Edward Snowden helps clear legal hurdles for the EFF!
By Thom Hartmann A...
Thanks to Edward Snowden, a federal court may finally hear the Electronic Frontier Foundation's case defending our Fourth Amendment rights. Long before the whistle-blower exposed top secret NSA documents, the EFF was fighting to protect our privacy. The organization has filed multiple lawsuits against the NSA for spying on Americans, but until now the government has been able to convince the courts to block the EFF cases using legal technicalities like “standing” and “state secrets”. But, those technical hurdles have been cleared since our nation found out about the NSA's massive surveillance programs.
On Monday, U.S. District Judge Jeffrey White rejected the government's attempt to block the lawsuit using the so-called “state secrets” defense. Judge White dismissed other parts of the lawsuit, but allowed the Fourth Amendment claims to go forward. He ordered both parties to present more evidence on the constitutionality of government surveillance, and requested a briefing from officials explaining exactly how leaked NSA documents affected national security. The ruling was not a clear win for the Electronic Frontier Foundation, but it removed one of the huge barriers the organization faced in its legal challenge. Cindy Cohen, the EFF's legal director, said, “That is huge. That was the centerpiece of the government's defense.”
When Edward Snowden revealed that Americans were, in fact, being spied on, the EFF and other privacy organizations cleared the first major hurdle, as they can now prove they have a right to challenge government surveillance in court. And, this recent ruling removed the NSA's second line of defense to a legal challenge. The only barrier now to a constitutional challenge is so-called “sovereign immunity” - which means these organizations can't sue the government unless the government allows them to do so. It is still a major hurdle, but the EFF isn't giving up without a fight. Stay tuned.
Comments
#2
Quote Palindromedary:"Synagogue of Satan"? How about "Church of Satan" or "Mosque of Satan" or "Temple of Satan"? Or how about the "Bank of Satan"?
Palindromedary ~ Good point and an excellent question! Let me first assure everyone that I am not making an anti-Semitic remark. I have nothing but respect for the Jewish people. The term "Synagogue of Satan" is from the Judeo Christian Bible's Book of Revelations and is a direct quote from Jesus Christ himself addressing the modern day nation of Israel from antiquity.
Quote The Bible, Book of Revelations:Revelation 2:9 I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.
Palindromedary ~ You are absolutely right in asking why not "Church of Satan" or "Mosque of Satan" or "Temple of Satan" or "Bank of Satan." All of these apply. To break down "Satan" worship so that anyone can understand, let "Satan" simply refer to a philosophy of placing self-importance above everything. When such an Ayn Rand type philosophy takes on a popular religious title, or any title of righteousness, and places love of money and self indulgence above love of God and serving humanity that philosophy becomes the epitome of hypocrisy. This holier than thou entity is an impostor of a true religious philosophy and embodies the ideals of the entity traditional religious doctrine associate with the evil character, Satan. The Ayn Rand philosophy is a candy coated name given to the philosophy of Satan. To simplify this association without offending any one group of innocent good people, I suggest that we refer to this phenomenon of group philosophy loosely as "CLUB SATAN" For as President Kennedy so eloquently stated,
Satanic Secret Societies Revealed By An United States PresidentQuote President Kennedy:For we are opposed around the world by a monolithic and ruthless conspiracy that relies primarily on covert means for expanding its sphere of influence.For full speech: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhZk8ronces
One may also check out the expose done by Alex Jones on the "Skull and Bones" society to see that "CLUB SATAN" is not only an accurate description of the philosophy of these people; but, a literal definition of them as well:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FpKdSvwYsrE
All members of the Bush family, many members of Congress and advisers to all recent Presidents all belong to this Satan Worshipping Secret Society and the posted video above proves that association.
As President Kennedy warned us this association is world wide. The first thing we have to do to remedy the situation is identify the problem. President Kennedy gave his life to do just that. Let us educate one another about the existence, agenda, and identity of the members of "CLUB SATAN". Just like comic book superheroes, revealing their identity destroys their power.
My friends this powerful group--"CLUB SATAN"--really exists. Whether or not their supernatural benefactor exists is up to your belief system. Nevertheless, what we have to deal with is a group mind that has power; and, enough influence and resources to maintain its power. It's only advantage is organization and invisibility. They are hopelessly outnumbered. We need to organize my friends. Organizing and educating ourselves is our only hope.
To anyone who believes, We the People will prevail. In many ways the victory has already been won. Our victory is already written in prophecy and cannot be changed. The only factor is how long it will take.
#3
Thom Hartmann ~ This blog has been compromised somehow today. Yet obviously it seems to exist. At least 2950-10K and myself managed to find it. I don't know if 2950-10K had the problems I had; but, the link in the newsletter only lead to a "page not found" message. First time for me. Patients and perseverance really paid off this time because I had something really important to say today. You might want to check out this problem. DAM
#4
DAnneMarc:Regarding the "Synagogue of Satan," I took it it that you were just describing generic evil, not picking on any particular group. My best friend , who was also best man at my wedding 32 years ago is from a Jewish family, so certainly no offense intended. That said, is it even possible to offend the Koch brothers? I think not........ Not sure why this got Palin's attention? I found it all pretty lighthearted to be honest.
By the way, I had to work to get on the blog also.
#5
I am confused..isn't this a blog about spying and the EFF? Thom I have no confidence in our government.The cat is out of the bag! (or sitting in the shower!) I don't believe we will ever get our rights back that the gov has ripped out of our hands! This is a continuing effort!
#6
You better watch out
You better not cry
You better not pout
I'm telling you why
Santa Claus is coming to town
He's making a list,
Checking it twice;
Gonna find out who's naughty or nice.
Santa Claus is coming to town
He sees you when you are sleeping
He knows when you're awake
He knows if you've been bad or good
So be good for goodness sake
------------------
And that is just a Paganized version of what the more conventional purveyors of organized superstitions try to imprint on our minds when it warns of the "wrath of God" or the "perils of Satan". God, so they believe, knows who's been naughty or nice...because he "spies" on you...and will punish you if you are naughty and will reward you when you are nice. But, since not all people believe all that claptrap, the NSA steps in to act as a god.
Even those who try real hard to believe in all that nonsense about some supernatural being spying on us all the time, they often slip in their convictions as well...(is it a matter of a real lack of faith beyond just pretend..or a matter of bad habit?) (By the way...Santa has the same letters as Satan...maybe it is Satan that will reward us or punish us?) ;-o.. Whatever....!
Anyway, don't you see the parallels to what is happening today with the NSA? They "see when you've been naughty or nice"....at least they want us all to be "nice"** (whatever that is...according to their dictates of what is "right" and what is "wrong"..based, of course, primarily on whatever is moralistically acceptable to the predominant paradigm. If our predominant paradigm was dictated by the fundamentalist Muslims, instead of fundamentalist Christians, there would be a lot of chopped of hands and heads in America today. But fundamentalist Christians also have a history of scaring the bejesus out of their flocks to keep them in line by burning the heretics to the stake.. or any number of horrendous acts of torture. But it is well known today just how pious these purveyors of superstition really are since many have been caught with their pants down behind their alters. They preach one thing for everyone else but sneak a little iniquity behind the backs of their flocks.
**On the other hand...I've seen the movie Clockwork Orange...I realize that without sin or crime those who make a pretty good living at fighting those, often contrived, concepts really don't want a good thing to end. They'd lose their lucrative jobs otherwise.
#7
DAnneMarc: Why even use the term "Satan"? It is a term used by superstitious people...originally by ancient people who believed in 7 headed fire-breathing monsters, a flat earth, and demons. It connotes "magic" and "hocus pocus". Ignorance and superstition propagandized upon the masses are what allows a few manipulators of those superstitions to control the gullible masses.
#8
Palindromedary ~ Thanks for the prompt response my friend. I'm sorry I missed it, till now; but, as they say, better late than never. Besides that is a very good question. "Satan" from "CLUB SATAN" is the perfect word to describe this group set. As 2950-10K speculated in that same blog this is a generic term that is generically applied to many different groups around the world that subscribe to the same philosophy. It is an evil philosophy that is both spawn from and hides in religious societies. It is a philosophy that has existed since the dawn of time. If you want to give an eternal entity or ageless philosophy of evil a name that people are familiar with "Satan" is the word you use. It just simplifies the defining process and simplification along with identification are essential in dealing with this problem.
Anonymity and secrecy are the power of these groups. Take the KKK for instance. They are a subculture in "CLUB SATAN." You might have quite a task at hand if you were to oppose the Grand Wizard because he hides behind a mob of unknown people in hoods. Take the hoods off and the Grand Wizard becomes Bob. You can deal with Bob.
Odd that you've mentioned Santa Claus. I see you are aware that Santa is an anagram for Satan? Just put the 't' in the middle and move the 'n' to the end and Santa Claus becomes Satan Claus. In the verse you quoted it is true that Santa is claiming the same powers of God. Spooky don't you think that our culture would blaspheme the creator with a children's song honoring the birth of Christ? Now the NSA is claiming the same powers and rights. What better name to associate these Cabals with other than "Satan"? After all, aren't' they doing exactly what prophecy says Satan will do in the end times? If it quacks like a duck, call it a duck.
Anyway, I apologize for thinking you were ignoring me and assuming you couldn't find the backdoor way of accessing the blog. I hope my use of a superstitious iconic word hasn't offended you. I suppose, you could just as easily call these groups "A Bunch of Nosy, Power-hungry, Greedy Jerks". After all, that's all they really are anyway. Yet somehow it just doesn't have the same ring to it. Also, by their own actions they certainly seem to be invoking a lot more than just philosophy into their lives. Therefore, I prefer a more catchier name that people can remember and is more specific. If you have another one in mind, please share.
Thanks again for the response!
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Let's see, we have a private for profit telecommunications industry providing metadata to a private for profit NSA subcontracting industry. Without a doubt this domestic surveillance by the military industrial spy complex is not only a massive waste of time and tax payer money, it's also a clear violation of the IV amendment.
I'm sick and tired of providing welfare to Carlye family clans like the Bush, Cheney, and Bin Ladens. No wonder it all got privatized, the greedy bastards.
The EFF is on the winning side of history, the same side our founders were on.