Warrantless Wiretapping Updates

Back to work.

The Rachel Maddow show has aired an interview with NSA whistleblower Thomas M. Tamm, who blew the whistle on NSA's warrantless wiretapping program.
Here's the interview:



Here's a primer from the EFF on the FISA law which was considered too restrictive by Bush Administration officials.
FISA Primer

Here's the text of the Fourth Amendment.

Amendment IV

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

The NSA was searching and seizing millions and hundreds of millions of personal calls and records of American citizens, under the code name "Stellar Wind". The FISA court allows retroactive warrants, allowing for the immediacy the Bush Administration was claiming it needed and which had caused them to bypass the laws of our nation. When reading the text above, I wonder if perhaps BAOfficials believe that because they did not get warrants, they did not need probable cause as described above. My God.

Here's some discussion on Democracy Now!





Here's a link to the EFF's efforts regarding the NSA's WWProgram. The EFF are currently engaged in two lawsuits, one against the government specifically citing those responsible for the WWP, the other against AT&T. Support the EFF, they are doing great work.


Here's an old article from SFChronicle about the WWP being declared UnConstitutional.