An NSA lawyer said that Internet companies targeted by Prism knew about that, just not under the name "Prism".

This is a minor detail, and so is the question of whether a jury-rigged scheme of laws "authorizes" these surveillance schemes. All that really matters is that it's too much surveillance for democracy to coexist with.

The Great American 'Toxic Chemical' Experiment.

The NRA is not satisfied with opposing gun regulation; it is blocking the nominee for Surgeon General because he agrees with most Americans on gun control.

The Surgeon General plays no role in writing or enforcing gun regulations. I speculate that the NRA has taken the opportunity to pressure Democratic senators as a way to teach them obedience.

Haiti Is Not For Sale.

Iraq is considering a law to attack women's rights.