Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

busterbrown

(8,515 posts)
Wed May 21, 2014, 03:34 AM May 2014

The Frontline documentary on the NSA just finished up..

I feel Snowden made a brave decision to bring this incredibly important story into the limelight..

If one feels that protecting all our constitutional rights to privacy might jeopardize the security of our nation....and is good with this..then he/she should not complain about these infringements..

If one feels that there should be absolutely no infringements on our constitutional rights... then that person must be prepared not to change his mind if there is another national emergency such as 911..

If you guys believe that if a massive intrusion of privacy such as the one that was detailed in tonights program could have prevented 911, would you support this spying program perpetrated by our govt.in collusion with our private communication corporations in todays world...??

Obviously millions have died defending our concept of citizen privacy...But in this period of history it would take only one suit case and a couple of suicidal nuts to reek incredible damage on our country. Completely different circumstance than even 75 years ago...

I’m torn between the two suppositions...

9 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
The Frontline documentary on the NSA just finished up.. (Original Post) busterbrown May 2014 OP
I live in more fear of the NSA and local police than Live and Learn May 2014 #1
Terrific programing JonLP24 May 2014 #2
Thanks, but I had already attempted to watch it. Live and Learn May 2014 #5
Just read Greenwald book... Helen Borg May 2014 #3
Finished it today. Absolutely riveting. Luminous Animal May 2014 #7
Yup, same here! Helen Borg May 2014 #8
A Third Possibility freedom fighter jh May 2014 #4
Didn't they tell the president something was up before 9/11? We obviously had some YOHABLO May 2014 #6
8/6/2001: "Bin Laden determined to strike..." KurtNYC May 2014 #9

Live and Learn

(12,769 posts)
1. I live in more fear of the NSA and local police than
Wed May 21, 2014, 04:55 AM
May 2014

I do of a terrorist attack. Not that I believe one can't happen, especially since our policies tend to invite them, but because, as proven time and time again, unregulated power does corrupt and that is what we are living under now.

Live and Learn

(12,769 posts)
5. Thanks, but I had already attempted to watch it.
Wed May 21, 2014, 05:31 AM
May 2014

The truth is, I somehow knew this instinctively (or through living and learning the past decades) and can't bear to watch it.

It really sickens me how willing so many are to give up the few rights to privacy we actually have and how few realize the dangers of it (thinking they have nothing to hide) even though history proves them wrong.

Helen Borg

(3,963 posts)
8. Yup, same here!
Wed May 21, 2014, 05:54 AM
May 2014

I spent the last couple of days reading it. I had also read the other book that came out just before his. This one, obviously, has more insider's info. Now, you read articles such as this one in the NYT: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/21/business/us-snooping-on-companies-cited-by-china.html and you understand the background much better.

freedom fighter jh

(1,782 posts)
4. A Third Possibility
Wed May 21, 2014, 05:21 AM
May 2014

We are in real danger of terrorism. But the infringements on our rights are not motivated at mitigating that danger, nor are they likely to do so. Terrorism is just an excuse for government to impose totalitarian measures. We do need protection from terrorism. But violation of our rights is not the way to protect us.

 

YOHABLO

(7,358 posts)
6. Didn't they tell the president something was up before 9/11? We obviously had some
Wed May 21, 2014, 05:34 AM
May 2014

security apparatus in place. It could have been prevented. We didn't have to have a massive intrusion of privacy. We needed leadership. We needed competence.

Latest Discussions»General Discussion»The Frontline documentary...