Because the NSA hates competition, President Obama brings us National Stalking Awareness Month

December 28, 2011 by Daniel Burton

I can’t help it. I think it’s funny. An important issue for us to be aware about, yes, but funny, too: because, you know–the President’s got nothing better to do than makes us all aware of the ever present stalking issue.

That’s exactly for what he should be using the “bully pulpit” during his last year in office as leader of the free world.

The President has declared January 2012 National Stalking Awareness Month.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim January 2012 as National Stalking Awareness Month. I call on all Americans to learn to recognize the signs of stalking, acknowledge stalking as a serious crime, and urge those impacted not to be afraid to speak out or ask for help. Let us also resolve to support victims and survivors, and to create communities that are secure and supportive for all Americans.

Agreed, agreed, agreed…let’s all push back on stalking. Heck, who can disagree with that?

I mean, the government hates competition, right? No one should be able to track and watch your every move unless, of course, that person works for the federal government and is authorized by the PATRIOT Act, which President Obama reauthorized in part on May 26, 2011 (roving wiretaps, search of business records, and surveillance of “lone wolves” suspected of terrorism). Or, perhaps, the Department of Defense which, after said federal stalking occurs, may detain you indefinitely without any process.

But only if you are suspected of terrorism, of course.

What country is this?! Orwell’s Oceana or Jefferson’s America? Doesn’t the Commander-in-Chief already have enough to do with a war, sky-rocketing debt, and a sluggish economy that he still has time to worry about what is clearly the responsibility of local law enforcement?

H/t to Mark Knoller of CBS and his tongue-in-cheek observations, which are always enjoyable.

[blackbirdpie url=”http://twitter.com/markknoller/status/152127407699140608″]

[LA Times][Mark Knoller]