I verbally slap checkout clerks and other register-jockeys when they ask to have my phone number or other personal information for a cash-for-product transaction (which is about all I do, nowadays)
clerk: that'll be $37.86. your phone number, please?
me: why do you want my phone number?
clerk: for our records...
me: why would you believe I would want you to keep records of what I buy when and where?
clerk: but... but... deals... tracking... offers...
me: no. not what I want. not your concern. this is cash. complete the transaction. give me my change. thank you. good day.
The clerk could care less, it means nothing to him. T
But the accumulation of personal info will be a goldmine for Big Sister, when she wants to locate potential domestic troublemakers, "Able Danger" style.
It sounds so banal, so ho-hum. Who cares what toothpaste you use, or what spices you prefer?
Yet that is EXACTLY how Able Danger led to Atta and company.
And it is EXACTLY the information (multipled by millions) which will allow Big Sister to sift out the potential "problem children" from among the proles.
I have three po boxes, in two states. I can send mail to any of them, and keep some of my anonymity... but I can't pass up Breyers for $2.69 (last nite at Food Lion, MVP) v. $4.59 regularly and cokes for $2.99 v. $4.19!
The other day, I went to fill up, and the clerk wanted me to write my phone number down on the card (there was a place on it, which I had previously ignored). I immediately made a number up in my head, and wrote it down. They have no reason to have my phone number.
My little way of throwing a spanner into their works.