Today, there are hundreds of millions of people around the globe who post their deepest thoughts and feelings for the world to see on social media. In this digital age, many people express their religious, political, and personal expressions on sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. We are an oversharing society and it isn’t just the west. People in the near east where most of the Islamic extremists live have no problem telling everyone that they support jihad.
One of those who shared her perspectives on social media before immigrating to the United States was San Bernardino terrorist Tashfeen Malik.
The State Dept. should hire HR professionals
US Visa Process Missed San Bernardino Wife’s Zealotry on Social Media https://t.co/OIY7hu8bqt— Pitt Griffin (@pittgriffin) December 14, 2015
The fact that through three background checks couldn’t find what pretty anyone with an internet connection could have is insane enough. It’s worse that the Department of Homeland Security is still discussing whether or not it would be appropriate to use social media in their vetting process. Seriously.
Keep in mind that hiring many companies use social media to investigate entry level employees and even interns. This is nothing new. How the Obama administration has difficulty with the concept is unfathomable.
Everything costs money. We get that. However, there are risks that should be completely understood and mitigated to the best of our abilities or they should be eliminated altogether. I’m not advocating Donald Trump’s plan to put a halt to all Muslim immigration. I’m simply suggesting that if you’re going to allow anyone regardless of religion to enter the country, you should have the funds, resources, and manpower to do it right or don’t do it at all.
That the San Bernardino attack could have been avoided is saddening and infuriating at the same time. If the DHS doesn’t learn their lesson from this and take advantage of basic vetting measures, they’re putting us all at risk unnecessarily.