Tennessee Becomes First State To Fight Terrorism Statewide

[Kat Kanning]

Tennessee Becomes First State To Fight Terrorism Statewide
http://www.newschannel5.com/story/15725035/officials-claim-tennessee-becomes-first-state-to-deploy-vipr-statewide

By Adam Ghassemi

PORTLAND, Tenn. – You're probably used to seeing TSA's signature blue uniforms at the airport, but now agents are hitting the interstates to fight terrorism with Visible Intermodal Prevention and Response (VIPR).

"Where is a terrorist more apt to be found? Not these days on an airplane more likely on the interstate," said Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security Commissioner Bill Gibbons.

Tuesday Tennessee was first to deploy VIPR simultaneously at five weigh stations and two bus stations across the state.

Agents are recruiting truck drivers, like Rudy Gonzales, into the First Observer Highway Security Program to say something if they see something.

"Not only truck drivers, but cars, everybody should be aware of what's going on, on the road," said Gonzales.

It's all meant to urge every driver to call authorities if they see something suspicious.

"Somebody sees something somewhere and we want them to be responsible citizens, report that and let us work it through our processes to abet the concern that they had when they saw something suspicious," said Paul Armes, TSA Federal Security Director for Nashville International Airport.

The Tennessee Highway Patrol checked trucks with drug and bomb sniffing dogs during random inspections.

"The bottom line is this: if you see something suspicious say something about it," Gibbons said Tuesday.

The random inspections really aren't any more thorough normal, according to Tennessee Highway Patrol Colonel Tracy Trott who says paying attention to details can make a difference. Trott pointed out it was an Oklahoma state trooper who stopped Timothy McVeigh for not having a license plate after the Oklahoma City bombing in the early 1990s.

Tuesday's statewide "VIPR" operation isn't in response to any particular threat, according to officials.

Armes said intelligence indicates law enforcement should focus on the highways as well as the airports.

[Jim Johnson]

I'm kind of fuzzy on how bad Tennessee was hit by all the terrorism.  Was it not all?  Or nobody would even consider it?


'Hey you can't leave us out, were fraid a turrists too.'

[Pat K]

I see fascists on the hi-way in Tennessee.

[Jim Johnson]

Tennessee-o-fascists are more deadly than Islam-o-fascists.

[Pat K]

Yeah thats what I'M thinking.

[Russell Kanning]

what is suspicious?

[Fluff and Stuff]

This is the same TN I report on here, http://www.freestateblogs.net/node/12653

3 feet for bicyclists and/ or pedestrians
http://www.chattanoogan.com/articles/article_204338.asp

TN the fine went from $2 to $50 to a minimum $50 fine and the list of items covered expanded
http://www.wkrn.com/story/15009792/stricter-offensive-bumper-sticker-law-takes-effect

Switch lanes for utility vehicles
http://www.volunteertv.com/news/headlines/New_driving_laws_designed_for_safety_124815909.html

I am glad I moved since this happened in NH this year...

Thankfully, that isn't the case for NH. In fact, the tide turned the other way in NH. A bill, HB 148, preventing federal money for motorcycle only check points passed and auto registration fees were reduced by $30-$75 per vehicle. Also, HB 549 became law. Which means that drivers over 75 will no longer have to take an age-based test to renew their driver's license.

NH is still the only state without an adult seat belt law or learner's permits. NH is also still the only state without mandatory auto insurance. Bills have been submitted to create adult seat laws, learner's permit laws and mandatory auto insurance under both Republican and Democratic controlled legislatures. The bills have always failed to become law. Additionally, there are no red light or speeding cameras in NH.

[littlehawk]

The 10 steps fullfilled for a Communist Manifesto !
Congratulations AmeriKa !

[KBCraig]

Tennessee-o-fascists are more deadly than Islam-o-fascists.

More profitable, too.

Tennessee Police Profiting Off Drug Trade

[Lloyd Danforth]

Is there any reason to go to Tennessee?

[Russell Kanning]

it is the fast way between texas and nh