Wednesday 22 February 2012
Wednesday 1 February 2012
Caution: Joking Not Allowed!
On January 31, 2012, an Irish national arrived at the Los Angeles Airport to be sent back home after the US Department of Homeland Security read a post he had recently written about destroying America. Leigh Van Bryan was sent back to Ireland after posting "Free this week, for quick gossip/prep before I go and destroy America" on his Twitter. Bryan claimed the post was written to express "...simply having a good time." Bryan was questioned for five hours, saying Homeland Security was treating him "like some kind of terrorist." He had also previously tweeted that he would be "diggin' Marilyn Monroe up."
Homeland Security takes any possible threats very seriously, especially since 9/11. Another man was fined for using the word "blow" when talking about an airport. The way I see it, the people who suffered the consequences for using threatening words deserve it. They could have seen the trouble coming. If the DHS did not take proper precautions when the USA is threatened, in any way, the US would be in all the more danger. The DHS does not take threats lightly. Anyone who is willing to say anything that is suspicious is bound to be in trouble. 9/11 made the USA very aware of everything people said, for they obviously do not want to risk another devastating event. The point is, people are asking for trouble when they say things that could, in any way, be threatening to a country, and it is their responsibility to keep themselves out of trouble.
1. Construed
a. "Posting statements in a public forum which could be construed as threatening - in this case saying they are going to "destroy" somewhere - will not be viewed sympathetically by US authorities," it told the BBC.
b. interpret (a word or action) in a particular way
c. The students' idea was construed in the opposite
2. Apprehend
a. The Irish national told the Sun newspaper that he and his friend Emily Bunting were apprehended on arrival at Los Angeles International Airport before being sent home.
b. arrest (someone) for a crime
c. The math teacher apprehended the 'culprit' who was disturbing his class.
3. Suspicion
a. Trade association Abta told the BBC that the case highlighted that holidaymakers should never do anything to raise "concern or suspicion in any way".
b. a feeling or belief that someone is guilty of an illegal, dishonest, or unpleasant action
c. There have been cases of students being under suspicion for dishonest behavior.
Homeland Security takes any possible threats very seriously, especially since 9/11. Another man was fined for using the word "blow" when talking about an airport. The way I see it, the people who suffered the consequences for using threatening words deserve it. They could have seen the trouble coming. If the DHS did not take proper precautions when the USA is threatened, in any way, the US would be in all the more danger. The DHS does not take threats lightly. Anyone who is willing to say anything that is suspicious is bound to be in trouble. 9/11 made the USA very aware of everything people said, for they obviously do not want to risk another devastating event. The point is, people are asking for trouble when they say things that could, in any way, be threatening to a country, and it is their responsibility to keep themselves out of trouble.
1. Construed
a. "Posting statements in a public forum which could be construed as threatening - in this case saying they are going to "destroy" somewhere - will not be viewed sympathetically by US authorities," it told the BBC.
b. interpret (a word or action) in a particular way
c. The students' idea was construed in the opposite
2. Apprehend
a. The Irish national told the Sun newspaper that he and his friend Emily Bunting were apprehended on arrival at Los Angeles International Airport before being sent home.
b. arrest (someone) for a crime
c. The math teacher apprehended the 'culprit' who was disturbing his class.
3. Suspicion
a. Trade association Abta told the BBC that the case highlighted that holidaymakers should never do anything to raise "concern or suspicion in any way".
b. a feeling or belief that someone is guilty of an illegal, dishonest, or unpleasant action
c. There have been cases of students being under suspicion for dishonest behavior.
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