[lbo-talk] Federal Power to Intercept Messages Is Extended

[Wojtek S]

Jason: " I think the most  frightening thing is that when I
ask my kids about the right to privacy in a home, they just assume
that since there is no/little right to privacy at school, on the
internet (which I have drilled into their heads), then there is
probably no practical right to privacy in one's house (maybe because
they see our neighbor's PC networks?!)."

[WS:] You can be surprised what you can find in students' lockers,
from weapons to drugs & booze and to items stolen from other students.

 So as a parent, would you rather uphold the bourgeois concept of
privacy at the expense of your children's safety?

While privacy is certainly a valid concern, in the US it has become a
mere battle slogan of libertarian trolls.  These folks seem to oppose
only government surveillance - while corporate surveillance which is
far more pervasive - people are being spied on every time they use a
credit card - seems to be a no issue.  At least government
surveillance has some semblance of public accountability (illegally
obtained evidence cannot be used in courts).  Corporate surveillance
has no accountability at all.

So you are absolutely right - you have no practical privacy in the US
if you decide to drive a car, open a bank account, and pay with
plastic.  In that context, government spying is merely a fart in the
wind.

-- 
Wojtek

"An anarchist is a neoliberal without money."