Pentagon erred in domestic security database

Reuters ^ | 14 Dec 2005 | Charles Aldinger

[af_vet_rr]

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Pentagon has built a massive security database to help protect U.S. military bases and troops that includes unwarranted information on Iraq war opponents and peace activists in the United States, a defense official said on Wednesday.

The official said the database included police reports and law enforcement tips in a legitimate domestic security effort, but that it had mistakenly swept up and kept information on people who were not threats to launch terror attacks.

*snipped*
Defense Undersecretary for Intelligence Stephen Cambone planned to send a letter to Congress explaining the error and promising to clean up the database and protect the privacy of innocent persons, the official added.

*snipped*
Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman told reporters on Wednesday that the department had a right to get information from the police to help protect troops and bases. But he did not confirm the building of a major database.

[af_vet_rr]

I excerpted this even though it's not on the FR don't post list, because I've read that Reuters doesn't want reprints (unless you're paying) - this should be covered under "Fair Use".

Anyways, a Pentagon spokesman wouldn't confirm it (more importantly, he didn't deny it), but it wouldn't surprise me. There are a lot of databases floating around the government with lots of personal information - I think people would be shocked if they knew how much data has been collected on them (they would be really shocked to know how much has been collected on them by private companies and how easily available that data is).

People just thought all of the Total Information Awareness b.s. went away - it didn't, it changed its name, some of it was done at the state level (MATRIX - Multistate Anti-Terrorism Information Exchange Program), some of it was folded into the TSA (which has turned into an absolute joke).

[goresalooza]

You are exactly right. A lot of private information is ciruculated via the net, both personal and public records information.

It does not surprise me that the Pentagon would have such a datebase but if you recall, the clintoons had a large FBI database on just about everyone. How legal was that? They probably STILL have it!

[af_vet_rr]

It does not surprise me that the Pentagon would have such a datebase but if you recall, the clintoons had a large FBI database on just about everyone. How legal was that? They probably STILL have it!

Once the liberals are back in office (and people are living in a dream world or smoking some of the wacky weed if they think it won't happen again), I can't imagine how the PATRIOT Act will be abused, expanded, etc., and that we will probably see the various databases coalesce into one massive database.

Every politician in this country would love to have a massive database about the American people - they would be able to target their campaigns much better, and they would be able to dig up all kinds of dirt on one another.

It would be the Clintons' files/database magnified by thousands or millions of times.

[af_vet_rr]

The other problem with lots of databases - they can and will be used against the innocent - witness they Maryland sniper shootings where they wanted to grill everybody that they knew or thought had firearms in certain areas. The gun grabbers would love to know who buys ammo, who subscribes to Guns and Ammo or various hunting magazines, etc.

[YOUGOTIT]

"Iraq war opponents and peace activists in the United States"

As far as I am concerned they are supporters of the terrorist and we need to keep a close watch on these anti-American left-wing fascist terrorist.

[YOUGOTIT]

"Once the liberals are back in office (and people are living in a dream world or smoking some of the wacky weed if they think it won't happen again),"

If the Liberals get back in office you will not have to worry about it as they will give the country to the Islamic terrorist whom they support.

[Chode]

they also pay those same private companies for information it would be illegal for DoD etc. to collect on their own...

[goresalooza]

"Every politician in this country would love to have a massive database about the American people - they would be able to target their campaigns much better, and they would be able to dig up all kinds of dirt on one another. "

Sure they would. I'm not buying that the libnuts will regain power anytime soon, though. I really don't see them "winning" anywhere unless they can create some sort of massive system of nationwide voter fraud.

I think the nation's voters are divided between the two parties, but still lean right, if only by enough to win more elections for the next few years. I also think the rats have shot themselves in the foot what with fake documents, fake news stories, the fact that people aren't buying the libnut newspapers like they used to, no one watching primetime news (libnut news) like they used to. The libs have screaming dean, a complete moron. They have no take on issues, no agenda other than to convert the USA into a socialist nation, no leader, no majority anywhere, no class and no future. They aren't even raising money like "the good old days".

IRAQ is more of a success than the rat party, IMO.

[ADemocratNoMore]

See thread here when the story first broke.

NBC News leaks secret 400-page Defense Department document.

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1539878/posts

The real story here, IMHO is why is NBC allowed to get away with leaking SECRET Defense Department documents?.