PGHIMC - Pittsburgh Independent Media Center

GRATEFUL HOMELAND SECURITY THANKS LOCAL MORON FOR REPORTING TERRORIST VALENTINE CARD
by KDKA Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2003 at 2:25 AM

A father alerted authorities after opening a box of valentines that he bought for his 3-year-old daughter; now authorities are crediting his vigilance. Nicholas Poillucci says he was shocked when the box of valentines contained the word "Jihad" -- a word commonly known to Americans as the Muslim word for 'holy war' -- followed by the message, "It's time to be mine." Concerned that the message might contain a hidden terrorist message, Poillucci called authorities. Officials are crediting Poillucci for demonstrating the awareness all Americans should have in the wake of September 11th.

"Jihad" Valentine Sparks Concerns
http://kdka.com/local/local_story_041181845.html

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Feb 10, 2003 5:02 pm US/Eastern

(KDKA) (Pittsburgh) A local father says concerns over terrorism prompted him to alert authorities after opening a box of valentines that he bought for his daughter; now authorities are crediting his vigilance.

Nicholas Poillucci says he was shocked when the box of valentines he bought for his three-year-old daughter contained the word "Jihad" -- a word commonly known to Americans as the Muslim word for 'holy war' -- followed by the message, "It's time to be mine."

Concerned that the message might contain a hidden terrorist message, Poillucci called authorities.

Since then, the local Target store where he bought the valentines has pulled them from its shelves; and others across the nation are following suit.

Now the FBI is investigating.

While officials are crediting Poillucci for demonstrating the awareness all Americans should have in the wake of September 11th, others argue that it's an overreaction.

The valentine was designed from a children's book called, "I Spy School Days," which was published in 1995.

According to a spokesperson for the publisher, "Jihad" was the name of a child in a class the author visited and, in the book, was included with many more names.

The valentine, however, featured only the names "Jihad" and "Lily."

Farooq Hussaini of the Islamic Center of Pittsburgh says "Jihad" is a common and popular name -- like Bob.

http://kdka.com/local/local_story_041181845.html

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