Comments by Prof. Richard Forno Most recent public comments by Prof. Richard Forno https://nowcomment.com/users/5234 Forming a committee and 'writing a report' is always something governments do during times of crisis. The key is what will happen after the report is submitted. https://nowcomment.com/documents/12434?scroll_to=103947 https://nowcomment.com/documents/12434?scroll_to=103947 Will it be public? Will it be redacted? Will it lead to any meaningful changes? Sounds good, but the devil is in the details. Tue, 02 Aug 2016 13:24:50 -0400 If it's the same group of tech execs who met with POTUS yesterday to discuss surveillance stuff, that meeting was held in secret and its discussions were not disclosed. https://nowcomment.com/documents/12434?scroll_to=103946 https://nowcomment.com/documents/12434?scroll_to=103946 Also, it doesn't change the completely risk-averse culture permeating Washington's mindset that feels it must try and stop anything bad from happening anywhere at anytime, and thus initiated these programs to begin with. Tue, 02 Aug 2016 13:24:50 -0400 Having the IC set up a hub for meaningful public transparency? Clearly the Administration is not without a sense of humour. https://nowcomment.com/documents/12434?scroll_to=103945 https://nowcomment.com/documents/12434?scroll_to=103945 I'm reminded of Sir Humphrey's great quote on government transparency efforts: "we should always tell the public everything they can find out from other sources." Tue, 02 Aug 2016 13:24:50 -0400 What they declassified was still heavily redacted. When the leaker's information is more useful for public debate than what's officially released, problems of trust and having a "complete understanding" remain. https://nowcomment.com/documents/12434?scroll_to=103943 https://nowcomment.com/documents/12434?scroll_to=103943 Tue, 02 Aug 2016 13:24:50 -0400 "in appropriate cases" leaves plenty of wiggle room. And if they're cleared to access the FISC, how will this public advocate be able to tell the public if/when there are transgressions or abuses w/o violating their secrecy oath? https://nowcomment.com/documents/12434?scroll_to=103942 https://nowcomment.com/documents/12434?scroll_to=103942 Tue, 02 Aug 2016 13:24:50 -0400 The PCLOB was pretty dormant until recently. Wonder why? https://nowcomment.com/documents/12434?scroll_to=103941 https://nowcomment.com/documents/12434?scroll_to=103941 Tue, 02 Aug 2016 13:24:50 -0400