Big Brother... Watching and... Listening... Thank you GWB for the Patriot Act and Homeland Security

by: Les Carpenter
Rational Nation USA
Liberty -vs- Tyranny



We can thank the Patriot Act and the Department of Homeland Security (ie: GWB) for the current and nefarious acts by the NSA. However, what the hey, after all it's all in the name of giving up a bit of freedom in the name of a bit more security.

I imagine good and wise Benjamin Franklin must be rolling over in his resting place right about now.

POLITICO - Several lawmakers said they had not been briefed on the Obama administration’s classified programs to monitor cellphone and Internet traffic.

That’s in direct contradiction to President Barack Obama’s assertion. The president said on Friday that “every member of Congress” has been briefed on the programs led by the National Security Administration.

Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) said in a telephone interview late Friday that he learned about the two programs after requesting a briefing under “classified circumstances” following urging by Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).

Durbin said congressional leadership and intelligence committees had access to information about the programs, but that the “average member” of Congress likely wouldn’t have been aware of the breadth of the telephone and Internet surveillance.

“They don’t receive this kind of briefing,” Durbin said of the congressional rank-and-file.

Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah), who has railed against government intrusion on the Senate floor, told POLITICO that he “hadn’t been briefed on this particular issue,” referring to the NSA collection of phone records. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) also said he learned of phone monitoring through news reports, although he said it “wasn’t a surprise.”

“Not quite!” tweeted Rep. Billy Long (R-La.) in response to a tweet by ABC’s Rick Klein that said “Obama says ‘every member of Congress’ has been briefed on phone program #NSA; suggests only intel comm. knew of PRISM.”

The House and Senate intelligence committees, which oversee agencies like the NSA and Central Intelligence Agency, are routinely briefed on classified intelligence operations.

Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio), House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (Calif.), Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (Nev.) and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) also get briefed, along with intelligence committee chairs and ranking members. Rank-and-file members of Congress, however, are only periodically briefed on specific incidents — there have been briefings recently on Syria and the Boston bombings.

Certainly BIG BROTHER IS watching and listening to us ALL. One of the saddest aspects of the situation is that BOTH the rEpublican and dEmocratic party are involved.

Destined no doubt to pick up steam given our national paranoia. That is my take on the situation. What's yours?

Good night. Rest soundly as BIG BROTHER is watching over and looking out for us all. Don't you feel so much better?

Via: Memeorandum

Comments

  1. dmarksFri Jun 07, 08:35:00 PM EDT

    They came about under GWB. But as with the wars (which Obama chose to keep going for a very long time instead of ending right away), Obama quickly adopted the inherited policies and made them his own... it's far to say they have been Obama's policies instead of Bush's since Jan 2009.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Les CarpenterFri Jun 07, 08:49:00 PM EDT

      What should be UNDERSTOOD is that regardless whether HUGE government expansion of federal powers occur under either rEpublican OR dEmocratic administrations they ALWAYS become permanent. In this regard Obama is merely following in predecessor's footsteps. Precisely like presidents of yester year.

      Enter 1984...

      Time to face the realities and what has been going on for a VERY long time.

      Delete
  2. dmarksFri Jun 07, 11:29:00 PM EDT

    "In this regard Obama is merely following in predecessor's footsteps"

    Great points. But it doesn't entirely let a President off the hook (either party) for just going with the flow and not changing matters when they have the ability to do so.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Les CarpenterSat Jun 08, 12:08:00 AM EDT

      Not saying it does, or that it should.

      However, it is imperative to understand the foundation of the current issue at hand and acknowlege which partee and president was primarily responsible for the lousy legislation and expansion of federal powers.

      Now, it can be noted that Obama has carried on the policies set in motion by GWB. IE: The policies of the so called consevative GWB. Which
      I must acknowledge argues the point that Obama is more conservative than not.

      Just saying. Think about it.

      Delete
  3. dmarksSat Jun 08, 07:07:00 AM EDT

    "I must acknowledge argues the point that Obama is more conservative than not."

    It either argues that point, or better yet, the point that such a mindset is mainstream/dominant among liberals as it is among conservatives.

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousSat Jun 08, 03:01:00 PM EDT

    Obama is the most conservative Democratic president ever.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Les CarpenterSat Jun 08, 04:30:00 PM EDT

    Really, Check out JFK. By today's standards he would win HANDS down.

    ReplyDelete
  6. AnonymousSat Jun 08, 06:12:00 PM EDT

    Where is your "hands down" evidence

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Les CarpenterSat Jun 08, 06:45:00 PM EDT

      Where's yours? Provide or get lost TROLL.

      Delete
    2. dmarksSat Jun 08, 07:56:00 PM EDT

      RN: If ignorance were a beverage, the Anon troll would be lying drunk in the gutter.

      At least he isn't making his antisemitic rants and blubbering about Hitler babies today!

      Delete
  7. Les CarpenterSun Jun 09, 12:10:00 AM EDT

    Will, my appology but I somehow inadvertently deleting your commemt when I deleted Anon the Troll who continues to vomit bile.

    Again my appology.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Will "take no prisoners" HartSun Jun 09, 12:29:00 AM EDT

      No problem. I was just pointing out the hypocrisy on both sides of the aisle; the fact that you have conservative bozos who had zero problems with Bush doing this stuff criticizing Obama, and liberal bozos who had major problems with Bush and who now are suddenly silent....That, and that I'm prouder than ever of having voted for Johnson.

      Delete
    2. Les CarpenterSun Jun 09, 12:48:00 AM EDT

      Indeed you are correct with respect to the rampant hypocrisy that runs through the partisan veins of both major party faithful. Tedious.

      I'm also proud to have cast my support early on for Johnson and will do so again in 2016 if he decides to runs again.

      Delete
  8. Jersey McJonesSun Jun 09, 01:33:00 AM EDT

    It is the Right in this country that pushes the police state on the private lives of Americans. The Left believe the government should only intrude in this way when we engage in public transaction, not in arbitrary private communication. It's a definition of "transaction" argument, I suppose.

    Whatever the case, the President could not employ these powers the Right has invested in his office without them. It's really as simple as that. Vote Right, get more Police State.

    JMJ

    ReplyDelete
  9. dmarksSun Jun 09, 02:34:00 PM EDT

    "The Left believe the government should only intrude in this way when we engage in public transaction, not in arbitrary private communication."

    There is tons of this intrusion from the Left also, Jersey. Also censoring people for speaking in public, which you appear to defend by implication, is also against human rights, against the Constitution.

    "Vote Right, get more Police State."

    America voted "left" in 2008 and 2012, and it got more police state. So much for your rule...

    Sorry, your blind partisanship is below the level of quality of the non-Anonymous discourse in this post.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Will "take no prisoners" HartMon Jun 10, 07:56:00 PM EDT

    I would also remind Sir Jersey that it was the liberal justices who voted against the citizens in Kelo versus the city of New London in that disgusting eminent domain case. I mean, come on, displacing a person out of their home is as nasty a breach of privacy as you can think of.

    ReplyDelete
  11. dmarksMon Jun 10, 11:31:00 PM EDT

    Will: And those on the Left seem universal in their side on the "Citizens United" decision siding with the idea of making it a crime to make a movie critical of a US senator. Chilling.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

RN USA no longer accepts comments. The information presented is for reflection, contemplation, and for those seeking greater understanding and wisdom. It is for seekers and those with an open mind and heart.

Namaste


Top Posts

Moonbats, Reporters, and MSNBC

Image
by: Les Carpenter Rational Nation USA Birthplace of Independent Conservatism One has to wonder, I mean really really wonder about the Moonbats that heavily populate the democratic party, and the progressive movement. Author and reporter David Cay Johnston has just taken Moonbattery to new heights. I mean really new heights! During an MSNBC segment with Ed Schultz {one of the moonbats} discussing Rep. Paul Ryan's Path to Prosperity deficit reduction proposal he questioned Ryan's legitimacy because he is an advocate of Rand's views. He pointed to Rand's bestseller The Fountainhead , a story about a fiercely individualistic young struggling architect  as as a reason to question Rep. Ryan's legitimacy. Of course by condensing the entire plot to a singular event in the book, without giving proper lead in and explanation, Mr. Johnston was attempting to question not only Ryan's legitimacy, but his motive and integrity as well. Excerpt  and video from The
Read more

Tantra, Chakras, Kundalini & the Big Bang...

Image
When you run after your thoughts, you are like a dog chasing a stick: every time a stick is thrown, you run after it. Instead, be like a lion who, rather than chasing after the stick, turns to face the thrower. One only throws a stick at a lion once. Milarepa   “Just as it is known t hat an image of one's face is seen d epending on a mirror b ut does not really exist as a face, s o the conception of "I" exist d ependent on mind and body, b ut like the image of a face t he "I" does not at all exist as its own reality."    Nagarjuna "Thanks to impermanence, everything is possible.   Nagarjuna
Read more

What is The Purpose of Life | Insights from Steve Jobs, OSHO & Buddhist Teachings...

Image
When you run after your thoughts, you are like a dog chasing a stick: every time a stick is thrown, you run after it. Instead, be like a lion who, rather than chasing after the stick, turns to face the thrower. One only throws a stick at a lion once. Milarepa   “Just as it is known t hat an image of one's face is seen d epending on a mirror b ut does not really exist as a face, s o the conception of "I" exist d ependent on mind and body, b ut like the image of a face t he "I" does not at all exist as its own reality."    Nagarjuna   "Thanks to impermanence, everything is possible."       Nagarjuna
Read more

Obama on the Campaign Trail...

by: Les Carpenter Rational Nation USA Liberty -v s- Tyranny For a President that has talked about unifying in the past it certainly seems this segment of the Presidents recent remarks focus more on divisiveness than unity. I guess politics are, after all just politics. It is more about building a base, telling people what you think they want to hear, and getting reelected than it is about telling the truth. Unfortunately this can be said about both party's. The President: "The Republican plan comes down to this, ‘Dirtier air, dirtier water, less people with health insurance.” h/t: Real Clear Politics "My plan says we’re going to put teachers back in the classrooms, construction workers back to work," President Obama said at a campaign event today. "Tax cuts for small businesses, tax cuts for hiring veterans, tax cuts if you give your workers a raise –- that’s my plan." "The Republicans plan, Obama says, boils down to this: 'Dirtier a
Read more

A Liberals View of OWS... From the New Republic

by: Les Carpenter Rational Nation USA Liberty -v s- Tyranny OWS, the movement lacking leadership as well as defined objectives having a reasonable chance of success. The longer it grinds on the more it look like a bunch of misfit radicals looking for the free ride. However, on the other hand there are certainly those who have a clear vision as to what and why Wall Street needs to change. The reasonable people supporting OWS are doing so to end crony capitalism, corporatism, the unethical practices of banking executives and mortgage lenders, as well as government bailouts of businesses. They also recognize corporate lobbyist must become a extinct group. Given the majority of people would tend to agree with the above someone ought to be asking the question, why doesn't the reasonable Tea Party folks and the reasonable OWS folks come together and pool resources so to speak? Tea Party individuals want more fiscal discipline and restraint so as to bring balance to national fis
Read more

The Hearing On Muslim Extremists and Protecting Civil Rights

Image
by: Les Carpenter Rational Nation USA Birthplace of Independent Conservative House Republicans under the leadership of Representative Peter King (R-NY) held the first in what he anticipates to be a series of hearings examining the potential dangers of radical Islam and radicalized American Muslims. The hearings are a prudent and necessary activity given the realities of our modern world. In response to the hearings being held by the House of Representatives Senate Democrats are responding with meetings of their own following their return from a ten day vacation recess. The Senate meetings will focus on what is perceived to be a spoke in anti Muslim bigotry, and to examine Muslim's civil rights. The debate about exactly what constitutes Anti Muslim bigotry, as well as the debate on the impact radicalized Muslims residing in American have on our society and it's wellbeing is worth having. This nation must come to terms with how to handle radical Islam on our shores as we
Read more

Our Biggest Creditor {China} Tells Us "The good old days of borrowing are over"

Image
by: Les Carpenter Rational Nation USA Birthplace o Independent Conservatism Liberty -vs- Tyranny As the chickens come home to roast... Unbelievable we have been this stupid. ( Reuters ) - Global leaders on Saturday arranged a round of emergency calls to discuss the twin debt crises in Europe and the United States that are causing turmoil in financial markets . After a week that saw $2.5 trillion wiped off global stock markets, they are under pressure to show political leadership and reassure markets that Western governments have both the will and ability to reduce their huge and growing public debt loads. French President Nicolas Sarkozy, who chairs the G7/G20 group of leading economies, conferred with Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron ahead of a call planned for this weekend by G7 finance ministers and central bankers. "They discussed the euro area and the U.S. debt downgrade. Both agreed the importance of working together, monitoring the situation closely
Read more

Two Quotes to Consider

by: Les Carpenter Rational Nation USA Birthplace of Independent Conservatism The following two quotes were e-mailed to me by a reader of Rational Nation USA. They were taken from a small southern publication called "Tidbits." I thought perhaps my readers might enjoy them. "We are all atheists about most of the gods that societies have ever believed in. Some of us just go one further." My take is that all those many billions of people through out history believed just as firmly in their gods as many do today. So who is right and who is wrong? It doesn't really make any difference to me.     Richard Dawkins, Evolutionary Biologist "A conservative is a man who believes that nothing should be done for the first time." Atributed to Alfred Wiggams As the RN USA reader commented,  "Perhaps the truth lies somewhere in between the true conservative and those in public office today who call themselves conservatives." They have a point! Enj
Read more

Finally... Recognizing the Futility... The Founding Fathers and Ayn Rand Had It Right

Image
by: Les Carpenter Rational Nation USA Birthplace of Independent Conservatism Having been brow beat, belittled, maligned, cursed, referred to as reactionary rightest scum, f'ing republthug, knuckle dragging Neanderthal, and many other unsavory adjectives by the progressive delusional left I am proud to say I come away reinforced in my beliefs that the founding fathers and Ayn Rand had it right after all. To the bigoted, altruistic, and irrational left I must at this point say, piss off, I am through with trying to reason, or give further consideration to your delusional destructive BS! Your constant class warfare, your constant justifying your hero Barrack Hussein Obama's policies, even when they mirror your hated past President George W. Bush is hypocritical and sickening. Those of you on the left, and you know of whom I speak each and every one of you, are nothing more than democratic socialist shills for the failed policies of this President, and past progressive pres
Read more

South Dakota Bringing Abortion Front and Center

by: Les Carpenter Rational Nation USA Birthplace of Independent Conservatism I am at a complete loss for words. A long time independent conservative, a strong advocate of limited government, an advocate of laissez faire capitalism, with libertarian leanings I can not even find the words to comment on the South Dakota House Bill 1171. It is such a bill as one might find existent in a extremist and repressive Islamic Theocracy. It is supported along a party line vote. Republicans are the supporter of this ill advised and dangerous bill. While I do not approve of  the language, "murdering abortion doctors will be legal", and I have not used this site as a source for information in the past, SD House Bill 1171 is so egregiously profane I found myself in general agreement with the following article. Generally staying away the abortion debate this report pushed me into the fray of it all so to speak. There are times when one simply believes they must register in, even if they
Read more