> Killing the canary does actually reveal the order, which violates at least the spirit of Section 215.
Of course there's question as to whether the spirit of Section 215 is constitutional. It may be reasonable for the government to force you no to say something.
But can the government force you to knowingly make a false statement?
> But can the government force you to knowingly make a false statement?
No, but they can punish you for telling the truth. The fact that you'll be punished for lying does not negate the punishment for telling the truth, just as the fact that you'll be punished for telling the truth does not give you an excuse to lie.
They can do absolutely anything they want. There are no limits to their power; anything that is not within the bounds of the law can be done first, and then have the law written to permit it later.
There are no checks against their power-- no court, no congressional group, and no group of people is willing to regulate the "watchmen".
Not sure why you're being downvoted. The NSA & Co. are technically subject to the rule of law, but mostly all three powers of the state choose to turn a blind eye to their policing violating the Constitution.
This is the default state of affairs, and it only changes when there is strong public outrage and pressure for the government to do their damn job of watching over the watchmen. Which is seriously screwed up.
Of course there's question as to whether the spirit of Section 215 is constitutional. It may be reasonable for the government to force you no to say something.
But can the government force you to knowingly make a false statement?