General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: This is what hurts my brain a little bit. [View all]JDPriestly
(57,936 posts)I've explained this so many times. I'm really getting tired of having to re-explain and re-explain.
This program probably was conceived and partially created before Obama became president. It is a project of our overly paranoid national security administration.
Why is it dangerous to our country?
Because when people are under surveillance, they begin to notice it and they change their behavior. They become hesitant to do what I am doing now: criticize their government.
Reporters consider carefully whether they dare call someone with a story that is negative about the government or people who are close to the government (whether Monsanto's products harm your health is still uncertain, but Monsanto has a lot of positive contacts and power in the government, so think Monsanto as an example here) much less report news that will embarrass the government or cause it to be criticized.
When you ask people what they think about political issues, they will just turn away in silence.
Then one of your friends says, "Remember so-and-so. She was really smart and I like her, but her dad is on the 'Do not call' list so she will never get a good job."
How do I know about these things? Because I know what it was like in Eastern Europe when they had surveillance up the wazoo. That's how people acted.
And many people really wanted to leave. In fact, lots did. And sometimes families got together and decided who would leave and would sacrifice and stay to take care of mom and dad. In fact, some people wanted to leave so badly that if they knew how to fly airplanes, they stole them and flew to the West.
Do you think that couldn't happen here? Just let the government continue this kind of surveillance of phone records and you will find out. Once you find out, it will be too late for you.
Think this over. Please.