Guardsman described as inept ‘wannabe’ al-Qaida spy

[alwynsw]

(I'm posting this in the Gungeon because Spc. Ryan evidently was a regular poster at ar15.com. http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=1&f=5&t=228578&page=1)

FORT LEWIS, Wash. - A National Guardsman accused of attempting to aid al-Qaida is described by law enforcement sources as a bumbling “wannabe” spy who was attempting to pass information to the enemy that was the sort of thing “you could learn on the History Channel,” it was reported Friday.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/4252095/

Let's all try to keep the discussion centered on his crime instead of his hobby(ies). What he did with his spare time - aside from that spent attempting to contact al Quaieda - is immaterial. I know that some may want to blame the treason on his apparent interest in firearms and shooting. He likely owned an automobile as well. Let's leave Ford, nissan, Chevrolet, Toyota, etc. alone, too.

Whether we agree with the war in Iraq or not (most of us don't agree), treason or attempted treason should be right at the top of our collective list of heinous crimes.

My vote is to hang the treasonous bastard if he's found guilty.

[DarkPhenyx]

1. ok, so why is anyone surprised here.

The reactions over on AR15 are most amusing though.

Yes, Victoria, there are dangerous religious extremists among us. Some of them even have positions of power and authority. President Bush leaps t mind.

[MrSandman]

2. I sure am glad that he is part of

the Select Militia.

But really, other than being a disgrace, what kind of special info is an NG tank crewman going to have? The composition of Choatam armor? Apparently, it is already known where to aim with the RPG.

[DarkPhenyx]

3. Once he is in theatre?

Potentially a great deal of information. Nothing on the next surprise visit by Bush, but field level intel that would get troops killed. One of the strengeths of the American Military is that we keep our soldiers pretty well informed so that if the command structure is killed they can continue to operate, albite in a diminished capacity. The Soviets did not believe in this phlosophy.

[MrSandman]

4. Where he was...

a potential agent for a deployed unit would have been handled quite differently if the terrorists had a C&C network. The compartmentalization of the cells interferes with this Comm.

BTW, I wonder if FBI monitors the dungeon? Be careful what is said about Ashkkroft?

On edit: Did I just trigger McFeeb's rule?

[DarkPhenyx]

5. Set up that way for a completely different reason.

But that is way too long a discussion.

[alwynsw]

6. In it's simplest form

any information shared with one's enemies is too much and treasonous.

Do idiots such as Ryan realize that they are not harming the power structure one whit, but are placing the lives of the toops in grave jeopardy? Even a chow line schedule in the wrong hands can cause terrible harm.

It's not the level of information that makes a traitor.

[MrSandman]

7. I don't think that this type of traitor cares about power structure,

but does seek to improve his stature in his newfound circle of friends he has converted to. The .gov has used this many times to break any number of White Supremacist movements by focusing on converts. This guy wanted to fit in so bad he had to reach out.

[alwynsw]

8. Unfortunately for the innocents involved,

you are absolutely correct. It's mighty tough to overcome the zeal that is part and parcel of a newfound religious faith - even if that faith or those who would bastardize it - are teacing things completely foreign to the convert's upbringing, or for that matter, things that are contrary to the newfound religion itself.

[MrSandman]

9. Religious, in this case, ideological in other's...

What do they call HCI now?

[alwynsw]

10. I don't know, sorry

[MrSandman]

11. Isn't Handgun Control Inc.

Now the Brady blahblahblah...?

[alwynsw]

12. Dang. I must have been sleeping.

Aren't they the "Brady Don't Care About Your Rights, But I Can Flaunt the Law All I Want League"?

[MrSandman]

13. Some kind of zealous convert message