Restore The Fourth: Massive 4th Of July Protest Planned Against NSA Spying Program

A Restore the Fourth movement has led plans for mass protests on the 4th of July to speak out against surveillance carried out by the National Security Agency.

The Restore the Fourth movement refers to the US Constitution’s fourth amendment guaranteeing freedom from unwarranted searches and seizures. Group organizers said they want to end the “unconstitutional surveillance” being carried out by the NSA against American citizens as well as foreign nations.

The program was uncovered through whistleblower Edward Snowden, who gave a lengthy interview to the UK’s Guardian giving details of the program. Shortly afterward an Edward Snowden petition showed up on the White House’s We The People site, saying:

“Edward Snowden is a national hero and should be immediately issued a a full, free, and absolute pardon for any crimes he has committed or may have committed related to blowing the whistle on secret NSA surveillance programs.”

On its website, the Restore the Fourth movement makes demands of the government, noting that “blanket surveillance of the Internet activity and phone records of any person residing in the U.S. is prohibited by law and that violations can be reviewed in adversarial proceedings before a public court.”

The group is also calling for a special committee to investigate and report the extent of the NSA’s domestic spying program.

“Restore the Fourth aims to ensure that the will of the people is reflected in the government of the United States of America,” the group states. “This movement intends to bring an end to twelve years of Fourth Amendment abuses, and demonstrate the need for a return to the Constitution. All Americans should stand with them in this cause to protect the Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution.”

There are close to 100 protests planned for the 4th of July, with an interactive map published on the Restore the Fourth website detailing the locations.