IPFS Letters to the Editor • Economy - International

U.S. Government, Could Use National Security Letters under the Patriot Act—As A Political/Economic W

• Letter • News

Currently in the name of fighting terrorism, U.S. Government can use National Security Letters to search a Citizen’s private information and records without having to provide specific facts—the person’s information sought pertains to a foreign power or agent of a foreign power. Government can impose National Security Letters without probable cause on your employer, your business client(s) credit card providers, even your relationships. After you receive a National Security Letter, under current law you cant tell anyone. National Security Letters if used by a tyrannical U.S. Government, could be very threatening to Americans when you consider methods used by other governments. For example in rising Nazi Germany, the Gestapo routinely targeted and damaged business people and companies that refused to support the Nazis Party by—interrogating their customers—about them. Expectantly targeted business people and companies found it difficult to make a living after their customers and clients were frightened away by Gestapo interrogators. Some German corporations were connected to the Gestapo and used the Gestapo to frighten their business rivals’ customers away to take their business. In the same manner that Nazis intimidated their opposition, a corrupt U.S. Government could use National Security Letters to intimidate Americans exercising their First Amendment Activities. Congress needs to pass laws that are more binding, prevent Government using National Security Letters to investigate Americans without first demonstrating a clear standard of probable cause.