I agree that security should be a #1 concern for our nations lawmakers and law enforcement agencies but to blindly allow them to enact laws allow systems that violate civil liberties would be foolish. With bills like the newly passed "Patriot Act" the public needs to be more alert than ever for covert actions from the government in the name of national security. Security is vital but we cannot allow law enforement to exclude itself from out countries system of checks and balances but circumventing the courts for things like wiretapping. These agencies don't stay honest with thier already extensive survalience powers out of the goodness of thier hearts it is public knowlage and judicial review that keep them in check. Surely there is nothing wrong with the public closely examining the laws and systems that effect each and every one of us.
We cannot give up the rights and way of life that we are fighiting so hard to protect.
Slashdot Mirror
I agree that security should be a #1 concern for our nations lawmakers and law enforcement agencies but to blindly allow them to enact laws allow systems that violate civil liberties would be foolish. With bills like the newly passed "Patriot Act" the public needs to be more alert than ever for covert actions from the government in the name of national security. Security is vital but we cannot allow law enforement to exclude itself from out countries system of checks and balances but circumventing the courts for things like wiretapping. These agencies don't stay honest with thier already extensive survalience powers out of the goodness of thier hearts it is public knowlage and judicial review that keep them in check. Surely there is nothing wrong with the public closely examining the laws and systems that effect each and every one of us. We cannot give up the rights and way of life that we are fighiting so hard to protect.