NSA data mining: What else did we expect?

[LuckyTheDog]

The public and the media were shocked to discover that the National Security Agency (NSA) continues to collect massive amounts of data from telecom and Internet service providers.

What is really surprising is that anybody would be surprised.

Until USA Patriot Act of 2001 is repealed, it is naïve to assume any president would prevent intelligence agencies from using the tools the act gives them. At best, we can expect some modifications around the edges.

To his credit, President Obama has made some important changes. Unlike his predecessor, Obama is insisting on the use of warrants from the secret Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court. He also has kept Congress informed. However, that’s as much restraint as anyone should expect until courts, lawmakers, or both, take action to stop these practices. It’s not hard to see why.

More here: http://blogs.detroitnews.com/politics/2013/06/11/nsa-phone-data/

Time to repeal the Patriot Act.

[pnwmom]

1. Yes -- but more would have to be done.

I read that if the Patriot Act were repealed, a future President could still go the Bush route and use warrantless wiretapping.

[LuckyTheDog]

2. IMO, Bush should have been impeached for that

Unitary executive my ass.