Live data from Hacker News

Ninth Circuit rules NSA's bulk collection of Americans' call records was illegal

politico.com

1–10 of 493 posts

Re: Ninth Circuit rules NSA's bulk collection of Americans' call records was illegal

#3
We've changed the URL from https://www.aclu.org/legal-document/united-states-v-moalin-n... to an article that gives more background. The link to the decision is an excellent thing to post, but usually it's best as a supplement to a general article (if one can be found) that establishes context.

Re: Ninth Circuit rules NSA's bulk collection of Americans' call records was illegal

#4
post #2

Now, when can we begin prosecuting the instigators? Presumably, after we have prosecuted those who ordered and participated in torture. (There is no statute of limitations on torture, is there?)

No no, we need to "move on" so we don't hurt their feelings, or hurt America's image (of torturing, fascism, and other human rights abuses, I guess?).

Re: Ninth Circuit rules NSA's bulk collection of Americans' call records was illegal

#5
post #2

Now, when can we begin prosecuting the instigators? Presumably, after we have prosecuted those who ordered and participated in torture. (There is no statute of limitations on torture, is there?)

Hahah somehow I doubt this will even result in the records themselves being destroyed.

For one thing, the decision would have to be upheld at the Supreme Court -- although Gorsuch has signaled some willingness to put firm limits on this kind of data collection, which might tilt things in favor of upholding the lower court's ruling.

Re: Ninth Circuit rules NSA's bulk collection of Americans' call records was illegal

#6
You know what I don't get? There is no penalty for violating the highest law of the land (the constitution). How is it anymore than a suggestion or a guidline if government officials are not punished for violating it? And that is exactly how lae enforcement and intelligence community treat it.

The US constitution needs lots of updates but this maybe the most important item -- manadatory prison terms for anyone acting on behalf of government who is found violating the bill of rights or any restriction set by articles of the constitution.

Re: Ninth Circuit rules NSA's bulk collection of Americans' call records was illegal

#7
post #6

You know what I don't get? There is no penalty for violating the highest law of the land (the constitution). How is it anymore than a suggestion or a guidline if government officials are not punished for violating it? And that is exactly how lae enforcement and intelligence community treat it. The US constitution needs lots of updates but this maybe the most important item -- manadatory prison terms for anyone acting…

We are objectively an oligarchy; there's no other explanation that makes sense.

Re: Ninth Circuit rules NSA's bulk collection of Americans' call records was illegal

#8
post #6

You know what I don't get? There is no penalty for violating the highest law of the land (the constitution). How is it anymore than a suggestion or a guidline if government officials are not punished for violating it? And that is exactly how lae enforcement and intelligence community treat it. The US constitution needs lots of updates but this maybe the most important item -- manadatory prison terms for anyone acting…

The intelligence community has been above the law in the United States for a long, long time. The ability to classify (and hence shield from oversight or accountability) any action which is deemed "in the interest of national security" was codified in the National Security Act of 1947 which created the CIA and NSA.

Re: Ninth Circuit rules NSA's bulk collection of Americans' call records was illegal

#9
post #6

You know what I don't get? There is no penalty for violating the highest law of the land (the constitution). How is it anymore than a suggestion or a guidline if government officials are not punished for violating it? And that is exactly how lae enforcement and intelligence community treat it. The US constitution needs lots of updates but this maybe the most important item -- manadatory prison terms for anyone acting…

Seems to have a long tradition. I'm still baffled by how little punishment there was for Iran-Contra, key people were simply pardoned by Bush, or how little punishment there was for the Abu Ghraib prisoner torture, just looking at the pictures of the wikipedia article makes me want to throw up.

Re: Ninth Circuit rules NSA's bulk collection of Americans' call records was illegal

#10
post #6

You know what I don't get? There is no penalty for violating the highest law of the land (the constitution). How is it anymore than a suggestion or a guidline if government officials are not punished for violating it? And that is exactly how lae enforcement and intelligence community treat it. The US constitution needs lots of updates but this maybe the most important item -- manadatory prison terms for anyone acting…

So the Colorado Civil Rights Commission would be put in prison due to the results of the Masterpiece Cakeshop decision?
Post reply on HN