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Senator Seeks More Info On DOJ Location Tracking Practices

Posted by Soulskill on from the he-knows-when-you've-been-bad-or-good dept.

Gunkerty Jeb writes "Senator Al Franken (D-MN) is demanding answers to questions about the U.S. Department of Justice practice of gathering data from wireless providers in order to monitor individuals' movements using mobile phone location data. In a letter (PDF) to Attorney General Eric Holder, Franken said, 'I was further concerned to learn that in many cases, these agencies appear to be obtaining precise records of individuals' past and current movements from carriers without first obtaining a warrant for this information. I think that these actions may violate the spirit if not the letter of the Jones decision.'"

7 of 35 comments (clear)

  1. government by wierd_w · · Score: 4, Insightful

    The only "decision" these government agencies respect is their own decision that they are more important than everyone else, and therefore completely justified in breaking laws.

    Afterall, those laws are meant for those other people, not for them.

  2. Too damn many people by flaming+error · · Score: 4, Insightful

    The government is huge and opaque and one congressman represents so many people, that most of us have near-zero access to say a thing about it. Sure we can write letters and they'll tally them up and pile them with the rest. Won't change much.

    I'd really like to have my congress critters sit and discuss with me why they don't see this as the problem Franken and Paul do.

    Because to me, the Constitution is crystal clear, and the feds are breaking the law.

    1. Re:Too damn many people by Fjandr · · Score: 3, Insightful

      One of many reasons I believe we should have far more Representatives. The total sum paid to all Reps should not increase, however.

    2. Re:Too damn many people by EdIII · · Score: 3, Insightful

      Not a big one, by yourself, but if people in this country would stop being so defeatist, they could make a big difference in aggregate.

      The problem are the choices. On one hand you have a big shaved ape that is going to take you in the corner and buttfuck you. On the other hand, you have a big shaved ape that is going to rape you in the face.

      Geeee.... I wonder why so many people are just burned out and disillusioned about even making the choice?

      With partisan politics being so damned bad, even the moderates that at least gave you a reach around are leaving.

  3. To little to late? by s.petry · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Al Franken is correct in questioning. This is exactly what a person that represents the "People" should be doing. Sadly, Rand Paul, Al Franken, Ron Paul, and a couple others are in such a minority that we won't hear much about this. Mega Media corps will make sure this does not reach Network News in any form to boot, so what ever Al uncovers will be quickly muted by what ever nonsense they feel will cover up the 5 minute news spot.

    We really are at a point where the house needs to be cleaned completely. I think if it started to happen, we'd quickly have a police state. The Government has been gearing up for it at least. We can hope the Military prevents it from happening.

    --

    -The wise argue that there are few absolutes, the fool argues that there are no probabilities.

    1. Re:To little to late? by Ironchew · · Score: 3, Insightful

      We really are at a point where the house needs to be cleaned completely. I think if it started to happen, we'd quickly have a police state. The Government has been gearing up for it at least. We can hope the Military prevents it from happening.

      The military has a vested interest in operating in a police state. Given the chance, they would usurp it, not prevent it.

    2. Re:To little to late? by Ironchew · · Score: 4, Insightful

      Leadership perhaps, but even those leaders would be an extreme minority. The majority of the military is made up of people just like you and I.

      The military also has a vested interest in making sure those of lower rank (the majority) obey their superiors, otherwise there really wouldn't be much of a point in having a military. History has shown that things get more authoritarian when a nation is overthrown by its military.