FBI Director Robert Mueller played the “B” word yesterday, while experts played the “S” word. Pete Yost of The Associated Press reports:
FBI Director Robert Mueller on Wednesday called for changes in federal law to help his agents with surveillance of communications in anti-terrorism and other criminal investigations.
At a conference of intelligence experts, Mueller said that in some instances communications companies are unable to provide electronic communications the FBI seeks in response to court orders.
Of course, asking for more after you’ve already abused what you have would strike most reasonable people as an unlikely strategy, but not to fear…. here comes the “B” word:
Mueller said some people have suggested there is an inherent tension between protecting national security and preserving civil liberties.
“I disagree,” he said. “We have a right to privacy, but we also have a right to ride the subways without the threat of bombings. … It is a question of balance.
Docking him debating points for using the “B” word is not even necessary in this case, as most experts have already made it clear that the government’s request, if actually implemented, would create huge holes and vulnerability in our security. If this is cybersecurity awareness month, it would be nice if our government wasn’t pushing for increasing our vulnerability.