Originally Posted by
DVPGSR
Mellow,
While I agree in principle with what you are saying it is a sad reality today that there will need to be certain measures taken that limit our freedoms. Today there are many things that are limited that we take for granted everyday. Speed limits, not smoking in public buildings, not being able to go topless at the beach are just some of the more ordinary ones. When it comes to safety we need to go through elaborate metal detectors with our shoes off to get onto a plane. Sure it is a hassle but it is a way to protect everyone. Even today my wife and son flew to Buffalo and they almost did not let her on with milk (our son is 2) even though formula was ok. the eventually let her through with it but he still had to take his shoes off.
I view the listening of phone conversations or the monitoring of back transactions to/from known terrorists part of that policy. This is something that will never affect me and is not something I am going to get upset over...atleast any more than having to take my shoes off at the airport to go through security.
I understand that we will never have some freedoms (like you said, speed limit, et cetra). The question is where the line is drawn. I clearly draw the line before you do. There is nothing wrong with that and it is just a difference of opinion. I am just hoping you understand why I oppose such measures, even if we disagree.
Where this line is drawn is obviously one of the biggest issues in politics today. As you know, there are two extremes (for lack of better terms, we will just call them liberal and conservative). They pull each other into moderation. Because of this, even though I disagree with conservatives, I would never wish them gone. That is the beauty of our government. Changes come slow and in moderation. The disagreement and strife in politics today just shows how healthy it is. Disagreement is when democracy shines. It has kept our system going for 200 years now, and it will continue to work in the future.
That is why I participate in these discussions. They just make me supremely happy that people CARE enough to argue. That and I can not vote yet...