FBI Hid Patriot Act Abuses

I Don't Believe in Imaginary Property writes "Wired is reporting that the FBI hid Patriot Act abuses with retroactive and flawed subpoenas, and used them to illegally acquire phone and credit card records. There were at least 11 retroactive, 'blanket' subpoenas that were signed by top counter-terrorism officials, some of which sought information the FBI is not allowed to have. The FBI's Communication Analysis Unit also had secret contracts with AT&T, Verizon and MCI, and abused National Security Letters by issuing subpoenas based on fake emergencies."

Comments

FBI Hid Patriot Ac Abuses

[Just 'A Wondrin']

And they abused their power to do what? Catch some bad guys. No, the end doesn't justify the means, but this abuse was discovered and reported. This (the latter) is the price we all pay for living in a "free" society. Got nothin' to hide? Don't worry.

Re:Whats the point anymore

[FredFredrickson]

What angers you the most is that there doesn't seem to be much we can do about this... *sigh* Sure, elect new officials, that'll work. But what about bringing the real threat to our country to justice? I'm not proud to be an american under these circumstances- surely there's something more we can do that write a letter to our rep that will undoubtedly be thrown out, and vote in an election that has clearly been rigged for the past two elections.

How else do you say, we've already lost control, and apathy + a small sense that we might have control has kept us from doing anything about it. When it comes around to it, you realize voting will fix nothing, and writing that letter to your rep won't undo the bribes he's already taken.