As Congress deliberates the fate of the controversial Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), Black communities know the devastating impact of government surveillance and invasion of privacy. The last thing Trump needs is for Congress to make it easier for him to steal our rights and punish those he views as his political enemies.
While many of us slept Thursday night, Republican efforts at a long-term extension failed. But sadly, the anti-freedom bloc led by Louisiana Republicans Reps. Mike Johnson and Steve Scalise couldn’t get the House to do more than a 10-day extension.
Just in time to antagonize organizers and communities gathering for May Day.
I know, surprise, it’s another day ending in -y, and America is considering legislation that would harm our communities. But digging past our collective cynicism is a stark reminder of the harm caused by the government to Black and other communities identified as a threat ot the white supremacist status quo.
History has taught us all we need to know about the risk of such power in the hands of an administration openly waging war against our very existence and advocacy. From COINTELPRO to the abuses after 9/11 to the made-up Black Identity Extremist, our communities bear the burden and scars of government surveillance and persecution.
Regardless of the alleged need for Section 702, the controversial provision shouldn’t be renewed. Who poses a threat is being interpreted extremely broadly, and even the most aggressive social media First Amendment expert won’t be able to talk their way out of potential retribution.
A recent brief from Just Security echoed the concern of Section 702 making it easier for the government to get access to our communications, and the ridiculous framing of “antifa” and other civil society groups as terrorists.
Source: The FISA Warrantless Surveillance Loophole Threatens Black Communities
Recent Comments