[cripplecreek]

Our Constitution -- and any definition of a legitimate government -- requires the state to protect its citizens from threats such as foreign terrorism.

Terrorists could rent every billboard the full length of I-80 and advertize an impending attack 6 months ahead of time and our "intelligence" agencies would still miss it. They're so stupid they could throw themselves at the ground and miss.

[Hugin]

The nature of all government is to grow itself until it controls everything.

[MeganC]

Sorry. You lost me here. If the argument that everything in my email can be read by the government then so can my actual mail. And then we move on to the idea that ‘if you have nothing to hide’ then you won’t mind periodic random and warrantless searches of your home, car, or person, right?

I support less government and that also means less police at all levels coupled with less police presence in my life.

Knowing that every single post I put on FR is added to my Social Networking Analysis Profile (SNAP) at the NSA pisses me off.

[jeffc]

Bottom line: the database will be used by those in power to remain in power through intimidation. That's why it is wrong.

End of story.

[gdani]

I've never been a fan of Goldberg's writing. This article reminds me why.

There are plenty of people concerned about the NSA, privacy of health records, gun registries, etc - all of it.

There are some who are less concerned with some of this stuff but more concerned about other aspects.

I don't think the solution is to insult or alienate them by calling them "hypocrites". I think the answer is to see it as a teachable moment and explain to them how it is all part of the same macro problem.

But that requires actual work, not simply writing a "holier-than-thou" column.

[In Another Time...]

Lucy’s son needs to get a grip.

I dont want the government forcing me to buy healthcare, storing my medical information, or spying on me in the name of The War on Terror, or whatever.

Referencing a couple libs on Slate to tar people who believe in limited government is a pure hack move.

[Sam Gamgee]

What I notice is this very issue is crossing ideological lines. Some conservatives are appalled at the level of snooping while others argue that it is necessary to protect against terrorism. Some liberals support it out of knee jerk Obama love, but other liberals see those liberals as hypocrites, since they blamed GW Bush for monitoring overseas conversations.