Democracy Gone Astray

Democracy, being a human construct, needs to be thought of as directionality rather than an object. As such, to understand it requires not so much a description of existing structures and/or other related phenomena but a declaration of intentionality.
This blog aims at creating labeled lists of published infringements of such intentionality, of points in time where democracy strays from its intended directionality. In addition to outright infringements, this blog also collects important contemporary information and/or discussions that impact our socio-political landscape.

All the posts here were published in the electronic media – main-stream as well as fringe, and maintain links to the original texts.

[NOTE: Due to changes I haven't caught on time in the blogging software, all of the 'Original Article' links were nullified between September 11, 2012 and December 11, 2012. My apologies.]

Sunday, June 23, 2013

Nancy Pelosi Booed, Heckled Over Edward Snowden, NSA Comments At Netroots Nation 2013

SAN JOSE, Calif. -- House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) drew vocal backlash Saturday for her answers to questions about National Security Agency data surveillance and whistleblower Edward Snowden.

Speaking at a gathering of progressive activists at Netroots Nation, Pelosi weighed in on recent controversy over domestic spying, claiming it was unfair to label this President George W. Bush's "fourth term." She argued that Democrats had brought increased oversight to the NSA programs by giving Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Courts -- or FISA courts -- a role in the process.

As she spoke about the need to "balance" privacy and security, a man stood and yelled, "it's not a balance, it makes us less safe." The man continued to decry "secret courts," and staffers began to escort him from the room.

Pelosi said it was fine for him to stay, but the man was eventually ejected. On the way out, some members of the audience began to shout at the staffers to "leave him alone."

The conversation then shifted to Snowden, who on Friday was charged with espionage over his leaking of classified documents to media outlets.

Pelosi said that Snowden "did violate the law in terms of releasing those documents," a remark that elicited boos and yells throughout the ballroom. One man screamed, "You suck!"

Earlier this month, Pelosi said she thought Snowden should be prosecuted for his role in the leaks.

As the discussion continued Saturday, Pelosi faced an impromptu question from an attendee who said we shouldn't be outsourcing national security. The California Democrat said she agreed, drawing applause.

While Pelosi eventually won the crowd over, she faced a number of aggressive questions on issues such as immigration reform and drones as she departed the venue.

Original Article
Source: huffingtonpost.com
Author:  Nick Wing 

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