Words from the web
Seeking to win back public trust, the Obama administration has been throwing around a lot of numbers as it tries to describe — in as much detail as possible without jeopardizing national security — the terror plots it says were thwarted by the government’s sweeping surveillance of U.S. communications. Do you think the programs are vital to detecting and stopping plots by terrorists? How willing are you to sacrifice your privacy in order to make the country safer? Would you feel differently if a Republican president was trying to make the same claim?
“Whether they are ‘vital’ to fighting terrorism is irrelevant. A wholesale invasion of the privacy of the American people cannot be justified. Benjamin Franklin said it well: ‘Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty or safety.’ What good is it to be safe from terrorists if we allow our government to terrorize us in the process?”
“Two words: ‘Patriot Act.’ I can’t understand why Obama is the mastermind behind this. It was passed in the Bush era. I hate the fact that we are constantly violated of our rights.”
“Our world changed on 911, unfortunately. The safety of our citizens is paramount to any other perceived right or privilege. If people are so worried about privacy, I don’t think many people will bother them in a coffin. Weigh it out? Use your own noggin? Critically think it through. How much is privacy worth if we are constantly looking over our shoulder waiting for the next Boston? I’ll give away some privacy for peace of mind. There is never any ‘get’ in life without some ‘give’… seems fair to enough to me. It didn’t bother me a bit when George Bush initiated it.”
“What’s the point of freedom? Are we going to be putting cameras in houses 20 years down the road to protect children from abuse? I’m tired of the government trying to act like people’s parents. Enough is enough. Also, I feel there is a huge liberal bias at the Herald-Standard with these posts.”
“The liberal Herald-Standard? You’ve got to be kidding me. Remember who they endorsed in the last presidential election. I’ll give you a clue. It wasn’t Obama.”
“Personally, I don’t have anything to hide. If they spy on me they are going to be really bored.”
“Anyone who is so worried about this should not be on Facebook. LOL!”
“You can’t stop them. If they want to spy on me, go ahead.”