As more analysts, experts and talking heads join the argument regarding the NSA's vast data-mining activities the program’s objectives and goals become more apparent. And as they do, it seems to me that in today’s world of instantaneous information exchange, insidious creeping terrorism along with expanding hatred of our nation, an intelligence resource like operation PRISM makes considerable sense.
As a practical matter, I think it’s hard to argue against the premise that the more you can learn about your enemies and their plans, and the sooner it can be done provides a significant advantage. So, to that extent, we should all feel safer now knowing that PRISM exists.
On the other hand, however, although the concept may permit the building of an invaluable security asset, real world performance and the operating methods of the current administration make an electronic tool like this absolutely and unequivocally more frightening than I could ever put in words.
At this very moment we’re still scratching the surface of gross misuse of the IRS, simultaneously seeing the out of control EPA cripple economic growth while preventing use of domestic fuel, while the State Department self-destructs due to incompetence at the top, the Justice Department runs illegal guns and targets American journalists, and the one administering the president’s health law solicits contributions from the insurance companies she’s supposed to regulate. And these are just a few of the abuses of power to date.
Then, we can add to the mix an item I found today by Mark Drajem of Bloomberg on-line via Drudge, which notes that, “Buried in a little-noticed rule on microwave ovens is a change in the U.S. government’s accounting for carbon emissions that could have wide-ranging implications for everything from power plants to the Keystone XL pipeline.
The increase of the so-called social cost of carbon, to $38 a metric ton in 2015 from $23.80, adjusts the calculation the government uses to weigh costs and benefits of proposed regulations. The figure is meant to approximate losses from global warming such as flood damage and diminished crops.”
And here’s the most important point: “With the change, government actions that lead to cuts in emissions -- anything from new mileage standards to clean-energy loans -- will appear more valuable in its cost-benefit analyses. On the flip side, approvals that could lead to more carbon pollution, such as TransCanada Corp.s Keystone pipeline or coal-mining by companies such as Peabody Energy Corp. on public lands, may be viewed as more costly.”
Yet, what’s most remarkable, as I’ve reported before and is reiterated by Mr.Drajem in his article today: “According to the EPA, that pipeline could lead to 935 million metric tons of carbon-dioxide emissions over 50 years, putting the cost according to this latest calculation at more than $37 billion. This calculation is under dispute, as the State Department says in its own analysis that the pipeline won’t lead to additional production of oil sands.”
So, even the incumbent’s own State Department doesn’t believe in global warming or its purported effects as stated by loonies and fanatics. However to appease a major voting block, data’s being distorted which costs the nation and practically every citizen in it dearly. But, in this administration, politics always overrules.
Consequently, it seems to me that PRISM's data mining capabilities might truly be the greatest anti-terrorism tool ever devised. But past performance also indicates that in the hands of the incumbent and his compatriots it won’t be used at all against terrorists he denies exist, but employed to thwart political foes like employees of Fox News instead. And since that's the case, unfortunately us citizens are likely far better off without it.
That’s it for today folks.
Adios
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