And we pass laws to protect whistleblowers. But, if what they reveal is a threat to our national security it's a new ball game. Of course, to find out if our laws will protect anyone, they need the courage of their convictions. I remember Daniel Ellsberg, who instead of fleeing to another country, turned himself in to authorities. I would prefer a different set of protections, but what we have is still better than the alternative.
Daniel Ellsberg(RIP) agreed with and supported what Edward Snowden did, including leaving the country. He stated that Snowden kept his oath better than anyone at the NSA did and that act of civil courage should inspire others to follow suit. I completely agree.
What we have is NOT better than the alternative. The Espionage Act has been used countless times now to threaten and convict journalists and others. This country is not innocent in the killing of whistleblowers and/or journalists. One recent president's Justice Dept. used the Espionage Act more times than all of their predecessors combined.
The Whistleblower Act is weak when it comes to government whistleblowing
because of the Espionage Act. In order for a whistleblower to prove their case they must use the very classified documents and other media showing the unconstitutionality. But the government wont allow it because the classified items then become a public record leaving the potential whistleblower with no recourse whatsoever in defending their oath to protect the Constitution. Thats why Senator Mike Gravel read the Pentagon Papers into the Congressional Record in 1971. He knew they would be buried and Ellsworth's efforts along with them.
So what does it have to do with electronically connected cars? The answer is
EVERYTHING!
It was the widened amount of surveillance opened up by and continued to be allowed with the renewals of the Patriot Act that literally exposed our raw data communications and internet activity with no notice, reason, justification or protection. Even now, NOTHING protects our phone calls and texts because several satellite ports of which all electronic communications go through, including connected cars is never included in updated "protections" for consumers.
As someone involved in this once told me; they word things just right(read vague) so it doesn't outwardly appear threatening and get Congress to pass it, regardless of it's constitutionality as long as it appears that it is. Give them an inch...
So, here we are now. Calling out those attempting to protect themselves from these electronic invasions(such as cars that tattle on our every move) as Luddittes is inaccurate and unfair. If you feel comfortable with being surveilled so be it. But those of us who have educated ourselves regarding this malicious activity do not agree and should have a way to opt out by being able to shut down any kind of tracking including electronic communications from our phones and cars, or if allowed, to what degree.
"Whenever the people are well informed, they can be trusted with their own government; that whenever things get so far wrong as to attract their notice, they may be relied on to set them to rights."
Thomas Jefferson to Richard Price, January 8, 1789
Be better informed!
