[Nic Name]

Cairo,

I think we are discussing two distinct situations.

Poindexter is developing for the DOD a system for scanning aggregated data to flag patterns of behavior and then identify individuals who would be persons of interest.

You are suggesting that there are judicial safeguards for the surveillance of individuals, similar to seeking a search warrant or wire tap.

Of course, you understand that Poindexter's system of surveillance is not going to require judicial authority to run patterns of suspicious activities against the database to determine "persons of interest" and that no judicial order need be sought to keep an eye on such persons by following, enquiring of neighbors and employers, etc.

If wiretapping or other invasion of privacy is deemed desirable by the Agency, the judges who will authorize such will be nameless faceless judges of a secret court, who will not hear any submissions except from the Attorney General, if current practises are any indication.

If a person is arrested he may be held without legal representation or charge at the discretion of the Commander in Chief, as in the case of Padilla. (Is he still alive? Does anyone know or care?)

I'm feeling better already.