You Can't Opt Out: 10 NSA Myths Debunked

[marmar]

from TomDispatch:




You Can't Opt Out
10 NSA Myths Debunked

By Peter Van Buren


The debate Edward Snowden envisioned when he revealed the extent of National Security Agency (NSA) spying on Americans has taken a bad turn. Instead of a careful examination of what the NSA does, the legality of its actions, what risks it takes for what gains, and how effective the agency has been in its stated mission of protecting Americans, we increasingly have government officials or retired versions of the same demanding -- quite literally -- Snowden’s head and engaging in the usual fear-mongering over 9/11. They have been aided by a chorus of pundits, columnists, and present as well as former officials offering bumper-sticker slogans like "If you have nothing to hide, you have nothing to fear," all the while claiming our freedom is in direct conflict with our security.

It’s time to face these arguments directly. So here are ten myths about NSA surveillance that need debunking. Let's sort them out.

1) NSA surveillance is legal.

True, if perhaps you put “legal” in quotes. After all, so was slavery once upon a time in the U.S. and apartheid in South Africa. Laws represent what a government and sometimes perhaps even a majority of the people want at a given point in time. They change and are changeable; what once was a potential felony in Colorado is now a tourist draw.

Laws, manipulated for terrible ends, must be challenged when they come into conflict with the fundamental principles and morals of a free society. Laws created Nelson Mandela, the terrorist (whom the U.S. kept on its terror watch list until 2008), and laws created Nelson Mandela, the president.

........(snip)........

2) If I’ve done nothing wrong, I have nothing to hide. So why should I care about any of this?

Keep in mind that the definition of "wrong" can quickly change. And if you don't know what the actual law really is, how can you say that you know you have done nothing wrong? If you've got nothing to hide, post your social security number and credit card information online, leave your curtains open at night, and see how that sits with you.

In a larger sense, however, the very idea that “I've got nothing to hide” is a distraction. The Fourth Amendment guarantees a right to privacy. The Constitution does not ask if you want or need that right; it grants it to everyone, and demands that the government interfere with it only under specific circumstances. ......................(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.tomdispatch.com/post/175792/tomgram%3A_peter_van_buren%2C_we_have_to_destroy_our_constitution_to_save_it/#more

[woo me with science]

1. Important post. K&R

[marmar]

2. Thank you. I'm responding to your post just to engage in a shameless self kick.

[SomethingFishy]

3. Wow.. K&R for a great piece...

I like how the author shows exactly why certain things were put into the Constitution. The comments about the 4th amendment and the "writs of assistance" really define the need for the amendment. We need more of these "bottom line" explanations.

[hootinholler]

4. I'm surprised that the usual suspects haven't shown up

Something about 4 layers of protections!

Thank for posting this!

[nashville_brook]

6. +1

[riderinthestorm]

7. +2 nt

[riderinthestorm]

5. K&R times 1000. nt

[TroglodyteScholar]

8. K & R

[WillyT]

9. K & R !!!

[Th1onein]

10. GREAT article!

Thanks for posting!