This month’s edition of Radar magazine has a detailed discussion of some of the nefarious Continuance of Government programs that have been created and expanded post-9/11.  And while regular readers of AWC may be unsurprised at the the findings they unearthed, the issues of privacy and civil liberties erosion are never more germane.

For instance, in a move reminiscent of Stasi-controlled East Germany, the Consumerist is reporting that Crime Stoppers is paying snitches to tattle-tale.  While this endeavor is certainly not new, one sergeant is quoted as saying informants “can make better than a minimum-wage job.”

This comes hot on the heels of the report that the FBI is trying to plant moles (informants) within local protest groups for the upcoming Republican National Convention in Minnesota.

In tough economic times, vengeance, or just quick kicks, it seems neighbors can easily become part of the evergrowing state apparatus.

Be sure to also read:

The Fear Factory from Rolling Stone magazine
Are You on the VIP List?
The Lives of Others