Not sure why this is coming out now when most of us have known for a long time that the NSA is being intrusive and violating the U.S. Constitution in the interest of public safety, supposedly. Imagine how someone like Stalin or Hitler would have loved to have this capability. Then imagine some of the questionable people we have now running our government and what they might do with the info. The true test will be whether the people of this country value freedom over maximum safety. I choose freedom.
I read some rather ridiculous comments on bail bonds corrupting judges and denying people their freedom. If a judge seriously doesn't want a bondsman involved, he or she always has the option of setting a cash bond rather than allowing a surety bond. If a cash or property bond IS set, no bondsman is going to touch that with a ten foot pole. Also, when you pay a bondsman, you are paying for a period of freedom that otherwise will be denied you, unless you can meet what is often an exorbitant bond requirement.
ALEC is the instrument of Corporations and Wall Street and the right wing extremists of the Republican Party which should be registered as a lobby, but has escaped with the help of good lawyers.
Its secret agenda and brain washing of state legislators is detrimental to our nation, to the working class, and to democracy.
Remember that prior to the 1990's the IRS did have clear guidance, but Congress deliberately tore up the rule booklets when allegedly passing Taxpayer simplification legislation, so this is not totally a problem made by some IRS employees.
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