I’ve been working with Linux both in corporate and personal environments for the last 12 years. I have also run Linux as a primary desktop OS on and off throughout my career, so I’d like to offer my opinion on the matter.

First, I’d like to state that I personally do not believe there are backdoors in Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, or any other version of Windows. As a network security consultant, I frequently perform penetration testing against Microsoft operating systems. The best security policy is to leave every door closed, and every window shut (no pun intended). If there are no services accessible on a machine from the outside world, there is nothing to exploit. In other words, even if there were some sort of backdoor in a running Windows service, there is nothing to exploit if the service is not accessible (firewall). In addition, if the inverse was true – that is, the Windows workstation was calling out to some secret rendezvous server on the Internet, this would be apparent not only in the netstat tables on the machine, but to any firewalls between the workstation and the Internet. In the last year, my heavy testing of Windows 7 security has yet to uncover such a scenario. None of the other thousands of people testing Windows 7 (or any other Microsoft OS) have uncovered such a scenario, either. You are fine using a Microsoft OS, as long as it isn’t pirated. Pirated systems have trouble running Windows update (patching), which leaves you vulnerable to actual, non-imaginary, exploits.

That being said, I choose Windows XP Pro as my tried and true desktop OS. Put simply, XP does everything Vista and Windows 7 do, but much more quickly and without all of the bloat, bugs, and interface dumbification. On my Windows XP workstations, I run TrueCrypt and encrypt the entire system drive. I know there are varying ideologies here about the use of encryption, but I don’t leave home without a fully encrypted machine. Ever. For added “security” I use the TrueCrypt option to modify the boot loader to simply display “Missing operating system” instead of the standard TrueCrypt password prompt. If I am stopped and forced to power on my machine, instead of it asking for a password, I can give the excuse that I got a virus and it wiped out my machine. Yes, I’m aware that if someone were to take the drive and analyze it, they could locate the TrueCrypt boot loader, but I’m not really hiding from those types of people. The “super duper secret data” they are after is stored elsewhere.

As for Linux, it is a powerful operating system that is capable of many different functions. Because there is a huge community reviewing and improving the source code, security fixes are often released very quickly. It is a very secure OS, with no backdoors, and a huge community of 24/7 auditors. For most casual Windows desktop user converts, however, it can be a bit much to digest, especially when things don’t work correctly out of the box. I have yet to encounter a Linux distribution (distro) where EVERYTHING just works with a default install. I definitely encourage you to try it out though. Here are the steps I recommend to all individuals interested in Linux.

First, make a list of every Windows program that you simply cannot live without. Go to www.osalt.com and search for Linux alternatives. You may be able to find some very good alternatives to the Windows apps that not only run on Linux, but also on Windows (with the GTK+ toolkit, etc). Next, test those alternative apps (that run under Windows) to see if they will truly be able to replace the native Windows counterpart. For example, OpenOffice is a Microsoft Office replacement, Firefox can replace Internet Explorer, Planner can replace Microsoft Project, etc. Personally, there are several apps with (in my mind) no acceptable replacements under Linux, including Microsoft Visio (some people recommend DIA), Adobe Photoshop (some people recommend GIMP), Adobe Acrobat Pro (no alternative), and many hardware drivers.

Second, visit www.distrowatch.com to research some of the many Linux distros available. That being said, you are better off sticking to one of the main distros, which include Ubuntu (most popular), Fedora, or OpenSUSE. You mention Puppy Linux, which is actually the 7th most popular distro. I would avoid it.

Third, test out the “live” version of each of the three distros (if available). You can burn a live distro onto a flash drive or CD/DVD, boot your computer from it, and test the entire functional operating system (complete with applications) without ever writing a single byte to your hard drive. I actually use this method to boot a customized version of Linux called “Backtrack” to perform network penetration testing and test the security of wireless networks. Live distros are also great for anonymous web browsing from free wifi connections. As soon as you power off your machine, every speck of data is gone because it was stored in RAM.

Lastly, once you have selected a distribution that you like, copy all of your data to a flash drive or CD/DVD, install Linux (preferably on a separate hard disk so that you can revert back to Windows if necessary), and copy your data over.

Good luck…

The service with Rosie was very fast. However, I had delayed sending the money order and I paid for it.

Yesterday, mother was in heavy traffic on the interstate (where traffic cams are) and the traffic stopped and she struck a vehicle and she left the scene.

I don't know what will happen yet legally and civilly (my law enforcement contacts had no report of an accident) but please protect your privacy. Mr. Luna lived under the dictatorship of Francisco Franco and privacy can help maintain your freedom.

There is an old saying, "He who hesitates loses." Don't hesitate regarding your privacy and maybe freedom.

... FYI, I know of a case where one of Rosie's clients left the scene after damaging public property by accident. (No one else was involved.)

Police sent a letter to his ghost address asking who the driver was. They received a reply from the Canary Islands stating that although the driver would not be named, all expenses for damages would be paid so "please send receipts."

That was a couple of years ago. No bills were ever presented.

Jack, looking back at old posts, it seems that the Canary Islands weren't on Google Earth or Street View three years ago when a similar post was made. Now that there's street view on a few of the islands, is the mail forwarding location still not viewable? If it is, does it look like a residence or business?

Wendy, thanks for the nice response! You do seem to be somewhat of an expert on CMRAs, as I saw some past posts. I picked up a box at a chain CMRA in downtown that I feel comfortable with. It was before reading HTBI, but I long ago trained myself to question requests for my personal information, so I'm confident it will be secure.

I ended up meeting the owner of the location. She was very nice and allowed me to open the box without even questioning my (soon to be closed) PO box as the home address. She even gave me keys without ID that day, since I didn't have any on me! I returned and gave an old work ID and a health insurance card, which were accepted without question, even though neither had an address. (Why did I go back and submit ID? I didn't want to be audited later for lack of ID on file.)

Thanks for the bit on the FTC red-flag rules. I think not gaining unwanted attention is a key to privacy -- audits and "moving" often would certainly gain you attention. I tend to change addresses every 2-4 years

I'm off today to go find myself my first real ghost address -- wish me luck!

If they say something like "Ah, well, yeah. We have this form the Post office requires us to complete," like they'd rather chew glass than have you complete the form, play dumb and ask, "Really? What kind of form and what kind of ID did you say I need?" If you like what you hear and feel comfortable that they aren't actually running a fusion center from their location, move forward. If not, move to the next on your list until you find one you like, that offers the services of the international chains but with a price you want to pay and payment schedules methods you prefer but that won't invade your space or privacy. Keep in mind, the further away from Downtown Boston, the Financial District or Copley you are, the more privacy/less formality you can expect.

That's because, usually, Mom & Pops in any city or town HATE government imposition into their business and personal lives and those PS 1583s represent that for many. After you find one you "feel", go in, dressed for the neighborhood, which as you know means the Financial District is different from Southie or Harvahd Yahd or the North Shore because that's important in Boston. You gotta fit, not stand out. Then, reintroduce yourself using the name you gave on the phone, chat them up (if they have a Boston accent, use yours liberally if you have one--I do whenever it's necessary but rarely otherwise but try to speak their "language"). Offer to pay a lot up front and ask to pick from available boxes. Pick a number you like in a location you like. Chat them up some more, say goodbye and go on about your day. Stay nice, quiet and legally clean, draw little or no attention to your activities and you'll be straight. You'll like your new street address better than a P.O. Box anyway and you won't feel like you're part of some big business big government conspiracy to wreck your privacy and financial life. Also, such enterprises are unlikely to come up as CMRAs in bank databases unless a number of bank customers use the same one. So, make sure you find one in a neighborhood you know that's not right down the street (or a T ride away) from a big name bank or a small one with sophisticated anti-Red Flags/address discrepancy software already in use.

Finally, keep in mind that if you change your address on your financial or credit accounts, don't ask for additional major changes for at least 30 to 60 days. (Learn what those are by checking out the link below.) Otherwise, you may find yourself in violation of Red Flags Rules and have your accounts audited or even closed for suspected "fraud". While the FTC keeps 'delaying' mandatory implementation of Red Flags Rules, many financial services companies and businesses that extend credit already use them and many consumers and small businesses are being blindsided by them. That's why it's best to have one ghost address for ALL of your credit-related "true ID" info attached accounts and one for everything else. Rarely, if ever, change the former and maintain your flexibility with the latter (except if you use it for your small business and use credit to operate your small biz, then the same rules apply to as to your personal "creditor" CMRA).

Submitted Link #1: http://ftc.gov/redflagsrule...

Short story: evidently post offices are required to update their PO box holder information every 2-3 years because "fraud is so common with PO boxes". Mine hadn't in 10 years, and got audited. So they won't give me new keys until I pay up in terms of up to date information!

Long story: This past weekend my post office moved for the second time in as many years. (Their building was being town down and replaced. Now they've moved back.)

I remember the first move going without a hitch, but this time, they have not only changed the box numbers to ridiculous 6-digit ones, but have changed all the keys as well. I went to the counter to pick up my new keys and was told I have to fill out the application form again. Information for keys.

I didn't fill it out. They looked at my passport and got me the mail from the box. I figure I'll move all my mailing to a CMRA I just picked up and only stop by to pick up mail (without having enough ID to fill in the form) once or twice more, then abandon it. Sad really, it was a great box number.

I appreciate your sharing your experience and providing your advice. But, the first thing I would say to any woman is NEVER second-guess why it took you so long to report this man. **I** am the victim, not him so I don't have anything to apologize for. I'm guilty of nothing more than keeping myself safe and making certain I could prove my claims--or at least establish my own credibility and his character with documentation as well as show a clear pattern of behavior--before filing reports with law enforcement. I should never be made to question my choices about when and how I choose to report my abuser/stalker...unless he is actively, physically abusing me and threatening me and my family.

He wasn't and many stalkers don't; it doesn't mean you're not being stalked, though. It just means you'll have to work harder to prove you are and reporting too soon can be as detrimental to your case as waiting to late can be to your life. While you wait, document, document, document. When you get objective, gather evidence then get to law enforcement. Then, stay on top of the investigation and add more reports as the stalker commits more criminal acts.

And, ladies (and gentlemen with their own stalker/batterers), know this: once you report and FOLLOW THROUGH, few law enforcement agencies in this country will resist your using every technique available to you in HTBI and other privacy resources to protect yourself from your stalker or a future one. In fact, even if your stalker ends up dead for whatever reason, they'll encourage it. Once you've been stalked for real, you are NEVER the same and you ALWAYS want to protect your safety with level four privacy.

As to a TRO, two things. First, you need plenty of physical evidence that you're being stalked. As I said, I don't have enough...yet. But, as an investigative journalist, I'm an investigator like any other (law enforcement, PIs, etc.) and, like even JJL says, this one is BETTER than the most intrepid cop or PI. Law enforcement often come to US for info and to locate people because we are tenacious and dauntless and can gain access to things they cannot usually get without a warrant or subpoena. Moreover, people will talk to us when they won't talk to law enforcement or PIs and, often, when you're a trusted journalist like me, tell you stuff they won't tell their own mother because they know you'll take their confidences to your own grave.

So, I don't need to run afoul of the law to get what I need or do counter-surveillance. What I need first is Godspeed and once I know I have that, all I need is my press creds, my laptop and my cell phone and I can set it off on that man. I can get the evidence I need to provide law enforcement and states/federal AGs with what they need to prosecute so I will because my victory is assured. You've got to do what works for you as long as you're not protecting your stalker or excusing his behavior to others (while lying to yourself) in your waiting. You don't have to be me to do it. Think of all the women whose lives were made into movies when they became whistleblowers. None were trained investigators before they had to become one.

Second, TRO's to many stalkers are like throwing bloody flesh into shark infested waters. TROs are the target's bloody flesh and the stalker is the shark. TROs are shown to typically enrage the stalker and cause him (and it's usually a "him") to come harder after their target, especially female targets. Stalking targets with TROs can be dead stalking targets in many cases, particularly if the stalker has a substance abuse problem and has been trained to use firearms. As a man who has guns, you're more threatening and not nearly as vulnerable to the stalker. Besides, you weren't the real target; your female friend was. That's why she balked; she followed her instincts, waited to get the TRO when she had real law enforcement support and got away with her life. That was her strategy and it worked. Most important is she's alive to tell her story and her stalker is off the street. So, PLEASE, never insist a woman get a TRO unless you know it won't get her killed.

I've got my own strategy for dealing with this person based on my knowledge of him and my own situation. Mine also involves immediate loss of his freedom and of his ability to use a regular cell phone or a computer for many years if not the rest of his days for using them, some of them probably government owned, to stalk me across state lines. What he has done rises to the level of a federal offense, especially since he used government authority (like his security clearances) to engage in his stalking ops against me. I will use my own resources of people and connections to get him a stint in federal prison if he's not smart enough to, as he put it to me a decade ago, "cut [his] losses and move on". Since I don't trust him to just leave and never bother me again, I'm going to pursue some prison time for him, make sure he has no resources to find me when released (even if that means a civil suit to take them) and disappear.

Moreover, this isn't just about me anymore. Because I'm someone who usually DOES get nominees (lawyers in cases like this) to deal with such matters discretely (in the parlance of my social sphere), I was looking for help from people who are regulars to this forum for dealing with local and county law enforcement. Why? Because not only is this is not just about ME, I'm in a unique position to help other women. So, it's now as much about all of the women who are experiencing this kind of stalking abuse who are afraid to go to law enforcement. I can take the easy way out for me or I can take a bit of hit and help other women who don't know what to do in these situations. I can learn what to teach them and help put an end to the ease with which so many get away with stalking others. It's become a bit of crusade for me.

Moreover, in my case, waiting, though painful and sometimes scary, proved valuable and provided a number of benefits. (1) A whole host of individuals are now available to testify against him for stalking me; many of them have documented evidence of his behavior. He's been seen everywhere he's followed me and left a paper trail of aliases, hotel stays, transactions, drop boxes, inquiries into getting help stalking me, etc. Wherever I've stayed, I've told people they need to help protect me from my stalker by not making it easy for him to contact me there. That's a lot of people I've told that--and a number of them have his name, domicile and physical description documented. We also have common connections in a couple of those states who know he was in them when I was and when he had no other reason to be there. So, lot of folk know he is stalking me; he's even admitted it to some people. I will find EVERY piece of that evidence and anyone who knows me well knows I can and mean I will. (2) He can't deny his presence in those places because he has to land his aircraft in local airports and landing strips to remain legal and not be arrested (or shot down). In some areas, he's had to file some kind of flight plan to fly in certain airspace and/or above or below certain altitudes. Also, two of states where he stalked me--Maryland and Virginia--have very sophisticated air surveillance. If he's up in any kind of aircraft there, authorities know it, know who he really is no matter what he tells them and they document his activities. (It didn't really help in his case to be former "Office of Naval Intelligence" personnel and not on official government business, either.)

And, to get that data, let's just say I have a few connections so high up that it would make most people's nose bleed so I can get that data with a few phone calls. (Okay, one of my parents would have to make at least one of those calls but same thing.) (3) Awareness of surveillance stalking and high tech stalker techniques have been studied by the DOJ in put in a report published this past January (see link below). The report shows that my experience with a primarily surveillance stalker is far more common than believed and that what I say is happening to me is likely happening and provable. Moreover, law enforcement's apprehending that aircraft stalker in California this past September only supports my own case. My stalker has pretty much done the same kinds of stuff that air stalker did--repeated low flyovers, especially. And, finally, (4) because I waited, public documents posted in legal actions related to his attorney's license suspension show everything I've long claimed about his character but couldn't prove to be true. He can't remove those documents from the internet, either. AND **he** placed enough info about his own military history on social media that I can use to help law enforcement develop a dossier on him.

So, now that I have all of this documentation, here's what I've done. I went into the local county sheriff's office and asked that they ONLY take a report. That's it. Take a report that will get an investigation started. I went in to their office because, since he's in an aircraft and his 'ground troops' are following me, they all SAW me go into the agency and could guess why I was there. That sends a clear message without getting a TRO AND it prevents him from denying his activities because he won't have to appear in court to battle a TRO. It also buy's time to build a case against him.

Ironically, though, it turns out that because he has been using electronic surveillance on me (and, likely, because he's former Naval intelligence), that rises to an entirely different level of crime. Thus, there's a whole different kind of investigation that needs to occur before a TRO can be issue so the magistrate wouldn't give me a TRO anyway. I had to speak with a deputy first.

When I told the officer the magistrate arranged for me to see my story, I could see he didn't believe me at first. Then, I pulled out about 50 pages of documents that proved what I stated was probable and likely, given this jerk's character and his own statements about himself on social media. I showed he had at least one alias, was able to provide his true DOB (he uses several) as well as court documents showing his military status, his admitted substance abuse and mental health issues and that he has a propensity for lying, theft and fraud which certainly portends other criminal behavior like stalking. I provided recent county documents from his domicile state that show his true legal residence while social media documents he created put him near my location for most of the last three years--far away from his domicile state. Even my posts HERE over the last nearly three years about having a stalker who uses an aircraft and electronic surveillance can be used as support. (Even if much of their content might be considered hearsay, they provide leads and other evidence that is NOT, like dates.)

So, because he is a surveillance stalker who is known to me and with whom I have a history (not a dangerous gang stalker whose chosen me as his random target of opportunity to be chased by groups of strangers everywhere I go) and they don't usually want to get caught (though gang stalker leaders don't either), he put me in a position to somewhat impatiently wait for him to leave a trail of enough evidence to weave the rope by which he will hang himself. That may pay off for me and, while a gang stalker wouldn't care, a surveillance stalker is aware doing harm to me will only make his situation worse. (Point: it's important to know what kind of stalker you have so you can act accordingly.) Thus, I've made it clear he won't escape culpability for whatever he does to me or mine even in death. Surveillance stalkers, like most, are notorious for loving and protecting their own loved-ones from this kind of activity and that's who'll pay if he harms me or my son and then takes himself out. Besides, his narcissism makes him NOT want to be known as worse than he already is and harming me, someone considered an innocent and well-liked by most, would cause that to happen.

Now, I don't advise other women to wait their stalker out if their in immediate, life-threatening or other physical danger. Don't get it twisted; waiting them out won't make them go away. Only some kind of action, usually involving law enforcement, will. My situation may not be your so KNOW YOUR STALKER type and act accordingly. (Search the internet to learn what you have but do it from a safe location like a public library during peak hours if you believe your under electronic surveillance). You may be in much more imminent danger than I believe I'm in and need immediate action taken. In such cases, the sooner after the behavior begins you report the incidents to police (AND surround yourself with big, burly, dangerous or even homicidal maniac support if possible), the faster your problem will be resolved. Many stalkers are bullies or cowards who run from confrontation and they count on isolating their target to torment them. Don't be isolated if you don't have to be and get help as soon as you can but gather evidence to use if you have time. But your own cheap home surveillance security system; put cameras on your computer and attach them to your DVR and television; use baby monitors. Counter-surveillance can be done on the cheap. Record every call from the stalker (when it's a crime, it's legal no matter what your state laws on recording calls is as long as you only use the recordings for police reporting AND your not a journalist trying to get a story), videotape every confrontation and save every mail or email correspondence as well as unwanted gifts, cards, etc. Back everything up on digital media and in two locations and print whatever you can. Send copies to trusted friends for safekeeping, whenever possible. Document, document, document. I did and I'm glad; I just have to pull what I have together and get the rest.

I have a very long fuse and it takes me a while to get this angry. You really have to do a lot to me to get me here (unless it's physical abuse or I or my son is placed in immediate physical, psychological or financial danger--then I get ugly quickly, loudly and publicly). Unfortunately, people like me are a stalker's favorite targets. But once I'm at the end of my fuse, I'm more wily than my perpetrator and far more dangerous than they because then, I'm POed and have laser focus on making you go away. Like I said, I'm done.

BUT, John, you're right in that the law enforcement officers I've spoken to--once they saw my documents, my sincerity and my willingness to ID myself, within reason--took me seriously. I happen to be located where reporting a stalker with whom you've had any kind of intimate relationship practically puts you in a witness protection program of sorts. So, under the law, my privacy won't be violated and I now have legal grounds to protect my location using HTBI tactics. I also went to law enforcement my stalker doesn't know, in an area unfamiliar to him and where he can't manipulate the system and I did so shortly after arriving here so he doesn't have time to get comfortable. Coupled with the next steps I take but he doesn't expect, he's toast.

My point is that stalking is like a long rape. And, just like with rape, women should do what it takes to stay alive long enough to safely rid themselves of their perpetrator. With stalking, sometimes that means waiting until you can prove he's stalking you. In other cases, it's acting quick, fast and in a hurry to save yourself. But, I'll paraphrase a young pop singer. "Stand back and take a look at this situation objectively and then do what you know you have to do to put an end to it." That's the advice of professionals who help stalking victims get free. Sometimes it takes time to get to a place where you can report but when you do, walk tall with your head high into the nearest law enforcement agency and dime the jerk out. But, whenever you decide to report them, fight them until they either quit or ends up in prison, whichever comes first. Since I don't trust mine to quit, it's either federal prison far away from me or death--whichever comes first. And, at this point, I really don't care which one it is since I'm unlikely to have to effect either myself now that law enforcement is involved.

Submitted Link #1: http://www.ovw.usdoj.gov/aboutstalking.htm...

Readers, JJ & Wendy I’ll try and make this the Readers Digest version. I had a female employee of mine stalked by a real nut case. He had a State job and had never been in trouble with the law. Folks we to afraid of him to press charges I guess. This is the kind of guy that some would say “needs killing”. I had some in laws in law enforcement so I got some good tips from them.

This nut lived 15 miles from her. She was divorced and liked the attention he first gave her as her x didn’t spend any time with her. It got to where she couldn’t do anything W/O him. She tried to break up with him and He accused her of sleeping with everyone at our work and she was afraid to go home one afternoon. He was parked across from our place of business waiting to follow her when she left to go home.

Another employee and I followed her home to make sure she got there OK. He knew saw us so he would pull over we would see him do this and we would pull over. This gave her time to get home.

She had told us that he had told her he would burn her house with her in it. If I can’t have you know one will etc.

He pulled alongside of my truck and threatened me that day (I guess I then became her Nominee) I signed a statement at the PD and he was served a warrant for communicating a threat.

We go to court, his lawyer calls me out in the foyer and says you really do not want this guy to lose his job do you since they had starting dating again (I didn’t know this at the time and was I ever PO) I was able to get a TRO. Later I found out they had told her he would mess me up and she was really scarred of him so she didn’t push her own TRO and I guess is why she started seeing him.

Where I went wrong. I allowed him to pick her up for lunch from my place of business. This was in violation of the TRO. I figured oh well she is dating him again. What a mistake. It made the TRO go void. I should have had the TRO in my possession and called the law! Where she went wrong. She should have gotten a TRO and she didn’t.

He sold his house and moved 3 doors down from her. Her life became a living hell. He would follow her at lunch every day. She had busted water pipes under her house with the weather above freezing. Super glue in her locks. Flat tires twice a week on new tires. Ice pick size holes 4 or 5 different times. He would turn her LP tank off while she was gone and turn it back on after the pilot light went out etc. etc.

He would ride by my house 20 miles from their homes looking for her when he couldn’t find her. She had never been to my house. My wife saw him 2 or 3 times. He even came by one day and my door wasn’t locked and my 8 year old son let him in. He said he came by to just say hi and saw my gun cabinet and said Oh you have guns too. I Soon got a CCP and don’t leave home without it.

After 6 months or so He started dating another divorced woman. This woman got wind of him and called my employee and told her she had heard he had been dating her and was asking her if he was a nut. She talked with her once but was too scared to talk with her. I called her and filled her in. He eventually threatened her on her answering machine. I told her to get a TRO and offered to go with her to court as a coach. The same attorney came and called her out in the foyer and it was like a recording but this time she knew in advance what was about to happen. His attorney was mad as hell and told me that I had no relevance in this case I said stalking is stalking and it had everything to do with the case since he was the same nut I had dealt with within less than a year over the same charge.

I talked with the assistant DA for her and this time didn’t go as well for him. I had also contacted his boss a real good friend of my law enforcement in laws and they were looking for a reason to fire him. He soon lost his job. He found one at a nursing home!

Both of these women moved away. I do not see him but I know he may just show up some day. Ask yourself what has taken you so long to let the law deal with him? I don't want the answer You know the facts and will need to make this decision. I usually find that the law sides with the woman. It would sound more realistic if you had moved and he was out of his law enforcement area. (No buddies no local COP friends)

Do not break the law. But things you may do would be Contact his work. Get a TRO and let charges and times he stalks you stack up with the law over and over. Find a friend or Cop nominee. Catch him with CCTV motion activated recorders. Hire a PI to GPS him. Paladin press has some good Get Even books you may glean some tips but some of this stuff is against the law and you should not break the law.

Perhaps you see the importance of letting the law deal with him. Get you a TRO ASAP Keep a copy with you and have it enforced. Good luck.

First, let me me be clear: I'm going to do this so please don't try to talk me out of it. I've had it. I'm done. I won't live like a prisoner any longer. It's time for him to be the fugitive, not me. He has GOT to GO, NOW. I want to retain as much of the privacy I've worked so hard to create as possible, though, and I think because of the way I've set things up, I can. In fact, this will actually help because now I'll have law enforcement documentation of having a stalker which entitles me to more privacy protection.

Second, I have a lot of documentation about him, his character, his past (including his military background) and his propensity to do this (though I haven't been able to locate a pilot's cert for him or aircraft registrations for his two small planes (one a Beechcraft type and the other a vintage military plane). But that really doesn't mean much to me since, knowing him, he's found a way to keep his true name, address, etc. out of the FAA database and aircrafts can be registered using LLCs or trusts.) I know quite a bit about him from what he eats to where he'd stay on the road that provides direction to law enforcement. I also have witnesses, etc. Other than that, I have a lot of anecdotal evidence like knowledge of being watched and recorded based on the actions my stalker takes which he could not if he hadn't heard me state something. (And, the feedback I get whenever I stick my cellphone near my dashboard--you know, that "another cell/wireless phone is close by" when I only have one of my own coupled with his scent in my vehicle is a bit of a giveaway of the presence of another similar device both transmitting my phone or other conversations or my GPS location.)

Third, like many stalkers, he hasn't made any physical threats and hasn't called or emailed since I fussed him out a few years ago and threatened to make his behavior 'public' (at least in our social circle) and get his security clearances pulled (which, based on his misconduct as an attorney probably has happened by now). But he keeps me under surveillance by him and others he hires or whatever. That, alone, is disturbing, and scary since I don't know what one of those people he's having surveil me may do. However, few know or understand--even most law enforcement--the kinds of technology available that make it possible for he, using an aircraft, and his cohorts, to whom he can transmit information or have their own receivers tracking my movements, to chase me around everywhere. But, those of you who are investigators of any kind are familiar with that "awareness" of the presence of other people, devices, whatever, monitoring or watching you. It's fine tuned in us. In fact, it's why my stalker hasn't be able to successfully keep PIs after me because I catch them--a lot. That kinda gets around, especially when they learn he's really stalking me.

So, of course, I'm tired of all of this and it's long past time for me to take my life back by taking action.

But, naturally, I have a few concerns and want to make sure I'm not victimized by law enforcement because they think I'm the lunatic, not him. (After all, don't all women overreact and behave hysterically? Or maybe I just want the attention. Right.) Therefore, I'd like your input on the following:

1) Since I'm voluntarily filing reports and not pursuing immediate arrest (unless I have enough evidence for that), am I required to provide ID like driver's licenses to prove address or may I simply use my passport and provide whatever address and phone I want? Will I have to provide my social security number?

2) What can't I be forced to do in order to file reports? What can law enforcement require of me (besides proof, some of which I have, some, I don't)? Can I be forced to do a TRO or press charges?

3) What is the most effective way to present the facts of my situation, especially when I don't have a ton of physical evidence (like photos, recordings or emails) and am not likely to get much because I'm dealing with an ex-military intell officer who is being pretty careful and would be able to keep this behavior 'secret' from anyone but me (because of our 20+ year history) and since I'm an investigative journalist?

4) Can I make suggestions? I'd like to see the local airports and private airfields contacted about him, for example.

5) Should I get a lawyer to help me? I mean, I get one if I have a traffic violation so....

Have I missed anything else? I look forward to your input. Thanks.