Senate lets NSA spy program lapse, at least for now

[Michael Barwell]

I believe the elephant in the room nobody wants to talk about is the fact that information from this type of surveillance is routinely being forwarded to local law enforcement. It is of high value for investigations and prosecutions at the local level. Nobody wants to admit this because there are specific warrant requirements for this type of use, which I believe are routinely being ignored.

I can see that, Drew. That, I feel sure, is one reason why it's in use, but I don't sense this is the principal reason. Usually there are several reasons that together form an irresistible temptation. I also think high level blackmail is another contributing factor, and industrial espionage another, not to mention the fostering of an atmosphere of fear and suspicion a la the Stasi and Gestapo.

Your both not wrong by any means, I think. What concerns me, is that as a civilisation, we know full well that where laws are flouted, injustice is the inevitable result. Where there's injustice, there's a slight to civilisation. Where a process is instigated where it's known there's the inevitability of injustice, civilisation/society has started to devolve. Where that devolution is embedded in societal structures and norms, we all get a bit more simian. Laws aren't perfect, like democracy, but who'd choose to take a massive shit on either? Who'd choose to trust a sneeky bastard who raided yer home last week? You'd have to be some sort of fruitcake.