FBI Database

Well, well well. The FBI wants to build the worlds largest biometrics database in the world, named Next Generation Identification, at the cost of a cool $1 billion. This is supposed to give them more ways to identify people at home and abroad in one place. They have already started compiling data for this and expects to award a ten year contract so they can expand the amount and types of biometric info it receives.

But here is the other kicker to this story.

"At an employer's request, the FBI will also retain the fingerprints of employees who have undergone criminal background checks, the paper said."

Again, I am completely apposed to this. The only instance that I am in any way in favor of something like this would be for convicted felons and even then I still have reservations. Knowing that my information could be in that database one day makes me feel that I am guilty until proven innocent.

Update: It has now made the front page of Digg linking to the Washington Post article.

Backward priorities

Well, if you have listened to any of the news stations, its pretty safe to say you heard about Jamie Lynn Spears announcing that she is pregnant at age 16. But what you probably did not hear anything much about was that congress passed a $70 Billion dollar spending bill for Iraq and Afghanistan. Don't you just love it.

Congress gave Bush $70 billion for troops in Iraq and Afghanistan in a massive omnibus spending bill. The Consolidation Appropriations Act funds all federal departments, except for the defense department, for the fiscal year of 2008 to the sum of $516 billion. Obviously bush threatened to veto the bill if it lacked money for military operations. On Dec. 17 the omnibus bill was passed with $31 billion for military operations but no money for Iraq. The senate added $70 billion for war funding on Dec. 18 to avoid a possible veto.

In other news the fine senator from Alabama, Jeff Sessions, had the following thing to say about "civil libertarians":

"The civil libertarians among us would rather defend the constitution than protect our nation's security."

I thought these go hand in hand? Don't get me wrong, I like to have a safe and secure nation....but if we give up our civil liberties to do so, then what good is it? I like to reflect back to the writings of Benjamin Franklin for this little quote:

"Those who would give up Essential Liberty to purchase a little Temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety."

Senator Sessions, I think you could rethink what you said, brush up on the Constitution, and maybe read some of what the founding fathers wrote about freedom and the constitution. Oh and maybe you should study the oath you take when you take office. I don't consider myself a genius, but I'm pretty sure part of your oath is to defend and follow the constitution.

The Iowa caucus is fast approaching as well as the New Hampshire primaries. On December 16th, also know as the anniversary of the Boston Tea Party, grass roots supporters raised over $6 million to go toward Dr. Paul's campaign. A staggering number for sure. But please help spread his message far and wide.

Update: I should have said that while I support defending and protecting the nation, I do not feel that we are in any immediate danger from terrorist attacks. That guy from Law and Order would have you think that just because he played a hard nosed character on television that he would be the same way in the Oval Office. Plus he wants people to think that we are living a mere breath away from another attack and possible nuclear war. Freddie, stop the war mongering, keep the peace, and eat a plate of shut the heck up!!

The only immediate danger we are facing is our obsession with what celebrities are doing every minute of their lives, uncontrolled spending by our government officials, and most politicians.

Happy Tea Party Day 2007!!

This is shaping up to be another big day for the Ron Paul campaign.

Around noon central time, donations have went over $2.5 Million for the day and $14.1 for the 4th quarter. The first big day was November 5th with about $4.2 million for the day. If the current donation rate continues, today will eclipse that total.

With a mere 18 days until the Iowa caucuses and 23 days until the New Hampshire primary every dollar counts. The word is spreading, people are listening and Dr. Paul is surging. The last poll in New Hampshire that I heard had Dr. Paul in 3rd place with 11% with the leader holding at 24%.

Those revolutionaries out there that support Ron Paul and read this blog, get out and talk to people. Help spread the message.