Well, you're getting slammed for it, but I'd like to thank you for the post. I'm always amused but ultimately saddened when Americans preach about rights. They don't seem to understand that there are actually no such things as "rights" and "civil liberties" and that those are just abstract beliefs made real by common subscribers. Interestingly, the attacks mostly seem to warn of "rights being taken away" or similar, and so very few seem to grasp that these surveillence tools are designed to stop those who violate our common American beliefs. I, for one, support the limited use of tools like these (and limited use means proper oversight, regular reviews,etc.). But then again, I've read my history, travelled to many other countries, and been a part of American law enforcement. I know what lurks in the shadows, and I know what will happen if we argue rights and civil liberties until we think we're invincible. What was that little event that happened a while back? 9/11? Gosh, we should sue them for violating my inalienable right not to be hit with a jet. That'll show 'em......
Slashdot Mirror
Well, you're getting slammed for it, but I'd like to thank you for the post. I'm always amused but ultimately saddened when Americans preach about rights. They don't seem to understand that there are actually no such things as "rights" and "civil liberties" and that those are just abstract beliefs made real by common subscribers. Interestingly, the attacks mostly seem to warn of "rights being taken away" or similar, and so very few seem to grasp that these surveillence tools are designed to stop those who violate our common American beliefs. I, for one, support the limited use of tools like these (and limited use means proper oversight, regular reviews,etc.). But then again, I've read my history, travelled to many other countries, and been a part of American law enforcement. I know what lurks in the shadows, and I know what will happen if we argue rights and civil liberties until we think we're invincible. What was that little event that happened a while back? 9/11? Gosh, we should sue them for violating my inalienable right not to be hit with a jet. That'll show 'em......