Should U.S. Phone Companies be Shielded from Lawsuits from the Surveillance Act?

Ahoog69 · #1 (**permalink**) 06-20-2008, 11:56 AM

Here is one article relating to the recent renewal of the Surveillance Act: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080620/...t_surveillance

On one hand, the goverment wants to protect the phone companies from its own citizens to get the phone companies to cooperate in handing over call information from the citizens it's trying to protect!

On the other hand, citizens expect constitutionally-protected privacy in their day-to-day affairs, including their phone conversations. And now it would appear that any comfort they had in knowing that their line could not be tapped without a warrant has all but evaporated.

So, privacy and freedom of association versus national security. Your vote and your thoughts?

BigRed · #2 (**permalink**) 06-20-2008, 01:27 PM

Privacy and Freedom will always trump this illusion of "safety" that politicians play up.

Sadistic-Savior · #3 (**permalink**) 06-20-2008, 01:49 PM

If you want the government to protect us from threats, you have to give them the tools they need to do it.

If you refuse to give them the tools they need to do their job, dont whine and point fingers at them when the next 911 happens. You cant have it both ways.

BigRed · #4 (**permalink**) 06-20-2008, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sadistic-Savior

If you want the government to protect us from threats, you have to give them the tools they need to do it.

If you refuse to give them the tools they need to do their job, dont whine and point fingers at them when the next 911 happens. You cant have it both ways.

Good time for a Benjamin Franklin quote:

"Those that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety."

Nonetheless, you can protect the American citizens from threats abroad without being detrimental to Americans liberties.

Sadistic-Savior · #5 (**permalink**) 06-20-2008, 01:53 PM

I dont recall electing Ben Franklin to represent me.

Ben didnt have to worry about the kinds of threats we have to worry about today. So I really dont give a dаmn about what he has to say on this issue.

BigRed · #6 (**permalink**) 06-20-2008, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sadistic-Savior

I dont recall electing Ben Franklin to represent me.

Ben didnt have to worry about the kinds of threats we have to worry about today. So I really dont give a dаmn about what he has to say on this issue.

Then debate me on what I have to say because I said something that wasn't attributed to Mr. Franklin.

People want to act like 9/11 changed the world. It may have introduced us to a war that we were about a decade or so late on, but it does not change liberty. Nothing will ever change liberty and if you think anything does or that liberty should be minimized for any reason, you were never a fan of liberty in the first place.

Sadistic-Savior · #7 (**permalink**) 06-20-2008, 02:04 PM

What is there to debate? You're entitled to your opinion. You believe that they can do their job handcuffed. I dont.

The Franklin quote is a copout...even you believe that compromises are sometimes necessary for security. Or are you in favor of completely removing customs at our borders? Its just a matter of degree. And I dont agree with you as to where you choose to draw the line.

BigRed · #8 (**permalink**) 06-20-2008, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sadistic-Savior

What is there to debate? You're entitled to your opinion. You believe that they can do their job handcuffed. I dont.

The Franklin quote is a copout...even you believe that compromises are sometimes necessary for security. Or are you in favor of completely removing customs at our borders? Its just a matter of degree. And I dont agree with you as to where you choose to draw the line.

We all have opinions. Duh.

The point is to debate them. That is what we are here for.

submarinepainter · #9 (**permalink**) 06-20-2008, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigRed

Privacy and Freedom will always trump this illusion of "safety" that politicians play up.

I will have to agree with you Red the government is not allowed to spy on its citizens period but foreigners are another story.

Sadistic-Savior · #10 (**permalink**) 06-20-2008, 02:10 PM

Quote:

We all have opinions. Duh.

Its impossible to disprove an opinion. Duh.

If there are issues or facts you'd like to debate, let me know.

View Poll Results: Should U.S. Phone Companies be Shielded from Lawsuits from the Surveillance Act?
Yes - National Security Trumps Privacy	9	39.13%
No - Unless the Citizen Signs a Waiver	14	60.87%
Voters: 23. You may not vote on this poll

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Frivolous Lawsuits	Makedde	Humor & Satire	28	06-03-2008 12:30 AM
8 to 1 Supreme Court Decision Regarding Medical Lawsuits	JP5	Current Events	38	02-22-2008 02:27 PM
EDWARDS wants to limit frivolus lawsuits!!!	Blade	Political Opinions & Beliefs	12	10-02-2007 08:19 AM
The lawsuits backfired	pinniped	Elections & Campaigns	4	11-04-2004 12:48 PM
For those of you who are for limiting Mal-Practice Lawsuits	Demosthenes	Current Events	71	08-03-2004 04:15 AM