The ACLU is suing the federal government over the revised FISA law which grants immunity for the unconstitutional and blatantly illegal actions of the telecommunications companies who performed warrantless blanket wiretaps on american citizens on american soil. I think it says something when even the democratic candidate running under the slogan “change we can believe in” won’t even fight against this legislation. I like Obama, but I have to admit, his support of the compromise (more like: capitulation) legislation has me dismayed. (I have actually read the text of the legislation in case anyone is wondering…) Some have speculated that Barack is smarter than this and is looking more long term. Unfortunately, his latest explanation of his motivations reveals no such intention. There is yet one small glimmer of hope. A lawyer looked into the revised FISA law and it’s related statutes and found no obstruction to prosecuting criminal charges against either the administration or the telecoms. However, you can bet any such attempt would be an uphill battle to say the least. I had no illusions that Barack was a true politician, but that doesn’t make me feel any better about the future of our country. It seems for now, there is no change to be had, only relief in the removal of the Bush administration.
Author Archives: Clay
Beware of those promoting kill switches as enhancing security
Security Matters: I’ve Seen the Future, and It Has a Kill Switch
Bruce Schneier is a wise man and it would be wise to heed his warning on this topic. The presence of remotely accessible kill switches in electronic systems is an extremely dangerous idea. There are a lot of people who would love to have total control over every facet of your life. The more connected you are, the more vulnerable you may be in the future. (and arguably today as well) One of the things that’s always turned me off about OnStar is the big brother aspect of it. The same for Lo Jack. While it would certainly make those in control happy, the potential for abuse is too great to ignore. (and too great for human nature to resist IMO…)
House passes FISA amendment, holds match to constitution
There’s been a lot of talk in the mainstream media and blogs such as talkingpointsmemo about the recent passage of the FISA Amendments Act of 2008. Unless you’ve actually read the text of the version passed by the House, it’s difficult to understand exactly what’s going on. Basically, every politician in congress is scared to death of the possible consequences of not renewing most of the FISA amendments. There’s also been the threat of a presidential veto if the bill didn’t include protection for telecoms who participated in the warrantless surveillance of U.S. citizens. Unfortunately, the house did what it always does: pass a quick and dirty bill so they can go on break and look like they got something done. While the wording of the section protecting telecoms has been watered down, it still does exactly the same thing. If this version of the legislation is enacted as is (which is now quite likely) it will truly be a sad day for our country. The constitution of our country was blatantly violated by the administration and they are going to get away with it because almost no member of congress has the backbone to stand up to them.