Spying on Americans: Senate Intelligence Authorization Act, Would
Allow Arrest of Journalists, Anti-war Activists, Academics and Students
Freedom in America is being systematically destroyed: one police
state law at a time – with most people ignorant and/or indifferent about
what happening.
Washington’s criminal class is bipartisan – in lockstep against
government representing everyone equitably and fairly, serving
privileged interests only.
S. Res. 1705: Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016
compromises free expression and privacy rights already gravely eroded.
If enacted, Section 603 will require online companies to inform
Washington of any “actual knowledge” of “facts and circumstances”
related to undefined “terrorist activity” – meaning warrantless searches
and seizures of personal electronic content will be authorized,
potentially subjecting countless numbers of innocent people to
unjustifiable scrutiny.
Vague language makes independent journalists, political, anti-war,
and social justice activists, academics and students doing legitimate
research, as well as others vulnerable to being called suspected
terrorists.
The possibility could encourage self-censorship. Service providers
may over-report to show compliance with the law. Online users could be
flagged for using suspect words or phrases.
One definition of terrorist activity can be another’s way of
describing freedom fighting. Legitimate government criticism could be
misinterpreted and misused.
Anyone ideologically opposed to US policies could become vulnerable
to arrest, prosecution, conviction and imprisonment for expressing their
views online. Police states operate this way.
