Reply #20: joke, just a joke

[Romulus]

I have not been this riled up in, I dunno, days(?) . . .

And adding fuel to the fire:

http://www.usatoday.com/money/companies/2006-05-11-biz-privacy-usat_x.htm

WHAT THE PHONE COMPANIES HAVE TO SAY

Statements from the three telephone companies that USA TODAY reported helped the National Security Agency collect records of domestic phone calls without court authorization.

AT&T
"AT&T has a long history of vigorously protecting consumer privacy. Our customers expect, deserve and receive nothing less than our fullest commitment to their privacy.
"We also have an obligation to assist law enforcement and other government agencies responsible for protecting the public welfare, whether it be an individual or the security interests of the entire nation.
"We prize the trust our customers place in us. If and when AT&T is asked to help, we do so strictly within the law and under the most stringent conditions. Beyond that, we don't comment on matters of national security."

BellSouth
"BellSouth does not provide any confidential customer information to the NSA or any governmental agency without proper legal authority."

Verizon
"We do not comment on national security matters, we act in full compliance with the law, and we are committed to safeguarding our customers' privacy."

National security?!?!?!? You have got to be kidding me . . .