The new American surveillance state

But remember: If you're not doing anything wrong, you have nothing to fear.

The Maryland State Police classified 53 nonviolent activists as terrorists and entered their names and personal information into state and federal databases that track terrorism suspects, the state police chief acknowledged yesterday.

Police Superintendent Terrence B. Sheridan revealed at a legislative hearing that the surveillance operation, which targeted opponents of the death penalty and the Iraq war, was far more extensive than was known when its existence was disclosed in July.

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Sheridan said protest groups were also entered as terrorist organizations in the databases, but his staff has not identified which ones.

Here in Saint Paul, you don't have to actually join any organization to land on Bob Fletcher's lists, you just need to be interested in vegan potluck dinners.