"I have nothing to hide, so what if they listen"...

[rabies1]

I hear this all the time.
If you believe this notion, should just imagine yourself at home and mentioning to a guest or house member that you think the president's an idiot. Next thing you know, Blackwater is at your door and you're being taken away because you're an 'enemy combatant'.
Imagine arguing with your children and having them taken away from you because of something they see as unfit parenting.
Where will it stop?
You think this can't happen?
They can't make a mistake?
They can't go too far?

[PDJane]

1. No. I don't.

This is the tactic of a fascist government. The government can and will come after ordinary citizens for the most innocuous of remarks. That's the name of the game.

[PATRICK]

2. I also hear

Watch what you say on DU! People instinctively know what WILL land them in hot water. they don't think about vice or crime. They think about being politically faceless or submissive the way this law intends.

[sutz12]

3. "Oh, I would never do that!"

:sarcasm:

[Ganja Ninja]

4. When someone says that just ask them back ..

If George W Bush has nothing to hide then why is he not complying with the Presidential Records Act?

[Mike03]

5. Yup, I hear this

from a member of my own family who probably ought to fear that her conversations are listened in on.

[Deep13]

6. Well, that is a nice, servile point of view, Mr. Slave.

Watching someone is a form of intimidation by itself.

I do have something to hide: my privacy. It is none of the govt's business what I read, watch, say or who my friends are. They are not my mommy and I am not a child. Treating citizens like children is a characteristic of totalitarian states.

My quick response: I'm not doing anything wrong when I take a dump, but I still shut the door.

[CT_Progressive]

7. This is how you nail these bastards.

Really? Nothing to hide?

OK, how big is your penis? Tell me, you have nothing to hide, right?
What position does your wife like to get fucked in? Tell me, you have nothing to hide, right?
What illnesses or maladies do you have? I want to pass the info along to your health insurance company to be sure they charge you the right rate. Tell me, you have nothing to hide, right?
Any erectile dysfunction in your past? Tell me, you have nothing to hide, right?
Any members of your family ever been arrested? Tell me, you have nothing to hide, right?
Any members of your family homosexual? Tell me, you have nothing to hide, right?
Any members of your family have any medical issues? Tell me, you have nothing to hide, right?
What kind of porn do you watch? Tell me, you have nothing to hide, right?

If you have the nerve to do this to someone face to face, they will never EVER say "I have nothing to hide" ever again.

[bigscott]

8. LOL

this one made my day - how about

how much money do you make?

[Dr.Phool]

10. How about an opt out program.

I can go on a list that says I can't be wiretapped. And all these other people, who "Have nothing to hide", can be wiretapped.

[tulsakatz]

9. and there is another possible outcome.......

...let's say they've been listening to you and something you've said has perked their interest but instead of arresting you, they keep listening to see if they can get more info out of you.

Theoretically, they could be listening to you for years, gathering information without you knowing it. By then, they could have a lot of damaging evidence....even a law abiding citizen would not look good!

It reminds me of a quote from CSI where Catherine said to a suspect, 'we put you under a microscope. Up that close, no one looks good.'

[Vilis Veritas]

11. And the point is...

Fear.

To make us afraid. To comply by inaction.

Speak without FEAR.

No Fear.

[Vilis Veritas]

12. No Fear.

Period.