[Southack]

"You know, even under the "Patriot" Act, they have to get a judge to get permission to read your content. They don't have to show probable cause, but they do need to go to a judge. Would they need that if it were public domain?"

Don't be silly. Carnivore was in use for YEARS before the Patriot Act was even put on paper. President Bush and Congress only want the court order because they want to set good precedents for future government behavior. Just with packet radio alone I can conclusively show that both government and private machines have a right to listen in on all data traffic, and that's merely a layman's example.

[A.J.Armitage]

Don't be silly. Carnivore was in use for YEARS before the Patriot Act was even put on paper. President Bush and Congress only want the court order because they want to set good precedents for future government behavior.

Or he simply has somewhat more repect for the Constitution than whoever set up Carnivore.