Spy czar urges extension of warrantless wiretap law

[Lone_Star_Dem]

Source: CNETNews

WASHINGTON--Under grilling from congressional Democrats on Tuesday, the nation's intelligence chief said he doesn't know how many Americans' phone and e-mail conversations have been inadvertently overheard in the process of foreign-oriented snooping.

Director of National Intelligence Mike McConnell has previously said only about 100 Americans have been "targeted" for electronic surveillance, and he emphasized at a hearing here Tuesday that none of that eavesdropping has occurred without a court order. Doing so would be illegal, he added.

But when pressed by House of Representatives Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers (D-Mich.) and other Democrats to estimate how many Americans who weren't necessarily "targets" have had their communications scooped up through the government's surveillance efforts, McConnell couldn't say.

"I don't have the exact number," McConnell replied, adding, "It is a very small number considering that there are billions of transactions everyday." He said he would look into getting that number and brief the committee in a non-public session.

Read more: http://www.news.com/Spy+czar+urges+extension+of+warrantless+wiretap+law/2100-1028_3-6208762.html?tag=nefd.top

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DUer's this is before congress now. Every time you see "Spy czar" know why he is speaking.

These are your rights he's being paid to downplay.

Here's a link to WH press release today regarding this marketing campaign: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=1838138&mesg_id=1838138

[pinto]

1. He was very evasive, no big surprise, and Conyers was pressing. One thing,

I didn't quite get the "minimizing" procedure that was discussed. Both Conyers and McConnell went back and forth about it. Any background on the procedure?

[Lone_Star_Dem]

2. No. It confused me also

I've asked elsewhere and if I get an answer I will share.

I'm very concerned about this issue. From where I'm setting it looks as if they're sparing no expense in selling this to the public.

[Trajan]

3. I think 'minimizing'

is a process of separating the data gathered, and blacking out the exact ID of those who's communications are being snooped, to 'make sure' the privacy rights of individuals are 'protected' even if their messages are intercepted and read .....

Much like placing a hand over the face of someone who is naked while peeping in their window ....

Just an educated guess ....

[aquart]

4. Mr. McConnell needs some rope.

And certainly deserves to be hanged with it.

[FREEWILL56]

5. And if congress don't stop these assholes

then they too need hanged.