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US Senators: NSA Lies In Fact Sheets

Posted by Unknown on from the extraordinary-americans-have-no-rights-though dept.

Bruce66423 writes "The Guardian reports that two U.S. senators have written to the NSA telling it to amend its 702 provisions fact sheet (PDF) which, they claim, contains inaccuracies. However they can't actually say HOW they are inaccurate, because they would be compromising classified information. So the U.S. government uses taxpayer money to lie to the people... there's a surprise!" From the letter: "In our judgment, this inaccuracy is significant, as it portrays protections for Americans' privacy as being significantly stronger than they actually are." But they go on to say "We appreciate your attention to this matter. We believe that the U.S. government should have broad authorities to investigate terrorism and espionage, and that it is possible to aggressively pursue terrorists without compromising the constitutional rights of ordinary Americans. Achieving this goal depends not just on secret courts and secret congressional hearings, but on informed public debate as well."

9 of 295 comments (clear)

  1. Since when by jasper160 · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Do politicians follow the law?

    --
    No good deed goes unpunished.
    1. Re:Since when by mmcxii · · Score: 5, Insightful

      Looking like the good guy matters less by the day. "My party, right or wrong" has been the battle cry of American politics for a long while but the lengths to which this is take in the past few administrations has become insane.

    2. Re:Since when by TWiTfan · · Score: 5, Insightful

      Since when does the NSA ever tell the truth? Basically all this letter says is "Your lies have been exposed, so make up some new ones." Meanwhile they're trying to throw the leaker of said lies into a prison for the rest of his life in hopes of discouraging anyone else from exposing the *next* set of lies.

      --
      The cow says "Moo." The dog says "Woof." The Timothy says "Thanks, valued customer. We appreciate your input."
    3. Re:Since when by Seumas · · Score: 5, Informative

      Well, there's an important decision to be made.

      The OATH of the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES that he takes before the entire world during his inauguration clearly states that his duty in that position is "to protect and uphold the constitution of the United States".

      However, George Bush stated that his job was to be "The Decider".

      And Obama repeatedly states at every interview and speech that his "first priority and duty as president" is "to protect the American people".

      So.. no, they don't have "the law" (ie, the Constitution) anywhere in their realm of concern.

      Even though Obama is a fucking Constitutional lawyer, I believe.

    4. Re:Since when by causality · · Score: 5, Insightful

      Even though Obama is a fucking Constitutional lawyer, I believe.

      The purpose of being a Constitutional lawyer is to perform mental gymnastics creating exceptions to clearly-stated language such as "shall not infringe" and "shall make no law".

      --
      It is a miracle that curiosity survives formal education. - Einstein
    5. Re:Since when by Archangel+Michael · · Score: 5, Insightful

      "Is it legal" - Trade Federation

      "I will make it legal" - Darth Sidious

      This is the lie of the big government proponents. They love to cloak themselves in "legality", and skirt around the issue of whether or not something is right (correct, moral). Is Snowden a traitor or a hero? Well that depends upon whether you look at what he did as being legal or moral, because those questions result in two different outcomes.

      Next time you here someone say "but they broke the law" ask them if Rosa Parks broke the law.

      Not all laws are just laws.

      --
      Agent K: A *person* is smart. People are dumb, stupid, panicky animals, and you know it.
    6. Re:Since when by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Insightful

      Tea Partiers are just gullible Republicans who've been tricked by Koch brothers money into thinking they AREN'T just supporting the rich and powerful.

  2. Re:Reactions to this by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Insightful

    How about instead of creating new legislation, they repeal some old bills. Like the National Security Act of 1947.

  3. Re:smirk by umundane · · Score: 5, Informative

    Found it archived here:

    http://web.archive.org/web/20130625004125/http://www.nsa.gov/public_info/_files/press_releases/section_702_protections.pdf