Sonny Clark
Diamond Member
- Banned
- #1
[ This is a piece that I wrote on 5/5/2006. In my opinion, it's still relevant today. ]
Privacy Is A Moot Issue
The war on terrorism has seemingly given our government carte blanche when it comes to removing citizens’ right to privacy. The government is now using the threat of “terrorists’ acts”, and the guise of national security to invade citizens’ privacy. Since we’ll “forever” live under the threat of a terrorist attack, the government can use this excuse “forever”. What this means is that citizens’ right to privacy is a thing of the past, it’s gone.
The “usual and customary” grounds, for which the invasion of privacy was permitted, are now superceded by national security concerns related to terrorism. How can we gain the right to privacy through war, and lose that right without a war? Did we just roll over and let our right be taken away without a fight?
It is believed by many that our constitution was, and has been, misinterpreted on this issue, as well as on other important issues. If the constitution is not the basis, the foundation for which we get our rights, then where do they come from? Surely our government can’t give and take them with each new administration or with each new military engagement on foreign soil. Where is the point at which we refuse to give up the basic right to privacy?
The main point here is not so much our right to privacy, but our rights in general. Who is the guardian of our rights, and should those rights be protected from alteration and amendment if not to make them more powerful in meaning? If we abandon the very principles intended to govern our nation, then what form of government would we live under? This would certainly not be a country in which citizens would be allowed to exercise the right of free speech.
If by using fear, we can justify giving up basic rights, then shouldn’t the fear of a society without those rights be just as frightening? Fear of an attack by terrorists could be used to justify almost any steps taken by our government, all in the name of national security. The constitution could be ignored, by-passed, and purposely misinterpreted if our government is allowed to stand on the belief that unrestricted executive power is justified during times of global unrest.
Why now? The threats to our security are not new, by any means. Although one could argue that it’s a new kind of threat, removing or bypassing certain rights doesn’t guarantee an attack won’t happen. We’re seeing an administration hell-bent on complete control. We’re seeing a power game in Washington, the likes this nation has never seen. It’s amazing that more attempts to undermine and alter the constitution haven’t been made during the past five years.
Information relating to internet activity, cell phone use, home phone use, personal mail in your home mail box, along with your bank accounts and credit card activity can be monitored. Also, social clubs and organizations you belong to, religious events and functions you attend, and special training schools you may attend are all subject to government monitoring and access. Uncle Sam is watching.
Our rights molded and gave character to this nation, why not hold them dear and protect them? We, the citizens of this country, have an obligation to ensure those rights given to us, will be here for future generations. The only power that should be in Washington is the power of the people, period. The only way to protect our rights is to make sure those in Washington understand that their power comes from us, you and I.
Privacy Is A Moot Issue
The war on terrorism has seemingly given our government carte blanche when it comes to removing citizens’ right to privacy. The government is now using the threat of “terrorists’ acts”, and the guise of national security to invade citizens’ privacy. Since we’ll “forever” live under the threat of a terrorist attack, the government can use this excuse “forever”. What this means is that citizens’ right to privacy is a thing of the past, it’s gone.
The “usual and customary” grounds, for which the invasion of privacy was permitted, are now superceded by national security concerns related to terrorism. How can we gain the right to privacy through war, and lose that right without a war? Did we just roll over and let our right be taken away without a fight?
It is believed by many that our constitution was, and has been, misinterpreted on this issue, as well as on other important issues. If the constitution is not the basis, the foundation for which we get our rights, then where do they come from? Surely our government can’t give and take them with each new administration or with each new military engagement on foreign soil. Where is the point at which we refuse to give up the basic right to privacy?
The main point here is not so much our right to privacy, but our rights in general. Who is the guardian of our rights, and should those rights be protected from alteration and amendment if not to make them more powerful in meaning? If we abandon the very principles intended to govern our nation, then what form of government would we live under? This would certainly not be a country in which citizens would be allowed to exercise the right of free speech.
If by using fear, we can justify giving up basic rights, then shouldn’t the fear of a society without those rights be just as frightening? Fear of an attack by terrorists could be used to justify almost any steps taken by our government, all in the name of national security. The constitution could be ignored, by-passed, and purposely misinterpreted if our government is allowed to stand on the belief that unrestricted executive power is justified during times of global unrest.
Why now? The threats to our security are not new, by any means. Although one could argue that it’s a new kind of threat, removing or bypassing certain rights doesn’t guarantee an attack won’t happen. We’re seeing an administration hell-bent on complete control. We’re seeing a power game in Washington, the likes this nation has never seen. It’s amazing that more attempts to undermine and alter the constitution haven’t been made during the past five years.
Information relating to internet activity, cell phone use, home phone use, personal mail in your home mail box, along with your bank accounts and credit card activity can be monitored. Also, social clubs and organizations you belong to, religious events and functions you attend, and special training schools you may attend are all subject to government monitoring and access. Uncle Sam is watching.
Our rights molded and gave character to this nation, why not hold them dear and protect them? We, the citizens of this country, have an obligation to ensure those rights given to us, will be here for future generations. The only power that should be in Washington is the power of the people, period. The only way to protect our rights is to make sure those in Washington understand that their power comes from us, you and I.