Jack, this thread was already in existence; I decided to use it rather than starting a new one. I wanted to outline the broad powers given to the DHS after reading yet another news item bemoaning the fact that they globally gather and sift all electronically transmitted correspondence.

Posts in this and other threads seemed to give a very limited outline of the Department's coverage (taking over security-oriented functions of 22 government departments).

If this is old news to you, disregard the thread.