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RSSUS Senate Votes to Cloak Illegal Spying
Feb 12
Illinois, Legislation, Technology Daniel, government, illegal, Illinois, law, Legislation, Narus, Paranoia, Politics, privacy, Rants, Security, spying, Stupidity 9 Comments
The Senate voted today to amend the FISA statutes and cover up the illegal wiretapping done by the GWB administration (clarification: this was not started by GWB, just expanded). The bill effectively grants immunity to the telecommunications companies who helped the government illegally spy on regular citizens’ internet traffic and phone calls. Surprisingly, our Illinois Senators voted no.
Yes, Dave, I know you’ll ask if I think spying on people who might be terrorists is needed. Yes, I do. I don’t think that watching everything that everyone does is legal nor right.
For anyone who happens across this article and doesn’t think that it is possible to monitor major traffic in real time, have a look at Narus’ products.
Feb 13, 2008 @ 06:32:13
You just don’t get it, or don’t want to get it. The GOV doesn’t have the time, manpower (computer assets)OR interest to monitor everyone individually. This is just the extreme libertarian, Ron Paul, Jeff Rense, etc., loony wacko conspiracy geeks. Sorry, but that’s what it is. The GOV has been monitoring key words through the airwaves, internet and teleco, through project Echelon which has been going on for more than a decade, and has it roots back to monitoring agreements between the UK and USA back in the 1940′s.
I see a big difference between monitoring suspicious buzz words or known terrorists, and monitoring our individual communications. Fortunately GW and most of the Congress understand the distinction too. It’s anyone’s guess whether the next administration or Congress will feel the same.
Feb 13, 2008 @ 08:42:08
I understand that the GOV doesn’t likely have a file with my name on it that they pull daily to just peruse. That’s great for me.
I just had an enlightenment though: I suppose once we put our communications on a network that we do not control/operate, we do give up any sense of privacy. Like sending email – it’s there, plain text, and anyone sniffing any server it passes through can read it, like a post card. Letters are sent with some sense of security though, like email with encryption.
So, can you agree that sending email with encryption is like sending a letter instead of a post card? I know it’s overkill and the NSA or FBI can likely pop it, but I do think it’s similar and I’d like your opinion.
I still think that the broad monitoring of everything is wrong though. I’m not a complete Libertarian extremist.
Oh yeah, bomb, nuclear, smith, Bush, city, death. Just for good measure.
Feb 13, 2008 @ 10:04:23
Yes, I agree with your letter/postcard vs encrypted email/email analogy.
But when there are movements or individuals who want to destroy our country, it’s people, or society, then I have to drawn a line in the sand as to what is prudent, and what is practical.
And just to be safe; peace, love, togetherness, joy.
Feb 13, 2008 @ 10:31:44
You made me laugh with your last bit, FYI.
I think we agree in principle, just not in exercise.
Feb 13, 2008 @ 17:33:49
You & David NEED HELP DLK
Feb 14, 2008 @ 11:29:17
Well…… one of us does, that’s for sure…….
Feb 14, 2008 @ 11:53:57
Funny guy.
Feb 14, 2008 @ 12:50:33
Like I said BOTH need help DLK
Feb 20, 2008 @ 09:09:51
I agree.