The only thing they will ever understand is starving the beast: Cut back on your internet/phone use.

[reformist2]

We can talk all we want about stopping the NSA from spying on us, but deep down we all know that is never going to happen. People don't want to hear it, but the only effective response is to starve the beast - stop giving them the data they so desperately want.

[JoePhilly]

1. I'd reply to your OP but I'm cutting back on my Internet use.

[reformist2]

2. LOL - Me too, right after this post.

[kentauros]

3. My next-to-worthless home DSL connection

seems to do that automatically, like it's part of the package

[hunter]

4. If anything, I'll increase my output. Fuck 'em.

The more people who do that, the better.

Be fearless and strong because the foul machine wants you to be fearful and weak.

[el_bryanto]

5. But is that practical?

Starving the beast does not have a proven track record of changing practices (with the apparent exception of Rush Limbaugh, who may be going down in flames).

I guess in this case, even if the beast remains alive and well, at least he won't be eating your information.

Bryant

[reformist2]

8. I'd say if we kept 50% of our lives offline, it would render their program useless.

Alternatively, we could all go on internet vacations, where we go entire weeks without posting.

[el_bryanto]

11. How would we coordinate that?

[reformist2]

15. I was just thinking aloud. No coordination - people should take internet breaks when they feel like

[Drale]

6. I do not want them looking at my records or listening to my phone calls but

I'm not going to let them dictate how I live my life. I'm not going to live in fear, always wondering if my phone call is being recorded or someone is following my browsing history. I will fight against it but its not going to change how I live.

[reformist2]

9. Your fight will be futile. And I think you know it.

[Drale]

16. Unfortunately yet but that doesn't mean I won't fight

[hlthe2b]

7. Sort of akin to fighting those who oppose health care reform & increasing $$ by not getting sick...

One hell of a lot of work for many professions is accomplished nowadays and only accomplished with the assistance of internet/cell phone and similar technologies.

Beyond the fact that we have other issues resulting from the continued dilution of the Bill of Rights... (and no, I'm NOT referring to the only damned amendment that some seem to care about and are willing to fight for, the 2nd).... sigh...

[Lex]

10. Most of my work day involves internet/phone use.

So no, I won't be cutting back because I like to be able to pay my house payment and buy groceries, that sort of thing.

[NiteOwll]

12. Or maybe overwhelm them with random data?

I always assume someone is listening when I talk on the phone. I talk about random topics and make random searches on the internet. I hope they're bored out of their minds listening to me.

[RevStPatrick]

13. Actually, I think the opposite approach might work better...

Use keywords like bomb and terror and target and jihad and NSA in every single communication.
Overwhelm them rather than underwhelm them.

Of course, I know that's not going to work either.

[Autumn]

14. That's kind of like fucking for virginity

[Shankapotomus]

17. Or give them too much ofwhat they want

If eveybody posts online they want to "bomb America" and other things it will beome meaningless.

Just like that old Paul Reiser routine: "It doesn't mean you're a big, fat, ugly, stupid guy. I'm just saying the words in that order"

[kestrel91316]

18. I think we should do the opposite. We should all pepper

all of our emails and phone conversations and texts and forum posts with hot button words like "bomb" and "jihad" and "kill" and whatever. If we all do it, they won't be able to gain info from snooping anymore and might stop.

[NickB79]

19. So, to combat an infringement on our freedom of speech

We *voluntarily* give up our freedom of speech?

WTF?!?