinion, it is better to have an open mind and actually listen while you are in school. Make no judgements. Do a lot of listening. The classroom is always completely different than the real world in any profession. If you hold to preconceived notions, you may not be listening to someone who knows better and may miss something VERY valuable. Leave the ego at home and never take it to work or school.

If you want to succeed in law enforcement, you may want to remember that it is about service to others. It is not about a big shiny badge on your chest that lets you intimidate people because you have a pistol on your hip and a loud authoritative voice. You will be a guardian of your community. Once again... service to others. Selflessness.

And as I've already stated: THIS IS THE INTERNET! People can make up all sorts of #. If I was to tell you I was a CIA or FBI agent and provided no sort of proof to you would you believe me? Hardly. When you tell a story like this at least provide some sort of proof a long with the story if you want me to believe you.

Just like anything else, you must gather evidence and then proceed from there. Look, listen, and save it for later. It might come in handy. You must use something more useful than skepticism... your gut.

I find that more "debunkers" and "skeptics" spray more bovine excrement than poeple who just wish to tell a story. So many "official stories" stink to high heaven.

The first time I laid eyes on actual FBI credentials, I just thought to myself how they really look nothing like the ones you see on TV. I also thought that all agents were non-human cold hearted drones. Nope. They are just human beings who put their pants on one leg at a time. They also have their own daily dilemas to deal with. Some are frustrated with work but they show up every day because they must try to make a difference in this world. Sometimes, they slip up and pull cartoons.

This is why I don't discount the story. I have seen my friends do worse. To completely discount it outright is foolish. That was my point. Take it or leave it. Leave the BS at the door and just try to make a difference.

Just a thought.

Still doesn't matter whether it's professors or students. It's still bull#.

Yes I'm very proud of my abilities. For the first time in my life I've finally found something I'm very passionate about and actually good at. I am proud of that fact. Thank you for noticing. And I said "expert" in the sense of having a degree. Doy.

Right. So again if I was to say I was an FBI agent or CIA agent and made up some wild story about kidnapping people and taking them to China you would believe me? Wow that says a lot about you and being gullible. I guess you're one of those who believe everything they read on the internet...especially if it fits YOUR agenda and beliefs about certain people. Oh and also I wanted to add you can throw all the insults you want at me but they mean #. Why? Because you mean nothing to me since you're a stranger on the internet. If the OP had any credibility and had citations and a little something called PROOF that would be different. But the OP didn't do anything. Unlike you I don't just believe any old # I want.

Originally posted by ahnggk
reply to post by Supes

 

Or the guy hates his job. And it sounds like it. Ever hated someone and you reveal things about them that's supposed to be kept secret?

Or it's bull#.

Originally posted by Supes

Originally posted by LittlePinky82


So you believe EVERYTHING you read on the internet? If I was to tell you I was an FBI or CIA you would automatically believe me? Hon this is the internet and you provided no type of evidence to your claim. What kind of morons do you think are here?

A very special kind of moron that requires coddling and a village to raise.

Nowhere did I say you have to believe everything you read.

So you think federal employees don't bitch about their jobs like anyone else? Why is that surprising? Especially with law enforcement and the stress that comes with their job. It makes sense that a law enforcement person would bitch to you since you weren't someone who would tell his superiors. Why would he tell you though he has top security clearance? What's the purpose? To brag?

I don't? I thought the point of that post was to say that I did. But since you say I don't it has to be true (see previous response). Maybe he was bragging. It happens.

So you know every person here intimately offline in the real world? Just because someone happens to be a college student doesn't mean he/she doesn't have "real world" experience? Hardly. I'm not an expert and never claimed to be. Not yet anyways. I am studying criminal justice so this is my profession. I'm still a new student so obviously I don't know everything yet but I know enough to be a skeptic. And as I've already stated: THIS IS THE INTERNET! People can make up all sorts of #. If I was to tell you I was a CIA or FBI agent and provided no sort of proof to you would you believe me? Hardly. When you tell a story like this at least provide some sort of proof a long with the story if you want me to believe you.

Guess what I studied criminal justice too.and studying it doesn't make it your profession. It doesn't become that till someone pays you to do it.

As far as proof, I didn't get a snapshot of the guy as well as a blood, stool and urine sample so please forgive me, you'll just have to accept me as a credible eyewitness who was shown a badge and ID.

Which brings me back full circle to the point made early in the thread about...aww screw it I'm going to have a few beers.

P.S. Did you see how I responded to 3 posts in one without making multiple posts? it's just good forum etiquette.

Hey Supes, Thanks, yet again for sharing. I don't know what actually took place. In all honesty I don't know if it took place. But I'm gonna file it away with some other things I have heard and experienced and when something I directly experience correlates with it I'm gonna remember this post. Thats it. Nothing more. No analysis, no distrust, just thanks for sharing your experience. Keep it up.

Thanks

P.P.S. Make that 4 replies

But you expect me to believe this story? No evidence that such a meeting took place or such a person exists. Do you own a cell phone? Most basic cell phones now days have at least a still camera. Why no photo? My mother's phone is a basic phone and has a still camera. It's not the best but it still takes pics. In this day and age of Youtube and Picture accounts I'm surprised there is no type of evidence to prove the claims.

Or maybe you're just very gullible or you're expecting everyone else here to be.

Duh with criminal justice. That's why I said I'm not an expert yet. It would help if you paid attention to that. I'm going by the knowledge I have thus far from my professor who is a former cop.

Hon you don't get it. This is the internet. You don't have proof. Why are you a credible witness? For all I know you came on ATS to tell this made up story to become popular or some wild # like that. In reality I could care less. I just find it humorous people just believing some stranger on the internet with no proof of their claims. If I came on ATS with some story similar I would hope people would question me and not just believe the story because it fits their individual views. I find it VERY interesting how defensive you are that people are questioning you and are being cautious. That says quite a lot about you and your story. If you were telling the truth I would think you'd welcome to talk more about your experience and answer people's question's and their curiosity whether they believed you or not.

And about replying all at once suck it. Unless a moderator or forum owner informs me it's something not to do than deal with it. So far I have not had any such pm's and I think I would've by now.

Originally posted by EldersCouncil
Habu I stand corrected thanx.

If I'm correct though the Federal ID credentials themselves as issued most likely do not display a clearance level, I would think it would be on the magnetic strip but it would surprise me if it was visibly displayed.

The reason I say this is because the badge is used to establish authority within a public arena. Those who have a need to know would be known without having to prove it beyond their basic Federal ID. Access to a secure facility or physical data may be a different issue when you have multiple unknowns floating in the environment.

I did hear once a long time ago there was a colored stripe on the ID that denoted clearance level but I was never able to confirm this.

[edit on 24-11-2008 by EldersCouncil]

Right. My father works for TVA and they have security cards with those magnet strips and it's on a ID badge that just has his name, picture and the organization on it. I'm sure they can make colored stripes and have different colors for different clearance levels. I would think their actual badge is just like any other government agencies like local police, marshals etc. Homeland Security's website has a lot of pictures up there and you can see people wearing their badges and uniforms etc.

OK, I'm gonna contribute one more post then move on...

Federal LEO (law enforcement officer) credentials are composed of a leather holder, a metal badge on one side of the inside and the actual credentials with picture on the other side. Most federal credentials look similar, it is the text that differentiates. One might say "Diplomatic Security Service", one might say "Federal Bureau of Investigation", one might say "Department of Homeland Security".

Your creds are not used in various entry devices (scanner, swipe devices, etc) , if you have clearance for that building, office, complex etc, you will be issued a card (biometric or magnetic strip) to use for access.

Originally posted by LittlePinky82

Still doesn't matter whether it's professors or students. It's still bull#.

You are entitled to your own opinion. Enjoy your hubris while you can.

Yes I'm very proud of my abilities. For the first time in my life I've finally found something I'm very passionate about and actually good at. I am proud of that fact. Thank you for noticing. And I said "expert" in the sense of having a degree. Doy.

There is nothing wrong with being passionate. It is what you do with that passion that counts. A degree does not make you an "expert." A degree just states that you are willing to go through X amount of hoops and that you are trainable or malleable enough to be indoctrinated.

Right. So again if I was to say I was an FBI agent or CIA agent and made up some wild story about kidnapping people and taking them to China you would believe me? Wow that says a lot about you and being gullible. I guess you're one of those who believe everything they read on the internet...especially if it fits YOUR agenda and beliefs about certain people.

Belief is a strong word. I gather evidence to help form an opinion regarding the matter. This is a good way to investigate a problem. Try it sometime. It just might work for you.

Oh and also I wanted to add you can throw all the insults you want at me but they mean #. Why? Because you mean nothing to me since you're a stranger on the internet.

Selflessness. Service to others. If this is how you feel about strangers, then perhaps you might want to think of something other than law enforcement.

If the OP had any credibility and had citations and a little something called PROOF that would be different. But the OP didn't do anything. Unlike you I don't just believe any old # I want.

You have to ask yourself what is proof. What is the value of a witness? Remember what I told you about your gut.

I am not trying to piss you off, I am trying to help you. It is looking like you don't get it. That is fine, too. I wish you well in your endeavors, but you have a lot to learn about people and this world in which we live. Your attitude and your words speak volumes about you. Remember that, too.

We are all in this together.

reply to post by Supes


Nice first post! It is scary to post here, but that is what I like about it. Strict moderation! It keeps us all on task.

reply to post by LittlePinky82

But you expect me to believe this story? No evidence that such a meeting took place or such a person exists. Do you own a cell phone? Most basic cell phones now days have at least a still camera. Why no photo? My mother's phone is a basic phone and has a still camera. It's not the best but it still takes pics. In this day and age of Youtube and Picture accounts I'm surprised there is no type of evidence to prove the claims.

"Hold on Mr. Federal Agent, before you put your shiny badge away can I please take a picture of you holding it so my friends on the interwebs will believe me?"

That reply was as silly as your remark.

Hon you don't get it. This is the internet. You don't have proof. Why are you a credible witness? For all I know you came on ATS to tell this made up story to become popular or some wild # like that. In reality I could care less. I just find it humorous people just believing some stranger on the internet with no proof of their claims. If I came on ATS with some story similar I would hope people would question me and not just believe the story because it fits their individual views. I find it VERY interesting how defensive you are that people are questioning you and are being cautious. That says quite a lot about you and your story. If you were telling the truth I would think you'd welcome to talk more about your experience and answer people's question's and their curiosity whether they believed you or not.

Why am I a credible witness? Not sure. Maybe because I don't use words like "doy" anymore . Just kidding.

I have never been arrested, I don't do drugs, I had a speeding ticket 3 years ago (thats bad right?), I've never been diagnosed with any mental deficiencies or ailments, I'm college educated, I used to be a cub scout and an altar boy, formerly a licensed EMT. All in all, I think most lawyers would find me a credible witness.

I think I have answered everyone's questions, please let me know if I missed anything. Last time I checked though, "you're a liar." is NOT a question.

And about replying all at once suck it. Unless a moderator or forum owner informs me it's something not to do than deal with it. So far I have not had any such pm's and I think I would've by now.

Ouch!

Edit for spelling

[edit on 28-11-2008 by Supes]

[edit on 28-11-2008 by Supes]

five pages to respond to your thread??? I probably should have read them but I just wanted to give you my 2 cents.

Was the guy for real? In my experience yes. Is he any high level person? No. Does he believe in his self importance? yes.

Did what you say happened the way you said it happened? absoluetly.

Will there be riots because he has inside knowledge? no.

What good is having a cool job if you can't find subtle ways of sharing it with people and making them think they are in the "know" about things.

Good post, and I hope you didn't get beat up about it and were not victimized by the "sleuths" that nit pick every single word to profess their own "unique" skills and abilities of self importance.