Ames Progressive

I have to admit that when I saw the recent report on Fox News that the FBI was wiretapping the turned-off cell phone microphones of suspected mafia members, I was a bit surprised. No, not that the government would be spying on its own citizens; rather, I was surprised at its competence in doing it. It seems that warrantless wiretaps are in vogue today; I need to keep up with the times and start invading other people’s privacy. Feel free to e-mail the Progressive with any and all ideas on how to do so.

Additionally, there seems to be a large amount of fuss about a National I.D. card. I don’t like the concept myself, honestly. However, given that so many people have cell phones, it would be relatively easy to amass not only identity but location by compiling the GPS features that most phones now carry.

A counterargument to this is going to come from those who adhere to the adage “those who have nothing to hide, hide nothing.” That might indeed be true, but I do have embarrassing facets of my life that I would prefer not be divulged. Or I could just point to the Bill of Rights, but Bush ran that goddamn thing through a paper shredder.

Internet security doesn’t look much better; the DoD Network Information Center (215.137.24.22) seems to have taken an interest in my online activities. This is really pathetic; I’m not a crook, and I’m curious as to how much money they’ve spent tracking legitimate citizens like us who have absolutely no connection to terrorism or 9/11. I hear the invocations of fear about a thousand times a day from the apes trying to pander their way to the Oval Office, but that’s it.

Let’s suggest that the CIA, DoD, FBI, NSA, OHS, and all the other agencies that are trying to “protect” us (their quote) get a new hobby, like gardening or fly fishing. I’d be willing to pay for anything that’s both productive and legal with my tax money, but the status quo is unacceptable to me. If you share this sentiment, start by utilizing the few freedoms you still have left. Speak out, write to newspapers, and inform your local news station of your concerns. As well, tie up government resources by going to www.getmyfbifile.com and requesting copies of your records. Remember, the more paperwork they have to muddle through, the less time they have to track the genus and species of the plants growing in your place of residence.