General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: We can applaud media's greater NSA scrutiny AND think that Snowden's resume/timing/motives [View all]Skidmore
(37,364 posts)Back during the Bush years, I distinctly remember all of the outcry on DU regarding the creation of the expanded security network after 9/11 and the ramping up to the Iraq war. I remember concerted effort being directed to providing feedback to legislators about the creation of Homeland Security and the gateway it opened to governing by fear. I also remember something about a big telecom building during the Bush/Cheney, Part Deux. I know that there were many of us older DUers who actively protested the advent of these mechanisms through as many means available to us as possible. Does anyone recall the endless discussions back then about whether Congress was largely silent and did not push back on preposterous legislations pushed by Bush/Cheney because perhaps the unholy duo "had something on them?" This concern is not a new one even though I'm astounded to see some people here treating it as something new rolling over the horizon.
There is always room for reform or eliminating the product of a poor decisionmaking. My issues with this whole mess are along the lines you have mentioned--this surveillance is not new or unexpected. The Bush dynasty along with Cheney created a shadow government. We talked endlessly about this here on these forums for a decade. Part of the tools they used was the technology of the internet, a handy dandy new tool which had so many whizbang bells and whistles that the people saw no need to demand regulations be codified up front. Congress very much assisted Bush and Cheney firmly ensconce a machine that runs itself. Dismantling it will also take congressional action, but it will not happen with a Teabagger run legislative body.