Court Rules That Mass Surveillance of Americans is Immune From Judicial Review

January 27th, 2010

A federal judge has dismissed Jewel v. NSA, a case from the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) on behalf of AT&T customers challenging the National Security Agency's mass surveillance of millions of ordinary Americans' phone calls and emails. "We're deeply disappointed in the judge's ruling," said EFF Legal Director Cindy Cohn. "This ruling robs innocent telecom customers of their privacy rights without due process of law. Setting limits on Executive power is one of the most important elements of America's system of government, and judicial oversight is a critical part of that."

Laws Ineffective In Curbing Cannabis Use: Experts

Written By Reuters
January 26th, 2010

Laws against cannabis have failed to cut its use around the world and have led to policies that are intrusive, socially divisive and expensive, according to an international group of drug policy experts. In a book published on Tuesday looking at cannabis policies, the experts said that, while the drug harmed some users, it had only a modest effect on society, where cocaine and alcohol were potentially more damaging.

The Supreme Court Just Handed Anyone, Including bin Laden or the Chinese Govt., Control of Our Democracy

Written By Greg Palast, AlterNet
January 25th, 2010

In Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, the Supreme Court ruled that corporations should be treated the same as "natural persons", i.e. humans. Well, in that case, expect the Supreme Court to next rule that Wal-Mart can run for President.

The ruling, which junks federal laws that now bar corporations from stuffing campaign coffers, will not, as progressives fear, cause an avalanche of corporate cash into politics. Sadly, that's already happened: we have been snowed under by tens of millions of dollars given through corporate PACs and "bundling" of individual contributions from corporate pay-rollers.

Obama Elevates Three More Bundlers & Big Donors in Latest Ambassador Picks

Written By Michael Beckel, OpenSecrets.org
January 25th, 2010

President Barack Obama has picked three of his major campaign donors to fill diplomatic posts to Spain, Norway and the European Union.  The three new ambassadors bundled more than $1 million combined toward Obama’s election efforts.  Overall, they have contributed nearly $2 million to general candidates since 1989.