Podcast Audio for ATW Live on Monday: "Quiet Skies"
Aug 6, 2024
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Tulsi Gabbard, a former U.S. Congress member and political activist, discusses the bewildering surveillance she faces from Air Marshals under the Quiet Skies program. The conversation dives into privacy violations, government overreach, and the implications for civil liberties in a post-9/11 world. Gabbard highlights the media's failure to address critical political issues and warns about the dangers of biased narratives. The talk also touches on the evolving role of vice presidential candidates and challenges in discerning truth amidst a politically charged atmosphere.
The Quiet Skies program raises concerns about the surveillance of political figures like Tulsi Gabbard, potentially breaching civil liberties.
Surveillance powers established post-9/11 enable monitoring without clear evidence, fostering a system that could innocently ensnare individuals.
The current political climate and lack of media coverage allow invasive surveillance measures to thrive, influencing dissent and public discourse.
Deep dives
Tulsi Gabbard Under Surveillance
Tulsi Gabbard has reportedly been placed under surveillance by the Federal Air Marshals via a program known as Quiet Skies, which has been compared to a domestic terrorism watchlist. This has raised alarms regarding the implications of political figures being monitored without clear justification, especially given the context of her previous criticisms of the current administration. The program involves physical surveillance, including the presence of undercover air marshals and bomb-sniffing dogs following her at airports. The situation is particularly concerning as it signals a troubling trend in which political opposition may be targeted under the guise of security measures.
Concerns About Surveillance Powers
The discussion delves into the broader issues surrounding surveillance powers established in the post-9/11 era, which allow for monitoring without explicit evidence of criminal intent. The complexities of the current legal framework enable authorities to conduct surveillance based on perceived threats rather than verified actions, creating a system where innocent individuals can be ensnared in monitoring without any chance of redress. Past whistleblower complaints from air marshals highlight a growing discontent with how these powers are wielded, further illustrating the disconnection between the duties they signed up for and the assignments they are now given. These developments pose fundamental questions about civil liberties in contemporary America.
The Quiet Skies Program's Background
The Quiet Skies program has received criticism due to its alleged infringement on the privacy rights of American citizens who are not suspected of any crime. Historical reports indicate that thousands were monitored without any resulting criminal charges, raising further concerns over efficacy and ethicality in its implementation. The program, as confirmed by past media reports, relies on a combination of automated algorithms and behavioral observations to justify surveillance, further complicating public trust in its intentions. The lack of accountability for the program, with air marshals expressing concerns about being assigned to follow uncharged individuals, demonstrates a systemic issue within law enforcement agencies in regard to transparency and oversight.
Political Climate and Surveillance
The conversation explores how the current political climate enables surveillance programs to flourish, particularly when narratives are spun to justify such measures as necessary for national security. Participants note that a politician's or any individual's alignment with or opposition to the prevailing government can now influence their risk of surveillance, suggesting that this practice can disproportionately affect those with dissenting views. Additionally, the absence of mainstream media coverage on critical topics related to government surveillance raises questions about accountability and the public's right to knowledge. As such, the implications surrounding Gabbard's case reflect a broader erosion of civil liberties in an increasingly monitored society.
Future Implications of Surveillance Programs
The episode concludes with speculation on the future trajectory of surveillance in the United States, particularly as it relates to tensions surrounding the upcoming elections. The assembly of surveillance tools suggests a potential for increasingly invasive measures as governments seek to maintain control over dissent. Strategies likened to those used in various authoritarian regimes may soon emerge, particularly as political polarization intensifies around major national issues, such as economic crises and international conflicts. This puts the concept of civil liberties at risk, with concerns that a routine political dynamic could evolve into an environment of intimidation, stifling open discourse and opposition.
An update on a story that mainstream outlets seem to have decided not to touch, about Air Marshals being assigned to conduct surveillance on Tulsi Gabbard under the Quiet Skies program
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