What is Digg?346 Comments
- Pile, on 10/12/2007, -42/+136In related news...
* Majority of Americans think Fox News is an actual news program
* Majority of Americans think that Wal-Mart is good for business and society
* Majority of Americans don' t understand how to set the time on their VCRs
* Majority of Americans think invading Iraq will make us safer
* Majority of Americans believe in invisible omnipotent creatures that care where we are on Sunday.
http://BSAlert.com/ - inactive, on 10/12/2007, -13/+68wrong: the majority of PEOPLE are idiots
- Cander, on 10/12/2007, -11/+64Said it before and I'll say it again. Surveys and polls are meaningless. You can get different answers from different demographics and parts of the country. And often they may be talking to people who don't really understand the situation or the choices are vague.
- tonicboy, on 10/12/2007, -8/+52"often they may be talking to people who don't really understand the situation"
So... wouldn't that mean that they have taken a perfect sample of the general population? - skyshark88, on 10/12/2007, -12/+54I am a sheep please slaughter me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- Saintlink, on 10/12/2007, -2/+38Sadly, a good portion of the population can't graspe the long-term problems of such a program. That is why the numbers are so profoundly shocking. Knowledge is power and right now the knowledge is lacking, hence the power of the people is greatly in check.
- toastgodsupreme, on 10/12/2007, -11/+41Benjamin Franklin:
They who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security, deserve neither liberty or security. - tuna1, on 10/12/2007, -3/+32Checks and balances.
- lasermike026, on 10/12/2007, -9/+38If you think the president broke the law and the constitution you have to call you senator, representative, and even your governor. We have to put an end to this right now and make sure that database that holds this information is destroyed. Impeaching the president is just one step to reforming the government. This is HUGE. We left Watergate levels of illegality a long time ago.
- superal1394, on 10/12/2007, -7/+36I hate people. Its a fact. Humans in large numbers are incredibly stupid.
- tobsterius, on 10/12/2007, -3/+30I think this quote sums everything up better than I can, so I'll just post this:
"Naturally, the common people don't want war, but after all, it is the leaders of a country who determine the policy, and it is always a simple matter to drag the people along, whether it is a democracy, or a facist dictatorship, or a parliament, or a communist dictatorship. Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. This is easy. All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same in every country." -- Hermann Goering
Granted he was a Nazi... but that doesn't make his point any less true. - actorboy, on 10/12/2007, -3/+25"In Germany, the Nazis first came for the Communists, and I did not speak up, for I was not a Communist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak up, for I was not a Jew. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak up, for I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for the Catholics, and I did not speak up, for I was a Protestant. And then they came for me, and by that time, no one was left to speak up."
-- Martin Niemoller - uptown, on 10/12/2007, -13/+35Wonder how many of these same Americans would be fine with random warrantless searches of their homes.
Makes you wonder if their "do not call" list was just a way to get a list of names that can be associated with these numbers. In order to register a do-not-call list, you also needed to provide an email address ... so now there's a phone number ... tied to a name ... tied to an email address .... which theoretically be linked to data provided by the major search engine companies to the government.
I'm curious ... how does this apply towards cellular traffic? Since this traffic goes across these networks, are those calls part of this database as well?
WAR IS PEACE, FREEDOM IS SLAVERY, IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH - GutterBumber, on 10/12/2007, -3/+20@michaelbrett
While your sustained level of sarcasm is truly heroic, this article/poll has nothing to do with Bush's stance on abortion, evolution, or anything really. It has to do with the NSA. Believe me when I say, you do not have to democrat/liberal/hippy/whatever to be disturbed by mass data collection of phone records by the US Government. - plaunie, on 10/12/2007, -11/+28Headline should read: "Poll confirms - 63% of Americans are ignorant of what happens when they become the enemy of their government"
- Dallas70, on 10/12/2007, -4/+21Of course I'm okay with the spying program! It helps us Americans stay safe and secure, how dare you question our patriotic NSA??
*Turns up radio to where music is loud* Help me! - inactive, on 10/12/2007, -7/+22They didnt ask me
- grislygus, on 10/12/2007, -8/+23Being an American, at first I took offense to that. Then I remembered what the once prestigious CNN has become. Entertainment first, I guess...
- TopherT, on 10/12/2007, -1/+15Because there are algorithms counting the number of times is say explosive I'm safer from the government? Stop cowering from the scary terrorists. There has been one attack in this country, one. And the fact that it succeeded had nothing to do with lack of information and everything to do with lack of communication between agencies. I'm not afraid of terrorist attacks, you should all go change your diapers and think long and hard about what as a citizen you want your government to have access to.
- kemche, on 10/12/2007, -3/+17Borrwed from Ars Soap Box - Thanks Kray28:
http://episteme.arstechnica.com/groupee/forums/a/tpc/f/28609695/m/920007186731/p/16
You should read how the questions in the poll were framed. Poll itself had a sample size of 500 or so. But it's packed with leading questions....everything is in the context of terrorism.
1. Do you approve or disapprove of the way Bush is handling Protecting Americans’ privacy rights as the government investigates terrorism?
2. As it conducts the war on terrorism, do you think the United States government is or is not doing enough to protect the rights of American citizens?
3. What do you think is more important right now - (for the federal government to investigate possible terrorist threats, even if that intrudes on personal privacy); or (for the federal government not to intrude on personal privacy, even if that limits its ability to investigate possible terrorist threats)?
4. It’s been reported that the National Security Agency has been collecting the phone call records of tens of millions of Americans. It then analyzes calling patterns in an effort to identify possible terrorism suspects, without listening to or recording the conversations. Would you consider this an acceptable or unacceptable way for the federal government to investigate terrorism? Do you feel that way strongly or somewhat?
5. If you found out that the NSA had a record of phone numbers that you yourself have called, would that bother you, or not? IF YES: Would it bother you a lot, or just somewhat?
6. Do you think it is right or wrong for the news media to have disclosed this secret government program?
It's always nice to know where the media stands in all this. - TopherT, on 10/12/2007, -9/+22Oh yeah, the coalition of the willing, more like the coalition of the coerced. Who decided to go into Iraq? Paul Wolfowitz, the Neo-Con ringleader. Hes been pushing for invading Iraq since the Gulf War.
And all you people out there blaming bush for going into Iraq, I've got news for you, the man is a puppet. He has been from the start but his administration only got a chance to really get some use out of him after 9/11. Cheney, Rumsfeld, Wolfowitz and the rest of the Neo-Cons run the executive branch.
They're hurting now though, they have been trounced by public opinion. I only hope the next administration will have the political capital and seats in congress to reverse some of this crazyness. Unlikley though, the democrats, who are sure to gain seats are mostly as bad as the neo-cons, the only difference is they talk a good game.
Essentially, the problem is fear. Politicians have realized that if you play up the fears of their consituents and we'll bend over backwards to let them trample our civil rights and love them for it. The sooner we realize what they're up to the sooner we can have our government back. - TopherT, on 10/12/2007, -2/+15I don't know where to turn for news anymore. The BBC and Al-Jazera seem reasonably independant but both have their problems. Most internet sources are partisan blogs or innane news sites. Nobody's sellin the strait dope anymore, guess it didn't do well in some marketing brainstorming session.
- CharlesDarwin, on 10/12/2007, -21/+34I'm ashamed to be an american.
- mike_p, on 10/12/2007, -2/+14"Yes, it will. We kinda need oil."
That's the last thing we need. Yes for the moment, but for christ's sake enough is enough.
No more NSA spying and get off the oil addiction. I don't WANT them to have the possibility to spy on anyone without reason to. I want to see paperwork, something that has gone through the system of checks and balances. Takes time, but preserves our rights/freedoms. Oil... We only have one shot at keeping our earth green while slowing global warming. Oil isn't helping. - TopherT, on 10/12/2007, -4/+16Lol, well if a majority of people are idiots then surely a majority of Americans are idiots. I think the problem in the USA is the extent of media sensationalism (terrorism aahh run hide!) brought about by a corporate media structure which emphasizes ad revenues instead of content. Its no wonder we're ok with wiretapping, we're all conditioned to ***** our pants whenever anyone says the word terrorism. I don't blame the media per se, I blame the marketing guys who sell any journalistic integrity their media outlet enjoys to raise profits one tenth of one percent by appealing to the lowest common denominator... but look at me I'm on a rant. I'll shut up now.
- diggerphelps, on 10/12/2007, -5/+16I am not concerned about the NSA gathering data on calling my patterns.
What I AM concerned about is the unilateral, secretive decision-making behind it all.
America is supposed to be Land of the Free, Home of the Brave.
A government for the PEOPLE by the PEOPLE, not whatever 'the Decider' decides to do.
Yes, I would feel the same if it were someone of the opposite party in power.
This is a society built on laws, and the laws trump any particular political party's desires to 'rule' us. - riverside71, on 10/12/2007, -4/+14I guess they polled the same people who think the most pressing issue of the day is who'll win American Idol..
- mulling, on 10/12/2007, -3/+13So to paraphrase: you're an apologist for the desecration of my Constitution.
Thanks, but my civil rights are not yours to give away.
Keep in mind the people involved in 9/11 didn't use any electronic means of communication, so this would not prevent the same thing from happening again. - TopherT, on 10/12/2007, -1/+11Most arab countries come under intense scrutiny from Al-Jazeera. For example they are constantly attacking the Saudi regieme. If you take a look at some of their (english) articles you'll find they're actually quite progressive and open. They arn't full of religous talking points.
- buddyglass, on 10/12/2007, -2/+12", as they have and always wiretap suspected drug dealers, murderers, and other extreme criminals." ....with a warrant!!!
Judicial oversight, checks and balances, not unitary executive - tonicboy, on 10/12/2007, -7/+16Wow. This is easily the most depressing news I have heard today. This is far more disturbing than the fact that the government is actually spying on us. It means that, even if I do everything in my power to fight this, it won't mean jack because most people will not support me.
- OrangeTide, on 10/12/2007, -1/+10actually that is not the quote, the meaning isn't even right. it is:
"Those who would give up Essential Liberty to purchase a little Temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety." .. probably Benjamin Franklin, but could be David Hume
"Sell not virtue to purchase wealth, nor Liberty to purchase power." -- Benjamin Franklin - avanjasound, on 10/12/2007, -3/+12obviously another happy AT&T customer here... Noam Chomsky a commie hero terrorist supporter?
Wow. you must be EXTREMELY "white" to publicly say something like that!!! Neo-con perhaps?
also, by being a digg member as well, are you not then also an "idiot"??
good thing you are not the typical lamess I suppose... - PrometheuZ, on 10/12/2007, -1/+9Ahhh, the slow subtle approach of George Orwell's '1984'. You either stand up and contend it, or you sit down and casually accept it.
- GutterBumber, on 10/12/2007, -1/+9Can I borrow your "real American" badge? Since I believe the constitution protects me from such data collection programs, I think they are about to take mine away...
- lollerskates, on 10/12/2007, -6/+14JK1150 wrote: "To the above two who are ashamed to be American:
You can leave anytime you want, you certainly are no longer welcomed here."
Oh, because it's *so* wrong to want your country to change for the better, away from the spiral into an omniscient oligarchy, correct? - SuperSloth, on 10/12/2007, -1/+9These are telephone polls, people. If you're a person who is willing to participate in a telephone poll, do you think maybe you might not be so concerned about privacy?
- Skywise, on 10/12/2007, -3/+11Oh noes! They know who I called... along with AT&T and Quest... who happily (lest we forget) SELL THAT INFORMATION.
On top of that, the US Government KNOWS WHERE I LIVE, KNOWS WHERE I WORK AND HOW MUCH MONEY I MAKE!! AAAAAAAAAUUUUUUGGGGGGGHHHHH!!!
The phone companies are already required to keep a record of those calls for police purposes so the government could ALREADY get ahold of them. (Albeit with a court order) So long as they're not listening in on my conversations and then have to get a court order to actually DO something about me, I don't care. The info is already out there anyway. - diggerphelps, on 10/12/2007, -1/+9All of you nitwits saying this is 'left-wing' conspiracy theories ought to check out who ELSE is complaining about this issue;
Namely, Newt 'Republican Revolution' Gingrich and Rep. Senator Arlen Specter, to name just two.
I myself have been a Republican all my voting life, and find what this President has done over the last five years to be completely antithetical to the Republican party's principles which originally drew me in to joining the GOP. - actorboy, on 10/12/2007, -0/+7Let me guess. This poll was taken over the phone.
- pgm_01, on 10/12/2007, -4/+11People are being trained to believe that the outrageous is common and necessary. We went from a country where Republicans helped create the EPA to a country where the EPA is as much of an enemy as a communist. A small group of extremists have managed to shift what the "center" finds acceptable. Preemptive war is actually a good and useful concept. Hatred of foreigners is good. Giving any of your rights to a government as requested to save you from suicidal cave dwelling thugs is good. Tax cuts that add to the debt and make the rich richer are good. Any obscene idea just needs to repeated until it becomes acceptable.
- TopherT, on 10/12/2007, -1/+7Wow you see that? @JK1150 ^ yay now citiczens of this country are no longer citizens of this country and are afforded none of the protections of the law because this ***** says so. WHOOPEE!
- actorboy, on 10/12/2007, -0/+6The problem lies in that we are have administration that sees the law as an obstacle, and has the power through a Republican Congress and conservative Supreme Court to bend or change those laws as needed. We are decidedly lacking in checks and balances.
Those who have the mindset of "I'm not doing anything wrong, why should I care if they're watching me?", might feel differently as the definition of wrong changes. - actionjackson, on 10/12/2007, -4/+10People not understanding the problem is not an excuse to write-off the results of the poll. In fact, people providing opinions (including votes) about things they don't understand is THE biggest problem in this country!!
- taotehue, on 10/12/2007, -12/+18no sir,
you are the fool. let them carnivourize your beliefs, your ideas, your privacy, but not mine!
NO!
it is an outrage, and furthermore, it is against the law!!! If we had a real news program the majority of the people might know that, oh I am sorry, they are too ***** busy shopping at the mall!!!
get a clue people!!!! - fr34k5h0w, on 10/12/2007, -0/+6"The "Bush illegal wiretaps" are no more illegal then law enforcement requesting and getting wire-tap warrents to find pedophiles and orgainized crime. Why is it that no one is screaming about those?"
Uh... maybe because the word "warrants" comes to mind? - upenox, on 10/12/2007, -29/+35This actually makes sense considering a majority of Americans are idiots.
- lollerskates, on 10/12/2007, -2/+8The fact that he was a Nazi says more about this Administration than ever.
- floejoe, on 10/12/2007, -3/+9The poll is not representative. Only 500 people were surveyed, you need about 1200 for an accurate survey. Anything less or more will skew the results dramatically. Washington post needs to send some employees back to a statistics 101 class.
- Metman, on 10/12/2007, -5/+11ROFL
You people are amazing...
FACT: No voice data was EVER reviewed under this "program".
FACT: This is NOT the first time this was done (it was also done under Carter and Clinton)
FACT: The polls taken were taken from a large demographic in heavily urban areas (usually majority Democratic voters)
Unless you have been calling Jordan or Iran (or the like) on a regular basis.. I think you are okay. Honestly, I dont care if it is racial profiling, but I really dont think that 82 year old woman is going to whip out her knitting needles and hijack the plane. I would rather you searched the guy behind her with the cresent badge pinned to the laundry on his head. I realize how politically incorrect that is, but tough ***** - I fought for this country to have the right to speak my mind - as has all the men in my family - some of whom have given the ultimate sacrifice.
So many people cry how Clinton was under a "witch-hunt", yet if they were involved in a sexual harassment lawsuit I would bet they would prefer if those they accuse would tell the truth under oath. Which was my only problem with his leadership. He was involved in a lawsuit and lied under oath. The 'witch-hunters' didnt go find Ms.Spooge-on-me, she sought out and found them.
So many people say Kerry wouldnt have gone to war. Bush lied and thats why we are at war.
Yet when Clinton was reviewing phone records (in the SAME capacity) no one cared. When Kerry submiitted his reports from Committee on Foreign Relations of which he was chairperson AFTER reviewing the SAME information the CIA and NSA provided to the Bush administration he never once contested the information and in fact suggested in his reports that Iraq, Iran and the BCCI were the largest threats to the US in that order. Kerry was also very outspoken about the 11 UN Resolutions Iraq had blantantly ignored (which was also mentioned in Bush's speech to Congress asking for the ability to wage war).
Frankly, Iraq had admitted to and continued to harbor and even fund terrorist organizations who had direct ties to Al Qaeda. Saddam had made public and clear announcements that he had every intention of harming the US should the oppurtunity present itself. His son, makes Saddam seem like a teddy bear and he was next in line to rule the country. Perhaps war was not the best way of going about removing that family from power, but I am certainly grateful to the men and women who made it happen.
I am no Bush fan, but at least I take the time to know who my Congressmen and Representitives are. I also understand American Civics which even the 'news' these days seems to forget how the goverment actually functions. I take the time to read the Congressional Record, the Congressional Library prints of committee findings and review the voting record of those I voted for.
Sad as it is, I am a very very small minority. We have far too many opinions in this country from those read sites like this and base fact from partial truths or sensational statements. 99.9% of the people making the most noise have gotten thier information from mainstream media and never check into the story beyond the sound-bites they got off the news. It makes me sick to think about how many ignorant voters make decisions for me everyday that effect my right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
Seriously, if your pissed off about politics because you just read a news article about how Pres X did Y then do yourself (and more importantly the rest of a favor) and find out EXACTLY what the hell you are pissed about before you enter the voting booth (or post here!). Its a damn shame so many our laws are written because some spin artist convinced enough people to buy into parital truths (at best) they managed to conjure up and exploit. Even more disgraceful is how so many people can be too lazy to do a little more research and find out what is REALLY going on in the world. -
Show 51 - 100 of 345 discussions
Digg is coming to a city (and computer) near you! Check out all the details on our 
© Digg Inc. 2009
— Content created and posted by Digg users is