Eavesdropping

Even the walls have ears.  -- Ancient Proverb

   "You can't eavesdrop," said the lawyer on the street corner as he talked with his client.
   "There are no eaves on the street," replied a bystander. "If you want privacy, go to a private place. Besides, what makes you think I care?"

   A corporate executive let loose some stinging comments in the outer office, which were heard by a reporter who happened to be chatting with the staff.
   When the reporter called later for context, the executive said, "You can't use that; I thought you were one of the secretaries."
   "You thought wrong," said the reporter. "It was a public place, you said it, I heard it, and therefore I can use it."

   What makes officials oblivious to the idea that loud conversation in a railway car, for example, can be heard five rows away? 
   That happened last week to a high government official whose comments were heard by another passenger, who then transmitted them to the world via his mobile device. What's more, one would expect that the official, formerly with the CIA and the National Security Agency, would know better, especially since many security operatives are borderline paranoid anyway.
   
  Keep in mind that loud talking in a public place can be heard and forwarded by anyone. And with today's mobile devices, what is said can go worldwide instantly.