measl@mfn.org wrote :

This has got to be the single scariest thing I have *ever* read from any government "official". After reading this, I doubt that the "nuclear winter" comments that have been bandied about are going to be very far off their mark...

It especially terrifying to note that this "speech" specifically targets "sympathizers" as well as actual terrorists.

Even more disturbing are phrases like - "Investigators focused on function, not form - they focused on doing what was necessary to get the job done rather than what was dictated by the organizational chart." { like judges } "The first principle is airtight surveillance of terrorists." { obviously since we can't a priori know who is a terrorist and who is not we have to watch everyone. } "Communications regarding terrorist offenses such as the use of biological or chemical agents, financing acts of terrorism or materially supporting terrorism will be subject to interception by law enforcement." { sound like domestic echelon/keywords? is simple discussion or browsing enough to grab the attention of the all-seeing eye? } "As soon as possible, law enforcement will begin to employ new tools that ease administrative burdens and delays in apprehending terrorists." { we all know what the main burden is }

J.A. Terranson sysadmin@mfn.org

I think an off-site backup of personal or "interesting" material is a good idea. Mike