Happy convergence: UPDATES

dr. elsewhere here

In my days doing research, few things got our eyebrows all a'flutter as much as the occasional convergence of data to prove some elusive hypothesis.

Hey, nerds have to get their haha's where they can.

Well, little did you ever suspect that the current insanity of NSA head General Michael Hayden's nomination to head the CIA (replacing the partisan spook Porter Goss) might converge with another serious nightmare in the internet takeover threat.

Let me explain.

Today it was revealed that the NSA has been building the largest database in the world, collecting data on all phone calls made in this country. Defenders of the program claim that no calls are monitored, just the numbers dialed to and from.

While volumes could be written about just how wrong this is (though pretty amazing how quickly the parrots were able to judge how "right" it is), let's just look at just a few points for now.

Point one, the story exposes the fact that several telecom companies have been aiding and abetting the NSA in this crime. In fact, the only company that has refused to participate is QWest (someone needs to invest in that company quick; watch for sign-ups to skyrocket!).

Point two, recall that americablog exposed that several online companies were offering to sell to all takers the cell phone logs of anyone. That's right; John Avarosis was able to purchase for under $100 the cell phone logs for one month in the life of the cell phone belonging to Wesley Clarke! John's exposure of this infringement on privacy has spawned a bill that is now before Congress, passing committees in the House and Senate, and stands an excellent chance to become law.

Point three, this NSA database looks oddly similar to the intentions proclaimed for the quickly "ditched" Total Information Awareness (TIA) program by none other than convicted felon John Poindexter. There was such an outcry when word first leaked about this endeavor that it was supposedly scrapped, but given its nest in the DoD, what is your best bet that it's really dead?

Point four, those companies that have been aiding and abetting this invasion of our privacy of course protest that they have broken no laws. Though that may be true, it may also be true that they could be sued by every single customer for some violation of our civil rights, namely the 4th amendment. And it appears, if Point two is valid, they will certainly have to cease and desist when that new law goes into effect.

Point five, and furthermore, those companies - that include AT&T, Verizon, and Bellsouth - are the very companies requesting the profit-making rearrangement of the internets (and cable public access)!!

Point six, so now when you take advantage of Joe's highlighting of these two crucial issues of Hayden's nomination and the threat to internet freedom - that have now converged so...conveniently - be sure you converge them in the minds of your Congressional representatives by pointing out that the very companies that have so willingly and unquestioningly played fast and loose with our 4th amendment rights are the very ones insisting on deconstructing the internet to suit their profit projections.

When all these evil chickens come home to roost, they tend to converge on the same shit-pile: greed. Whether for money or power, it's still all greed.

INSTANT UPDATES: Seems this one is really kicking up a storm on the hill. Bush wasted no time defending the program, which of course suggests that he's pretty nervous, though he postured all pissed and accusing USA Today of helping the tourists. And that's not all; Dems are pointing out that AG Gonzalez lied to Congress about the extent of these taps (duh; like we believed that snake). But wait! There's more: Not only have 72 members of Congress signed on to a lawsuit to stop the NSA wiretaps, but two House representatives have introduced a bill to force them to stop.

Now this hot fudge sundae on a Thursday afternoon may seem to good to be true, especially when you add the nuts of Ann Coulter possibly facing federal charges for voting illegally, and the cherry on top of Fitz's Grand Jury possibly meeting tomorrow. But don't get too excited just yet. Too much convergence can't be such a good thing for the bad guys, so permit me to mix metaphors here, so ignore the imgage of a loaded hot fudge sundae careeining dangerously into explosive destruction; it's just another convenient convergence. When you see the wheels coming off your enemy's truck, take care that the maniacs steering aren't about to plow right into the munitions storage right under your nose.

Translation: Probably because the wheels are coming off, they've sent the aircraft carriers to the Gulf. That's right; if they're up against the wall, they're gonna just do something really crazy.

Despite all those reasons to celebrate convergence, this might be a good time to stock up on water and canned goods.

SLOWER UPDATE: Almost forgot the, er, whipped cream (which the careening truck either skids on or uses for fuel, take your pick). Seems the NSA has refused to give up documents requested by the DoJ in their investigation of wiretapping, so the DoJ has just terminated the inquiry. Well, oh well; if you can't get any information, you have no choice but to just give up, eh? That DoJ run by our snake AG, Gonzalez. Right.

PRETTY FAST UPDATE: Hey, Paul Begala picked up on the spy/internet company convergence. This point cannot be driven home hard enough folks; make your calls.