Formerly the Downsizer-Dispatch.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“The accumulation of all powers, legislative, executive, and judiciary, in the same hands, whether of one, a few, or many, and whether hereditary, self-appointed or elective, may justly be pronounced the very definition of TYRANNY.” — James Madison, Federalist Paper 47
HAS TYRANNY ARRIVED?
Last week, we learned that all three branches have colluded to spy on your phone calls, using the Patriot Act. The Chicken Littles in DC then decided that they might as well reveal that they’re spying on all of our communications.
Their collusion makes it all “legal.” But is it moral? It is justified?
IMPROVE THE AMERICAN MIND
The Right to Privacy
by James Wilson
“Being watched” alters one's behavior. The right to privacy is the freedom from being watched. But not everyone is a fan of privacy.
Untargeted Peeping:What if they filmed you naked, but nobody watched?
by James Wilson
Imagine this: In an effort to protect the safety of teenagers from bullying and violence, video cameras are installed in a high school gym's locker rooms and showers. Of course, the school principal and police promise that the security videos would never be watched except after an incident is reported.
If you were a parent, would this be alright with you?
DENY CONSENT!
TAKE ACTION: REPEAL THE PATRIOT ACT!
You can instruct your so-called representatives to repeal the Patriot Act. Section 215 of this “law” was used to spy on Verizon customers (and probably clients of other services). On our blog, we provide a sample letter you can send to your “representatives.”
SPREAD THE WORD!
Warrants are issued on suspects.
25 million Verizon subscribers had their call data collected by warrant.
25 million Verizon subscribers are suspects.
…has garnered more than 130 “Likes” and has been shared 300 times:
If you use Facebook, please Like it and consider Sharing it.
WHAT YOU’RE MISSING
For several years, Downsize DC has belonged to a national coalition resisting spying on Americans. Some member groups are well-known. The coalition is full of very smart, dedicated people. We’ve learned a great deal from them. But…
Downsize DC is the ONLY organization calling for the Repeal of the Patriot Act!
As sophisticated as these organizations are, they don’t believe that you must ask for what you want in order to get it. These policy experts don’t see the value in rallying to a clear principle.
Downsize DC is unique. Unfortunately, we’re also smaller than some of these groups — changing the world on a lean budget. But you can have a more powerful voice, even within this coalition…
Consider making a generous one-time donation.
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Thank you for your support.