An alternative view from a “lackey butt-kissing shit”

[reusrename]

116. I think you completely miss the point of the surveillance state.

Let me start by saying that I believe it's a miracle Obama was elected twice, and also that he has been able to prevent a first-strike nuclear attack on Iran. Ten years ago I believed it was inevitable. There is no doubt at all that his presidency was the people, not only in this country, but worldwide. It's a remarkable story, really.

When criticizing this administration, most thoughtful people are aware that there is a shadow government that has been firmly in place for decades, going all the way back to before Iran/Contra to at least the October Surprise. Probably goes all the way back to before the Kennedy assassination. These are people who get caught, convicted, pardoned, and then promoted to positions where they have an even stronger grip on the levers of power. There is only so much any president can do. We must face the fact that we are only two heartbeats away from a John Boehner presidency.

Our surveillance state will survive any changes in administrations. It's firmly ensconced. But for what purpose? It exists to fight "terrorism." That is if "terrorism" is just a euphemism for political opposition.

What we should really be talking about here is not the 4th Amendment aspects of the spying program, but the 1st Amendment issue. We need to recognize it's our freedom to peaceably assemble that is being challenged, and that this is the more egregious assault on liberty.

Apples and oranges.