(Politics) NSA: NSA spying just one in a string of nails in the coffin of the fourth amendment

The Fourth Amendment has been on the ropes since 9/11 and the passing of the Patriot act so there should be  no shock for Americans when greeted with news that the National Security Agency (NSA) has been monitoring their phone calls  “on an “ongoing and daily basis”[1]. While this should not surprise most observers of US domestic surveillance policy for the last 12 years, it is surely another nail in the coffin of the fourth amendment and undermines the concept of the rule of law as “the communication records of millions of US citizens are being collected indiscriminately and in bulk – regardless of whether they are suspected of any wrongdoing”[2].

Thanks to a secret court order, the FBI was allowed access to the phone records of US citizens via Verizon that will detail the numbers of the caller and recipient, when and where it took place and how long the call lasted[3]. The numerous breaches of fourth amendments that grants  US citizens the right of privacy has clearly been the strategy of the US government as it has been the policy of two consecutive administrations to keep too close an eye on the communications and movements of  its citizens.

The NSA have been keeping a close eye on the communications of US citizen for the last twelve years without much in the way of due process or court warrants and now according to the ACLU, daily  “intercepts and stores 1.7 billion emails, phone calls, texts, and other electronic communications”[4].  It is also a monster of an organization dwarfing the size of the CIA and         FBI combined[5]. However, despite its power and size to snoop on US citizens, it hasn’t done it without help.

Congress has helped shape the conditions in which this story is possible as it rubber stamped the passing the still controversial 2001 patriot act and more importantly to the context of this story, the amendments to FISA in 2008 which weakened judicial oversight[6]. A number of corporations have played their part including AT&T who had cooperated with the NSA in letting the agency access the records of their customers[7].

The Obama administration is clearly moving away from the fourth amendment telling from its recent appointments of former bush era appointees who were in favour of many of the violation that took place during his regime.   Former Bush era deputy attorney general now shoe in for the position of director of the FBI, was at the heart of one the number of scandals during the Bush administration  regarding the fourth amendment when it was revealed that the NSA, ordered by the president, were spying on Americans without judicial oversight[8].

In sum, the NSA’s further usurpation of power to spy on US citizen is odious to witness as it undermines the fourth amendment and the concept of the rule of law. Its actions have been helped by successive administration looking to monitor the communications and movements of US citizens and thanks to a largely pliant congress and a number of corporations, their freedoms have been much the poorer for it.

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[1] G.Greenwald, 2013, NSA collecting phone records of millions daily, court order reveals,  http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/jun/06/nsa-phone-records-verizon-court-order

[2] Ibid

[3] Ibid

[4] ACLU, 2011, The NSA Unchained,

http://www.aclu.org/files/pages/fisainfographic3.pdf

[5] Ibid.

[6] Cato Institute, 2009, Cato Handbook for policy makers: electronic surveillance, http://www.cato.org/sites/cato.org/files/serials/files/cato-handbook-policymakers/2009/9/hb111-28.pdf

[7] Ibid

[8] G,Greenwald, 2013, Obama’s new FBI chief approved Bush’s NSA warrantless wiretapping scheme, http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2013/may/30/james-comey-fbi-bush-nsa

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(Opinion) Pakistan: Reason to worry?

There are many reasons as to why the United States are in Pakistan, but the most prominent reason is because they have nuclear weapons in a country that has always been on the edge of political, economic and social disaster.

US anxieties about the security of Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal went into overdrive with the ambitious attack by terrorists on a military air base “which is thought to house part of the country's nuclear arsenal”[1] . Former head of the CIA and current US defence secretary Leon Panetta went on record revealing US fears of “Pakistan’s nuclear weapons falling to the wrong hands” should terrorism not be tackled effectively[2].

The fears of the United States have over Pakistan’s security are vindicated as militants have carried out similar attacks on other military assets with militants killing ten people attacking a naval base in Karachi[3].

However Pakistani military officials were quick to rebuff suggestions of lax security. A spokesman for the Pakistan foreign office insisted that Pakistan’s “strategic assets are safe” and stressed that “all measures have been taken in this regard”[4].

However, Pakistan and the United States attempts to tackle terrorists in the country have been poor to say the least. This is exemplified by President Obama signing a bill into law that gives secretary of state Hilary Clinton a month to decide whether the Haqqani network ”meets the criteria of a terrorist group” despite the US and others accusing the group of a number of terrorist attacks in Afghanistan and Pakistan[5]. Pakistan’s government and military has effectively surrendered north and South Waziristan in the North West of the country having paid a costly price trying to stem the flow of ‘Arab and central Asian fighters’[6].

The US drone strike campaign in the region has brought about almost daily reports of the death of ‘militants’ despite concerns over criteria used to classify who are or are not ‘militants’ and the frequent use of drones in patches of the middle east hostile to the policy ambitions of the west. It is also in part responsible for why, according to a poll by the pew research center, 74% of Pakistanis see the United Sates as an ‘enemy’[7].

In sum, while Pakistan remains a cause for concern for obvious reasons, the US must realise that there are other ways to help Pakistan than drone the north west of country to little effect. However the political class of the US and Pakistan must put aside their differences if they are. to quell terrorism in Pakistan

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[1] J. Boone, 2012, Suicide bombers storm Pakistan airbase, http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/aug/16/suicide-bombers-storm-pakistan-base

[2] Quoted by The Times Of India, 2012, Pakistan’s nukes might fall into hands of terrorists: Panetta,   http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-08-15/pakistan/33216067_1_nuclear-weapons-nuclear-power-terrorists

[3] A. Siddique, 2012, How safe Is Pakistan’s Nuclear Arsenal?,

http://www.rferl.org/content/how-safe-is-pakistans-nuclear-arsenal/24681549.html

[4] A. Hussain, 2012, Leon Panetta assertion rejected: Pakistan’s strategic assets safe: FO, http://www.brecorder.com/general-news/172/1228620/

[5] The Express Tribune, 2012, Clinton considers blacklist haqqani network, http://tribune.com.pk/story/422327/clinton-considers-blacklisting-haqqani-network/

[6] BBC News, 2011, Haqqanis: Growth of a military network,

 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-14912957

[7] Pew Research center, 2012, Pakistani Public Opinion ever more critical of US, http://pewresearch.org/pubs/2297/pakistan-united-states-extremeist-groups-barack-obama-economic-aid-military-aid-taliban-haqqani-kashmir-khyber-pakhtunkhwa-asi-ali-zardari-yousaf-raza-gilani-imran-khan-tehreek-e-insaf-india

(Opinion) Tesla Motors: Revenge of the electric car?

On the poster for revenge of the electric car it has the tagline 'its alive’, well, looking at Tesla motors progression since the release, the tagline should be ‘just barely’. In the film, we are given a glimpse behind the scenes of a revolution led by battle hardened money men, rich dewy eyed idealists and small entrepreneurs invested in the future as all parties involved are the quest to make the electric car viable. 

Through the course of the movie we witness the struggles of getting the cars to market with product malfunctions and the price to make the product compared to expected market price being too close for comfort, production and distribution issues and near bankruptcy in all in the name of the electric car. 

At the end of the movie however, it defaults to the standard Hollywood story arc where the protagonists end the story on a high with Tesla motors successfully (I use this word lightly) floating on the stock exchange in a bid to raise capital after production and distribution issues had pushed Tesla Motors' CEO Elon Musks' vast resources to the limit.

However the progression of Tesla Motors since the October release of the film has been worrying to say the least.  The company has not made any profit but suffers tremendous losses with the recent reports of tesla’s losses shooting up to 79% in the second quarter[1]. It has recently has its’ stock fall 3.6 percent with news of a stock analyst downgrading Tesla Motors rating from ‘hold’ to ‘sell’[2].Yet despite the bleak indicators, the company still remains optimistic.

Elon Musk publicly predicted that by 2032, “half of all new cars sold would be plug-in electric cars”,  dwarfing president Obama realistic goal of 1 million by 2015 considering less than 100,000 plug-in cars will be new cars globally in at the end of this year (3) . This prediction seems like the classic ruse entrepreneurs play on themselves to take their mind off the tough times of the present as Steve jobs did it, Ford did it, so Elon Musk taking a page out of their book is to be expected.

Tesla are not alone in its recent woes as it hasn’t been a great year for American carmakers GM, Ford and Chysler in general as their one of its competitors, Toyota managed more second quarter earnings than the big three ‘combined’[4].  However there has been a slight upturn for as tesla’s shares have grown with the news that Tesla will meet its projected production levels  [5].

In sum, Tesla Motors has been victim of the fact that they belong two industries with one in slight decline and one trying to establish it viability despite crushing indicators. Yet despite this, the company remains optimistic with an eye firmly placed far in to the future, which serves as positive sign that everybody at Tesla look set to make it’s CEO right, and more importantly, rich.

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[1] D. R. Baker, 2012, Tesla Motors’ Losses Jump 79 percent, http://www.sfgate.com/business/article/Tesla-Motors-losses-jump-79-percent-3735511.php

[2] H. Dudar, 2012, Tesla Falls After Analyst Downgrades Rating To Sell, http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-07-18/tesla-falls-after-analyst-downgrades-rating-to-sell.html
(3) J. Voelcker, 2012, Elon Musk Bets Half Of All Cars Built In 20312 Will Be Electric, http://idealab.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/07/elon-musk-bets-half-of-all-cars-built-in-2032-will-be-electric.php

[4] Forbes, 2012, Toyota Outearns The Detroit Carmakers Combined, http://www.forbes.com/sites/michelinemaynard/2012/08/03/toyota-outearns-the-detroit-carmakers-combined/

[5] Bloomberg businessweek, 2012, Tesla shares rise on Model S production numbers, http://www.businessweek.com/ap/2012-08-03/tesla-shares-rise-on-model-s-production-numbers

(Opinion): Who Needs Marriage Today? A New Book "Don't Say I Do!" Suggests that Staying Single might be a Better Alternative to Marriage in the New Economy

For generations Americans have been informed of the benefits of marriage, the legal privileges, as well as the favorable treatment of marriage in the tax code, however, according to Don't Say I Do! Why Women Should Stay Single, a fantastic book written by Orna Gadish, the new economy favors single women who are independent and self-reliant.

Not hamstrung by family commitments or being punished for having a biological clock, single and unmarried women stand to gain in the Obama economy, as they are available for more hours and are flexible in an economic climate that favors those who can adapt to ever changing dynamics of the marketplace.

Women are generally well represented in jobs that require a high level of skill and are better educated than men in an economy that favor individuals, two factors that indicate that women have nothing to fear in the new economy which rewards the highly skilled and independent.

Americans are no longer promised jobs rich with long term security and lifetime entitlements such as healthcare and dental plans that used to favor marriage, but this fact has not been realized in the tax code. However, don’t be surprised if the Obama administration embraces this new economic reality and implements policies that recognizes it.

Raised by a strong and independent woman himself, President Obama has firsthand experience of the new social and economic reality and will have no problem arguing for policies that help the new economy. Women can thrive in this economy, as they can earn income without having to compromise with a partner, or consider the strain on the relationship such a compromise is sure to have.

In the past, women were punished for being independent or self-reliant, as the social expectations of women suggested women should be married and should be limited to the gender-role of child bearing, rearing and the upkeep of the family dwelling. However rapid changes in social and economic trends from the 1960's onward have largely benefited women, as they have greater freedom of choice nowadays with regards to work and relationships than ever before.

In sum, while marriage has some tax benefits for married couples according to Don't Say I Do!, filing singly would be more beneficial for women, since essentially, each partner can file in a lower tax bracket. Thus, single women, more than anytime in human history, can be the arbiters of their own fate and stand to gain significantly in the new economic and social reality set to be embraced by the current Obama administration and beyond. Needless to say, in an age where women have more choices, this benefits not only women but society as a whole.

(Opinion) Afghanistan: Why the 2014 Date For Exit May be Extended

It is always good advice on a personal level to put a date on your goals, but in politics however, this advice is poisonous. The Obama administration plans to leave Afghanistan  while handing security duties to the Afghanistan National Security Forces (ANSF) looks to be failing to the point where the Department of defense has conspicuously tampered with the evaluation tools used to assess the progress of Afghan security forces.

 According to a report by the GAO, the DOD changed the highest level of capability of afghan forces from 'independent' (meaning the ANSF can carry out a given mission "without the assistance of coalition forces" ) to 'independent with advisors' (meaning that the ANSF could execute a mission successfully but required the support of the Coalition forces. 

This gave the false impression that the capability of the ANSF was increasing, however the progress was sluggish at best as only "7 percent of army units and 9 percent of police units" had reached 'full' capability. Another Problem cited in the report is the fact that the Afghan government, at least without donors, cannot sustain the army proposed by the United states and other NATO members.

There are major skill gaps within the ANSF, which contributes to the reliance on coalition forces for support as the grim truth is that the best fighters are probably with the Taliban or local warlords. the United States plans for exit are also hampered by age old problems of poor or weak governance and corruption as the government departments that oversee the military and the police either lack the 'expertise' or the will required. 

In sum,  Afghanistan is the longest war the United Sates has ever been involved in and unless it wants another decade of Afghani hospitality, It must address the ever pressing problems going forward. 

Read the GAO report on Afghanistan here: http://www.gao.gov/assets/600/592913.pdf

 

 

(Opinion) Really?, Mr. President !!!

President Barack Obama shares with CBS his biggest regret in office.

(Opinion) medals for drone pilots?

While there are more pressing issues to write about, the US military plans to give medals  too drone pilots seems really crazy. Military medals are usually doled out for service in war and bravery displayed in the battle but to give medals to drone pilots, who never sees any action, is like giving the medal of honor to Scooby and Shaggy.

while the skills of drone pilots are vital in war, to give medals to them is a slap in the face of those injured, killed or risked life and limb in the field of battle and ultimately cheapens the other medals the military gives to its most deserving soldiers. This can be seen as the introduction of the culture of giving medals based on participation rather than on merit into the military, an institution, probably more than any other, is built on the concept of merit. 

In sum, the military simply cannot give medals to drone pilots as the only danger they face is thumb blisters and a dead leg, an injury that can easily be topped by accident in the field of battle. beside the obvious differences with regard to the proximity to danger, it is contrary to the reason why medals are handed out in the first place as medals are a recognition of the contribution and sacrifice demonstrated by those who chose to serve, not a recognition of participation. 

(Opinion) Wisdom in unlikely places

Fox news and Washington post contributor Charles Krauthammer may be a staunch conservative and has come up with ideas with regards to foreign policy that would make the hair on your skin stand on end, but has today proved wisdom has no political affiliation. Krauthammer today has cut through the rhetoric and has got to the truth about the Arab Spring: its a transition of one Political idea for another.

While Krauthammer largely points to the danger of the transition of political Islamism for military Pan- Arabism, his points are spot on.  He points out the rather thin liberal base and the popularity of political Islam. this reality is reflected further in the polls as two thirds of Egyptians would like Islam to play a greater role in politics. however, there is a great drop in Egyptians who would like a closer relationship in politics as before the Arab spring, more than 80 percent wanted Islam to play a greater role in politics, which, depending on your viewpoint, represents progress.

Krauthammer notes a potential cause for this demand by citing the military in many countries in the middle east rather brutal suppression of any dissent, especially from political Islamists during 60's onwards. This suppression led to a radical change in tactics from opposition groups such as the Muslim Brotherhood who turned to acts of terror in Egypt to get their message across and led to the Islamic revolution in Iran which still stands strong.

This will  lead to some serious ramifications for the US in their efforts in creating stability in the middle east as they are largely unpopular in countries most affected by the Arab spring as the policy of containment used by the United States during the cold war is largely responsible for the repressive regimes which gave cause for protest in the first place.

(Opinion) Obama healthcare legislation unpopularity-proof

In a age where leaders are more conscientious about polls and public opinion in general it seems strange that unpopular legislation survives media barrages better than its makers. Obama's healthcare has survived everything thrown at it from the liberal wing of the democratic party apathy and the republicans hatred, the american public disapproval and a supreme court decision. There are some good things in the bill such as the banishment of the preexisting condition clause but for the most part it does not really solve the problem of healthcare on America. This is a major win for the Obama Administration as the Whitehouse and congressional democrats would look remarkably weak in an election year.

(Video) the wrong kind of change

(Opinion) Ah!, aint nothing more refreshing than progess

In a age where positive change is rare and cruel irony is a dime a dozen, it does feel good in write on a positive sea change in opinion.  According to Gallup polling, only one third of Americans want less immigration, the lowest percentage in Gallup polling in four decades. in the space of one year there has been a 10 to 15 percentage bump across party lines in those who think immigration is good for the United States and those thinking there should be an increase of immigration to the US represent the best numbers Gallup have reported on the issue.

There many reason for this sea change, but the most clear seems to be the notable slowdown  in legal and illegal immigration from US neighbors Mexico. Mexicans have usually immigrated to the US because the US economy represented better opportunities than they would have in their homeland.

Now that the United States finds its economy struggling to find an exit out of dudsville, more Mexicans are deciding to stay at home. However there has been an increase in Asian immigrants as many come to live and study in the US, contributing largely to the boom in high tech jobs.  
It seems that the United States has found its welcoming spirit again after a decade scarred by the countries worst attack on it soil which largely set the tone of american politics and policy for the rest of the decade especially regarding foreign policy and immigration.

 9/11 had Americans questioning the efficacy of its reputation as the worlds cultural and ethnic melting pot as paranoia and searching questions were the order of the day. now, the US seems to have recovered from the shock of finding out how vulnerable a nation state even as powerful as the United States is to threats of a global context and now seem ready to embrace the realities of its domestic trends as more american have become open to issues they wouldn't have explored which indicates that the United States is on the trajectory the founding fathers intended; a nation seeking a more perfect union.