This bullying has to stop!
Ever since the 1980s, the FBI has been sending what have become known as “National Security Letters” to a wide variety of financial institutions and other businesses, including phone companies and Internet providers. These letters state in a very intimidating way that the company must turn over personal information about a particular person to the FBI.
In addition, the letters usually say that the company is not allowed to tell anyone about the letters OR reveal to the targets of the letters that the FBI has requested this information about them. Failure to heed these warnings could result in punishment for the bank or other company.
At one point, Congress almost did away with these letters, as they were an obvious attack against personal privacy. But once the USA Patriot Act was established following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, it was business as usual for the FBI. The number of these National Security Letters has increased dramatically in recent years, with 16,511 of them having been sent requesting information about 7,201 people in 2011.
The average citizen may be powerless to do anything about this privacy breach, but the courts are not. Just last week, a federal judge struck down a set of laws allowing the FBI to seek people’s records without court approval. Declaring these National Security Letters unconstitutional, Judge Susan Illston said that the letters violate the First Amendment and the separation of powers principles, and added that the letters do not “serve the compelling need of national security.”
Fox News covered this story here: “Judge Rules Secret FBI National Security Letters Unconstitutional.” Take a look!
What do you think about this judge’s decision? Do you agree that the FBI should have to obtain a court-ordered warrant to gain personal information about someone from a company? And even if the FBI does gain that warrant, should the person who is being investigated have the right to know about it?
I think the government is more corrupt today than it has ever been. hope president Trump will take better care of our Constitution t6han the last president.
We are in a world of hurt. At one time I thought that our government (including presidents) had our country and the citizens as a top priority. No more.
I feel like there is total insanity in D.C. Open our borders and bring in the enemy. Executive orders to control every possible scenario.
I find it difficult to believe that Obama’s goal is anything less than to destroy this country.
Common sense is long gone.
I don’t know what the answer is, but if the people think a liar and a criminal should be the next president we are in for…
Perhaps I am Crazy, but how is taking weapons from the people going to stop the gun related shootings? I find it difficult to believe that the criminals are going to surrender their weapons.
God bless yesterdays USA.
Thank you Judge for standing up for our constitutional rights and not letting them bully you. When you are right then you do the right thing. We need more people in power to do the right thing for the people of this country.
The judge has it half right. She should have also said any violations would result in immediate jail time and contempt of court charges.
Thank you, Sheriff, for standing up for our constitution. It may interest readers of these comments, that without exception, every country that tolerated gun confiscation saw millions of their fellow citizens executed. I repeat: in the world’s history every country, without exception witnessed the execution of millions of citizens.,
Thank you Judge Ilston for upholding our “unalienable” rights as set forth in our Beloved Constitution insuring us FREEDOMS that other countries do not have. We do not live in a Gulag State and NO politician should be able to endorse or implement procedures that go against The Bill of Rights or The Constitution.
Thank you Judge Ilston. The “compelling interest” argument is overused by the federal government. Any proper federal “compelling interest” must be a narrow domestic mandate or restriction pursuant to enforcing or adjudicating an Article 1, Section 8 power, and must be an actual law passed by Congress and signed by the President pursuant to the Necessary and Proper Clause of the US Constitution. Since the US Patriot Act violates numerous Articles in the Bill of Rights, it should be vacated by the courts in its entirety, as it likely is not severable. Ruling against FBI National Security Letters is a good start, but we need a complete solution to warrantless search, seizure, and arrest by vacating or repealing all of the Patriot Act, the 2012 NDAA detention provisions, the FISA Act, and the AUMF.
I believe you have brought up a great suggestion and put forth a most definite solution. As years go on the US is fast becoming a country of no privacy and individual rights. I applaud you.
Thank you, Judge Susan Illston for upholding the Law of The Land & Protects the Liberties & Rights of Free Citizens of this Great Experiment Our Forefathers risked life & limb to consider such forward Vision of a Government of the People for the People. Not a Government “King” against the People for the Government. That document js the biggest obstacle in the way of their devious plan for One World Government. Our US Constitution. Why else would you go against the Document!
It’ one thing to impose sanctions for known illegal actions, but totally another to use them in an attempt to flush out assumptions. A citizens life can be totally ruined by these warrantless searches without any paper trail. Right or wrong this makes the FBI void of any consequences for their actions. If a person is so corrupt as to be considered a threat to our nation, it should be no trouble to get a warrant for information.
This Judge made a correct ruling. We the People must do what is required to maintain our Republic. We should require all elected officials at every level in government to Swear the oath “Pledge my life, my wealth and my Honor to uphold, defend the Constitution of the United States of America against all enemies foreign and domestic so help me God.
the homeland security has always been the same people who picked up their arms and fought for freedom from Englands taxes. that will be the same here. our security depends on those who are willing to defend it that is a very big reason they want to take our guns and ammo from the american people…
22 rifle ammo which has been used to teach our people to shoot for so many years has been priced nearly out of reach for most people at Seventy five dollars for 500 rounds. used to be around $8 Wonder when they will want to take away the bb guns. then when the time comes, bows and knives. but don’t worry, we will still have sticks and stones. does that give you a warm and fuzzy feeling???? wake up and fight for your rights before it is too late, preferably by vote or whatever means you can. make those who were elected be accountable for how they represent us. vote well !!!!…..
No agency should be able to get information on a person with out court approval. I also believe that person should be told the government is getting info about them.
Hey Larry,
You should buy your 22 ammo at Walmat. They only charge 5 cents per round or $50 for 1000 rounds.
The government and a lot of it’s agencies have been out of control for a long time !
What many people don’t know !
Their are two united states and UNITED STATES one is the one under the constitution and the other a corporation ! The courts we have are NOT the courts we are spouse to have, next look at the flag in the court room it is a military flag ! Why are our elected officials paid for the rest of their lives and free medical insurance plus even if they only serve one term.
Why? Because the American people are so damn stupid is why. Apathy is why. Cowards after 9/11 is why. They wanted to believe the Gvt. was protecting them. What a foolish bunch. The founders knew exactly what could happen and the people have let it happen. They need to demand a Constitutional Convention and limit Congress to two terms PERIOD. People allowed to gather power always abuse it. We even have a SECRET COURT. FISA is responsible to no one. REPEAL the Patriot Act or let it expire this time. Open your mouths.
When many people choose wrong over right, suspect they have been given over to a reprobate mind; in other words they are under a delusion.
This is true. No more people in congress in any form for 40 years. We also need the power to fire or impeach one of them without waiting for the next election term. Too many have become comfortable by gaining more power over time. How much money do they steal while in office and then get a retirement too? All of this needs stopped
the world trade center bombing where a covert inside government job. the planes where tampered with and our government new about this. they where part of it.28 years in the aviation industry. i know what they did to the collision avoidance computers. this is how a corrupt government acts. they plan years ahead. the only way to take back our constitution and our privacy rights, there need to be a revolt.
MATT, YOUR A MORON. YOU MUST BE SO SMART THAT YOU THINK YOU KNOW WHATS GOING ON. YOU DON’T HAVE A CLUE. ALL I READ , WAS BLA BLA BLAH. THE PEOPLE OF THIS COUNTRY ARE NOT STUPID. YOU JUST CALLED ME THAT ! WATCH WHAT YOU SPEW FROM YOUR MOUTH! JUST SHOWED YOUR IGNORANCE.
The FBI has used the patriot act to violate all rights to our privacy. They have long over stepped their need to know. Citizens have the right to know when the FBI is “spying” on them. Enough is enough… in the the name of national security.
It’s good to know there are still judges out there making lawful decisions. Thankyou for bringing this to my attention. Every baby step helps.
This country was quite libertarian in principle, at the founding; however, it also assumed many freely given responsibilities from the population – participation in a militia being one, but having an honest and moral relationship with the country also was a given. When one volunteered for congressional duty, he did so for the good of the people, not for his own gain. It is almost forgotten that the Constitution was drawn up to severely limit the scope of the Federal Government. Somewhere along the way, judges and lawyers have convoluted this simple document to become a cornucopia for dissemination of power and control.
Where does it say there may be a federal policing agency of any kind? The FBI was the camel’s nose, and even they had to disguise themselves as an investigative agency. All this “ninja” style breaking and entering, armed to the teeth, without warrant, is unconstitutional. We must organize a demand that it stop. Or, perhaps we have to resort to Tom Jefferson’s insinuated advice, and let the blood of patriots and tyrants flow.
the constitution as i kinda think it was the ;aw jor government so they could not go over but when it got in there way they change it i think they call it revised or something can you or i change the law to suit us hell no but the people in charge of our laws controlling us just modify that law on the constitution to fit we the people need to make the change and stop the over pay which employee of the government are receiving we the people should be in charge of there pay raise we the people should have the right to fire such person even the president shore we must have the controlling vote decision not one of the persons employed by us the government. lets get it done lets take back our country you know the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Check out this site: http://www.homelandsecurityus.com/archives/10236 for a final warning from a DHS insider.
But then read this: http://ken-welch.com/Reports/Hagmann.html
The government is to take care of national emergencies & conflict’s with other countries. All the rest of the junk that they do up there is why we have to pay so much in tax’s.
Damn right a court order has to be obtained, and no the “victim” should not be warned… If you are a “victim” of the FBI YOU ARE NOT A VICTIM. Do not change the perspective of the field. Dont give the FBI a reason keep your nose clean and you wont have to worry. As long as a court order is necessary the FBI have to give substantial evidence to obtain information about an individual. Be a decent human beingwith car, compassion and the longing to grow and evolve the human race into something worth being alive for and you wont have to worry even if the FBI retrieve info about you. It is however a waste of tax dollars to spy upon the american people and should change due to that not people being a “victim”
Nicely worded idealism…in a “perfect” world, quite true. We are not living in a perfect world, and there are many, many citizens of is country who could tell you what a lie your mistaken belief really is. Unfortunately, they have no desire to attract any further attention to themselves…at least the ones still alive. The many “law enforcement” agencies this government has created, often illegally, have the power and the motivation to destroy anyone’s life…and they are quite happy to do so. Innocence is never assumed, quite the opposite in fact. Keep your nose clean by all means, be honest and upright, most definitely. Be aware for God’s sake. These people, the LEOs, the politicians…the government…none of them care about your constitutional rights, your “innocence”, anything, except your existence as a sheep to be controlled and exploited. Sheep who talk back, who make a fuss, are soon targeted for the “butcher shops”, fronted by an increasingly government-controlled media. Want to test this? Speak out publicly against the prez, his running dogs, and the unconstitutionality of their policies. Then hide…you’ll need to.
I agree 100%
The FBI in last 10 years has been nothing but a bully. It ignores the law, the constitution, and makes it up as it goes along. The FBI as well as any other Federal agency should be required to obtain a court ordered warrant and anyone they is being investigated should have the right to know when they are trying to sneek through the back door as described above.
Most of what is going on in Washington D.C. these days is blatantly unconstitutional anyway, so yeah force the FBI (and all the others now snooping in order to make up Obozo’s “Enemies List.”
All that will do is slow them down a few hours or a couple of days at the most because everyone knows the judiciary is just a rubberstamp for whatever government agencies wish to do! Our Constitutional Republic is being destroyed and dictatorship is around the corner and closing fast.
THERE ARE DOZENS IF NOT HUNDREDS OF IMPORTANT CHOICES THAT HAVE TO BE MADE EACH YEAR THAT WE HAVE TO WORK TOGETHER ON EACH COMBINING OUR TIME AND EXPERTIES TO BE ABLE TO REACH THE BEST CHOICES AND CORRECT PAST ERRORS MORE QUICKLY. THE MOST EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE WAY WE CAN EVOLVE OUR REPRESENTATIVE SYSTEM OF SOCIETAL INSTITUTIONS MANAGEMENT TO GOVERNMENT OF, BY AND FOR THE PEOPLE IS BY ONE 6 YEAR TERM LIMITS FOR ALL OF OUR REPRESENTATIVES/MANAGERS WORLD WIDE STARTING WITH THE U.S. CONGRESS.. EVEN THE POWERS THAT BE WILL BE BETTER OFF BECAUSE FREE PEOPLE, ON A LEVEL PLAYING FIELD, PRODUCE MORE, KEEP MORE AND SHARE MORE. http://WWW.ONE6YEARTERMLIMITS.ORG
Q? WHAT IS THE MOST EFFICEINT AND EFFECTIVE WAY WE CAN EVOLVE THE REPRESENTATION/MANGEMENT OF OUR NECESSARY SOCIETAL INSTITUTIONS TO GOVERNMENT OF, BY AND FOR THE PEOPLE? REFER ABOVE. CONSIDER IF WE TOOK PEOPLE FROM THE GENERAL POLULATON AS WE DO WITH JURYS, WHICH WORK ABOUT 80% FAIR, WHAT PERCENTAGE WOULD USUALLY LIVE UP TO THEIR OATH OF OFFICE AND “SACRED DUTY” FOR ONE 6 YEAR TERM? (GOVERNMENT IS NOT THE PROBLEM WE ARE TO BLAME FOR HOW WE ARE REPRESENTED AND HOW OUR NECESSARY SOCIETAL INSTITUTIONS ARE MANAGED BY OUR REPRESENTATIVES.)
A. A ONE 6 YEAR TERM LIMITS AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION. STARTING WITH CONGRESS, 435 REPRESENTATIVES AND 33 SENATORS EVERY 2 YEARS. THIS WILL BE THE 28TH AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTIONS. http://WWW.ONE6YEARTERMLIMITS.ORG WE WOULD CONTINUE TO HAVE ELECTIONS EVERY 2 YEARS BUT ONLY 1/3 OF EACH HOUSE OF CONGRESS WOULD BE CHANGED EVERY 2 YEARS AND NO INCUMBANT WOULD BE RUNNING FOR OFFICE. WE HAVE MORE THAN ENOUGH GOOD PEOPLE TO ELECT NEW PEOPLE TO ONE 6 YEAR TERM IN OFFICE TO EVERY ELECTED OFFICE STARTING WITH CONGESS. MOST OF THE GRID LOCKED CONGRESS WE HAVE NOW, ABOUT 85%, WERE GOOD PEOPLE WITH BELIEF IN THEIR SACRED DUTY TO WORK FOR THE COMMON GOOD WHEN THEY FIRST GOT IN OFFICE. (MOST PEOPLE SAY THERE ARE TOO MANY ELECTIONS FOR THEM TO KEEP UP WITH PROPERLY THAT IS WHY 6 YEAR TERM IS BETTER THEN 4 YEAR TERMS.)
Q?. HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO GET THIS 28TH AMENDMENT, ONE 6 YEAR TERM LIMITS FOR ALL CONGRESSMEN PASSED?
A. WITH 90% LIKELYHOOD WE CAN HAVE THE 28TH AMENDMENT PASSED IN 3 YEARS. YOU CAN “TAKE IT TO THE BANK” IT WILL BE PASSED WITHIN A MAXIMUM OF 6 YEARS.
Q? HOW CAN WE GET THIS 28TH AMENDMENT, ONE 6 YEAR TERM LIMITS FOR ALL CONGRESSMEN PASSED?
A. WE, THE CITIZENS, WILL MAKE IT KNOWN THAT WE WILL NOT VOTE FOR ANY OF THE 435 CANDIDATES FOR REPRESENTATIVE OR THE 33 SENATORS WHO ARE RUNNING FOR ELECTION OR REELECTION IN 2014 WHO WILL NOT SIGN A PLEDGE TO WORK AGRESSIVELY FOR THE ONE 6 YEAR TERM LIMITS AMENDMENT IF ELECTED.
IF WE DO NOT HAVE A MAJORITY IN THE 2015 CONGRESS TO PASS THE 28TH AMENDMENT WE WILL WORK IN THE 2016 ELECTIONS TO GET THE REQUIRED SUPER MAJORITY TO PASS THIS ACT IN THE 2017 CONGRESS. http://WWW.ONE6YEARTERMLIMITS.ORG
The FBI in no way should be able to access information on a person without a warrant and notification of the “victim”. National security is of utmost importance, but when it comes to demanding information on a US citizen a warrant should be obtained. It’s a lazy man’s way of not having to do a little leg work.
They will keep sending the letters because we can’t do anything about it. When we don’t comply with a letter like that they can destroy our lives. When they get into trouble they get their hands slapped and just keep on sending the letters. So few Americans have the resources or know how to stand up to something like that and they know it! It criminal and they have been doing it for so long that it now the norm. I don’t believe they really truly know what is legal anymore nor do they care. Those that work for the FBI just do what they are told even if it seems shady to them…their just glad to have a job like the rest of us even if they have to squash someone in the process. Its becoming a dog eat dog world. Obama has leaped ahead a decade or more into the government ruling/monitoring/dictating everything we do.
I don’t believe for a second that the FBI is going to listen to what a judge says. Not when we have a president who is constantly ignoring our country’s constitution.
big “O”‘s executive orders from around March allow killing of a US Citizen ( not within the continental US ) and unlimited surveillance including phone land and cell, postal, internet, drone or piloted aerial and human. All that is required is a request from almost any agency from the National Park Rangers to your City Police to the IRS, forwarded to the executive branch and approved. No COURT ORDER, NO NOTIFICATION and the lucky CITIZEN LISTED WITH Homeland Security, FBI and Intelligence Bureaus.
I too agree that this Judge is correct and is P_ssing on a big fire, but if enough people do it also it will raise a large stink and put out the fire. Theodore Roosevelt’s famous saying on fear is surely here now and some people’s fear’s are hurting our country dearly from within.
As an example try showmyaddress.com and type slowly not bad and enlightening.
about time somebody stood up to them
I agree with the judge however, I think they will have someone higher overturn her decision.
Finally, a sane ruling……..
Good judge using Constitution not legislating from the bench by agenda. Must hv reason to believe real threat & not thought policy either, which BO DOES!
What seems to be the quandary here is how can potential threats to domestic security be assessed and guarded against while guarding the liberties of conscience and action acknowledged in the Declaration and the Constitution. The Constitution provided for several checks and balances within government to mitigate the abuses of a pure democracy and to protect against the development of an oligarchy. But there really is no law that can chain human nature. No agency, being a subset of the executive branch, can resist the imposition of the mindset represented in any presidential administration. In the past we regarded any party that held sway would behave with civility and would have the best interests of the nation at heart. We believed that political leaders truly wished to preserve our nation and our liberties, they simply differed in their approaches somewhat. We cannot accept that basic perspective now. Not with this administration, not even with this judge. A purely libertarian perspective that ignores the moral basis the nation was founded on and simply calls for “doing whatever I feel like doing without interference” will not work.
Eloquent summation.
We should be thankful that there are a few judges left that actually care about the rights of the people, and aren’t afraid to set a federal agency straight on something. We live in such a police state, its definitely not what usually happens.
The FBI, as well as all the other alphabet gangsters, is a private corporation that serves it’s private corporation boss known as the UNITED STATES (see Act of 1871) and the judge should not even have to address this issue but good for her for having the fortitude to stand against these thugs. Now she needs to take on the IRS (also a private corporation and the collection arm of the Federal Reserve with the Fed also being a private corporation). What’s it all about Alfie? And when do the people say enough is enough?
You are right on with this post thank you.
I agree with the Judges decision. Court warrant must be obtained, person being investigated must be notified.
Good for Judge Ilston. It is nice to see defense of personal liberty from some branch of government.
It was a good ruling. It fell in line with the constitutional laws that this country was founded on. Thank you, Judge Susan Illston, for actually reading our constitution and upholding the principles of the documents America was established by.