The Constitutional Dangers of Government Surveillance

July 8, 2013 9:25 am

THE CONSTITUTIONAL DANGERS OF GOVERNMENT SURVEILLANCE

A presentation arranged by Peace Action Maine, Thursday, July 11, from 6 to 8 PM at Talbot Hall, University of Southern Maine, Portland.

  • Rachel Healy, Director of Communications and Public Education, ACLU of Maine, will explain the national ACLU lawsuit, filed June 11, 2013, challenging the constitutionality of the NSA phone tracking system.
  • Professor Eric Hooglund, University of Lund, Sweden, expert on U.S. foreign policy, will discuss the NSA PRISM program.
  • Paul McCarrier, Maine Tea Party, will describe his work against drone surveillance in Maine.
  • Lisa Savage, Codepink Maine, will describe her work against drone surveillance in Maine.

This is an opportunity for citizens to learn about the recent disclosures about government surveillance, and to consider whether or not such surveillance is constitutional. We are told, “It is necessary to give up some privacy in order to have safety.” What does that mean? We are told, “Everything is legal.” Is this true? We must consider this very carefully in deciding our opinion on these matters.

There will be light refreshments and networking time from 6 to 6:30 at Talbot Hall, followed by the presentations and a question and answer session. Free parking is available in the USM parking garage on Bedford St.