Professor Mark Brodin spoke to Bloomberg News on the erosion of protections since 9/11 after revelations in October that the USPS had allowed the tracking of some people’s mail. Here is a excerpt from his remarks:
“The revelation of yet another massive intrusion into our privacy as American citizens—this time by way of the US Postal Service—is extremely disturbing, yet not surprising in the new national security state… When we bank, or make a telephone call, or send a letter, and consequently convey information to the financial institution or phone company or USPS, that information is up for grabs by the government without the need for any judge’s approval.”