FISA amendment fallout
by Richard
EFF’s Hugh D’Andrade has collected a number of angry editorial responses to Congress’ failure to protect citizens from unprecedented government surveillance. The Democrats’ abject fear of looking “soft on terror” belies what they think of the American public—that we’re all too scared dumb to recognize when “to fight terrorism” is describing a hollow excuse instead of a purposeful mission.
I was appalled when Congress rolled over and gave the president even more power to monitor communications than he had with the old warrantless wiretapping program that caused so much controversy.
Then I read this (@ wired.com). Apparently, just days after the law was passed, the Justice Department is already trying use it to convince a judge to dismiss the previous lawsuit concerning the NSA spy program.
I really don’t understand why people are willing to tolerate their elected representatives falling for these bait-and-switch tactics of “imminent threats” and “necessary protections.” Or, for that matter, why our politicians insist on treating us like children who are unable to comprehend and discuss the threats against us, both real and contrived.
While there are thankfully groups like the EFF and the ACLU and various editorial staffs keeping politicians honest and being disgusted on our behalf, it can’t always be their job to look out for our freedoms. Eventually, we all have to step up to the plate and speak out for ourselves. We have to demand a serious conversation with our leaders before they whittle away at our liberties any further.
Best of luck to you guys on the AT&T case at the 9th Circuit Court — and thank you for doing our job for us once again.