The cache of documents revealed by former NSA contractor Edward Snowden disclosed that the U.S. used surveillance methods to monitor the emails and phone calls of its closest foreign allies including Germany, France and Brazil. The revelations have severely damaged the U.S.'s relationship with these countries even though State Department officials have insisted that these surveillance programs have thwarted many terrorist threats worldwide.
53% Yes |
47% No |
44% Yes |
34% No |
9% Yes, surveillance of all foreign countries is essential to tracking potential terrorist threats |
11% No, spying on our allies severely damages our reputation abroad |
2% No, and abolish the NSA |
See how support for each position on “NSA Surveillance” has changed over time for 4.8m America voters.
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See how importance of “NSA Surveillance” has changed over time for 4.8m America voters.
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Unique answers from America users whose views extended beyond the provided choices.
@8T7CGV93yrs3Y
Yes surveillance all countries
@8JCJLWV3yrs3Y
Probably yes -- all nations do this, yes?
@chickentaco3yrs3Y
Yes, but only with the permission of the ally in question so long as they can do the same with us, and only target individuals or organizations with suspected ties to terrorists/subversive movements.
@8T9C8C63yrs3Y
Yes and surveillance all countries
@9D8GBQR8mos8MO
Yes, surveillance of all foreign countries is essential to tracking potential terrorist threats and increase surveillance on drug traffickers and on sex and slave traffickers
@9GN5KWP6mos6MO
Yes, as long as they can do the same to us and a warrant is acquired that proves the surveilled target’s link to criminal or terrorist interests
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@ZealousS3nate4 days4D
From the FISA bill that passed today.’‘The FBI shall promptly notify appropriate congressional leadership of any query conducted by the FBI using a query term that is the name of a member of Congress.’
@ISIDEWITH4 days4D
The House passed legislation Friday to renew a controversial national-security spying power, as House Speaker Mike Johnson (R., La.) made changes to the bill to overcome a last-minute intervention from former President Donald Trump and objections from hard-line conservatives.The bill extending the foreign surveillance program was approved 273-147, capping a bitter, yearlong fight in the chamber that had aligned some conservatives and progressives in seeking more privacy protections against congressional leadership and the Biden administration, which warned that deep changes to the law could put American lives in danger.An amendment vote to add a warrant requirement failed Friday in a nail biter of a vote, with 212 in favor and 212 against. That requirement was opposed by the Biden administration and security hawks who called it a poison pill. Senior Biden officials, including national security adviser Jake Sullivan and Attorney General Merrick Garland, placed calls Friday morning to House members urging them to vote down the warrant amendment, according to people familiar with the matter.
@ISIDEWITH2wks2W
California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Friday the installation of 480 "high-tech" surveillance cameras in Oakland and other East Bay communities as part of the state's effort to help combat crime in the region."(This) will aid and support the efforts of law enforcement to focus on stolen vehicles. This is proven technology," said Newsom in a video posted to X, formerly Twitter.Newsom said the CHP is contracting with a private security company, Flock Safety, to place 290 cameras on Oakland streets and 190 on some unspecified East Bay freeways."This investment marks another step forward in our commitment to bolstering public safety and tackling organized crime and roadway violence in Oakland and across California," said Newsom.The new cameras will allow investigators to identify vehicles by searching for "crime-linked vehicles by vehicle type, make, color, license plate state, missing/covered plates, and other unique features (e.g., bumper stickers, decals, and roof racks)," according to the governor's office.The camera system also features real-time alerts that will tell law enforcement agencies when it has identified a suspected or wanted vehicle."More and more cities are seeing that crime is one of those problems that is incredibly hard to solve. And what they are missing is evidence," says Josh Thomas, senior vice president of Policy and Communications at Flock Safety.Thomas says, on average, each camera costs about $3,500 to operate annually. He adds that they will likely be installed by this summer.Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao said she welcomes the new cameras."This new camera network will help us stop crime and hold more suspects accountable," Thao said. "On behalf of all Oaklanders, I want to thank the governor and the California Highway Patrol for their ongoing commitment and investments in the city.""The nice part about it is, in the City of Hercules, you come into the city, and as you go out, your license plate is being read," said Mayor Dan Romero.
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@ISIDEWITH12yrs12Y
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In a series of developments that have stirred the political landscape, former President Donald Trump has publicly endorsed the presidential bid of independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., describing it as 'great for MAGA.' Trump's remarks came after Kennedy announced his vice-presidential pick, further intensifying the political discourse. Trump, in his characteristic style, took to social media to express his views, labeling Kennedy as the 'most radical left' candidate in the race and highlighting the liberal credentials of Kennedy's running mate, Nicole Shanahan. Despite his criticism of their political stance, Trump views Kennedy's candidacy as beneficial for his MAGA movement, suggesting it could potentially divide the Democratic vote.Kennedy, a figure who has long been associated with controversial views, particularly on the rule of law and established science, has drawn criticism and concern from various quarters. His decision to run for president and the subsequent endorsement by Trump has sparked a flurry of reactions, with some seeing it as a strategic move that could impact the Democratic Party's chances in the upcoming elections. Allies of President Joe Biden have expressed alarm over Kennedy's bid, fearing it could siphon off crucial votes from the left, thereby posing a significant threat to Biden's reelection efforts.The political dynamics surrounding Kennedy's candidacy and Trump's endorsement underscore the complex and often unpredictable nature of American politics. As the race for the presidency heats up, the strategies employed by candidates and their supporters are coming under increased scrutiny. The potential impact of Kennedy's run on the Democratic vote is a topic of much speculation, with analysts and political observers closely monitoring the situation.Trump's support for Kennedy, despite their ideological differences, highlights the former president's tactical approach to politics. By endorsing a candidate who could potentially weaken his opponents, Trump is playing a strategic game, aiming to maximize his own chances of success. This move has not only added a new dimension to the political landscape but has also raised questions about the future direction of both the Republican and Democratic parties.As the United States gears up for another presidential election, the emergence of candidates like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the reactions they provoke from figures like Donald Trump are indicative of the shifting sands of American politics. With the electorate increasingly polarized, the outcome of the election remains uncertain, and the strategies adopted by candidates will be crucial in determining the path forward.