Here is a PDF transcript of the president's speech on surveillance and national security today. Here's plaintext. Here's the New York Times' take on the speech. Here's a document of the Presidential Policy Directive on Surveillance.
Below, selected commentary from activists, journalists, and lawmakers on Twitter.
Obama's speech outlining NSA reforms never would've happened without Edward Snowden. The Espionage Act charges should be dropped immediately
— Freedom of the Press (@FreedomofPress) January 17, 2014
We must all remember that the very act of bulk collection of private data undermines Americans' constitutional rights pic.twitter.com/LmHo1xYTvu
— Ron Wyden (@RonWyden) January 17, 2014
Here's what my lede wd be: "In an unapologetic speech that never questioned the government's right to search through massive databases… 1/3
— Dan Froomkin (@froomkin) January 17, 2014
"…of ordinary Americans' personal data, President Obama made some notable but minor concessions to the public and international outrage… 2/3
— Dan Froomkin (@froomkin) January 17, 2014
"…sparked by former NSA contractor Edward Snowden's disclosures about surprisingly indiscriminate and invasive U.S. surveillance." 3/3
— Dan Froomkin (@froomkin) January 17, 2014
It's imperative to be vigilant- the normalization of bulk government collection of private data is NEVER okay
— Ron Wyden (@RonWyden) January 17, 2014
Obama: after 9/11, "our government engaged in enhanced interrogation techniques." Is that what they were?
— Glenn Greenwald (@ggreenwald) January 17, 2014
So let's imprison for decades he who enabled it RT @janinegibson Obama: "One thing I am certain of, this debate will make us stronger."
— Glenn Greenwald (@ggreenwald) January 17, 2014
Obama wants to protect "civil liberties of every American" but still wants to spy on millions of people without a warrant or probably cause
— Micah Lee (@micahflee) January 17, 2014
Where Does President Obama Stand on NSA Reform? Here's an easy to read @ACLU infographic:
http://t.co/v9NdwS2VGT
— NYCLU (@nyclu) January 17, 2014
After Obama's NSA-sop speech, compare it with Eisenhower's prophetic farewell address, given on this same day: https://t.co/iCNXj25lsY
— Quinn Norton (@quinnnorton) January 17, 2014
