Secret Government source tells ABC News (as reported on their blog): Your cell phone calls are being tracked, for possible leads to information sources. Change out your cell phones.

I'd be surprised if news reporters and other associated with the media hadn't figured that out already. Those of us who watch action and suspense shows and movies would already be alert to watching our backs (and each others') in a situation.

A whistleblower or other source who takes action to oppose illegal or unethical actions by revealing information to the media needs to hold her/his courage in both hands. Look at the potential consequences: Discovery can mean loss of a job and possible legal consequences.

The actions by the NSA will certainly make potential whistleblowers think twice. And that could be the administration's intent here, to make would-be confidential sources hesitate before talking with reporters or even keep silent. It's clear from years of revenge-taking that the administration has no qualms about taking severe steps, not against the unethical or illegal actions that are exposed, but against those who reveal them to the light of day.

This is how totalitarian regimes gain and hold their power--through intimidation and fear, not through overwhelming numbers or impressive statistics.