WORLDWIDE STUPIDITY from the US Embassy, Helsinki

The US likes to drone on about technology and how it's 'revolutionizing' the way people communicate. Indeed, the State Department sent out an email to US citizens in Finland about how yankees in the hinterland are at risk with all of their email addresses in plain view. How very revolutionary as now some terrorist could possibly identify many of us without much trouble at all. Now that's what I call innovation. If those who bungled this are reading, c'mon over to the house as you know where I live and I can show you how not to be an email idiot terrorist. I think a Finnish toddler knows more than you do about email and computing.

From: "Helsinki, ACS"
Date: pe touko 23, 2003 14:58:33 Europe/Helsinki
To:
Cc: several hundred email addresses in plain view removed
Subject: WORLDWIDE CAUTION from the US Embassy Helsinki, Finland

The U.S. Embassy in Helsinki would like to call your attention to the following announcement posted by the Department of State on April 21, 2003 and available at its website, http://travel.state.gov.

WORLDWIDE CAUTION
April 21, 2003

This supersedes the Worldwide Caution dated March 19, 2003. It is being issued to remind U.S. citizens of the continuing threat of terrorist actions that may target civilians and of the need to remain vigilant. The U.S. Government remains deeply concerned about the security of U.S. citizens overseas. U.S. citizens are encouraged to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness. This Worldwide Caution expires on September 20, 2003.

Tensions remaining from the recent events in Iraq may increase the potential threat to U.S. citizens and interests abroad, including by terrorist groups. Terrorist actions may include, but are not limited to, suicide operations, bombings or kidnappings. Possible threats include conventional weapons such as explosive devices or non-conventional weapons, including chemical or biological agents. Terrorists do not distinguish between official and civilian targets. These may include facilities where American citizens and other foreigners congregate or visit, such as residential areas, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, hotels, outdoor recreation events or resorts and beaches. If such facilities cannot be avoided, U.S. citizens should increase their security awareness at such locations.

U.S. Government facilities worldwide remain at a heightened state of alert. These facilities may temporarily close or suspend public services from time to time for security reasons. In those instances, U.S. embassies and consulates will make every effort to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens. Americans are urged to monitor the local news and maintain contact with the nearest American embassy or consulate.

As the Department continues to develop information on any potential security threats to U.S. citizens overseas, it shares credible threat information through its Consular Information Program documents, available on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov. In addition to information on the Internet, U.S. travelers can get up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 in the U.S. and outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-317-472-2328.

24 May 2003 at 11:01, Helsinki