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I think it's a very low ROI approach for the FBI and mostly they are wasting their time providing the means for "nobody-wannabe-terrorists" to become actual ter

I think it's a very low ROI approach for the FBI and mostly they are wasting their time providing the means for "nobody-wannabe-terrorists" to become actual terrorists Given that it only takes contacting the wrong person randomly some day for that wannabe terrorist to become an actual terrorist, I'm inclined to believe the FBI is providing a useful public service in rounding up these people. And not just that, the media attention here also gives the wannabe terrorist pause before reaching out for help to improve their craft ("what If I'm talking to an agent?"). Assuming the transcripts of the conversations with some of the people involved can be trusted (hey, it's the FBI), the so-called entrapped are given plenty of outs and chances to not-do that thing they're doing. There's no coercion happening.

hackuser 10y ago
> it only takes contacting the wrong person randomly some day for that wannabe terrorist to become an actual terrorist I don't think that's true. It takes much more: Someone must be willing to give up their current life, career, friends and family; engage in very dangerous and socially taboo activities; train and acquire skills; kill; etc. Most people don't have the motivation to leave a bad job or relationship. Retail sales isn't even as easy as you describe: Not every inquiry is a sale.
- Karunamon 10y ago
  And so far, (again, assuming correct accounts), every person the FBI has "entrapped" this way has demonstrated that willingness. Up to and including pressing the button on a "bomb" the person believes will kill innocent people.
  - hackuser 10y ago
    That seems like a different question (and I'm not sure they all went as far as pressing buttons, etc). I was responding to your statement: > it only takes contacting the wrong person randomly some day for that wannabe terrorist to become an actual terrorist
  - Retric 10y ago
    People have been convinced to torture and kill others due to a stern look from someone. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milgram_experiment https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milgram_experiment

hackuser 10y ago

> it only takes contacting the wrong person randomly some day for that wannabe terrorist to become an actual terrorist I don't think that's true. It takes much more: Someone must be willing to give up their current life, career, friends and family; engage in very dangerous and socially taboo activities; train and acquire skills; kill; etc. Most people don't have the motivation to leave a bad job or relationship. Retail sales isn't even as easy as you describe: Not every inquiry is a sale.

Karunamon 10y ago
And so far, (again, assuming correct accounts), every person the FBI has "entrapped" this way has demonstrated that willingness. Up to and including pressing the button on a "bomb" the person believes will kill innocent people.
- hackuser 10y ago
  That seems like a different question (and I'm not sure they all went as far as pressing buttons, etc). I was responding to your statement: > it only takes contacting the wrong person randomly some day for that wannabe terrorist to become an actual terrorist
- Retric 10y ago
  People have been convinced to torture and kill others due to a stern look from someone. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milgram_experiment https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milgram_experiment