This post originally appeared on Christmas Eve 2005. It is one of the most fun (and most read) posts I’ve done so, for those who may have missed it in past years, here is the story once again. Enjoy.
Part of the story behind the story in the interception of communications going outside the United States is the changes in technology to both make and monitor those communications. With the sharp rises in cell phone and internet use over the past decades, the entire face of these exchanges has been altered. The administration is within the law, in my opinion, to use the means at hand to keep us all safer. However there is one program that is being allowed to continue that truly disturbs me.
This program has several elements that are extremely bothersome. In a move to skirt existing law the entire operation is conducted from outside the United States, even though a significant number of the targets are US citizens. Although not limited to those inside the country by any means, it is quite shocking to realize the scope of this operation. This is not a case of watching for certain patterns, but instead focuses on individual actions and behaviors. The wide net of this investigation and the funds to conduct it must be staggering, but the actual costs are some how kept out of the budget.
In a manner that is reminiscent of the J. Edger Hoover days of the FBI, my research indicates that this surveillance predates even those dossiers and watch lists. Analysts then take the information gathered and make judgment calls regarding the targets being monitored. Without any oversight whatsoever, individuals who should be protected by the Constitution and the laws of our country are classified as to their character. Although some consideration is given to the actual actions of those being observed, the resulting characterization of individuals as either naughty or nice could have far reaching psychological implications. In fairness, I must note that the program has had an uncanny track record of accuracy and does seem to be forgiving of minor infractions that could effect classification. Also, it appears as if some positive actions on the part of the individuals can cause a shift in how they are viewed.
However, the most disturbing aspect of this highly questionable and probably illegal program is that the targets are not adults, but the most vulnerable among us — our children. One would naturally assume that targeting these young people could only be for the purpose of making value judgments and decisions later in their lives. The evidence, however, points to more immediate consequences. For some reason, as yet undiscovered but surely nefarious, the entire surveillance appears to be tied to some sort of reward program. I can only imagine that the undisclosed intention is to create some sort of Pavlovian response of supposed goodness.
In order to be fair, I must disclose that the lists are checked twice. Still, that hardly seems as if it is adequate protection against abuse. Where is the oversight? What checks and balances are in place? While this agency has nearly unlimited staffing, it has been reported that the entire responsibility for making these judgment calls has been tasked to the project’s head man. Can one man, however good at his job, really perform at an acceptable level of competence to assure that the system isn’t gamed? I am amazed that Congress hasn’t held an investigation and hearings to get to the bottom of this mess. Why are the people we send to represent us not doing their job to get to the meat of this story. Even the press gives this program a pass! I have to assume that it is a payoff for rewards they have all received in the past.
There is one further element that should bring pause, but for some reason does not. Without any kind of court document, yet also without any sort of restraint, the head of this agency is allowed (and in many instance encouraged?!) to enter private residences and distribute what can only be described as bribes. Workers for the agency, with no known union representation, aid and abet this charade by constructing items, often in clear violation of patent, trade mark, and copyright laws. Given the amount of time that this has been taking place it is shocking that, to date, no charges have been brought. I won’t even go into the revelation of possible animal abuse that takes place when reindeer are pressed into service for the grueling round the world excursion.
How long are we going to allow this to go on? Where is the outrage? Far from taking the serious look that this deserves, some people actually play the enablers roll. Instead of denouncing this activity many actually encourage it by providing a reward to the chief perpetrator. It has been widely reported that the head of the agency is partial to dairy products and baked goods. Still, to be perfectly honest, I have to admit that I have permitted this in my own home and have said nothing. I am ashamed to admit that I too have fallen victim to the trappings that seem so good on the surface, but surely must mask some sinister purpose.
I guess there is the hope that the program is really above board. Years of empirical data seem to indicate the program has had some positive results. There are cases where wars have been paused for a time. People have modified their behavior for the better. The qualities of goodness, kindness, and “good will toward men” have been exhibited by many, even those who are not wont to show those things at other times. Families, instead of being disturbed by these things, seem to pull together and embrace them. What I described earlier as bribes could be, I guess, true generosity. It does seem that the positive actions of this agency, department, what ever it is, tend to get passed on to others.
On reflection, I guess that no investigation is really called for. All indications are that the program is having universally positive results. So with a glass of milk, chocolate chip cookies, and the hope that I made the nice list, I will gladly participate and wish for each of you a Very Merry Christmas!
Sphere: Related Content
Unless we make Christmas an occasion to share our blessings, all the snow in Alaska won’t make it “white”. ~ Bing Crosby
Loading ...
