“It’s important to recognize that you can’t have 100 percent security and also then have 100 percent privacy and zero inconvenience.” – George W. Bush President Barack Obama
If you haven’t been living under a rock for the past week, then you have heard the controversy surrounding the National Security Agency and its formerly confidential programs. Edward Snowden, a now unemployed government contractor, leaked secret, but legal NSA operations to British newspaper The Guardian in addition to The Washington Post. The first operation leaked entailed the surveillance of American phone records. Before you end up in complete uproar, they only collect data of numbers you have called. THE NSA IS NOT LISTENING TO YOUR PHONE CONVERSATIONS! The second leaked operation is called PRISM. PRISM collects data of foreign communication through the following US servers: Microsoft, Yahoo, Skype, Google, AOL, Hotmail, PalTalk, YouTube, FaceBook, and Apple. This operation doesn’t collect ANY data from Americans. Selected senators and congress members were made aware of these operations.These programs were implemented in 2006 under President George W. Bush citing the Patriot Act. Despite platforming against such policies during his election bid, President Barack Obama has continued these same policies only making more senators and congress members aware of the confidential programs. There are tons of irony in the criticism and appraisal. Republicans are hitting President Obama hard stating that such programs should not remain secret despite championing President Bush for such privacy invasions during his tenure. Many Democrats are applauding President Obama’s tough National Security approach despite criticizing President Bush for invasion of privacy. Nonetheless, NSA Director, Keith Alexander states that dozens of terrorist plots have been foiled due to these programs. He also adds that these leaks has made the US less safe because the enemies now know our capabilities. Snowden is said to be in hiding in China as government officials call for his prosecution.
“As you know, and I’ve pointed out many times, there have been approximately 100 plots and also arrests made since 2009 by the FBI. I do not know to what extent metadata was used or if it was used, but I do know this: That terrorists will come after us if they can and the only thing we have to deter this is good intelligence. To understand that a plot is being hatched and to get there before they get to us.” – Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif), Head of the Senate Intelligence Committee
“I’m a Verizon customer … I don’t mind Verizon turning over records to the government if the government is going to make sure that they try to match up a known terrorist phone with somebody in the United States.” – Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.)
“They are not looking at people’s names and they are not looking at content. But by sifting through this so-called metadata they might identify potential leads of people who might engage in terrorism,” – President Barack Obama
In my opinion, I do not mind these “invasions of privacy” if it is for National Security. Living in the District of Columbia and frequenting other major cities keeps me on edge and alert especially when riding the subway to work in the mornings. Even IF the NSA were listening to my calls and reading my emails I wouldn’t mind too much because I have nothing to hide. If they want to read and hear things one might or might not want (LOL) , then be my guest as long as it’s to keep America safe. Reading up on how 9/11 could’ve been prevented also aids my opinion on this matter. Now if you are constantly participating in illegal activities then I understand how this might anger you . I do feel that President Obama reneged on his promise to end such policies, but there are most likely facts to excuse his change of heart or campaign pledge. If you have an opposite opinion, I would love to hear it and feature it on the blog. Email: Aaron@lessonsfromhappyhour.com
For more information watch the following interview with former NSA Director, Gen. Michael Hayden:
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How Do You Feel?
-Aaron
