Taking Jack Seriously

Another reader writes:

In my work I interact and assist folks from TSA, Homeland Security or other consultants supporting them.  On a couple of occasions I have been in meetings with such folks and have made the mistake of making a joke about the absurdity of 24.  I was met with unamused stares which communicated that I was no longer to be taken as a serious person.  Something one often hears from these folks is "if you knew what I know....." -- they take 24 quite seriously.