FBI Deputizes Private Contractors With Extraordinary Powers, Including 'Shoot to Kill'

AlterNet: Rights and Liberties:

"Today, more than 23,000 representatives of private industry are working quietly with the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security. The members of this rapidly growing group, called InfraGard, receive secret warnings of terrorist threats before the public does -- and, at least on one occasion, before elected officials. In return, they provide information to the government, which alarms the ACLU. But there may be more to it than that. One business executive, who showed me his InfraGard card, told me they have permission to 'shoot to kill' in the event of martial law."

The only thing worse than knowing there are 23,000 now is knowing that if the "contractors" (read: mercenaries) like Blackwater get pulled from Iraq, they'll become a private army for the FBI.

Better wake up kids - Fascism is coming, wrapped in the flag and carrying a cross.