MCCLATCHY: Bill to curb NSA spying looks like change, but isn’t really

[kpete]

Bill to curb NSA spying looks like change, but isn’t really
BY DAVID LIGHTMAN AND MARISA TAYLOR
McClatchy Washington BureauMay 15, 2014 Updated 3 hours ago

WASHINGTON — The bipartisan bill that aims to put serious curbs on the National Security Agency’s mass collection of Americans’ communications is being hailed by Republicans and Democrats as a big breakthrough.

It’s not.

“The bottom line: This is largely faux reform and a surveillance salve,” said Thomas Drake, a former NSA senior official turned whistle-blower who’s critical of the agency’s collection programs. “To date, neither the House nor Senate attempts go far enough.”

That’s not easy to discern, thanks to an outpouring of raves for the legislation. Democrats, Republicans and traditionally skeptical watchdog groups have put their muscle behind the USA Freedom Act.

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Read more here: http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2014/05/15/227551/bill-to-curb-nsa-spying-looks.html#storylink=cpy

[Jefferson23]

1. Ahem, “This could all end up as a shell game. It already has, in the past,” said Drake,

the former NSA official. “Anytime these programs have been scrutinized, another authority or program becomes a back door.”

K&R

[moondust]

2. Get rid of the private contractors.

The business world revolves around productivity: more is better. Employees and managers will naturally be motivated, and likely incentivized, to dig deeper and collect more. That's generally how you stand out and land contracts and promotions.

No doubt there is some of that with government employees as well but a government manager focused on security and not dependent on productivity for contracts and promotions can call off the dogs when they go too far.

It was probably a big mistake to privatize so much intelligence collection during the Bush administration but that's what Republicans do.

[bvar22]

3. Reminds me of the "regulations" placed on Wall Street after the bailout.

Dodd-Frank had a couple of good pieces,
but never addressed the problem the caused the crisis.

[riderinthestorm]

4. K&R nt