While not directly related to the War on Photography, we nevertheless find this story disturbing because of the actions the government has taken to virtually beat bloggers into submission. Apparently the government was not happy that a bloggers, including a Travel Writer, were able to obtain an internal document outlining certain new security measures.

In one case:

Elliott, from Winter Springs, Fla., said TSA agents had showed up at his house, demanding that he reveal who leaked the security directive that followed a Christmas Day attack on a Detroit-bound airliner. The directive included security measures that quickly became apparent to many travelers.

The administrative subpoena – a demand for information issued without a judge’s approval – is a civil, not a criminal document. If Elliott refuses to comply, the TSA could ask a judge to hold the writer in contempt.

Another blogger was threatened with losing his job and forced to surrender his computer:

[the blogger] met with two TSA special agents Tuesday night at his Connecticut home for about three hours and again on Wednesday morning when he was forced to hand over his lap top computer. Frischling said the agents threatened to interfere with his contract to write a blog for KLM Royal Dutch Airlines if he didn’t cooperate and provide the name of the person who leaked the memo.

Instead of going through proper legal channels, securing subpeonas and giving bloggers sufficient time to contact attorneys to challenge those subpeonas, the government is resorting to threatening people’s livelihoods, and depriving them of their property without due process. Where is the so-called CHANGE we voted for? The constitution is being ripped to shreds by this government and we the people are allowing it to happen.

Story here

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