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.
This article available online at:
http://www.theatlantic.com/daily-dish/archive/2009/01/taking-jack-seriously/206763/
