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Getbig Main Boards => Politics and Political Issues Board => Topic started by: ribonucleic on March 24, 2007, 09:17:18 AM

Title: Life in the American Police State
Post by: ribonucleic on March 24, 2007, 09:17:18 AM
Three years ago, I received a national security letter (NSL) in my capacity as the president of a small Internet access and consulting business. The letter ordered me to provide sensitive information about one of my clients. There was no indication that a judge had reviewed or approved the letter, and it turned out that none had. The letter came with a gag provision that prohibited me from telling anyone, including my client, that the FBI was seeking this information. Based on the context of the demand — a context that the FBI still won’t let me discuss publicly — I suspected that the FBI was abusing its power and that the letter sought information to which the FBI was not entitled.

Rather than turn over the information, I contacted lawyers at the American Civil Liberties Union, and in April 2004 I filed a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the NSL power. I never released the information the FBI sought, and last November the FBI decided that it no longer needs the information anyway. But the FBI still hasn’t abandoned the gag order that prevents me from disclosing my experience and concerns with the law or the national security letter that was served on my company. In fact, the government will return to court in the next few weeks to defend the gag orders that are imposed on recipients of these letters.

Living under the gag order has been stressful and surreal. Under the threat of criminal prosecution, I must hide all aspects of my involvement in the case — including the mere fact that I received an NSL — from my colleagues, my family and my friends. When I meet with my attorneys I cannot tell my girlfriend where I am going or where I have been. I hide any papers related to the case in a place where she will not look. When clients and friends ask me whether I am the one challenging the constitutionality of the NSL statute, I have no choice but to look them in the eye and lie.

I resent being conscripted as a secret informer for the government and being made to mislead those who are close to me, especially because I have doubts about the legitimacy of the underlying investigation.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/03/22/AR2007032201882.html
Title: Re: Life in the American Police State
Post by: headhuntersix on March 24, 2007, 09:48:13 AM
Its sooooooooooooo horrible here. IED's going off. Fundementalist christians pulling people out of bars and strip joints. Public beheadings..no power...no water..no food on shelves....oh it sucks here so bad..get a friggen grip. ::)
Title: Re: Life in the American Police State
Post by: Dos Equis on March 24, 2007, 11:45:44 AM
Its sooooooooooooo horrible here. IED's going off. Fundementalist christians pulling people out of bars and strip joints. Public beheadings..no power...no water..no food on shelves....oh it sucks here so bad..get a friggen grip. ::)

 :)  I agree.
Title: Re: Life in the American Police State
Post by: Nordic Superman on March 24, 2007, 11:53:38 AM
Its sooooooooooooo horrible here. IED's going off. Fundementalist christians pulling people out of bars and strip joints. Public beheadings..no power...no water..no food on shelves....oh it sucks here so bad..get a friggen grip. ::)

Indeed.

ribonucleic, here's a little test for you. Go on "vacation" to Saudi Arabia with a copy of the Bible in your luggage.
Title: Re: Life in the American Police State
Post by: Thin Lizzy on March 24, 2007, 01:34:26 PM
Indeed.

ribonucleic, here's a little test for you. Go on "vacation" to Saudi Arabia with a copy of the Bible in your luggage.

Yeah, Ribo, and while you're there, make sure you go to a public square and start expounding on your liberal values. Be sure to tell the folks your ideas on women's rights and gay rights. That should go over well. And don't forget to mention that you're Jewish.

Seriously, you hate everything about this country, and you're obviously not happy here. Why not leave? The rest of us will try to press on without you.

America will never be the socialist paradise you imagine. So, why not go someplace where your idea of nirvana has a shot, like Venezuela? I'm sure Hugo will welcome you with open arms.

If you stay here, you're just gonna end up a bitter old man, like those 60s radicals who are still wondering why the world hasn't beaten a path to their door.
Title: Re: Life in the American Police State
Post by: headhuntersix on March 25, 2007, 06:56:49 PM
Well put..except if he were to open his mouth in Hugoland..he's end up ina ditch... He'st as bad as anybody else down there.
Title: Re: Life in the American Police State
Post by: Dos Equis on March 25, 2007, 07:55:47 PM
I agree.
Title: Re: Life in the American Police State
Post by: Cavalier22 on March 25, 2007, 10:12:32 PM
police state?????? haha

has your life been affected at all? no
Title: Re: Life in the American Police State
Post by: Oldschool Flip on March 26, 2007, 04:22:52 AM
My wife also had to give up information so she could work fo rthe DOD. Info on family and close friends.

Did we go to the ACLU?

Nope, just gave them the info they needed. And now we live a happy life. ;D Get over it you SP nut.
Title: Re: Life in the American Police State
Post by: Cavalier22 on March 26, 2007, 09:14:49 AM
Yeah, to get a secuirty clearance of course they need info.

This "polie state" business is a joke