"Short Wave Sportfishing" wrote in message
...
Via Jim Lynch - Today's NYT.

Part of the story behind the story in the interception of
communications going outside the United States is the changes in
technology to both make and monitor those communications. With the
sharp rises in cell phone and Internet use over the past decades, the
entire face of these exchanges has been altered. The administration is
within the law, in my opinion, to use the means at hand to keep us all
safer as I have posted on here. Last night I said that I think that
those responsible for the leaks should be found and prosecuted.
However there is one program that is being allowed to continue that
truly disturbs me.

This program has several elements that are extremely bothersome. In a
move to skirt existing law the entire operation is conducted from
outside the United States, even though a significant number of the
targets are US citizens. Although not limited to those inside the
country by any means, it is quite shocking to realize the scope of
this operation. This is not a case of watching for certain patterns,
but instead focuses on individual actions and behaviors. The wide net
of this investigation and the funds to conduct it must be staggering,
but the actual costs are some how kept out of the budget.

In a manner that is reminiscent of the J. Edger Hoover days of the
FBI, my research indicates that this surveillance predates even those
dossiers and watch lists. Analysts then take the information gathered
and make judgment calls regarding the targets being monitored. Without
any oversight whatsoever, individuals who should be protected by the
Constitution and the laws of our country are classified as to their
character. Although some consideration is given to the actual actions
of those being observed, the resulting characterization of individuals
as either naughty or nice could have far reaching psychological
implications. In fairness, I must note that the program has had an
uncanny track record of accuracy and does seem to be forgiving of
minor infractions that could effect classification. Also, it appears
as if some positive actions on the part of the individuals can cause a
shift in how they are viewed.

However, the most disturbing aspect of this highly questionable and
probably illegal program is that the targets are not adults, but the
most vulnerable among us - our children. One would naturally assume
that targeting these young people could only be for the purpose of
making value judgments and decisions later in their lives. The
evidence, however, points to more immediate consequences. For some
reason, as yet undiscovered but surely nefarious, the entire
surveillance appears to be tied to some sort of reward program. I can
only imagine that the undisclosed intention is to create some sort of
Pavlovian response of supposed goodness.

In order to be fair, I must disclose that the lists are checked twice.
Still, that hardly seems as if it is adequate protection against
abuse. Where is the oversight? What checks and balances are in place?
While this agency has nearly unlimited staffing, it has been reported
that the entire responsibility for making these judgment calls has
been tasked to the project's head man. Can one man, however good at
his job, really perform at an acceptable level of competence to assure
that the system isn't gamed? I am amazed that Congress hasn't held an
investigation and hearings to get to the bottom of this mess. Why are
the people we send to represent us not doing their job to get to the
meat of this story. Even the press gives this program a pass! I have
to assume that it is a payoff for rewards they have all received in
the past.

There is one further element that should bring pause, but for some
reason does not. Without any kind of court document, yet also without
any sort of restraint, the head of this agency is allowed (and in many
instance encouraged?!) to enter private residences and distribute what
can only be described as bribes. Workers for the agency, with no known
union representation, aid and abet this charade by constructing items,
often in clear violation of patent, trade mark, and copyright laws.
Given the amount of time that this has been taking place it is
shocking that, to date, no charges have been brought. I won't even go
into the revelation of possible animal abuse that takes place when
reindeer are pressed into service for the grueling round the world
excursion.

How long are we going to allow this to go on? Where is the outrage?
Far from taking the serious look that this deserves, some people
actually play the enablers roll. Instead of denouncing this activity
many actually encourage it by providing a reward to the chief
perpetrator. It has been widely reported that the head of the agency
is partial to dairy products and baked goods. Still, to be perfectly
honest, I have to admit that I have permitted this in my own home and
have said nothing. I am ashamed to admit that I too have fallen victim
to the trappings that seem so good on the surface, but surely must
mask some sinister purpose.

I guess there is the hope that the program is really above board.
Years of empirical data seem to indicate the program has had some
positive results. There are cases where wars have been paused for a
time. People have modified their behavior for the better. The
qualities of goodness, kindness, and "good will toward men" have been
exhibited by many, even those who are not wont to show those things at
other times. Families, instead of being disturbed by these things,
seem to pull together and embrace them. What I described earlier as
bribes could be, I guess, true generosity. It does seem that the
positive actions of this agency, department, what ever it is, tend to
get passed on to others.

Sounds like Santa and his band of elves to me....