statism

CIA’s big data mission: ‘Collect everything and hang onto it forever’

"'It is really very nearly within our grasp to be able to compute on all human generated information,' he added, explaining that nearly all mobile phones now contain a camera, a microphone, a light sensor, an accelerometer and GPS, among other sensors. The prevalence of sensors has led to a whole new world of biometric information, Hunt said, listing off a variety of ways the sensors in a mobile device can be used to identify the person carrying it. He pinpointed the most effective method as gait analysis, or watching the way a person walks and creating a complex data profile based upon their movements." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingCIA’s big data mission: ‘Collect everything and hang onto it forever’

US plan calls for more scanning of private Web traffic, email

"The U.S. government is expanding a cybersecurity program that scans Internet traffic headed into and out of defense contractors to include far more of the country's private, civilian-run infrastructure. As a result, more private sector employees than ever before, including those at big banks, utilities and key transportation companies, will have their emails and Web surfing scanned as a precaution against cyber attacks. The Department of Homeland Security will gather the secret data and pass it to a small group of telecommunication companies and cyber security providers that have employees holding security clearances, government and industry officials said." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingUS plan calls for more scanning of private Web traffic, email

Crime Lab Scandal Leaves Mass. Legal System In Turmoil

"A scandal in a Massachusetts crime lab continues to reverberate throughout the state's legal system. Several months ago, Annie Dookhan, a former chemist in a state crime lab, told police that she messed up big time. Dookhan now stands accused of falsifying test results in as many as 34,000 cases. As a result, lawyers, prosecutors and judges used to operating in a world of 'beyond a reasonable doubt' now have nothing but doubt. Already, hundreds of convicts and defendants have been released because of the scandal. Now, the state's highest court may weigh in on how these cases should be handled." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingCrime Lab Scandal Leaves Mass. Legal System In Turmoil

U.K. police hope to sniff out pot growers with marijuana-scented cards

"Thousand of houses in the UK are being sent marijuana-scented 'scratch and sniff' cards in a new bid to track down marijuana growers. The charity group Crimestoppers explained the cards were designed to educate residents about the smell of marijuana. They hope once people can recognize the smell of cannabis plants, they will be able to help law enforcement officials identify illegal growing operations. The green-and-black cards also provide other signs to look out for, including homes that have 'visitors at unsociable hours' or buildings that generate an excessive amount of heat. Homes with closed blinds should be under suspicion as well." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingU.K. police hope to sniff out pot growers with marijuana-scented cards

Disarm Subjects and Make them Spy on Each Other: New York State’s Totalitarian Formula

"Benjamin M. Wassell of Silver Creek, New York, a wounded Iraq war veteran, is the first resident of that state to be arrested and face prosecution under its draconian new firearms law. He was arrested during an undercover operation by state police in which he sold an AR-15 rifle and six large-capacity clips on January 24. Wassell has been charged with three felonies and a misdemeanor. If they have their way, New York police officials will be doing a brisk business in incarcerating innocent gun owners. The State of New York has established an anonymous tip line encouraging people to report suspected 'illegal gun owners' for a $500 reward." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingDisarm Subjects and Make them Spy on Each Other: New York State’s Totalitarian Formula

Maryland lawmakers ban death penalty

"The Maryland General Assembly approved a ban of the death penalty on Friday, CNN reported. The bill, which passed in an 82-56 voted, now goes to Gov. Martin O’Malley (D) for approval. According to WUSA-TV, he is expected to sign the bill into effect and make Maryland the 18th state to abolish the death penalty. O’Malley will also have the option of commuting the sentences of the state’s five inmates currently on death row to life in prison." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingMaryland lawmakers ban death penalty

NYPD Spent 1 Million Hours Making 440,000 Marijuana Possession Arrests Over Last Decade

"The NYPD spent 1 million hours making 440,000 arrests for low-level marijuana possession charges between 2002 and 2012, according to a new report released Tuesday -- just as legislative leaders in Albany are deciding whether to pass a bill reforming drug laws. The NYPD did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the Drug Policy Alliance's numbers. Activists have been sharply critical of Bloomberg's record on marijuana, pointing out that during his tenure, the NYPD has arrested more New Yorkers for marijuana possession than the last three mayors combined." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingNYPD Spent 1 Million Hours Making 440,000 Marijuana Possession Arrests Over Last Decade

Oakland Cops’ Violent Past to Be Kept from Jury

"Oakland residents have filed scores of misconduct complaints against the two police officers who shot and killed Derrick Jones, a 37-year-old barber, in 2011. The two cops, Omar Daza-Quiroz and Eriberto Perez-Angeles, had previously been involved in the killing of another man. In addition, records show that there have been 74 use-of-force complaints lodged against Daza-Quiroz alone. Nonetheless, a federal judge ruled last weekend that jurors in a civil trial involving the Jones shooting must not learn about the officers' troubled histories or know of the department's failure to correct their behavior." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingOakland Cops’ Violent Past to Be Kept from Jury

Child-Snatchers and Gun-Grabbers Unite

"The investigators were demanding access to the family’s gun safe to see if all of their firearms were registered. At one point the child 'safety' bureaucrats threatened to seize Moore’s children. He demanded to see a search warrant, and when none was produced, he ordered the investigators to leave. The visit apparently followed an anonymous tip prompted by a Facebook photo of Moore’s 11-year-old son Josh, who is holding a .22-caliber rifle he had received as a birthday present. The rifle’s cosmetic features make it resemble one of those dreaded 'assault weapons' that cause Diane Feinstein to twist her Gorgon features into a grimace of pious disapproval." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingChild-Snatchers and Gun-Grabbers Unite

Newly Hired Detroit Emergency Manager Has Some Financial Issues Of His Own

"Records show that the new Detroit emergency financial manager, Kevyn Orr, has some unpaid taxes and two liens on his Maryland home. Orr has apparently not paid $16,000 in unemployment taxes. A spokesman for Governor Rick Snyder, who recommended Orr for the job, tells the Detroit News that there was an oversight by an accountant hired to file taxes for Orr. The spokesman says Orr has researched the issue and will pay in full as soon as possible. Some opponents of the EFM say it’s interesting that Orr believes he can manage Detroit when he’s having trouble handling his own affairs. Orr was part of the legal team that worked on Chrysler’s bankruptcy." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingNewly Hired Detroit Emergency Manager Has Some Financial Issues Of His Own