Can we talk?

Do you live in the good old U S of A? Do you have friends and/or family that probably live outside that country? Do you like to keep in touch with them by email or telephone? Do you possibly have a foreign-sounding name? If so, you may have just won a secret government intercept, recording and analysis of your communications. Over the weekend, the Democratic Congress proved itself once again to be just as brainwashed and acquiescent a lapdog as its Republican predecessor as it rolled over in submission to our Dear Leader and approved a brand-new secret wiretap package. "Gonzo" Gonzales is said to be panting in anticipation, as the FBI no longer has to obtain a warrant from anybody and can now simply request that the NSA intercept any communication where "foreign intelligence information" is at stake, without all those previous pesky "suspected terrorist" and court-approved warrant requirements. And you know, if you discuss what the weather is like in Wales with your grandmother who might or might not, but probably does, live in Cardiff (foreign nationals “reasonably believed to be outside the United States.”), THAT could be construed as "foreign intelligence information".

And there's so much political doublespeak and spin on this, it makes me dizzy to read it. Duhbya said at the signing

"When our intelligence professionals have the legal tools to gather information about the intentions of our enemies, America is safer. And when these same legal tools also protect the civil liberties of Americans, then we can have the confidence to know that we can preserve our freedoms while making America safer."

W T F? HOLY SHIT! Just Double-You Tee Eff!?