Phil Hendrie: Government agent?

Over on Facebook, Phil Hendrie is telling a story right now.

I am now now at liberty to tell you all a few things. It's nothing earth-shattering but it's going to come out so I'd rather get ahead of the news......I have been, for the last 6 years, on the payroll of the United States government. The job I did for our country was in the area of domestic intelligence gathering. I was not a "spy" or "deep cover." Those jobs are done by people with a far more involved background...

I was simply tasked to watch and listen...as many civilians who apply are similarly tasked. The information I passed along was sometimes as simple as a name or an address on an envelope, the movements or activities or personal information of an individual I might have met. I never carried a weapon, was never involved in so-called espionage work and had a limited area of responsibility....

The fact is much of what is called "intelligence gathering" is that basic. There is a tremendous amount of information processed that in and of itself seems innocuous. So, much of it is gleaned by way of conversation or what is laying on someone's desk. Hence, regular people such as myself, who have other jobs and careers, are perfect for this kind of work.

I became involved in this type of work by way of an introduction..a colleague of mine in the business who had these contacts. We talked and he knew of my deep concern for our country's safety following 911. He asked me if I had interest in talking to the people I eventually went to work for. I remember at the time I wanted to do something..anything.

These people became the only people I would meet or know from this group. My contact with them was by way of telephone and there were simple code words used. It's very easy to beat bugs and taps this way when the kind of information you're passing is native and pedestrian to others. I did this for 6 years, mostly here in California but sometimes in other cities when I was traveling.

So to the point of the story: There will be a significant story breaking Monday concerning a figure in the broadcast industry who ran afoul of American anti-terror laws. This person is someone I helped set up and who has subsequently been arrested. My name will be connected to the story. The reason is simple. Keeping my name out of the story is far more trouble than it is worth.

I did not do "sensitive" work, no lives were at stake in any direct sense and identifying me does not compromise other people or so-called operations. Lastly, I don't care who knows what I did since I am frankly very proud of it and my connection to the government was of a short duration. That's it. Believe it or don't but I wanted to at least get my side of the story out there while I had a chance.

Oh by the way...I want to apologize to Rantz and Ralph..my brothers and crew. I know I've been a raging asshole the last few weeks. I'm sorry I couldn't keep the pressure out of the job. You guys are the best! Best crew I've ever had!!

Sounds like another bit, only done via Facebook. We'll find out soon enough.

Update: As I figured. It was another bit.