Is the NSA destroying American freedom? "You betcha!"

Human Rights Watch/ACLU: U.S. surveillance harming journalism, law, democracy (Click here to read more)

Rss@dailykos.com (joan Mccarter) · Tuesday, July 29, 2014, 12:21 pm
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The practice of journalism and of law in the United States is being dramatically, negatively harmed by large-scale surveillance by the NSA and other intelligence agencies. That's the finding of a new report from Human Rights Watch and the ACLU, who conclude "[s]urveillance is undermining media freedom and the right to counsel, and ultimately obstructing the American people's ability to hold their government to account."
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Researchers conducted exhaustive interviews with senior government officials, attorneys, and journalists to complete the 102-page report, "With Liberty to Monitor All: How Large-Scale US Surveillance is Harming Journalism, Law, and American Democracy."
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    "People are increasingly scared to talk about anything," observed one Pulitzer Prize winner, including unclassified matters that are of legitimate public concern. […]
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    This situation has a direct effect on the public's ability to obtain important information about government activities, and on the ability of the media to serve as a check on government, Human Rights Watch and the ACLU found.
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    Journalists expressed concern that, rather than being treated as essential checks on government and partners in ensuring a healthy democratic debate, they may be viewed as suspect for doing their jobs. One prominent journalist summed up what many seemed to be feeling: "I don't want the government to force me to act like a spy. I'm not a spy; I'm a journalist." […]
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