Rest Easy! Obama WillContinue to Spy on You

Yesterday, yet another media manipulation operation was staged, and, once again, the media took the bait. Obama, as everyone knows, explained to Americans, and to the world, the United States government’s position.

It was a good speech, composed with wisdom. The ingredients? A pinch of regret: “I never believed in these methods.” The promise of reform: “We will limit wire-tapping.” The absolution of small mistakes made thus far: “Thanks to digital espionage, we have stopped many terrorists.” Finally, the re-assurance that the president is not lying, that he is a true American: “I am one of you.” With this, democracy is strengthened.

The result? An avalanche of re-assuring titles in the media: from Twitter, to Internet sites, radio and TV and ending with newspapers.

But is it really true? Of course not. “Datagate” should not be forgotten, like a little, venial sin, but, rather, represents a colossal, systematic and pervasive violation of constitutional rights and personal freedom. A slap on the wrist is not enough. This calls for a thorough investigation of who wanted, authorized and managed the operation. An investigation that Obama is, of course, not even considering.

On the contrary, a thorough reading of his speech reveals that its essence appears to be very different from what was announced: The experts’ recommendations have not been accepted, and the interceptions will continue as before. And, there is an extraordinary development that few media sources have noted: Intelligence agencies now have to obtain permission from a secret court before they can “fish” and utilize information contained in the mega-computer.

Get it? A secret court will be authorizing intelligence agencies! Needless to say, I am comforted … This is similar to an incident in 2002, when Bush announced the closure of the Office of Strategic Influence, an intelligence program that was the precursor to what we now call “Datagate.” The press praised the White House, which then assured the public, “We are not doing these things.” In reality, the program was not dismantled. Its name was simply changed—you can read more about this in my book, “Gli Stregoni della Notizia.”

How many times has the White House announced its withdrawal from Iraq and Afghanistan, or the closing of Guantanamo? In reality, everything has remained as it was before.

Everything will continue to remain as it was, even now. Don’t worry. Obama will continue to spy on your computers, your phone calls, your text messages and to influence your lives.

*Editor’s note: The quotes in this article cannot be verified but are translated correctly.