Comments on: NSA Polls, Damned Lies, and Statistics

By: Jon Hendry

Jon Hendry — Mon, 15 May 2006 02:11:11 +0000

"â��Surveillanceâ�� usually connotes someone being closely watched. If Iâ��m understanding the program correctlyâ��and, granted, thatâ��s a big â��Ifâ�� since what I know is based on an anonymously sourced USA Today articleâ��thatâ��s not happening." What if, say, you started making phone calls in the next week to a friend travelling in Dubai, which ended up causing your phone number to be flagged by the NSA? Chances are, they're frequently processing every phone number's calling patterns to identify those phones that are 'of interest'. If they're processing your phone calls every month or so, like a Google indexing run, then I'd say you are essentially under surveillance. Your ongoing activities are being monitored.

By: Roger

Roger — Sun, 14 May 2006 19:46:54 +0000

James, Bush himself called it a "terrorist" "surveillance" program. NO, this is not the dictionary usage of the word surveillance, but we all know what is meant. To trifle about the word when its usage does not affect actual understanding is to cavil. Call it something else if you will, spying, whatever, the problem remains.

By: Maggie

Maggie — Sun, 14 May 2006 15:49:36 +0000

I have NO PROBLEM with the GOVERNMENT looking over the list of numbers I called; but could someone tell me how to STOP my HUSBAND from reviewing my phone records. He threw a "hissy-fit" when he saw my cell phone charges last month.

By: SCSoxFan

SCSoxFan — Sun, 14 May 2006 14:05:56 +0000

I think the answer to the difference can be found in the wording. The Post poll clearly states in the question that the data are used in anti-terrorism. The Newsweek poll only describes the program. The only mention of terrorism is in the possible answers. I believe that the American people are more accepting of programs like this if they are presented as anti-terror efforts, rather than general gov't surveillance.

By: James Joyner

James Joyner — Sun, 14 May 2006 13:09:10 +0000

SD, Roger: "Surveillance" usually connotes someone being closely watched. If I'm understanding the program correctly--and, granted, that's a big 'If' since what I know is based on an anonymously sourced USA Today article--that's not happening.

By: Roger

Roger — Sun, 14 May 2006 06:37:23 +0000

Good question Stormy D.

By: Stormy Dragon

Stormy Dragon — Sun, 14 May 2006 04:44:29 +0000

In what sense is calling it a 'domestic surveillance program' inaccurate?

By: Bithead

Bithead — Sun, 14 May 2006 02:24:49 +0000

Doubtless, American opinion will continue to evolve, as the mainstream media gets its message out and informs the American public and what it should think.

By: Former

Former — Sat, 13 May 2006 22:39:18 +0000

America Blog is under terror IP attacks................