FBI given broad authority to monitor churches, libraries, Internet, political parties

Associated Press / SFGate

[EBurkefan]

I think that, similar to other law enforcement agencies, they need probable cause to monitor or stake out websites, just as they do to stake out warehouses or monitor an individual. Loosening up these restrictions for counter-terrorist action is a good idea, but I can easily see that bleeding into other areas of public life. Probable cause and expectation of privacy statutes were made to protect us, expose us. once they start to question it in one political sphere, others may follow...

[Poohbah]

I think that, similar to other law enforcement agencies, they need probable cause to monitor or stake out websites, just as they do to stake out warehouses or monitor an individual.

Do they require probable cause to buy a newspaper, magazine, or a book, and then read it? Would they need probable cause to turn on "Frontline," "60 Minutes," "Nightline," or some other TV show?

That would be a more apt analogy.

[robertpaulsen]

"...designed to find Web sites, chat rooms or Internet bulletin boards with information about terror, bomb-making instructions, child pornography or stolen credit cards."

Now, what does child pornography have to do with "detecting and preventing terrorism"? Looks like "mission creep" and they've just started.

[philman_36]

I wonder what computer systems they're going to be using. The ones they have are supposed to be antiquated dinosaurs or nonexistant.

[grania]

The Justice Department sharply eased restrictions on domestic spying Thursday, handing the FBI broad, new authority to monitor Internet sites, libraries, churches and political organizations for clues to terrorist plots

I agree with you; under the wrong leaders, this erosion of privacy could be chilling. It seems that they should be investigating what could've been done better under the current regulations before taking away protections of our privacy.

My suggestion...stabilize the population of the country. Send home illegals, send home legals as soon as possible, let those here for good become acclimated to our culture, language, values.

If that had been the case, a lot of the hijackers could never have gotten on planes. I wonder...can illegals still get on planes?

[sinkspur]

Of course I'm sure we could spare an agenda or two to do 'pedophile watch' at a few of our Catholic institutions or 'anti-abortion terrorist watch' at some of our finer Baptist congregations...

I'm sure you'd love that. Anything to take attention off your Muslie-Pallie symps.

[freeeee]

I wonder what computer systems they're going to be using.

The best ones your money can buy.

[sweetliberty]

Yeah right, churches....that'd be the first place I'd start. You just never know when those terrible praying Christians might be calling down the wrath of God on folks.

HELLO!!!!!!!

I didn't see "MOSQUES" on that list!

[wheezer]

I can't wait for these new procedures to fall into the hands of the future Hillary Clinton administration.

President Rodham/Clinton will know exactly what to do with them....and she won't waste a minute.

[sinkspur]

Now, what does child pornography have to do with "detecting and preventing terrorism"? Looks like "mission creep" and they've just started.

I'd bet the exploited children view it as "terrorism."

Do you have some reason why Internet sites shouldn't be monitored for child pornography?

[Poohbah]

A mosque is legally the same as a church.

[sinkspur]

I didn't see "MOSQUES" on that list!

You didn't see "synagogues" on that list either. So?

"Churches" is a code word.

[Fred Mertz]

Ashcroft, claiming FBI agents in the field have been hampered by a range of bureaucratic restrictions [Constitution & Bill of Rights], said the new guidelines would help them to do their jobs.

We're all doomed.

[philman_36]

We're all doomed.
You can say that again.

[philman_36]

"Churches" is a code word.
Nothing like being concise, forthright and direct is there. Got to put everything in code words. Generalities are so...vague.

[philman_36]

The best ones your money can buy.
Don't have to worry too much about that. I don't have any money and from the looks of things lately locally I may not be working for some time either.

[robertpaulsen]

Are you missing my point on purpose and trying to start something, or are you just ignorant? "The exploited children view it as terrorism" --What is that supposed to mean?

I assume that internet sites are being monitored for child pornography and I support that. I'll repeat: What does that have to do with terrorism?

[billybudd]

For Asscroft, the Constitution is a competitive advantage for terrorists.