Privacy is one of the most common forms of respect for an individual. The moment that someone’s privacy is breached is the moment that all respect and trust may be lost. What Edward Snowden has revealed to the people of the United States of America is that their government will take breaching and unconstitutional measures to protect this nation and to cover their mistakes.
It was midway through the Bush administration and at the beginning of the Obama presidency did these two entities agree to an invasion of U.S. people’s privacy. This occurred right after the attacks of 9/11 in sequence with the increase in TSA security. The government and NSA felt it was necessary to continue a program that was already in place but without the encryption that prevented them from tapping into people’s communication without a warrant. This made it unlawful and unconstitutional for the government to listen into and record any conversation between American citizens. Aware of this law, the government continued to act unethically.
Like many people, I have felt a sense of betrayal from those that are supposed to protectors of this nation. People of the free nation are entitled to their own privacy. Without confidentiality of personal information what makes a person feel secure. Like many criminal defense attorneys say, it is your right to say no to searches by authorities. It is recommended to exercise this right because even though you may have nothing to hide, the forces that searched your property may seize and accuse you of any illegal acts and items that they find without your knowing or doing. The government had overridden this right by opening a back door to the Internet and other forms of telecommunication. This brings to question, what real rights do we have?
We have many rights, but we have to let our government know that this is not ok. Chomsky says that protest is the way we get the government to pay attention. Sitting around and waiting for the government to change their ways will only allow us to turn back the clock. Vigilance is key, and you certainly have knowledge so you should be vigilant.
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