• Knowledge is Power
    4 replies, posted
In light of recent events regarding the NSA surveillance programs including PRISM, citizens of the United States have been presented with a conundrum, "is added security worth the freedoms lost?". Before trying to answer this question, one must attain both answers to the question: [u]Yes[/u] The consensus of the U.S. government ([url=http://www.businessinsider.com/prism-surveillance-poll-nsa-obama-approval-2013-6]and many of its citizens[/url]) has been that the infrastructure in place for many years has been successful in thwarting potential terror attacks while minutely violating our privacy. It has been ascertained that the data the NSA collects under PRISM is a wide sweep of phone records, emails, etc of non-U.S. citizens as much of the world's communications flow through the United States. It should be noted, however, that data of U.S. citizens are occasionally unintentionally collected. [u]No[/u] While support for PRISM is expansive, there is also a large opposition to it. The main argument has been that these broad sweeps of data not only violate our privacy as outlined in the 4th amendment, it also sets up architecture for abuse and may be broadened in the future. Many of those who are against PRISM proclaim that Edward Snowden (the man who leaked this information) is a hero for informing the public on these secret acts. Now I'd like to share with you some opinions from like-minded individuals from both sides. [quote] The U.S. became a country founded on treason and treachery when they turned on King George. So, in a country where that very act of treason is remembered as a heroic act of revolutionaries, and is praised ... how can we expect the descendants and offspring of those traitors to do anything but stand up for what they believe in, even if standing up would be an act of treason? That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.[/quote] [quote]It says that in the 4th amendment. We have the presumption of privacy and none of our communications (regardless of the method) or personal effects, our homes, etc. is subject to being searched by the government unless there is enough probable cause that someone has committed a crime to obtain a warrant. The government answers to us, not the other way around. When the government violates our rights instead of protecting them, we not only have the right to alter or abolish that government (see the Declaration of Independence), but we have the duty to do so.[/quote] [quote]These programs are within the law ...part of our obligation is keeping Americans safe ...Human intelligence isn't going to do it.[/quote] [quote]You can't have 100 percent security and then also have 100 percent privacy and zero inconvenience. You know, we're going to have to make some choices as a society.[/quote] Whatever the answer may be, it is critical to understand that knowledge is power for you and the basis of your freedoms, so one can only infer that ignorance is power for them and the basis of your slavery. The opportunity to decide what is right is a sacred right. So I leave you all with this: “Those who surrender freedom for security will not have, nor do they deserve, either one.” - Benjamin Franklin Stay informed.
I don't know why anyone would even bother supporting this If the Government wants to know me, I want to know the Government, simple.
Pretty much this [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSvVMGe5xQo[/media]
If having a backdoor system is necessary in any program means the FBI can access it at any time, it likely means any slightly less half-assed hacker can access it too. Thanks but no thanks, America has a too large influence on the rest of the world already [editline]17th June 2013[/editline] I also read somewhere that too much security and shit could've prevented the legislation of weed among various other things. It was an interesting read, but it was Dutch. I also forgot the link, unforunately.
^^^ Perfectly said.
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