FBI Bugging Public Libraries 567
zamiel writes "Bill Olds writes in the Hartford Courant: 'I know my librarian, and I believe she would tell me if the government were tracking my computer use at the library. Don't you agree? No way. There's a gag order. When the FBI uses a court order or a subpoena to gain access to library computers or a list of the names of people who have borrowed certain books, librarians can't tell anyone - not even other librarians or you. They face a stiff federal penalty if they do. It's unfair that librarians should be placed in such a position.'" The American Library Association has a page with advice to librarians and links to previous news stories on the subject.
It's about time! (Score:4, Funny)
Now you tell me! (Score:4, Funny)
Wuh? (Score:3, Funny)
Is it anything like the Intarweb?
Re:Also (Score:4, Funny)
That sounds about as exciting as a Mormon keg party.
One solution... (Score:5, Funny)
A Good Thing (Score:2, Funny)
We just cannot let libraries protect terrorits. Imagine if a big "mushroom cloud" were to blow Washington, and we later found out that the author of this crime once borrowed a nuclear science book!
Science books and books with a bias against the US should also be banned. Anyone saying the opposite is against the Homeland Security!!
Re:The USA patriot act (Score:5, Funny)
In an effort to combat this image John Ashcroft announced yesterday, the creation of an organization which will monitor American security in the private sector. He is calling it 'Society of Trusted American Service Interests' or STASI
Humor....not really
Re:Wuh? (Score:2, Funny)
Re:Now you tell me! (Score:3, Funny)
(Sorry; couldn't resist)
Slashdot readers = Librarians (Score:2, Funny)
Re:Libraries? (Score:2, Funny)
Rebel Terrorist How-To Manuals.
Re:what books? (Score:3, Funny)
Re:Wuh? (Score:5, Funny)
Re:More advice (Score:4, Funny)
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The FBI has announced that it has discovered a new domestic terror group, 'Slashdot', which was using public computer terminals at libraries to plan a domestic terror event involving nuclear material, airplanes, and a mystical figure named CowboyNeal...
Help me (Score:1, Funny)
Re:USA-PATRIOT (Score:2, Funny)
Dudes, it's turning into "1984". Unelect the current occupants of office, it's our only hope.
Lay off McCarthy (Score:4, Funny)
Of course we do have Jeffrey Dahmer and Ed Gein. Oh wait.
it's christmas for con men! (Score:5, Funny)
Christmas comes early this year for the black hats! How many other gag orders like this exist under the patriot act? How many people are hindered in finding out if inquiries are coming from a valid source? How many shady groups are already using this enviornment of secrecy to reach thier nefarious ends?
terrorists in libraries (Score:2, Funny)
Handy-dandy Patriot Act Decoder Table (Score:1, Funny)
Before act --> After act
"Yes" -> "I'm sorry, we're not allowed to comment"
"No" -> "No"
Seems pretty simple...
At least they won't (Score:3, Funny)
"My subpoenas bigger than yours! nyah!"
When they catch somebody (Score:3, Funny)
Librarian: Shhhh
Agent #1: You have the right to be silent
Librarian: Shhhh
Agent #1: Somebody shut that librarian up
Agent #2: Shhhhh
Agent #1: Not that way you idiot...