In 2003-2004, I worked for Howard Dean and one of the first things I did was to buy a cell phone for political calls. A few people got my work number but other than a quick message, we would switch to the cell phone and I would walk outside my office for our conversation. I did this because my employer does not pay me for my politics. But from overheard conversations, not all of my co-workers share that ethic. In fact, long political harangs seem to be 'de rigor' for some of my conservative co-workers . . . but they no longer ask me for my opinion.
Having access to the calls and call-tree from a political opponet maps out everyone of their supporters and contributors. So instead of buying TV time, the political operative uses the phone tree to identify who needs to be 'neutralized.' That is the risk of such a program.
Prior to 9/11, Texas Senator Phil Gramm did everything he could to shield banking records from government inspection. He was the facilitator for terrorist fund transfers as well as hiding money from the IRS. After 9/11, the Patriot Act basicly ended Phil's information shield. All that has happened is the Patriot expansion to include phone call records.
So what have the result been:
- pedophiles and child pornographers - a lot of arrests including a local policeman and sting operations. The internet has become a dangerous place for them.
- end of eco-terrorists - recent arrests and one suicide in jail has all but ended this threat to our national security (thankfully hybrid-electric drivers are just 'fellow travellers' or 'dupes')
- bugging of the Democratic Party HQ - an earlier era but what happens when political operatives decide to use the instruments of government against their enemies.
Bob Wilson
These Words Are Political Sucide
Re: These Words Are Political Sucide
Re: These Words Are Political Sucide
