Friday, June 12, 2009

Sale of counterfeit goods funding terrorism

By: Anne Robinson amr8798@gmail.com
Browsing through the tables filled with accessories all bearing a label that is shockingly similar to a high end designer has become a common tourist activity in NYC. Where can you find the best looking knock-off Marc Jacobs bag for under $50? Well, did you ever think about where the profits of that sale are going? To say the least, I was shocked and think my table browsing days on the streets of NY are over.

It is estimated that the selling of counterfeit goods has caused U.S. businesses to lose an average of $250 billion dollars a year! Companies are struggling as it is, imagine what we could do if that money was being invested in these businesses rather than leaving the country after illegal transactions.

Radical terrorist groups, such as Al-Qaeda, are making profits from the sales of counterfeit goods like Nike sneakers and Calvin Klein jeans. On many occasions, the FBI has found Al-Qaeda supporters with high quantities of counterfeit goods. There is also evidence that suggests profits made from a street vendor on Broadway were used to fund the first attack on the World Trade Center.

Terrorists know these street carts will tempt American shoppers, don't give in! As your designer land detector, I promised you that I'll make sure what you pay matches the quality you receive. Therefore, I know that a cheap accessory in exchange for a terrorist attack would not meet your standards.

So, the next time you are approached on the streets of NYC by the little old woman who is eager to make you the best deal of your life (so she says), picture Osama Bin-Laden behind the table...hopefully you'll decide against making a donation to his cause and will instead head to the trendy shops on 5th Ave to finish your shopping.

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