Alright, given FunkyStickman's post in the Fairness in Communication act, I think maybe we should start discussing this wiretapping thing a bit more.
I'm talking about the NSA and FBI's use of data mining massive amounts of communication procured without warrant. That is, the practice of harvesting Internet and phone data en masse, and then sifting through it using automated programs to find topics of interest, and then investigating those data points further, all without a federal warrant or supervision.
Those who are in favor of this practice: how do you reconcile your support with what many Americans consider a basic freedom: privacy in communication? What about the lack of oversight in this program?
Those who are against this practice: being that we are not entitled to know the fruits of this endeavor, it is impossible to disprove the utility of this practice by citing examples. How do you balance your disdain for warrantless wiretapping with the mission of the NSA and CIA, and the unparalleled opportunity today's technology provides for identifying potentially devastating crimes in the planning stages?
A few rules:
1. We've all heard the supposed Ben Franklin quote (\"He who would trade liberty for security deserves neither\") a thousand times. No need to repeat what some guy said a long time ago here.
2. This warrantless wiretapping program has been documented and does exist. There is no sense in denying it in an attempt to dodge the point.
Flame on!
Wiretapping
Moderators: Tunnelcat, Jeff250