Cross-posted at Immizen.com
Not to add more fuel to the fire but it seems that half of America does not agree with half of Daily Kos.
How come I am not surprised? As reported by the Pew Research center, back when Bush was doing the “illegal” surveillance of citizens a lot more Democrats and Independents were worried about it, but Republicans were fine with it. Now that Obama is doing the “legal” surveillance of citizens data, 23% fewer Republicans like it, but still about half of them support it, yet 27% more Democrats support the program.
The question is how many principled people do not change their stand depending on who is running the government? It is probably the same people who distrust those running the government, be it one side or the other. Or those who fear that "Big Brother is Watching You" is the new reality.
Well, I think it is here already, but I can't seem to get scared, just annoyed. A week ago I received my first red light camera traffic ticket in the mail. Hey, I don’t remember crossing that intersection during a red light, but the photo evidence shows I did, the camera was watching me. I would like to fight it based on my civil liberties, but guess what? Unless the photo was doctored I did commit a minor “infraction” that cost me $160 and I guess that is what surveillance is all about. Crack down on crimes. If people, and I mean human beings, would never think about doing bad stuff, we would not need surveillance, police or red light cameras. When we think we can get away with something only those with strong moral values will chose to do what is right and legal, but many will not. (Disclaimer: some are unaware they are breaking a law - I do stop at red lights, but was probably distracted while texting, uploading a video, listening to NPR, drinking coffee and plucking my eyebrows)
The question is not to say no to surveillance. The question is where to draw the line.