#NNPA BlackPress

Last-Minute Effort to Rescue Controversial Surveillance Program Sparks Concerns

NNPA NEWSWIRE — have raised concerns about House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer attempting to revive Section 702 without the support of their party members.
The post Last-Minute Effort to Rescue Controversial Surveillance Program Sparks Concerns first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

Published

12 months ago

November 28, 2023

Stacy M. Brown

By Stacy M. Brown
NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
@StacyBrownMedia

Bipartisan efforts are reportedly underway among US congressional leaders to salvage the controversial Section 702 surveillance program, with a last-minute provision possibly slipping into the crucial National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Private talks between Republican and Democratic leaders, leaking late last week, have raised concerns about House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer attempting to revive Section 702 without the support of their party members. Section 702, part of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), has faced criticism for its alleged misuse by the FBI, allowing warrantless access to the communications of various groups, including protesters, activists, donors, journalists, and even members of Congress. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is urging Congress to reconsider reauthorizing Section 702 in the NDAA. In a letter co-signed by 30 civil society groups, the ACLU opposes any attempt to include this authority in “must-pass” legislation.

According to Kia Hamadanchy, Senior Policy Counsel at the ACLU, using the NDAA to reauthorize Section 702 without full legislative scrutiny betrays the public’s trust. Hamadanchy warned that the ACLU will oppose the legislation if the NDAA includes an extension allowing Section 702 to persist beyond April 2024 without fundamental reforms. “To use the NDAA to reauthorize a mass spying program that has been so flagrantly abused without going through the full legislative process and robust debate betrays the public’s trust,” Hamadanchy stated. “If congressional leadership includes an extension that allows Section 702 to continue to operate beyond April 2024—and which does not include fundamental reforms—the American Civil Liberties Union will have no choice but to oppose the NDAA and score the vote. Members must reverse course before it’s too late.”

Elizabeth Goiten, Senior Director of Liberty, and National Security at the Brennan Center for Justice added historical context. After 9/11, the government sought to evade FISA’s constraints by claiming inherent executive authority. Goiten stressed the importance of addressing gaps in FISA’s exclusivity provision, preventing the government from obtaining sensitive data without legal restrictions and bypassing oversight. “There is ample reason for concern that the government is exploiting these gaps to collect some of the most sensitive data Americans generate without adhering to FISA’s requirements, including by purchasing it from data brokers,” Goiten asserted. “Congress should fill the holes in FISA’s exclusivity provision and bar the government from buying its way around FISA and other legal restrictions on governmental access to Americans’ data.”

The post Last-Minute Effort to Rescue Controversial Surveillance Program Sparks Concerns first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

Stacy M. Brown

Posts by Stacy M. Brown

Up Next

Former GOP Rep Calls Trump ‘The Most Dangerous’ President Ever

Don't Miss

Miss Black America Pageant Returns to Atlantic City for 55th Anniversary Celebration

Stacy M. Brown

Click to comment

#NNPA BlackPress

OP-ED: The Illusion of Allyship. White Women, Your Yard Signs Mean Nothing to Me

NNPA NEWSWIRE – “The blue bracelets are something White women are wearing so others can see that they didn’t vote for Trump,” says Liberal Lisa from Oklahoma on X. Chile, bye. These bracelets are hollow symbols, empty gestures that mean nothing to me. An accessory to claim distance from Trump’s legacy is superficial comfort, while the choice to not stand with us in the voting booth is far more profound.

Published

2 weeks ago

November 9, 2024

Oakland Post

Political yard signs can symbolize intentions and allegiance. But this year, they’ve also symbolized betrayal. During this general election, Black women were led to believe that more White women would stand with us. Exit polls, however, told a different story. Despite overwhelming displays of support, more White women still chose to vote for the convicted felon, reality TV star, and rapist. White women answered the call but left us hanging at the polls.

A Familiar Disappointment

I live in DeKalb County, Georgia, and the abundance of Harris-Walz yard signs could’ve fooled me. But I’ve seen this before, back when Stacey Abrams ran for governor. White women showed up, put up signs, attended rallies, knocked on doors, and phone-banked. Yet, when it came time to vote, they let us down—not once but twice. I’ve been here for over 15 years, and if there’s one thing I know, it’s that political signs are symbols without weight.

In every election, I’ve talked with White women. Most aren’t the primary earners in their families and vote along party lines, aligning with the preferences of their fathers and husbands. These conversations reveal a reluctance to break from tradition, even when their votes affect women and certainly when their votes impact the lives of people who look like me.

The Illusion of Solidarity—Symbols Are Not Enough

On social media, I’m seeing White women posting pictures of blue bracelets to “prove” they didn’t vote for Trump. “The blue bracelets are something White women are wearing so others can see that they didn’t vote for Trump,” says Liberal Lisa from Oklahoma on X. Chile, bye. These bracelets are hollow symbols, empty gestures that mean nothing to me. An accessory to claim distance from Trump’s legacy is superficial comfort, while the choice to not stand with us in the voting booth is far more profound.

I’ve seen Black Lives Matter signs and black squares posted on Instagram to “prove” support for Black people, but we now know that was a lie, too. Will those same people who claimed Black lives mattered now take down their Harris-Walz signs and show their true selves?

Navigating these truths is a daily struggle for me—professionally and socially. White women often misuse their privilege, supporting us only when it’s convenient. Seeing overqualified Black women sabotaged or abandoned by White women at critical moments is a constant emotional challenge. It’s exhausting to live with this reality, especially when solidarity seems like something they pick up and discard at will.

One clever campaign ad from Harris-Walz that spoke directly to White women. “Your Vote, Your Choice” emphasized that their vote was private—independent of their household situation. Another was from Olivia Howell Dreizen, the “Vote Without Fear” campaign, which empowered women to consider the greater impact of their choices. But it seems many still couldn’t choose the roadmap to freedom—even when it was handed to them.

A Call for Action Beyond Words

White women, I want to believe you care, but actions speak louder than yard signs, bracelets, or Instagram posts. Show up in our communities, advocate in your workplaces, and stand up to dismantle the structures that uphold white supremacy. Only through real action will we know where you stand.

If you choose not to act, we see you—and we know exactly where you stand. Good luck these next four years.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of BlackPressUSA.com or the National Newspaper Publishers Association.

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

#NNPA BlackPress

Supernova Parenting Conference Empowers Over 100 Parents with Resources for Neurodivergence and Mental Health

The inaugural Supernova Parenting Conference was co-hosted by Natasha Nelson, known as Supernova Momma, and Yolanda Walker, founder of Parenting Decolonized. It brought together over 100 parents, caregivers, and educators dedicated to fostering understanding and support for neurodivergent children and mental health challenges. The conference provided invaluable resources, expert insights, and a collaborative space for […]

Published

2 weeks ago

November 7, 2024

BlackPressUSA.com

The event featured a variety of workshops, panel discussions, and keynote speeches from leading experts in neurodiversity and mental health. Attendees left with practical tools and strategies to enhance their parenting journeys, emphasizing the importance of understanding and supporting the unique needs of neurodivergent children.

“While the conference was a tremendous success, we believe that our work doesn’t end here,” said Natasha Nelson. “It’s crucial to continue providing ongoing support and resources for parents as they navigate this important journey. We want to ensure families can access the tools they need long after the conference.”

To extend the momentum generated at the conference, Natasha and Yolanda are excited to announce the launch of the Supernova Parenting Community. This membership-based initiative aims to offer a safe and supportive environment for parents and caregivers to continue their growth as conscious parents.

Membership is available for as little as $5 a month via Patreon, making it accessible for all families seeking support.

“We know that parenting can be a challenging journey, especially when navigating neurodivergence and mental health issues,” Yolanda Walker added. “Our goal is to build a community where parents feel seen, heard, and supported. We hope you’ll join us in this vital work.”

For more information about the Supernova Parenting Community and to sign up for membership, please visit supernovaparenting.org