Slashdot Mirror
National Security Letters Reform Act Reintroduced
eldavojohn writes "A bill introduced today, similar to one that died in 2007, would reform the plague of National Security Letters and greatly narrow their scope. On top of that, it would mandate the destruction of any wrongly obtained information discovered in audits by the Inspector General that uncovered widespread improprieties in NSLs."
Why is "hate crime" legislation a good thing again?
If I beat you up and leave you for dead, that's one victim.
If I beat you up and leave you for dead because I don't like your hair color, and it's known that I belong to a large group of similarly-minded people, then not only have I victimized you, but everyone who has your same hair color is now going to be looking over their shoulders, in fear that one of my compatriots is after them next.
That's why "hate crimes" deserve special punishment - because they have the intent and effect of victimizing not just one or two or a few people, but a whole group. It's a whole new level of unacceptability.
"The best argument against democracy is a five minute chat with the average voter."
--Winston Churchill