People posting negative opinions about the government is one thing. However, people posting damning testimony seems quite another. A current post concerns eyewitness testimony of a US Marine (using a pseudonym) to the use of white phosphorous in Iraq. There may be other truth-tellers willing to do the same. Everyone appreciates the truth, but I am concerned that Kos could be subject to delivery of National Security Letters to inquire about such people, thus leaving them open to and unaware of payback. Read the following:
http://www.masternewmedia.org/...
"Federal District Judge Victor Marrero, who made possible an historical legal victory against the Bush Government just recently, when on September 28, 2004, a decision he personally took in New York in John Doe, American Civil Liberties Union v. John Ashcroft and FBI Director Robert Mueller."
"Judge Marrero struck down as unconstitutional on Fourth and First Amendment grounds section 505 of the Patriot Act that had greatly increased the government's capacity to secretly get large amounts of personal information by sending out National Security Letters, which do not require a judge's approval." Source: Village Voice
Judge Marrero also noted that the FBI could also use an NSL "to discern the identity of someone whose anonymous web log, or 'blog,' is critical of the Government."
According to the Village Voice article what is even more disturbing is the fact that each and everyone of these NSLs (National Security Letters) come with a full gag order.
The recipients of the NSLs are in fact prohibited from ever disclosing that the FBI has demanded information from them, and they cannot even inform their lawyers of such requests. According to judge Marrero all such gag orders are issued in perpetuity, and "with no vehicle for the ban to ever be lifted from the recipient."
Please notice also that NSLs are sent out without the requirement of a judge previous approval.
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Village Voice here:
http://www.villagevoice.com/...
That said, what is the best way for truth-tellers to stay safe? Telling a newspaper anonymously? Using their real names as a means of protection?