Ace of Spades HQ

June 14, 2013

Government, Private Companies Swap Intelligence, Tips
— Ace

Some of this I approve of, such as Microsoft tipping off the government about bugs and hack-exploits shortly before it widely disseminates patches to fix those bugs. This permits the government a short period of time to exploit the security holes in terrorists' or foreign officials' computers before they're fixed.

But I don't know the extent of it. And I don't know what the government gets in return.

Thousands of technology, finance and manufacturing companies are working closely with U.S. national security agencies, providing sensitive information and in return receiving benefits that include access to classified intelligence, four people familiar with the process said.
These programs, whose participants are known as trusted partners, extend far beyond what was revealed by Edward Snowden, a computer technician who did work for the National Security Agency. The role of private companies has come under intense scrutiny since his disclosure this month that the NSA is collecting millions of U.S. residentsÂ’ telephone records and the computer communications of foreigners from Google Inc (GOOG). and other Internet companies under court order.
Many of these same Internet and telecommunications companies voluntarily provide U.S. intelligence organizations with additional data, such as equipment specifications, that donÂ’t involve private communications of their customers, the four people said.
Makers of hardware and software, banks, Internet security providers, satellite telecommunications companies and many other companies also participate in the government programs. In some cases, the information gathered may be used not just to defend the nation but to help infiltrate computers of its adversaries.
Microsoft Corp. (MSFT), the worldÂ’s largest software company, provides intelligence agencies with information about bugs in its popular software before it publicly releases a fix, according to two people familiar with the process. That information can be used to protect government computers and to access the computers of terrorists or military foes.
...
The extensive cooperation between commercial companies and intelligence agencies is legal and reaches deeply into many aspects of everyday life, though little of it is scrutinized by more than a small number of lawyers, company leaders and spies. Company executives are motivated by a desire to help the national defense as well as to help their own companies, said the people, who are familiar with the agreements.
Most of the arrangements are so sensitive that only a handful of people in a company know of them, and they are sometimes brokered directly between chief executive officers and the heads of the U.S.Â’s major spy agencies, the people familiar with those programs said.

One thing that might be surprising to people is that there has long been a lot of cooperation between the CIA and private corporations in the tech area. The CIA's gadget shop, for example, would often go to private companies with specific needs, and private companies would put their engineers on the job to make them, say, a very miniaturized camera, or a battery that lasted for years (to power a hidden microphone and transmitter planted in an official's office), or so on.

In many cases these breakthroughs would then become subject of patents and tech items available to the general public, but only after a certain period of time during which the CIA had exclusive use of the technology.

The popular, but somewhat silly-sounding, idea that the CIA has technology that won't see the light of day for years is actually... true. (Citation: Spycraft: The Secret History of the CIA's Spytechs, from Communism to Al-Qaeda by Wallace, Melton, et al. discusses this. The book is based on declassified documents, and the forward was written by George Tenet, so this book is relatively accurate and not some flight of fancy. )

I'm not entirely sure if I should be alarmed by this because this scary-sounding secret tech alliance between the CIA and private tech corporations has been going on since, I don't know, at least the forties.

Now, sharing citizens' private data is something else again, but... Here's the thing: Google is already spying on you and collecting your information. Google is the world's largest espionage organization. Not the NSA, but Google.

Microsoft is a somewhat smaller one, and Apple, and Amazon, and etc...

I don't know how much more alarmed I should be that the government is recording my data when practically every large tech company on earth is already doing it.

I Wonder if There are Secret Patents and a Secret Patent Office. I think there must be. Patents are public. That's the point of them -- in exchange for an inventor voluntarily telling the world how his device works, and adding to the world's net wealth of technological knowledge, he receives a government-granted right of exclusive use of the patent for a period of years. After that period, the patent lapses, and now anyone can use it.

But if a corporation is doing work for the CIA, and they create a patentable innovation, they surely would want a patent on that. The trouble is, they can't get a public patent. The whole point of the CIA's request for a super-long-lasting tiny battery is that they don't want the world to know they have such things.

So I wonder -- and I think it must be the case -- that somewhere in the law, or perhaps some secret Executive Order, there's a provision that says corporations' will get the benefit of the patent without publicly disclosing it, and that their official patent application -- when they seek it, after the CIA has used it for some years -- will be back-dated to reflect the actual date of invention.

Not sure how this would work. Gotta be going on, though.

Posted by: Ace at 09:24 AM | Comments (261)
Post contains 954 words, total size 6 kb.

1 The CIA invented webcams. True story.

Posted by: EC at June 14, 2013 09:25 AM (doBIb)

2 too many secrets

Posted by: Midnight at June 14, 2013 09:26 AM (C2Y4l)

3 Not just tech. This is where the U-2 and SR-71 came from.

Posted by: Andy at June 14, 2013 09:27 AM (9L0Ba)

4 Private corporations have mastered the science of putting frikkin' lasers on sharks.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero) at June 14, 2013 09:27 AM (8ZskC)

5 Summer of the Shark, ace.

Posted by: Andy at June 14, 2013 09:27 AM (9L0Ba)

6
Chris Matthews just called and said this looks very Black Irish to him.

Posted by: soothsayer, now with 20% less ruth at June 14, 2013 09:28 AM (KeJAW)

7 CFL light bulbs were originally designed to kill terrorists in their caves by spreading toxic mercury. True story.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero) at June 14, 2013 09:28 AM (8ZskC)

8 GPS was probably a result

Posted by: notachanceinhell at June 14, 2013 09:28 AM (jJA/4)

"Some of this I approve of, such as Microsoft tipping off the government about bugs and hack-exploits shortly before it widely disseminates patches to fix those bugs. This permits the government a short period of time to exploit the security holes in terrorists' or foreign officials' computers before they're fixed."

Here, let me re-write that last sentence:

This permits the government a short period of time to exploit the security holes in news media reporters computers before they're fixed.

Posted by: doug at June 14, 2013 09:29 AM (uJ8q7)

10 summer of snark

Posted by: thunderb at June 14, 2013 09:29 AM (nH8jP)

11 In the Obama era, it's now much more dangerous because now the government is corrupt enough that not only will they threaten to pull funding but they'll try to strongarm the companies in a dozen other ways.

Posted by: AmishDude at June 14, 2013 09:30 AM (xSegX)

NSA and corporations using interwebs to spy on us

AlGore invented the interwebs

I blame AlGore

Posted by: thunderb at June 14, 2013 09:30 AM (nH8jP)

13 If it's digital, it's archived.

Posted by: Fritz at June 14, 2013 09:31 AM (G9Mmf)

>>>Google is the world's largest espionage organization. Not the NSA, but Google.

True fact - I just googled it to verify.

Posted by: Roy at June 14, 2013 09:31 AM (VndSC)

15 I don't know how much more alarmed I should be that the government is recording my data when practically every large tech company on earth is already doing it.

The government has an army and a growing list of paramilitary organizations (IRS agents with AR-15s, for instance). As far as I'm aware, Google has a couple of self-driving Prii and a lot of patchouli.

Posted by: Ian S. at June 14, 2013 09:31 AM (B/VB5)

16 I have a friend who was an architects of one the original internet backbones. He had an intimate knowledge of not just the infrastructure but the traffic flows and peering relationships. He also did contract work for the CIA with his employers blessing. He would never tell us exactly what he was doing, he couldn't, but he wasn't exactly a field spook. He did internet communications. Not too hard to figure out what he was doing.

Posted by: JackStraw at June 14, 2013 09:31 AM (g1DWB)

17 We're entering... The Danger Zone!

Posted by: Sterling Archer at June 14, 2013 09:31 AM (OZJKM)

18 How did the CIA use the new gas can tech? Was it to make the terrorists swear in their backyards?

Posted by: SarahW at June 14, 2013 09:31 AM (LYwCh)

19 Go look at Google Earth.

The .gov had imaging that good in the 60's.

Posted by: Blanco Basura at June 14, 2013 09:32 AM (4WhSY)

20 It's not the technology and sharing. It's how the proto-Communists in the highest offices of the Executive branch use this gift. The telltale identifier of a third world country is when the power of government rewards the inner circle of supporters and punishes those that try to rein them in. By that definition we are explicitly a third-world country.

Posted by: NaCly Dog at June 14, 2013 09:32 AM (u82oZ)

21 I thought the fancy tech came from the aliens held at Area-51.

Posted by: steevy at June 14, 2013 09:32 AM (mUSYR)

22 Government, Private Companies Swap Intelligence, Tips

----

Heh, read that as "swapping intelligence, spit" first time around.

Prolly more accurate tho....

Posted by: fixerupper at June 14, 2013 09:32 AM (nELVU)

23 Pedantic but important point that has been under everyone's tires; the CIA has no mandate to spy on US citizens in the USA. That the NSA has been spying on citizens is the entire crux of the controversy.

The 'F' in FISA does not mean Federal.

That and the impossible to answer question of the extent of the surveillance is why the apologetics from the Right read like so much insanity.

Posted by: weft cut-loop [/i] [/b] at June 14, 2013 09:32 AM (SX6wc)

24 I have a friend who was an architects of one the original internet backbones. He had an intimate knowledge of not just the infrastructure but the traffic flows and peering relationships. He also did contract work for the CIA with his employers blessing. He would never tell us exactly what he was doing, he couldn't, but he wasn't exactly a field spook. He did internet communications. Not too hard to figure out what he was doing. Posted by: JackStraw at June 14, 2013 01:31 PM (g1DWB) Your friends with Al gore? Because he invented the Internet. he told me so

Posted by: Nevergiveup at June 14, 2013 09:33 AM (jE38p)

25 swapping spit, just the tip

Posted by: thunderb at June 14, 2013 09:33 AM (nH8jP)

26 ProTip: If you scratch behind Ace's ears, he'll give you his pin number.

Posted by: Waldo at June 14, 2013 09:33 AM (RZwdH)

27 18 How did the CIA use the new gas can tech? Was it to make the terrorists swear in their backyards?

Posted by: SarahW at June 14, 2013 01:31 PM (LYwCh) .......................

My Gas can is adult proof, Can't get gas in it let alone out..

Posted by: notachanceinhell at June 14, 2013 09:34 AM (jJA/4)

28 >>As far as I'm aware, Google has a couple of self-driving Prii and a lot of patchouli. They also have an (cough) arms length division that works for the Obama campaign and other Dem groups. So in a way, they also have a bunch of paramilitary groups.

Posted by: JackStraw at June 14, 2013 09:34 AM (g1DWB)

29 8 GPS was probably a result

GPS came out of Rockwell's early NavStar sat system work in the 1970's. By 1980, I think there were ~3 in orbit. Rockwell wasn't just building space shuttles and truck axles...

Posted by: Purp[/i][/b][/u][/s] at June 14, 2013 09:34 AM (/gHaE)

30 I thought the fancy tech came from the aliens held at Area-51. Posted by: steevy at June 14, 2013 01:32 PM (mUSYR) No. They brought us cherry flavored condoms

Posted by: Nevergiveup at June 14, 2013 09:34 AM (jE38p)

31 This week I invented a shooting tripod out of some old golf club shafts and rubber bands. Works OK. I would be willing to share this technology with the CIA for a billion dollars tax free.

Posted by: Gristle Encased Head at June 14, 2013 09:34 AM (+lsX1)

32 Hey ace, you genius. What do Govts have that companies don't? What can Govts do to you that companies can't? I thiught you were a conservative, ace? Conservatives understand the difference between public and private sector. Your conflating the two makes you sound like an idiot liberal. Bbbbut but the CORPORATIONZZZ! As long as there are CORPORATIOIONNZZZ doing it, who cares about Govt? Step back, ace. You are being co-opted.

Posted by: Tiglon at June 14, 2013 09:35 AM (V2QM2)

33 GPS was invented so Biden could find his way home when he couldn't take the choo choo home

Posted by: thunderb at June 14, 2013 09:35 AM (nH8jP)

34 I thought the fancy tech came from the aliens held at Area-51.

Unfortunately, I think it's pretty well established that Area 51 is actually:

1) Where they test nifty new secret planes
2) Where the federal government dumps stuff to avoid subjecting themselves to their own EPA regulations

And it's mostly the second thing now.

Posted by: Ian S. at June 14, 2013 09:35 AM (B/VB5)

35
Political Value: 0

This is too complex to be useful.

Posted by: soothsayer, now with 20% less ruth at June 14, 2013 09:35 AM (39q3n)

36 The backbone of the Department of Defense, from the military itself to the intelligence agencies, is private industry. This is really not news at all, when you think about it. The government has always been going to private industry with requirements to make weapons, vehicles and other accouterment. Spies and soldiers come and go, but the government's reliance on private industry is forever.

Posted by: Artemus Khan, Supervillian-billionaire-layabout at June 14, 2013 09:35 AM (27tUc)

37 jeebus. its like an infestation of ticks lately. no fun of any kind

Posted by: thunderb at June 14, 2013 09:35 AM (nH8jP)

38 Spies and soldiers come and go, but the government's reliance on private industry is forever.

Until it all gets nationalized. Because "unfair profits."

Posted by: Blanco Basura at June 14, 2013 09:37 AM (4WhSY)

39 Of course the government works hand in hand with companies to help develop exploits and technology to fight our enemies but it's recently come to my attention that the government regards me and others like me to be the enemy. I no longer give my consent to a government that regards me to be an enemy.

Posted by: kreplach at June 14, 2013 09:37 AM (ihCPW)

40 "I don't know how much more alarmed I should be that the government is recording my data when practically every large tech company on earth is already doing it." Because Google and Microsoft and Apple and Yahoo don't have the coercive power to tax, can't throw you in jail, and can only use limited force if you are trespassing on their campuses. The government has no such boundaries. Also, you can choose not to use those companies' products and services - you have no choice but to be subject to the Federal Government, unless you move away and renounce your citizenship.

Posted by: Winston Smith at June 14, 2013 09:37 AM (8PndB)

41 Nothing to see here. Move along, comrades.

Posted by: Soona at June 14, 2013 09:37 AM (BP/3G)

42 since google was brought up , how do i rid myself of it as THEE search thing on my computer
(firefox/mozilla) bing is what i have on as search engine yet Google is always there as the master even though i deleted Google in programs.

Posted by: willow at June 14, 2013 09:38 AM (nqBYe)

43 Political Value: 0

This is too complex to be useful.

Posted by: soothsayer

Utility:
Big government = Bad.
Smaller government = Slightly better.

Posted by: weft cut-loop [/i] [/b] at June 14, 2013 09:38 AM (SX6wc)

44 I did invent the internet, but I made up global warming

Posted by: Al Gore at June 14, 2013 09:38 AM (jJA/4)

45 *foreword

Posted by: Michael Rittenhouse at June 14, 2013 09:38 AM (plI4b)

46 The difference is Microsoft, Google, and Apple don't have prisons and aren't allowed to use lethal force.

Posted by: Flatbush Joe at June 14, 2013 09:39 AM (ZPrif)

47 "I don't know how much more alarmed I should be that the government is recording my data when practically every large tech company on earth is already doing it."

Well private companies don't show up in the middle of the night with guns drawn, yet. That, and private companies have a profit motive not to perpetrate a bunch of clusterfucks on the public, with a bottomless budget to draw from while they fuck up your existence, and "national security" or "executive privilege" to shield them scrutiny of money hungry lawyers. But yeah, other than that, they are pretty much the same.

Posted by: assault flounder at June 14, 2013 09:39 AM (Kkt/i)

48 Nothing to see here. Move along, comrades.

You're gonna use that flashy thing, aren't you?

Posted by: Blanco Basura at June 14, 2013 09:39 AM (4WhSY)

49 I see this thread has been reinforced by a Logical Fallacy Battalion. Geeez, we need better trolls.

Posted by: Sean Bannion at June 14, 2013 09:39 AM (eJuQy)

The difference between Google spying on us and the government is HUGE. Google just wants to sell ad space and help their paying customers target your buying preferences. Don't like it, use another search engine. The government is no longer a neutral, pro-American entity. It has become a hyper-partisan super-bueracracy, and it is using its spying aparatuses to silence and intimidate opposition.

This is the very deffinition of out of control government. It's not just the act of spying that differentiates the government and private companies, but what they do with it. Both are a breach of your privacy, sure. But one is simply for commercial gain; the other is an attempt to bully their way into permanent control of the country.

Posted by: Scot at June 14, 2013 09:40 AM (G74SD)

51 One of the few thing the govt designs/builds itself are cannon and some other artillery pieces. The Watervliet Arsenal and on-site Benet Labs research facility are a kinda self contained design/build operation.

They've been doing that since the 1800's.

The Watervliet arsenal got scaled back a lot when Vietnam ended and the cold war died out though. A lot of the space and manufacturing facility is rented out these days.

Posted by: Purp[/i][/b][/u][/s] at June 14, 2013 09:40 AM (/gHaE)

52 The apologetics from the right make me wonder if there is some fretting, backchatter or word from on high that objections to collections of data will boomerang on conservatives. Which, screw them. There's a line my government never gets to cross and a routine general warrant to inspect my private communications or papers &c. Is over the line.

Posted by: SarahW at June 14, 2013 09:40 AM (LYwCh)

53 seriously is there a summer camp in upstate NY for commies that has a class on trolling? the quality of troll lately has been awful.

Posted by: thunderb at June 14, 2013 09:41 AM (nH8jP)

54 Ahhhh, almost quitting time. Better stop drinking till I get home

Posted by: notachanceinhell at June 14, 2013 09:41 AM (jJA/4)

55 Am I happy that Google/Apple/whoever is spying? Fuck no. But last I checked, those companies weren't, or even capable of, enfuckening my rights. That Govt can/is.

Posted by: BCochran1981 at June 14, 2013 09:41 AM (da5Wo)

56 the quality of troll lately has been awful

Cheap import trolls. Good quality American trolls are hard to find at any price these days.

Posted by: Purp[/i][/b][/u][/s] at June 14, 2013 09:42 AM (/gHaE)

57 ProTip: If you scratch behind Ace's ears, he'll give you his pin number.

Posted by: Waldo at June 14, 2013 01:33 PM (RZwdH)

It's Bosco.

Posted by: assault flounder at June 14, 2013 09:42 AM (Kkt/i)

58 Geeez, we need better trolls. Posted by: Sean Bannion at June 14, 2013 01:39 PM (eJuQy) Sequestration.

Posted by: Vendette at June 14, 2013 09:42 AM (iXuYG)

59 Why does Janet Napolitano's head keep appearing in the upper left corner of my monitor?

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero) at June 14, 2013 09:43 AM (8ZskC)

60 My dad just got out of surgery,everything going well so far.

Posted by: steevy at June 14, 2013 09:43 AM (mUSYR)

61 Barack Obama is a stuttering clusterf*ck of a malignant traitor.

Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) at June 14, 2013 09:43 AM (/PCJa)

doing the trolling American trolls won't do

living in the shadows

Posted by: thunderb at June 14, 2013 09:43 AM (nH8jP)

63 Burn it down. Scatter the stones. Salt the earth where it stood.

Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) at June 14, 2013 09:43 AM (/PCJa)

64 since google was brought up , how do i rid myself of it as THEE search thing on my computer
(firefox/mozilla) bing is what i have on as search engine yet Google is always there as the master even though i deleted Google in programs.

Posted by: willow at June 14, 2013 01:38 PM (nqBYe)

--------------------------------------------

Dear Sweet Lady,

We'll always be with you. Don't ever think we've abandoned you.

Yours Forever,

Google

Posted by: Soona at June 14, 2013 09:43 AM (BP/3G)

65 1 The CIA invented webcams. also butt welds and cat filters.

Posted by: Assault Citizen Anachronda at June 14, 2013 09:43 AM (w/Ebk)

66 OT/ American Spectator connects the dots like I've not seen reported heretofore : The IRS 10, much like the Keating 5 and connects the corrupt IRS Union with the donk Senators that demanded the IRS do something about the tea party movement/groups. Excellent article you guys..

http://bit.ly/11llu96

Posted by: Yip at June 14, 2013 09:43 AM (/jHWN)

67 34 I know,was just joking.

Posted by: steevy at June 14, 2013 09:44 AM (mUSYR)

68 Now, sharing citizens' private data is something else again, but... Here's the thing: Google is already spying on you and collecting your information.

Not if you don't use Google.

Likewise, cellphones can't trace you if you turn them off. And browsers can't track you ... rather, they have a lot more trouble tracking you ... if you routinely delete cookies and history.

Posted by: wolfwalker at June 14, 2013 09:44 AM (lLT1z)

69 Steevy whats up with your dad? I missed it

Posted by: thunderb at June 14, 2013 09:44 AM (nH8jP)

70 >> I don't know how much more alarmed I should be that the government is recording my data when practically every large tech company on earth is already doing it. Get back to me when Google has its own IRS, ATF, etc.

Posted by: Andy at June 14, 2013 09:44 AM (Lnvih)

71 My dad just got out of surgery,everything going well so far. Posted by: steevy at June 14, 2013 01:43 PM (mUSYR) Happy to hear that

Posted by: Nevergiveup at June 14, 2013 09:44 AM (jE38p)

@64

Just like Herpes

Posted by: notachanceinhell at June 14, 2013 09:44 AM (jJA/4)

73 21 I thought the fancy tech came from the aliens held at Area-51.

Posted by: steevy at June 14, 2013 01:32 PM (mUSYR)

This is one of the last of the great conspiracies that hasn't come into the open this year, I give it until Labor Day.

Posted by: BunkerintheBurbs at June 14, 2013 09:44 AM (0tHG6)

74 Don't ever think we've abandoned you.

Yours Forever,
Google

Posted by: Soona at June 14, 2013 01:43 PM (BP/3G)

lol, yikes!

Posted by: willow at June 14, 2013 09:45 AM (nqBYe)

75 since google was brought up , how do i rid myself of it as THEE search thing on my computer
(firefox/mozilla) bing is what i have on as search engine yet Google is always there as the master even though i deleted Google in programs.

Posted by: willow

Left click Google icon in the Search field > Manage Search Engines > select > Remove > restart FF

Posted by: weft cut-loop [/i] [/b] at June 14, 2013 09:45 AM (SX6wc)

76 This permits the government a short period of time to exploit the security holes in ~~terrorists' or foreign officials'~~ private citizens' computers before they're fixed. Fixed for you, ace. No, the Government does not need any more power, let alone help in spying on me. I'm sorry that good government is largely reactive to trouble, instead of active about seeking it out, but good government is largely reactive to trouble.

Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) at June 14, 2013 09:45 AM (/PCJa)

77 69 Two big things,this one was a heart valve repair.

Posted by: steevy at June 14, 2013 09:45 AM (mUSYR)

78 Besides the lack of prisons and armies, private companies like Microsoft and Google also have competitors, who often decide not to share their user data with each other. (Twitter finally ended their XML/RSS feeds, IÂ’m guessing because they want that sweet user data.) But if the government gets MicrosoftÂ’s data, GoogleÂ’s data, FacebookÂ’s data, AppleÂ’s data, etc., they have much more than any individual company.

Posted by: Ace Runner Stephen Price Blair at June 14, 2013 09:45 AM (QF8uk)

79 After that period, the patent lapses, and now anyone can use it.

Kinda like the way copyright used to work before it became effectively perpetual.

Posted by: Sandra Fluke's solid gold diaphragm at June 14, 2013 09:45 AM (7xeJQ)

80 I am so confused about security. Maybe we should just be looking at people who disagree with our politics, and leave the true patriots alone.

Posted by: Nevergiveup at June 14, 2013 09:45 AM (KdyqO)

81 "2 too many secrets

Posted by: Midnight at June 14, 2013 01:26 PM (C2Y4l)"

That you, Bishop?

Posted by: Whistler at June 14, 2013 09:46 AM (knoK7)

82 I am glad he seems to be doing well. Prayers to you both

Posted by: thunderb at June 14, 2013 09:46 AM (nH8jP)

83 I don't know that Google just wants to sell us ad space.

Muslim Rappers, Â‘Google IdeasÂ’: Inside the Flawed U.S. Campaign to Fight Militant Memes
http://tinyurl.com/9of228p

Posted by: jeannebodine at June 14, 2013 09:46 AM (LBBS3)

84 >>>since google was brought up , how do i rid myself of it as THEE search thing on my computer (firefox/mozilla) bing is what i have on as search engine yet Google is always there as the master even though i deleted Google in programs. Posted by: willow at June 14, 2013 01:38 PM (nqBYe)

Bing is just as bad as Google in terms of data mining, but if you want to make it your first choice as a search engine in the toolbar just click on the logo next to the search box in your toolbar. That will show you the dropdown menu that you can select from to pick a new search engine.

ixquick is an alternative search engine that advertises itself as "the world's most private search engine". It is not automatically available in the dropdown menu, but you can download it as a plugin for Firefox, at which point it will offer you the option to select it as your first choice for the search in the toolbar. You will still be able to switch back using the method above, however.

Posted by: TH at June 14, 2013 09:46 AM (S+/XI)

85 Kinda like the way copyright used to work before it became effectively perpetual.

But cartoon characters that fall into the wrong hands are a threat to national security.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero) at June 14, 2013 09:47 AM (8ZskC)

86 Get back to me when Google has its own IRS, ATF, etc.

Are they not handing data over to the actual IRS, ATF, etc? Not to mention OFA.

Posted by: HeatherRadish™ needs a beer at June 14, 2013 09:47 AM (ZKzrr)

87 I Wonder if There are Secret Patents and a Secret Patent Office. There might be, but it's probably not necessary. WD40 isn't patented, and it gets sold to the public just fine.

Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) at June 14, 2013 09:47 AM (/PCJa)

88 I'm not going to go back through the thread to see what troll activity is going on, bust just point out that all trolls are Average joe, who sucks cock by choice.

Posted by: zsasz at June 14, 2013 09:47 AM (MMC8r)

How did we ever lose the election to a stuttering clusterfuck of a miserable tyrant.

oh yeah - we suck. and we have no credibility or vision. and not one shred of intelligence. sorry. I almost forgot how much we suck.

Posted by: steevy at June 14, 2013 09:48 AM (KdyqO)

90 I Wonder if There are Secret Patents and a Secret Patent Office. It's next to the Secret Warrants Office.

Posted by: zsasz at June 14, 2013 09:48 AM (MMC8r)

91 Get back to me when Google has its own IRS, ATF, etc. Posted by: Andy at June 14, 2013 01:44 PM (Lnvih) I'm not convinced they don't. We've seen the govt go after political orgs it doesn't like. Would anyone here be surprised to find out that people/companies that are giving Apple/Google/whatever company has a deal with the govt a hard time are getting harassed as well?

Posted by: BCochran1981 at June 14, 2013 09:48 AM (da5Wo)

92 Posted by: Nevergiveup at June 14, 2013 01:46 PM (KdyqO) ::: yawn :::: That's got a crappy beat and you can't dance to it. I score that troll a 4

Posted by: Sean Bannion at June 14, 2013 09:48 AM (eJuQy)

93 @83: Agree about Bing on the data mining, but at least they know what country they're in. (Their front page today has a lovely picture of a flag. Google has no idea anything special is going on).

Posted by: Ian S. at June 14, 2013 09:48 AM (B/VB5)

94 speaking of falling into the wrong hands, I sincerely hope Snowden is not swapping intelligence and tips with the ChiComs.

Posted by: thunderb at June 14, 2013 09:48 AM (nH8jP)

95 ty, wet cut. will try brb

Posted by: willow at June 14, 2013 09:48 AM (nqBYe)

96 The really secret shit won't ever be patented. The inventors will get a pat on the head, a bonus, and internal recognition.

Posted by: Purp[/i][/b][/u][/s] at June 14, 2013 09:48 AM (/gHaE)

97 steevy, that is great news!

Posted by: chemjeff at June 14, 2013 09:48 AM (9GG/0)

for fucks sake

COBSSSSSS

Posted by: thunderb at June 14, 2013 09:49 AM (nH8jP)

99 Aaaand another liberal myth is busted. In liberal-land, government and corporations stand as antagonists, superhero and arch-villain (respectively) forever battling against each other like in the pages of comic books. In the real world, corporations and government work together to screw people, and the larger the government becomes, the bigger the screwing.

Posted by: chemjeff at June 14, 2013 09:50 AM (9GG/0)

100 There is a top-secret part of the Patent Office.

I don't know all of what it does, but it's the repository for nukular tech at least.

In the old Crystal City offices, it was a separate, locked area and you needed to be one of them to get in. Not sure how it works in the new, Alexandria complex.

Purp ,the Watervliet Arsenal is still going strong.

They made bunker busters from idea to workable device in about 6 months for the first Iraq war.

They took a 16 inch gun barrel design (for battleships) and turned it into a penetrating bomb.

Freaking awesome. I love driving by there, they have a bunch of BFG barrels out front.

Posted by: Veeshir at June 14, 2013 09:50 AM (JjQ0n)

101 thank you. thank you very much

Posted by: thunderb at June 14, 2013 09:50 AM (nH8jP)

102 70

Get back to me when Google has its own IRS, ATF, etc.

Posted by: Andy at June 14, 2013 01:44 PM (Lnvih)

Google doesn't need their own jackbooted divisions due to their being in bed with the Democrat party.

Posted by: Sandra Fluke's solid gold diaphragm at June 14, 2013 09:50 AM (7xeJQ)

103 It's already been banned folks. Just hit refresh and the comment will be gone.

Posted by: BCochran1981 at June 14, 2013 09:50 AM (da5Wo)

104 Don't worry we have TOP pixys working on it.

Posted by: Mætenloch at June 14, 2013 09:51 AM (XkotV)

105 Now, sharing citizens' private data is something else again, but... Here's the thing: Google is already spying on you and collecting your information. Google is the world's largest espionage organization. Not the NSA, but Google. Google is a private company. Sure, they could release embarrassing things about me, but I can sue them if they do. They don't have an army, or various police arms, to throw me in jail when I do something they don't like (or for which they just happen to need a fall-guy). Often, I point out the above as a reason not to get too excited about Google having your information. If they're sharing it- especially if they're sharing it with the US Government, that's different. At this point, the only thing we have left is to unplug- or just accept that the US Government knows everything about us. I don't like either of those ideas. Someone needs to stop this practice forthwith. If the Government needs it, they can get a warrant.

Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) at June 14, 2013 09:51 AM (/PCJa)

106 Bing is Microsoft, who sucks Obama cock by choice.

Posted by: zsasz at June 14, 2013 09:51 AM (MMC8r)

107

I knew it!! I always suspected that the government is stealing all our spaces and ampersands on this damn website..... causing confusion, distrust and disillusionment among the morons. This confirms ev

*bzzzzt*

Posted by: Some Guy in Wis *bzzzt* at June 14, 2013 09:51 AM (fhR3f)

108 I tell ya, when my great great grandmother was eatin' grass, So you're a cow. That explains a lot.

Posted by: The New and Improved Sean Bannion at June 14, 2013 09:51 AM (eJuQy)

109 I sincerely hope Snowden is not swapping intelligence and tips with the ChiComs.

He had access, but my take is he didn't have all the access he claims to have had.

Don't worry, they got his laptops locked away in a "secure room" for "safe keeping" while his disposition is being decided. I'm sure they're be handed back to the US govt intact as soon as negotiations are completed.

Posted by: Purp[/i][/b][/u][/s] at June 14, 2013 09:51 AM (/gHaE)

110 C'mon Maet. M FASTER

Posted by: The New and Improved Sean Bannion at June 14, 2013 09:52 AM (eJuQy)

111

Rep Louie Gohmert call Boehner "Tammy Faye Boehner". I just love that

Posted by: thunderb at June 14, 2013 09:52 AM (nH8jP)

112 Only vaguely related, ran across a neat identity-theft trick today. In 1988, we switched to automatically giving people social security numbers at birth rather than waiting until they request an SSN. SSNÂ’s are handed out sequentially, per area. So, if you want someoneÂ’s SSN, find out everyone who was born in the same location that day. Then, find out if any of them have died. If so, get their death certificate. It includes their SSN. YouÂ’ve now narrowed the targetÂ’s SSN down to maybe ten or a hundred, making it very easy to guess on web sites that request SSNs and give errors when you type the wrong one. Date of birth and home town are usually pretty easy to find on social networking sites. Of course, you could also work backwards: find someone who died, then find out who was born the same day and place they were. This because the federal government wanted everyone to have SSNs from birth. (Note, this was discovered in 2009. In 2011, they started randomizing SSNs. So you probably canÂ’t use this trick to find the SSNs of two-year-olds.)

Posted by: Ace Runner Stephen Price Blair at June 14, 2013 09:52 AM (QF8uk)

113 Google doesn't need their own jackbooted divisions due to their being in bed with the Democrat party.

Pretty smart on Google's part - why pay for your own private jackboot army when you can just co-opt the government's?

Posted by: chemjeff at June 14, 2013 09:52 AM (9GG/0)

114 Hang in there Steevy, glad to hear the news. Good luck with a good outcome and home soon.

Posted by: Yip at June 14, 2013 09:52 AM (/jHWN)

115 These revelations are horrifying. As many of you know, Congressman Anthony Weiner was publicly crucified on a cross, or possibly a six-pointed star, of Republican funded covert internet operations. For a donation of just 20, 50 or 100 dollars, you can help put Anthony back into the battle, to once again Fight the Power. Let's show these criminals that hide in the shadows who's really in charge here. Donate: www.*squirt*.com

Posted by: Weiner for Mayor at June 14, 2013 09:53 AM (LJ2uj)

116 Patent applications don't publish for 18 months. And there are government secrecy provisions that can be used to prevent publication (or foreign filing).

Posted by: gm at June 14, 2013 09:53 AM (/kBoL)

117 Playing with trolls Bannion? You're likely to pick up something nasty that way.

Posted by: BCochran1981 at June 14, 2013 09:53 AM (da5Wo)

118 How many of the hacks that Microsoft reports to the government were created by the government to exploit IT products...?

Posted by: Juan de Hattatime at June 14, 2013 09:53 AM (CqZmo)

119
These programs, whose participants are known as trusted partners, extend far beyond what was revealed by Edward Snowden

But I thought Snowden didn't reveal anything. That's what I was told anyway.

Posted by: Guy Mohawk at June 14, 2013 09:54 AM (g5YAm)

120 Refresh??? I want that shit done automatically. I PAID for the AoSHQ Black Card!

Posted by: The Original Sean Bannion, Now With Extra Snark at June 14, 2013 09:54 AM (eJuQy)

121

>>>Only vaguely related, ran across a neat identity-theft trick today.

Seems like a helluva lot of work.

Posted by: Roy at June 14, 2013 09:54 AM (VndSC)

122
What's going on here is the development of Chinese-style communism being fastracked via fascism.

Any time that govt and corporations 'partner' up, The People lose a little freedom, lose a little privacy, and lose a little more of their paycheck.

But Government will have the last laugh. These 'partnerships' are only temporary -- the takeover is imminent.

Posted by: soothsayer, now with 20% less ruth at June 14, 2013 09:54 AM (Y4TdB)

123 isn't it time for the daily scandal?

Posted by: thunderb at June 14, 2013 09:54 AM (nH8jP)

124 Copyrights are weird.The Shadow was public domain and you could get everything free than all of a sudden Conde Nast had it back under copyright and it disappeared.

Posted by: steevy at June 14, 2013 09:54 AM (mUSYR)

125 // Get back to me when Google has its own IRS, ATF, etc. // The threat isn't that Google doesn't have its own IRS, but that the IRS has Google. When that kind of power (by way of aggregated data) exists, it becomes a target for co-option. That's the threat that these companies pose. They are vaults of unsecured power, holding treasure troves of information that they can't stop the government from raiding at whim.

Posted by: Artemus Khan, Supervillian-billionaire-layabout at June 14, 2013 09:55 AM (27tUc)

126 Playing with trolls Bannion? You're likely to pick up something nasty that way. It's how I found you, dude!! ::: Hugz ::::

Posted by: The Original Sean Bannion, Now With Extra Snark at June 14, 2013 09:55 AM (eJuQy)

127

(KdyqO)

COBS

Posted by: thunderb at June 14, 2013 09:55 AM (nH8jP)

128 isn't it time for the daily scandal?

It's late. I'm worried that something may have happened to it.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero) at June 14, 2013 09:56 AM (8ZskC)

129
Not just tech. This is where the U-2 and SR-71 came from.

U2 had some good songs, I didn't know they came from the CIA. I never heard of that other band.

Posted by: Guy Mohawk at June 14, 2013 09:56 AM (g5YAm)

130 Left click Google icon in the Search field..
ok it didn't let me left click google icon.

I did the other thing at the right top end of screen where BING and other suggestions of search engine are.
selected BING again which i type in for whatever search i am asking for. (google is no longer in that Manage search engines ) but...

when search finishes I'M back On Google!

Posted by: willow at June 14, 2013 09:57 AM (nqBYe)

131 the police had a good song that was on point. You know the one

Posted by: thunderb at June 14, 2013 09:57 AM (nH8jP)

132 They took a 16 inch gun barrel design (for battleships) and turned it into a penetrating bomb.

They did have some old ones laying around out in the yard out in back by what used to be Adirondack Casting years ago near the Shamrock pub. Same road that AlTech used to be on that had the overpass over the RR tracks.

Shit must have been out in that field for 30 year or more that I can remember...

Posted by: Purp[/i][/b][/u][/s] at June 14, 2013 09:57 AM (/gHaE)

133

I Wonder if There are Secret Patents and a Secret Patent Office.

It's next to the Secret Warrants Office.

Posted by: zsasz at June 14, 2013 01:48 PM (MMC8r)

You win

Posted by: Vashta Nerada at June 14, 2013 09:57 AM (D5iHx)

134 C'mon Maet! Faster! I don't hear TB3K spooling up

Posted by: The Original Sean Bannion, Now With Extra Snark at June 14, 2013 09:58 AM (eJuQy)

135 SSNÂ’s are handed out sequentially, per area.

Posted by: Ace Runner Stephen Price Blair at June 14, 2013 01:52 PM (QF8uk)

Except for Obama's SSN. It was handed to him personally Beelzebub.

Posted by: Sherry McEvil, Stiletto Corsettes C'est Magnifique at June 14, 2013 09:58 AM (kXoT0)

136 Troll rages at its small penis Futility in the night But, sad, its rage is impotent, too.

Posted by: zsasz at June 14, 2013 09:58 AM (MMC8r)

137

I don't know how much more alarmed I should be that the government is recording my data when practically every large tech company on earth is already doing it.

Given corporate entities require the acquiescence of government to really fuck you up (at least in semi-civilized countries), and government can really fuck you up all by itself regardless of the status of civilization, the tie goes to government.

However, given the closeness of the goals of Google/Apple/et al and Team SCOAMT with respect to conservatives, the current situation is more of six of one, half a dozen of the other.

Posted by: steveegg at June 14, 2013 09:59 AM (o44nj)

138 134 Troll rages at its small penis Futility in the night But, sad, its rage is impotent, too. Troll haiku. Ready? Go!

Posted by: The Original Sean Bannion, Now With Extra Snark at June 14, 2013 09:59 AM (eJuQy)

139 Only the Secret Service has access to the technology behind our Robo Reggie model.

Posted by: Supra Vibrators at June 14, 2013 09:59 AM (+iA5G)

140 Regarding a secret patent office, I don't know how that could possibly work. If someone submitted a patent to the normal office that was the same thing as a secret patent, all hell would break loose.

Posted by: Ian S. at June 14, 2013 09:59 AM (B/VB5)

141 *puts a little extra Visine in Bannion's drink* thunderb....it's banned. chill.

Posted by: BCochran1981 at June 14, 2013 09:59 AM (da5Wo)

142 U2 had some good songs, I didn't know they came from the CIA. I never heard of that other band.

SR-71 is more of a punk band.

Posted by: Blanco Basura at June 14, 2013 10:00 AM (4WhSY)

143

"I don't know how much more alarmed I should be that the government is
recording my data when practically every large tech company on earth is
already doing it."

A) Because the government has the power to make your life a living hell, and

B) A lot of the tech companies are already leftwing sympathisers who will happily use their exclusive tech patents to further aid their favorite politicians in achieving their ideological and electoral goals. That these government connections already exist simply makes the transition easier.

Posted by: MWR, Proud Tea(rrorist) Party Assault Hobbit [/s][/b][/u][/i] at June 14, 2013 10:00 AM (4df7R)

144 I'm 25% apache, I think it's time I take advantage of that. You hear of any massive program targeting indians? We are long forgotten.

Posted by: How at June 14, 2013 10:00 AM (V+Pei)

145

speaking of patents...

whatever happened to patentcad?

Posted by: garrett at June 14, 2013 10:00 AM (Th2Iv)

146 And if you think that private corporations can't effectively have their own private police squads, consider this: http://tinyurl.com/7z9mq4u

Posted by: Mætenloch at June 14, 2013 10:00 AM (XkotV)

147

They took a 16 inch gun barrel design (for battleships) and turned it into a penetrating bomb.

Freaking awesome. I love driving by there, they have a bunch of BFG barrels out front.

Posted by: Veeshir at June 14, 2013 01:50 PM (JjQ0n)

I thought it was surplus 8" barrels.

Posted by: steveegg at June 14, 2013 10:01 AM (o44nj)

148 i hate/love technology.

at least my password isn't 123456.
although it might be 654321

Posted by: willow at June 14, 2013 10:01 AM (nqBYe)

149 *puts a little extra Visine in Bannion's drink* *slips a roofie into Cochran's drink* *hands Vendette the camera*

Posted by: The Original Sean Bannion, Now With Extra Snark at June 14, 2013 10:01 AM (eJuQy)

150 If someone submitted a patent to the normal office that was the same thing as a secret patent, all hell would break loose.

It would just be denied and they'd be "counseled" about how wise it would be to STFU about it.

Posted by: Purp[/i][/b][/u][/s] at June 14, 2013 10:01 AM (/gHaE)

151 Troll haiku. Ready? Go! Posted by: The Original Sean Bannion, Now With Extra Snark at June 14, 2013 01:59 PM (eJuQy) A life? Surely not I troll. I seek attention No coherent thought

Posted by: Vendette at June 14, 2013 10:01 AM (iXuYG)

152 Regarding a secret patent office, I don't know how that could possibly work. If someone submitted a patent to the normal office that was the same thing as a secret patent, all hell would break loose.

Secret patent enforcement comes under the category "wet work." It usually happens at night.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero) at June 14, 2013 10:02 AM (8ZskC)

153 >>The bottom line: GoogleÂ’s chairman is investing millions to fund a consulting firm for businesses staffed by ObamaÂ’s former data analytics team. http://tinyurl.com/mvy4xgm Nothing to see.

Posted by: JackStraw at June 14, 2013 10:02 AM (g1DWB)

154 Well we can all trust the gubmint so there's nothing to worry about right?. /sarc
They have shown themselves to be untrustworthy. I unequivocally do not trust them with anything. Nothing. Not. A. Damn. Thing.

Posted by: dogfish at June 14, 2013 10:02 AM (NuPNl)

155 145 I think you are correct.16's would be a huge bomb.

Posted by: steevy at June 14, 2013 10:02 AM (mUSYR)

156

*slips a roofie into Cochran's drink*

You are using those wrong. Unless you are into that sort of thing...

Posted by: garrett at June 14, 2013 10:02 AM (Th2Iv)

157 *slips a roofie into Cochran's drink* *hands Vendette the camera* Posted by: The Original Sean Bannion, Now With Extra Snark at June 14, 2013 02:01 PM (eJuQy) What? No pirate ship waterslide?

Posted by: Vendette at June 14, 2013 10:02 AM (iXuYG)

158 Playing with trolls Bannion? You're likely to pick up something nasty that way.

Posted by: BCochran1981 at June 14, 2013 01:53 PM (da5Wo)

-------------------------------------------------

It's like licking eyeballs.

Posted by: Soona at June 14, 2013 10:03 AM (BP/3G)

159 I don't know how much more alarmed I should be that the government is recording my data when practically every large tech company on earth is already doing it. ace, sweetie, no offense but are you fucking high? Google cannot imprison me. Google cannot shoot me for "resisting arrest". Google cannot audit me. Google cannot send investigators around to inspect my business for OSHA violations. Google cannot place me on a no fly list. Shall I go on? Oh, not to mention, there's a TOS that's been around for a pretty long time that sets out that the government can't do that absent specific situations. Again, there is a fundamental difference in kind between the government and a private company. I know, I know, it doesn't appear that way but there is.

Posted by: alexthechick - SMOD. Mmmm. Blondies with whipped cream. at June 14, 2013 10:03 AM (VtjlW)

160 Glad to hear good news Steevy.

Posted by: Tobacco Road at June 14, 2013 10:03 AM (4Mv1T)

161 Maybe there is another list, but I am on the mailing where Microsoft divulges which vulnerabilities it is going to fix that month. It is literally just a list with a reference to each bugs description and its id number in the CERT database. The public can download it for free from MSFTs website. As far as I know the only reason the government gets the list is for deployment planning.

Posted by: chad at June 14, 2013 10:03 AM (1RWFE)

162 *slips a roofie into Cochran's drink* *hands Vendette the camera* Posted by: The Original Sean Bannion, Now With Extra Snark at June 14, 2013 02:01 PM (eJuQy) So you're puking in the bathroom and I'm passed out at the bar? .............. Why did we buy Visine and Roofies? Tequila does the same thing.

Posted by: BCochran1981 at June 14, 2013 10:03 AM (da5Wo)

163 Meaningless banter Cheetos dust on my gonads Suicide looks good

Posted by: The Original Sean Bannion, Now With Extra Snark at June 14, 2013 10:04 AM (eJuQy)

164 I'm 25% apache, I think it's time I take advantage of that. You hear of any massive program targeting indians? We are long forgotten. I understand the feds have organized a March on Oklahoma to rectify that.

Posted by: Ace Runner Stephen Price Blair at June 14, 2013 10:04 AM (QF8uk)

165 157 Google can give the government the information that gets you arrested or shot though.

Posted by: steevy at June 14, 2013 10:04 AM (mUSYR)

166

*slips a roofie into Cochran's drink*

*hands Vendette the camera*

Posted by: The Original Sean Bannion, Now With Extra Snark at June 14, 2013 02:01 PM (eJuQy)

.... The NoVaMoMee is going to be interesting.

Posted by: MWR, Proud Tea(rrorist) Party Assault Hobbit [/s][/b][/u][/i] at June 14, 2013 10:04 AM (4df7R)

167 I thought it was surplus 8" barrels.

Worn out old 105's headed for the smelter with fins, guidance module, and a DU/W penetrator shoved down the barrel would be pretty damned cheap.

Posted by: Purp[/i][/b][/u][/s] at June 14, 2013 10:05 AM (/gHaE)

168

"So I wonder -- and I think it must be the case -- that somewhere in the law, or perhaps some secret Executive Order, there's a provision that says corporations' will get the benefit of the patent without publicly disclosing it, and that their official patent application -- when they seek it, after the CIA has used it for some years -- will be back-dated to reflect the actual date of invention.

Not sure how this would work. Gotta be going on, though."

Was always struck by the fact that people who took ordinary engineering jobs would also get security clearances for the government. And, it always struck me that they never asked why they were getting these clearances, they just assumed it was part of getting the job and giving them all your information, like the drug tests everyone is suddenly taking.

But, since it's come out that having these security clearances means more money, perhaps the government temporarily hires the engineers working in the labs of the private company and their income, for that time, comes from the government.

So they can probably use the stuff they develop but the government probably owns the technology.

I'm wondering, if the government comes to a private company and asks for something to be developed, are there any consequences, if the private company chooses to say "no thank you."

Posted by: caustic at June 14, 2013 10:05 AM (/b8+5)

169 And if you think that private corporations can't effectively have their own private police squads, consider this: Sure they can. MS did (still does?) for a long time. So did Ross Perot. The difference is that if MS bursts into my house, takes me into custody, and won't let me talk to anyone except to make 1 phone call- they're guilty of kidnapping, and (at least theoretically) consequences will ensue. When the Government does that, it's called "being arrested."

Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) at June 14, 2013 10:05 AM (/PCJa)

170 The Patent Office does have provisions for dealing with secret/classified info. It's not all that mysterious. I can't seem to post the link, but it is in the MPEP on the uspto.gov website, Chapter 0100, Section 115.

Posted by: Bob Dole mentions Bob Dole at June 14, 2013 10:05 AM (m0le6)

171 Posted by: alexthechick - SMOD. Mmmm. Blondies with whipped cream. at June 14, 2013 02:03 PM (VtjlW) It's Friday.... *tosses bottle of tequila over*

Posted by: BCochran1981 at June 14, 2013 10:06 AM (da5Wo)

172 ]Again, there is a fundamental difference in kind between the government and a private company. I know, I know, it doesn't appear that way but there is.

Posted by: alexthechick

^^ This ^^

As always, AtC is able to say what I wanted to say, but much better.

Posted by: MWR, Proud Tea(rrorist) Party Assault Hobbit [/s][/b][/u][/i] at June 14, 2013 10:06 AM (4df7R)

173 Wow, the troll almost put together a proper paragraph.

Posted by: Vendette at June 14, 2013 10:06 AM (iXuYG)

174 Posted by: alexthechick - SMOD. Mmmm. Blondies with whipped cream. at June 14, 2013 02:03 PM (VtjlW)

Google alone - no. But Google *can* share info with the government as part of a quid pro quo that will get you arrested/audited. It's the cooperation that makes the distinction between government and private corporation powers less distinct.

Posted by: Mætenloch at June 14, 2013 10:06 AM (XkotV)

175 Posted by: alexthechick - SMOD. Mmmm. Blondies with whipped cream. at June 14, 2013 02:03 PM (VtjlW) You'll be happy to know you missed the rant at jwest earlier.

Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) at June 14, 2013 10:06 AM (/PCJa)

176
You know, you gotta stop them at the beginning. Just like we shoulda stopped Hitler at Munich, we shoulda stopped TIVO in 2002.

-- Clemenza, The Godfather

Posted by: soothsayer, now with 20% less ruth at June 14, 2013 10:07 AM (NLH1M)

177 all the cuntservative talk-show hosts can't save you now. [tear, rolling down my fuckin' face -- wahhhh!] You mad, bro? Lithium wear off?

Posted by: The Original Sean Bannion, Now With Extra Snark at June 14, 2013 10:07 AM (eJuQy)

178 By the headlines I thought you meant dick Cheney and Halliburton Oh yeah, republicans...gotcha

Posted by: Navycopjoe at June 14, 2013 10:07 AM (AsiVD)

179

live in Mom's basement

no sex with females ever

unless snapchat counts

Posted by: thunderb at June 14, 2013 10:07 AM (nH8jP)

180 Do you really think these Gigantic corporations like google got so big with out being ruthless, I'll betcha there is more than a few pair of concrete shoes in there past

Posted by: notachanceinhell at June 14, 2013 10:07 AM (jJA/4)

181 You'll be happy to know you missed the rant at jwest earlier. Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) at June 14, 2013 02:06 PM (/PCJa) Dammit, so did I.

Posted by: BCochran1981 at June 14, 2013 10:07 AM (da5Wo)

182 and

Posted by: Sean Bannion at June 14, 2013 10:07 AM (KdyqO)

183 that

Posted by: Sean Bannion at June 14, 2013 10:08 AM (KdyqO)

184 165 the 8 inch barrels were for the big 5000 pound penetrator I think.They had tubes of excellent steel not otherwise employed so why not use them.Those tubes were kept in store for the last heavy cruiser that was in storage,when they scrapped it they were surplus.

Posted by: steevy at June 14, 2013 10:08 AM (mUSYR)

185 Wow, the troll almost put together a proper paragraph. Missed it by that much.

Posted by: The Original Sean Bannion, Now With Extra Snark at June 14, 2013 10:08 AM (eJuQy)

186 useless

Posted by: Sean Bannion at June 14, 2013 10:08 AM (KdyqO)

187 pieces of shit

Posted by: Sean Bannion at June 14, 2013 10:08 AM (KdyqO)

188 157 Google can give the government the information that gets you arrested or shot though.

Posted by: steevy at June 14, 2013 02:04 PM (mUSYR)

Ideally the only time they would be able to provide that info to the gubmint is under the terms of a warrant.

Posted by: MWR, Proud Tea(rrorist) Party Assault Hobbit [/s][/b][/u][/i] at June 14, 2013 10:08 AM (4df7R)

189 Only vaguely related, ran across a neat identity-theft trick today.

My cow-orkers were just talking about this.

If this is you, wave.

Posted by: HeatherRadish™ needs a beer at June 14, 2013 10:08 AM (ZKzrr)

190 By the way all this "talk" about helping the Syrian "Rebels" is all bullshit. obama ain't really gonna do anything except make us look stupid

Posted by: Nevergiveup at June 14, 2013 10:08 AM (jE38p)

191 cum recepticles.

Posted by: Sean Bannion at June 14, 2013 10:08 AM (KdyqO)

192 Oh, not to mention, there's a TOS that's been around for a pretty long time that sets out that the government can't do that absent specific situations. Hey lawyerly type persons... is there anything in the Google/MS TOS which allow them to share my information with the Government w/o a subpoena or warrant? 'Cause I kind of thought they said exactly the opposite. If I'm right, will one of y'all start a class-action suit?

Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) at June 14, 2013 10:08 AM (/PCJa)

193 Fuck you Obama;
And Fuck You Too NSA;
Pelosi, Fuck You.

Posted by: Brewer at June 14, 2013 10:08 AM (eV1I0)

194 OT: Today is Flag Day. You will not be surprised when you compare Google and Bing. That is all.

Posted by: The Poster Formerly Known as Mr. Barky at June 14, 2013 10:09 AM (qwK3S)

195 Wow, the troll almost put together a proper paragraph. Missed it by that much. Posted by: The Original Sean Bannion, Now With Extra Snark at June 14, 2013 02:08 PM (eJuQy) Trolls and the automatic banhammer are fantastic entertainment for ADD types...

Posted by: Vendette at June 14, 2013 10:09 AM (iXuYG)

196 184 Ideally.

Posted by: steevy at June 14, 2013 10:09 AM (mUSYR)

197 OT: What is Jeb Bush talking about regarding fertile immigrants? Yes genius we know they are fertile as they come and have a whole passal of kids courtesy of the US tax payer.

Posted by: Cheri at June 14, 2013 10:09 AM (G+Wff)

198 selected BING again which i type in for whatever search i am asking for. (google is no longer in that Manage search engines ) but...

when search finishes I'M back On Google!

Posted by: willow

Hmm. It works for me.

Google was and has been part of FF for a while so there may be some feature that re-installs the search.

Things to check:
Â• Make sure your homepage isn't a variant of Google.
Â• Options > Applications > check to see if something there points to Google
Â• Options > Privacy > Tell Sites I Do Not want to be Tracked

And play around with the History settings; one of those may be the sticking point. I have my Accept Cookies setting to Keep Until I close FF.

If you have any Gmail syncing or Google Earth plugins, those may be the issue.

Posted by: weft cut-loop [/i] [/b] at June 14, 2013 10:09 AM (SX6wc)

199 Dammit, so did I. Earlier thread. THC maybe?

Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) at June 14, 2013 10:09 AM (/PCJa)

200 187 Yeah,Bing has been good about that kind of stuff.

Posted by: steevy at June 14, 2013 10:10 AM (mUSYR)

201 Comments disappear As soon as I post my spew Time to go do Mom's boyfriend

Posted by: The Original Sean Bannion, Now With Extra Snark at June 14, 2013 10:10 AM (eJuQy)

202

162- I'm thinking I'm due a very high level job of some kind, might have too much indian blood though

Posted by: How at June 14, 2013 10:10 AM (V+Pei)

203 Ideally the only time they would be able to provide that info to the gubmint is under the terms of a warrant.

Yeah, that ship's sailed.

Posted by: HeatherRadish™ needs a beer at June 14, 2013 10:10 AM (ZKzrr)

204 DuckDuckGo.

Posted by: RiverC at June 14, 2013 10:10 AM (El+h4)

205

>>>the 8 inch barrels were for the big 5000 pound penetrator I think

Go on.

Posted by: Sandra Fluke at June 14, 2013 10:10 AM (Th2Iv)

206 Trolls and the automatic banhammer are fantastic entertainment for ADD types... I LOL'd. I did indeed.

Posted by: The Original Sean Bannion, Now With Extra Snark at June 14, 2013 10:11 AM (eJuQy)

207 I'm wondering, if the government comes to a private company and asks for something to be developed, are there any consequences, if the private company chooses to say "no thank you."

You mean consequences other than IRS audits, bogus EPA toxic contamination claims, OSHA inspections every month, and extra-special SEC scrutiny?

Posted by: Purp[/i][/b][/u][/s] at June 14, 2013 10:11 AM (/gHaE)

208 The secret patent office is located in that big warehouse were they are storing the Arc of the Covenant.

Posted by: Mr. Feverhead at June 14, 2013 10:11 AM (SzAZ7)

209 So they sweep, vacuum, swap or what ever they do with all this information but they can't track down a hacker group like Anonymous.

Posted by: YIKES! at June 14, 2013 10:11 AM (mETGQ)

210 OT: What is Jeb Bush talking about regarding fertile immigrants? Yes genius we know they are fertile as they come and have a whole passal of kids courtesy of the US tax payer.

Posted by: Cheri at June 14, 2013 02:09 PM (G+Wff)

Is he talking literally about fertility, or is he talking "fertile" as in "fertile minds that can be swayed to Republican causes?" I refuse to look it up because I don't want Google telling the gubmnt that I'm interested in Jeb Bush. They might think it means I want him to run for Preezy.

Posted by: MWR, Proud Tea(rrorist) Party Assault Hobbit [/s][/b][/u][/i] at June 14, 2013 10:12 AM (4df7R)

211 Turkish media: 73 Syrian military officers and their families cross border seeking refuge

http://tinyurl.com/kqq4l9m

Posted by: caustic at June 14, 2013 10:12 AM (/b8+5)

212 I should make clear- the private development of products for the CIA? I'm actually cool with that. For that super new undetectable bug to spy on me, the CIA would have to expend effort to place it. Google sharing my personal info with them? Not so much.

Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) at June 14, 2013 10:12 AM (/PCJa)

213 er...where

Posted by: Mr. Feverhead at June 14, 2013 10:12 AM (SzAZ7)

214 Also

Tools ( Alt + T ) > Add Ons > Google plugins > disable them > restart > retry Remove in Manage Search Engines.

Posted by: weft cut-loop [/i] [/b] at June 14, 2013 10:12 AM (SX6wc)

215 Who holds the patents on pressure cookers?

Posted by: The Poster Formerly Known as Mr. Barky at June 14, 2013 10:12 AM (qwK3S)

216 Maet is slowing down!

Posted by: The Original Sean Bannion, Now With Extra Snark at June 14, 2013 10:12 AM (eJuQy)

217 If this is you, wave. Not me, I donÂ’t talk to my coworkers.

Posted by: Ace Runner Stephen Price Blair at June 14, 2013 10:13 AM (QF8uk)

218

I Wonder if There are Secret Patents and a Secret Patent Office.

Yes there are secret patents, but the decision to slap the secrecy label on it doesn't come from a "secret patent office". It comes from the national security aparatus.

Despite the intimation from the New Scientist that this started in the Cold War (http://www.newscientist.com/blogs/shortsharpscience/2008/10/us-patent-office-reveals-numbe.html), it extends back at least to 1933, with patent #6097812 being filed that year and not being officially issued until 2000).

Posted by: steveegg at June 14, 2013 10:13 AM (o44nj)

219

I'm wondering, if the government comes to a private company and asks for
something to be developed, are there any consequences, if the private
company chooses to say "no thank you."

You mean consequences other than IRS audits, bogus EPA toxic contamination claims, OSHA inspections every month, and extra-special SEC scrutiny?

Posted by: Purp at June 14, 2013 02:11 PM (/gHaE)

Don't forget being shut out of the running for any future gubmint contracts.

Posted by: MWR, Proud Tea(rrorist) Party Assault Hobbit [/s][/b][/u][/i] at June 14, 2013 10:13 AM (4df7R)

220 Who holds the patents on pressure cookers?

Posted by: The Poster Formerly Known as Mr. Barky at June 14, 2013 02:12 PM (qwK3S)

Colonel Sanders, the bastard.

Posted by: Vashta Nerada at June 14, 2013 10:13 AM (D5iHx)

221

NSA

Posted by: Sean Bannion at June 14, 2013 10:13 AM (KdyqO)

222 now its a party. mind the hash people, mind the hash

Posted by: thunderb at June 14, 2013 10:13 AM (nH8jP)

223 Ideally the only time they would be able to provide that info to the gubmint is under the terms of a warrant. Posted by: MWR, Proud Tea(rrorist) Party Assault Hobbit at June 14, 2013 02:08 PM (4df7R) Speaking of that, I would love to read the full warrant that the FISA court approved for all this. I really wouldn't be surprised to find out that it essentially includes all Americans, because you know, it'll make the DOJ's/FBI's/NSA's job easier. "If we can save just one life..."

Posted by: Mainah at June 14, 2013 10:14 AM (659DL)

224 So I'm going to abandon Chrome at the HQ, again, and go back to Firefox, again.

I know this has been covered ad nauseum, but what do I need to do in "tools" to avoid some of the formatting snafus that occur in Firefox? I tried yesterday and didn't see the menu choices that were referenced.

Posted by: Tobacco Road at June 14, 2013 10:14 AM (4Mv1T)

225

The sad part of it is, is now that these companies have laid down with the devil, they'll forever be in his servitude. I thinks it's a deal they made with DC, that they either share their data or Dear Leader shuts down the intertubes. I think it's that simple.

Remember. Congress gave Baraka the on/off switch to the internet last year.

Posted by: Soona at June 14, 2013 10:14 AM (BP/3G)

226 I Wonder if There are Secret Patents and a Secret Patent Office. Einstein did his best work as a patent clerk. Coincidence?

Posted by: Peter Venkman at June 14, 2013 10:14 AM (q00GQ)

227 Another one bites the dust And another one gone and another one gone...

Posted by: The Original Sean Bannion, Now With Extra Snark at June 14, 2013 10:14 AM (eJuQy)

228

God Save the NSA !

Posted by: Sean Bannion at June 14, 2013 10:14 AM (KdyqO)

229 Allen, you're probably screwed: We will share personal information with companies, organizations or individuals outside of Google if we have a good-faith belief that access, use, preservation or disclosure of the information is reasonably necessary to: meet any applicable law, regulation, legal process or enforceable governmental request. enforce applicable Terms of Service, including investigation of potential violations. detect, prevent, or otherwise address fraud, security or technical issues. protect against harm to the rights, property or safety of Google, our users or the public as required or permitted by law.

Posted by: BCochran1981 at June 14, 2013 10:14 AM (da5Wo)

230 I'm wondering, if the government comes to a private company and asks for something to be developed, are there any consequences, if the private company chooses to say "no thank you." You mean consequences other than IRS audits, bogus EPA toxic contamination claims, OSHA inspections every month, and extra-special SEC scrutiny? A lot of it depends on how you say "no thank you" and who is in charge at the moment. If they came to you because they thought something would be in your wheel-house, but it wasn't, and you explain it politely- no, there would be no consequences. If you tell them, "F*ck you, Feds! I don't work for The Man!" I would expect consequences.

Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) at June 14, 2013 10:15 AM (/PCJa)

231 Bannion gets his own troll. It's like a late birthday present.

Posted by: Vendette at June 14, 2013 10:15 AM (iXuYG)

232 Bannion gets his own troll. It's like a late birthday present. I'm somebody now!!! They really, really like me!!

Posted by: The Original Sean Bannion, Now With Extra Snark at June 14, 2013 10:16 AM (eJuQy)

233

MWR @ 203

He was actually talking about their propensity to procreate -

"Immigrants create far more businesses than native-born Americans," Bush said. "Immigrants are more fertile, and they love families, and they have more intact families, and they bring a younger population. Immigrants create an engine of economic prosperity."

I guess he lit twitter up

Posted by: Cheri at June 14, 2013 10:16 AM (G+Wff)

234

Soooo now we have a troll socking Bannion?

How sweet!

But sugarpie, you should run along home and have your mommy change your diaper. You smell like shit.

Posted by: MWR, Proud Tea(rrorist) Party Assault Hobbit [/s][/b][/u][/i] at June 14, 2013 10:16 AM (4df7R)

235 The problem is not the tech; the problem is how the tech is used. I like the fact that private corporations are willing to work with the government to create tools to fight our enemies; I don't like the fact that many in the government consider me to be the enemy.

Posted by: joncelli at June 14, 2013 10:16 AM (RD7QR)

236 New thread up.

Posted by: Vendette at June 14, 2013 10:16 AM (iXuYG)

237 212 I'm wondering, if the government comes to a private company and asks for something to be developed, are there any consequences, if the private company chooses to say "no thank you."

You mean consequences other than IRS audits, bogus EPA toxic contamination claims, OSHA inspections every month, and extra-special SEC scrutiny?

Posted by: Purp at June 14, 2013 02:11 PM (/gHaE)

Don't forget being shut out of the running for any future gubmint contracts.

Posted by: MWR, Proud Tea(rrorist) Party Assault Hobbit at June 14, 2013 02:13 PM (4df7R)

Up until recently those were the stealth consequences. I'm wondering if the government has any recourse legitimately via the rule of law to compel someone to do something for them that they don't want to do.

Posted by: caustic at June 14, 2013 10:16 AM (/b8+5)

238
The key here is that these two partners -- govt and tech companies -- are sharing our secrets, not their own secrets.

They're exchanging and comparing notes...on us.

Posted by: soothsayer, now with 20% less ruth at June 14, 2013 10:16 AM (+oin+)

239 although in the previous America i had no concerns with what i said online. Because poltical Dissent WAS patriotic in the old america!

But now that we know Obama has already targeted( in one case a guy still sits in jail )... those who spoke against His administration or those He 'likes'. IRS, EPA, other alphabets etc.. AP- and Rosen . That we Know of.

there is a difference in how I feel about tech and govt SPY on American Citizens (considered possible terrorists Because ? )

Posted by: willow at June 14, 2013 10:16 AM (nqBYe)

240 I swap stuff too. But not intelligence.

Posted by: Sandra Fluke at June 14, 2013 10:17 AM (qwK3S)

241 I think some of you are being a tad naive about the relationship between companies like Google and Obama. They have been joined at the hip for years. And Google makes its money through data mining to helps sell their advertising. And business is very, very good. Eric Schimdt was practically on Obama's re-election team and he helped build Obama's data mining business which has now been reformed as a Dem only consulting firm all based on data mining. And you think Obama hasn't taken advantage of this relationship after watching all the spying and monitoring going on? Ok then.

Posted by: JackStraw at June 14, 2013 10:17 AM (g1DWB)

242 Come on troll. Here boy! Let's go to the new thread!

Posted by: The Original Sean Bannion, Now With Extra Snark at June 14, 2013 10:17 AM (eJuQy)

243 35 USC 181 is the secrecy order section of the patent act.

Posted by: KM at June 14, 2013 10:18 AM (bCger)

244 Posted by: BCochran1981 at June 14, 2013 02:14 PM (da5Wo) I'm not so sure. Need a lawyer's take, of course (don't tell AmishDude), but here's how I read that: We will share personal information with companies, organizations or individuals outside of Google if we have a good-faith belief that access, use, preservation or disclosure of the information is reasonably necessary to: meet any applicable law, regulation, legal process or enforceable governmental request. What "law, regulation, legal process or enforceable...request" would this voluntary sharing meet? enforce applicable Terms of Service, including investigation of potential violations. What "applicable Terms of Service?" What "potential violations?" Even they have to have a reason before they just go fishing. For practical purposes if nothing else. detect, prevent, or otherwise address fraud, security or technical issues. Again, what fraud, security, or technical issues? protect against harm to the rights, property or safety of Google, our users or the public as required or permitted by law. Again- where does my personal data come into that? Certainly there are weasel words there, but I think any good faith reading would *not* find anything in there that gives them the right to give personal information to the US Government in some kind of blanket "here it is!" manner.

Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) at June 14, 2013 10:20 AM (/PCJa)

245 weft cut, alright i'll work on those . cutting and pasting to make sure i don't miss a step. ty.

Posted by: willow at June 14, 2013 10:20 AM (nqBYe)

246

Worn out old 105's headed for the smelter with fins, guidance module, and a DU/W penetrator shoved down the barrel would be pretty damned cheap.

Posted by: Purp at June 14, 2013 02:05 PM (/gHaE)

If memory serves, even the GBU-39 Small Diameter Bomb is thicker than that, so integrating them onto aircraft might be a bit expensive.

Posted by: steveegg at June 14, 2013 10:20 AM (o44nj)

247 [Sucking on a Big Black Cock] "gagg gagg spurt gagg -- God Bless Child Labor in 3rd World Countries ... gaggg spurrt gagg"

Posted by: MWR, Proud Tea(rrorist) Party Assault Hobbit at June 14, 2013 10:20 AM (KdyqO)

248

Good grief, what an idiot.

Immigrants create an engine of economic prosperity."

He must have read that wrong. It SHOULD say, "ILLEGAL immigrants create an engine of lifelong welfare dependence, outbreaks of communicable disease like TB and diptheria, and dispossessed youth who feel they're above the law and, by golly, seem to be correct in that assumption. See, this is why they're here ILLEGALLY. Because current immigration law would have prevented them from immigrating legally."

But whatever. What do I know? My grandmother was almost turned away as she got off the ship from England because they thought she had TB. What do I care that LA is now teeming with superbug TB thanks to the illegals who infest the slums like termites?

Posted by: MWR, Proud Tea(rrorist) Party Assault Hobbit [/s][/b][/u][/i] at June 14, 2013 10:22 AM (4df7R)

249 I know this has been covered ad nauseum, but what do I need to do in "tools" to avoid some of the formatting snafus that occur in Firefox? I tried yesterday and didn't see the menu choices that were referenced.
Posted by: Tobacco Road

Not much choice in the matter but check

Tools > Options > Content > Fonts and Colors > Advanced

Allow pages to choose their own...

I'd check that and test it out.

Posted by: weft cut-loop [/i] [/b] at June 14, 2013 10:23 AM (SX6wc)

250 Texas Gov. Perry signs 'Merry Christmas' bill into lawhttp://tinyurl.com/kekllam

I'm sure all those who supported Perry will be quite pleased with this Christmas in June present.

Posted by: caustic at June 14, 2013 10:24 AM (/b8+5)

251 According to patent law the Government- if they think it has military applications - can classify a patent application for a minimum of 12 years during which time the government has sole access to the patent. The inventor gets nothing - although the government may pay him to develop the invention or may leave him penniless at their option. There is no appeal and the patent offices verdict on such patents is final. The inventor is enjoined from even discussing the existence of the invention during the classified period.

Posted by: [/i] [/b] [/u] [/s] An Observation at June 14, 2013 10:24 AM (ylhEn)

252 241 According to patent law the Government- if they think it has military applications - can classify a patent application for a minimum of 12 years during which time the government has sole access to the patent. The inventor gets nothing - although the government may pay him to develop the invention or may leave him penniless at their option. There is no appeal and the patent offices verdict on such patents is final. The inventor is enjoined from even discussing the existence of the invention during the classified period.

Posted by: An Observation at June 14, 2013 02:24 PM (ylhEn)

So then, the only reason anyone would do this is because they love this country.

Posted by: caustic at June 14, 2013 10:27 AM (/b8+5)

253 Thanks Weft. I'm back from the rant upstairs and will check that out now.

I can't scroll up and down as easily in Firefox with the arrow keys as well as Chrome either.

Posted by: Tobacco Road at June 14, 2013 10:28 AM (4Mv1T)

254 So then, the only reason anyone would do this is because they love this country.

Since the government gets to decide what has military applications - this applies to all patents - allowing a tyrannical state to suppress any new technology they please.

Not - of course - that the patent office could be corrupted any more than say the IRS or the DOJ could be.

Posted by: [/i] [/b] [/u] [/s] An Observation at June 14, 2013 10:35 AM (ylhEn)

255
I can't scroll up and down as easily in Firefox with the arrow keys as well as Chrome either.

Posted by: Tobacco Road

There is some under-the-hood tinkering you can do with

about:config

But, Caveat Tinker.

I'd look through mozilla's help forums for a setting tweak if it bugs you enough to care.

Posted by: weft cut-loop [/i] [/b] at June 14, 2013 10:37 AM (SX6wc)

256 Microsoft is simply a less successful espionage organization.

Posted by: HoboJerky, Hash Hunter at June 14, 2013 11:04 AM (X4HxX)

257 As a former Evil Empire employee (no, not the Russians), I can guess what MSFT gets out of it: continued government business. Giving info about security vulnerabilities is a good way to keep the government's business. Not to mention, a large number of goverment and military agencies have support contracts with account managers that proactively work to make sure their client's machines are secure.

Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards at June 14, 2013 11:22 AM (3Znbm)

258 I wonder when the world is going to wonder if they too are being watched? I wonder if they'll get angry? Or, just accept the watching.

I say this cause everything I've read implies not just the US.

Posted by: caustic at June 14, 2013 11:35 AM (/b8+5)

259

Google is the biggest spying agency of all?????????

Several problems with this assertion:

1) You enter into an agreement with Google, meaning you voluntarily allow THEM to mine data for promotions etc. Not to make your emails public or readable. And if they violate this AGREEMENT you can SUE THEM.

2) Using Google is voluntary;

3) Try suing the US govt.

4) Google can't kick in your fucking door and arrest you.

Next question.

Posted by: Prescient11 at June 14, 2013 12:10 PM (tVTLU)

260 Google = Obama and Obama = Google.
Hope and change = don't be evil (i.e complete and total bullshit).

Whatever Obama wants, Google kneepad-wearing lickspittles are more than happy to oblige him no matter what. Is it that simple? I don't know but I'm not going to crack on someone who thinks this way nowadays.

Posted by: MikeD at June 14, 2013 01:05 PM (iZiIb)

261

I don't know how much more alarmed I should be that the government is recording my data when practically every large tech company on earth is already doing it.

I think you should be way more alarmed about the government doing it because last time I checked, none of those companies you named has a standing army. Not to mention huge array of federal agencies most of whom have armed agents of their own that can be unleashed on you for whatever "misdeed" the "find" you "doing".

Posted by: TimInVirginia at June 15, 2013 01:24 PM (DZWjR)

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