Elonka wrote:
] If I were a hotel manager, I wouldn't have any trouble
] providing the list, though I would ask for a "friendly"
] subpoena (subpoenas aren't always "slapped"), to verify that
] the request was coming from a bonafide law enforcement agency,
] and, yes, to address privacy concerns.

I don't have a problem with it if its done through the legal system.. Subpoena the info. Just don't use "National Security Letters" with attached gag orders. I don't like the idea of all this secret collection of information without any kind of oversight outside the intelligence agencies using the powers.

Its all about oversight. I don't think there is any. I have a problem with that. Unless I am mistaken, the closest thing to review I think these actions go under outside the agency they are used, is when it gets leaked to the press like this.

I also have a much lower threshold for sounding the bullshit alarm because of the way these powers are being expanded.. That being, with as little public discourse as possible while still having the ability to look on the up-and-up.. The timing, the senate voice votes, the lack of press, etc.. These things all heighten my tension over the issues at hand, and I see no reason why they shouldn't.

] I know this is putting me way out on the conservative side of
] our community here, but I feel strongly about this.

So do I. And let me state as clearly as I can: If this is viewed as a 'liberal' vs. 'conservative' issue, then America is truly fucked.

What's the problem with using the legal system for this Elonka? Why do we need a separate infrastructure with less protections for our civil liberties? You yourself said that you would ask for a "friendly" subpoena. Why?

Don't show me one situation where these powers were used in a reasonable manor and expect me to believe that they are always going to be used in a reasonable manor. That's wishful thinking, not something I'm going to take to the bank. Not something I am going to bet my country's future on.

And I didn't even come out all guns shooting and over react this time, like I did over that sacurrent article.. Shesh.. :)

RE: The debate about the FBI obtaining Las Vegas Jan 1 room lists with no court auth.