I had replied to this thread days ago, but there's a disconnect between my NNTP server and this group. PAT, I don't care if you post my address. I have good spam filters. :-)
I am curious as to what people think of the issue of national security
> vs. privacy in light of the recent revelations.
I am staunchly against any wiretapping without a judicial warrant. I'm also quite concerned about the NSA having a database of our calls.
In the railroad and roads newsgroups, there was a discussion on the
> issue of the rights of photographers to take pictures of public works
> vs. the need for security of those works against terrorists. Some
> facilities (highway toll roads, transit agencies) do not allow
> photography from public safe locations which traditionally was a > absolute right.
I'm an avid scanner listener. I used to go to the airport with my scanner and stand on top of my van's roof and photograph airlines coming and going. The airport police would even pause while a plane was in my field of view so as to not block my picture. This was 1999 and 2000. I haven't even tried since 9/11 and don't plan to. Just not worth the hassle.
I myself aren't sure. I don't agree with either extremes--the govt
> must have some limitations on citizen spying and we must preserve our
> long existing rights, but the govt does need the power and ability to
> spy on potential terrorists to protect us.
The government seems to have a policy: people are no good. None of us can be trusted. I don't trust a government that doesn't trust me.
John Mayson Austin, Texas, USA