I just read this article on CNN.com:
http://us.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/11/11/terrorist.surveillance.ap/index.html
I am not sure what to do with what is going on in the area of “surveillance” and “intelligence gathering.” The issue is so politicized and those who would do anything to see George W. Bush fail have seized on the issue to try and make him seem as a “tyrant.”
I am not a Conspiracy Theorist. George W. Bush has been a hero of mine. I admire him. In spite of my own doubts about the war in Iraq I have backed him because I believe He is a man of integrity who is doing exactly what he says he is doing: trying to protect Americans and America’s vital interests.
But I am still concerned about a mentality presented by the Intelligence Official in the CNN article that doesn’t seem concerned with Government Eavesdropping. It will always be important to restrict government from seizing too much power. This is not going to change until the Perfect Government comes with the return of Jesus Christ. As it has been said “Power Corrupts.” It is human nature to think that “what I believe to be best for you is best for you! I am only doing this for your own benefit.” And power is thus grabbed.
I believe the current administration is attempting to look out for our interests, but we need to be very careful here.
It is normal to accept some things in the midst of a war that one would not accept at other times. It is one of the reasons that the Executive in our nation is the Commander in Chief of the armed forces. You can’t have 400 people on “top” in a war. But we must not let such thinking become a way of life. We need to be cautious and have some healthy concern about our “benevolent” government.
It is simple for me:
I am not a “Constitutional Expert” but I believe the Constitution should be able to be interpreted by the common man. No one should be searching anyone’s phone calls or emails unless it is reasonable. The text of the 4th Amendment goes on to talk about “probable cause” and “oaths.”
The only situation I can think of that could be an exception to getting a “warrant” beforehand is if there is a time urgency involved. In my opinion, if that is the case those taking the action should have to justify it later in court. For example, if intelligence is received of an imminent attack against the United States and a phone tap or something is immediately necessary, we should have carefully limited plans in our laws for action to be followed by Court Supervision. Accountability is essential here.
Even if that is allowed, however, it is crucial for our Enduring Freedom to maintain a mentality in our culture that is not easily given to allowing such things in the name of “National Security.” When we do allow it there should be a lot of common sense involved and great care taken to prevent abuse.
This post is only lightly scratching the surface of this issue. I would love to have your thoughts on the matter!
I am not really interested in “So-and-so is an idiot” and “the Illuminati” and all that. I am interested in intelligent comments in this valid discussion and debate.
We are in a “pickle” on this one. We need to have practical common sense to stop our enemies. We also need to maintain our freedom.