Inside DCSNet, the FBI's Nationwide Eavesdropping Network

This article (Inside DCSNet, the FBI's Nationwide Eavesdropping Network) reminds me of a simple implementation of the Russian SORM system. Typically, if one looks up SORM, you find information about the KGB/FSB's ability to monitor email traffic. Russia had made it a requirement that any phone switch connected to the public telephone network had to support the ability to retrieve audio (through a silent monitoring facility). The operator at the central station would request a particular subscriber line be monitored, the remote command would go to the switch, and the audio would be sent back via X.25. As this was several years ago, it stands to reason this would be a newer incarnation of this. Most carrier grade switches have the ability to silent monitor (In the Harris 20/20, this was just a destination in a Collect & Route to monitor the particular circuit with NO notification to the parties). The ability to pull the audio through a VoIP trunk back to a central office (SIP phone, etc) would be almost trivial nowadays. This is an understandable need of law enforcement as it does need to perform legal taps. As long as the warrants are legally obtained, this is fine. When a National Security Letter is used on a non-national security case because the case is at a dead-end, that is the rub.

Just in case anyone is wondering, SORM is not, nor was it ever meant to be, secret. The ability of the Harris 20/20 to do silent monitoring is in the documentation. Anyone that believes their conversations cannot be monitored is quite naive so "caller beware". I actually think this is a good thing as it gets rid of stupid criminals. People that use unsecured lines to conduct illegal activities belong in jail simply for being stupid--besides their crime. My belief is that the people that truly have something to hide are using simply-acquired technologies to secure their communications. Yes, systems like SORM and the the FBI' system (as well as the NSA's Echelon) will catch terrorists, but not the ones we really need to worry about. Now, I invite you to go back to your evening :)

Dance like nobody's watching; love like you've never been hurt. Sing like nobody's listening; live like it's heaven on earth. by Mark Twain

Mark Twain said we should ...love like you've never been hurt..... I have thought about this and it is such a truism. It would be so easy to retreat and stay out of relationships because we have been hurt before. Relationships are a minefield. We run the risk of total humiliation and pain, but also of complete euphoria. Past loves are just that. Who among us would trade the feeling of getting to know someone new just because we may get hurt? There surely are many ways to get hurt in this dangerous game, but the rewards can be so great...just keep on plugging along.

FindLaw's Writ - Dorf: What are the "Inherent" Powers of the President? How the Bush Administration Has Mistaken Default Rules for Exclusive Rights

I am not one to lightly consider amending the US Constitution. I was reading a story where some Senators are urging a special prosecutor to investigate if the Attorney General perjured himself during his congressional testimony. Considering the outcome of the Libby trial, what would be the the downside for an administration official to lie to Congress. If Alberto Gonzales is convicted of perjury, the President would clearly pardon him. One could argue that even his law license was safe as if his state bar (I assume Texas) tried to disbar him, the fact that it would be for lying to Congress and that was pardoned, it is as if the offense didn't happen. To disbar him would be a form of double jeopardy that allowed a state bar to supersede the President's power to pardon a citizen.

Historically, a good check to the power of the pardon has been public perception. But with the current administration reserving its legacy as one of the most inept, this offers little deterrent.

In the end, Congress can impeach the Attorney General to remove him from office. As the president does not have the power to pardon someone that has been impeached, this only removes them from office.

Delightfully Different Dunedin

In case you were wondering, this
is where I ended up. I actually went to High School in Dunedin although I never lived in this house as my Mom bought it after I moved out. it is a nice place.

I was joking with David that in a week I have only heard 3 sirens from emergency vehicles. In Alexandria, it was at least 3 per day (on a light day). The pace of life is slower here. I look around and ask myself where all the people are!

Oh the places you'll go. That is what the Dr. Seuss book says. I had planned to go to Utah, but plans change. You see, I have this house in Florida (it was my Mom's). I have been paying for the mortgage so I decided why not go south! It is a nice place. I always did love the beach and the Florida lifestyle. The only problem is the work! No, not the professional work, but the house. My brother has been living here and there is so much stuff here. The place has kind of run down so I am starting on the job of repairing things. The place needs a new AC, new appliances, new flooring, some paint and I'm sure the roof will be up soon :) Well, it does give one something to do.

Losing Sucks!!!

This weekend I played in a regional pool tournament in Alexandria. The tourney was Saturday and Sunday and I played in 5 matches. I won most of my matches (4-1, 5-2, 5-0), but I lost the last one. The think is I needed to win 5 games, and I won the first three. The other guy needed 4 games and after I missed an easy shot on the 8 ball, he won his first of 4 straight. The winner of that match goes to Las Vegas to play in the national finals. Losing really sucks. I have so many second place trophys and awards. I sometimes wonder if there is something holding me back :)

Bob Seger and an Update

The rumor is that Bob Seger was on stage at the Verizon Center on Thursday night. I say rumor because I was sitting far enough away that I could never actually see him in focus :) I didn't realize we were so far up, but it was actually good. it was like hanging out with the cool kids at the back of the classroom. That being said, I say with all due respect, that I have never seen so many aging hippies in all my days. Seger really gives his all for his shows and it was fun, fun, fun!

I went with my friend Donna from school and coincidentally, Amy from school was also there. We met up at Clyde's before the show (and during the opening act). I even got to meet Mary Louise-Parker (inside joke).

Plans continue for Utah. I am on three month countdown for getting out of here and heading back to the land that I love. I am torn between living downtown and having a house in Sandy where I can spread out (and play the stereo as loud as I want). The views of the Wasatch mountains from Sandy cannot be beat!

Stay in touch!

Tom

Going Home!!!

Well everyone, I'm going home!. After discussing it with my employer, I have decided to move back to Salt Lake City in the April/May timeframe. Quality of life is a big reason and I just miss what I call home. In many ways, I have felt like I was exiled here in Washington and it is time. As luck would have it, I am still going to work for the GSA--just from Salt Lake City (with monthly trips back for a few days each). I'll post more on my blog (link at bottom) so stay tuned.

Of course, now that I have lived in a bigger city, I could never go back to the suburbs again like Sandy. I think I am going to find a nice loft in downtown Salt Lake. As long as I have public transportation and good places to walk, everything will be grand.

Tom

Please give as much as you can to the ACLU.

Warrantless mail search may be allowed - U.S. Security - MSNBC.com I felt like crying inside for the mockery that our Constitution is being made. Something has to be done! We have to find a way to protect the Constitution. You want to scream about being a patriot, then stand proudly as your rights and every other Americans are shredded. Does this man have no shame? Does he have no sense of decency? I hate to say it but the current administration is becoming tyrannical. I thought we gained our freedom from King George, but it appears not. I hope someone can save us from ourselves.