katratzi
Member
- Join Date
- Mar 2005
- Posts
- 210
I read Mr.Orwells book 1984 back in the late seventies. I thought it was and would always be fiction. Even at that young age, I never thought people would allow themselves to be stripped of their privacy/humanity like that. You can't imagine my shock at what is going on in this world today. The newer generations will have no concept of the sort of privacy my generation had. It is sad that they may never miss it.
One thing is very scary- when you hear the mindless comment that "I don't care if they listen to my sale phone coversations as long as they catch them terrorists", giving away a most treasured freedom by allowing a governing body to amass your life history, knowing EVERYTHING about you, even recording your every word you have spoken on a cell phone. Yes, "they" DO record all cell communications. I assume people may think that they are free from search, siezure and harrassment, etc., because they are law abiding "Americans" and they support whomever is currently in charge. I wonder if these people realize that should they for whatever reason (anonymous tip, maybe?) fall out of favor with their benevolent leaders that since their entire life is on file, any information about someone can be and probably will be used. Or altered to fit. Anyone know if there is a procedure in place to verify DNA test results?
Another scary thought. Herr Bush can have anyone imprisoned without charges or access to lawyer. The government does not even have to acknowledge your continued existance to family, friends anyone. Simply by branding you as an "enemy combatant."
Darn good way to rid oneself of those Clinton pests once and for all, no?
Seriously, plchacker hit the nail on the head when he stated:
"Law enforcement has been pushing a little harder every day."
This is true on all levels of law enforcement. Where I live I am amazed to see how well even two stoplight town police forces are equipped and organized, not to mention the officers attitudes toward just about any situation. It seems that if local law enforcement agrees to certain federal mandates they are allowed access to federal monies and supplies. I'll bet there are few if any who do not accept. I was asked to present my "papers please" a couple of months ago on my way home from work. Our state allows officers to set up a roadblock and stop drivers and ask for proof of identity and ownership of the vehicle. When I asked the young officer politely why he needed to stop a law abiding citizen such as myself, his reaction was incredible (to me) to watch. Hand went immediately to his belt, incredulous look on his face as he explained to me why I should respect his authority. I had to of course show my ID before I was allowed to continue home. I can hardly wait to see what is going to come in the next few years.
One thing is very scary- when you hear the mindless comment that "I don't care if they listen to my sale phone coversations as long as they catch them terrorists", giving away a most treasured freedom by allowing a governing body to amass your life history, knowing EVERYTHING about you, even recording your every word you have spoken on a cell phone. Yes, "they" DO record all cell communications. I assume people may think that they are free from search, siezure and harrassment, etc., because they are law abiding "Americans" and they support whomever is currently in charge. I wonder if these people realize that should they for whatever reason (anonymous tip, maybe?) fall out of favor with their benevolent leaders that since their entire life is on file, any information about someone can be and probably will be used. Or altered to fit. Anyone know if there is a procedure in place to verify DNA test results?
Another scary thought. Herr Bush can have anyone imprisoned without charges or access to lawyer. The government does not even have to acknowledge your continued existance to family, friends anyone. Simply by branding you as an "enemy combatant."
Darn good way to rid oneself of those Clinton pests once and for all, no?
Seriously, plchacker hit the nail on the head when he stated:
"Law enforcement has been pushing a little harder every day."
This is true on all levels of law enforcement. Where I live I am amazed to see how well even two stoplight town police forces are equipped and organized, not to mention the officers attitudes toward just about any situation. It seems that if local law enforcement agrees to certain federal mandates they are allowed access to federal monies and supplies. I'll bet there are few if any who do not accept. I was asked to present my "papers please" a couple of months ago on my way home from work. Our state allows officers to set up a roadblock and stop drivers and ask for proof of identity and ownership of the vehicle. When I asked the young officer politely why he needed to stop a law abiding citizen such as myself, his reaction was incredible (to me) to watch. Hand went immediately to his belt, incredulous look on his face as he explained to me why I should respect his authority. I had to of course show my ID before I was allowed to continue home. I can hardly wait to see what is going to come in the next few years.