Massive data sweep planned

We still haven't heard about how many terrorists have been identified by the warrantless domestic wiretapping program. So far the evidence seems to point to none, with a number of innocent American Citizens being monitored. Every means at our disposal should be used to track and monitor terrorists, even if it means spying on U.S. Citizens, but there's a mechanism in place for this procedure to be done legally. You may believe that this domestic spying program is illegal, but justified, because it's protecting us. But think about how you'd feel if the same powers were held by an administration that you didn't like. The Republican talking point that "we haven't had a terrorist attack since 911" is wrong and irresponsible. Wrong, because "we" haven't had an attack, but Spain, England and Indonesia have. Irresponsible because at some point, even according to this administration's prediction, the statement will be wrong. To make this boastful claim is to invite an attack, and we don't have to issue invitations. It's the talking points equivalent of "Bring 'em on."

US plans massive data sweep | csmonitor.com: The US government is developing a massive computer system that can collect huge amounts of data and, by linking far-flung information from blogs and e-mail to government records and intelligence reports, search for patterns of terrorist activity.

The system - parts of which are operational, parts of which are still under development - is already credited with helping to foil some plots. It is the federal government's latest attempt to use broad data-collection and powerful analysis in the fight against terrorism. But by delving deeply into the digital minutiae of American life, the program is also raising concerns that the government is intruding too deeply into citizens' privacy.

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