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• Tuesday, January 13, 2009 03:06 PM

  @ondelette

  Thank you for including the quote for modern human rights. But for it to be truly modern there will have to be a line about "freedom of thought." New technology has shown that intrepretation of brain waves has enabled scientists to "read" human thoughts. The public is never aware of how far the technology has really advanced. In Great Britain they demonstrated a "mind reading" device at a science exhibit. You can Google on it to find articles available. Apparently, they can send as well as receive thought with these gadgets. Pretty Sci-Fi but the point is our laws never keep up with the new technology. The new FISA is probably outdated already. The intelligence agencies don't tell us all their secrets, I'm sure. Another problem is CIA use of psychological torture. According to them, it's not damage unless it takes years for it to show up. By that time, it's gone on for years and symptoms finally emerge. The buzz word for harassment by covert operatives is domestic terror, and terror alone is capable of causing insanity.

  I'm deeply troubled about this topic and apologize for bringing this up in the middle of an Obama accountability discussion, but your modern human rights quote prompted some things. When Glenn reported about the scientist suspected in the Anthrax case, he suggested the FBI may have "recruited" the man's family to wear him down, get evidence, etc. In effect, the people he most loved may have turned against him, obliterating his emotional support until he committed suicide.

  I consider these topics to be part of the conditions and effects of the surveillance state. There is no more important human rights concern confronting us now than restoration of our human liberties and transparency regarding warrantless surveillance. It is a fact that over zealousness and rule breaking occurs during those times when greater liberties are allowed law enforcement and intelligence operatives. Investigation and curtailance of the surveillance program on Americans should be a priority during Obama's administration.

  —kathriven Read kathriven's other letters
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