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xaq_the_aereonThat's pretty much what's being weighed on this little case the ACLU is raising about something known as the Multistate Anti-Terrorism Information Exchange, alias the Matrix (insert Neo/Smith joke of choice here.) (And here. You know you've got at least 2 of 'em.)
The ACLU is saying that this program, which is reportedly designed to give law enforcement agencies quick access to readily available info on suspects, is far too much like a program the Pentagon tried to initiate but dumped due to privacy outcries. Their support for their claims include several documents acquired through the Freedom of Information Act, including records of a meeting between the FBI, INS, DEA, LMNOP, EIEIO (...okay, ignore the last two.), and the Secret Service where they were allegedly aiding in the design of data-mining software for the Matrix program.
Now here's my question: What would you rather have:
Protection from psychotic criminals, terrorists, and the like in exchange for people who really don't give a shit about your personal life having access to it
OR
Having all your little secrets to yourself while you're down at the shopping mall getting blown to bits by a psychopath with 20 pounds of C4 strapped to his waist?
Personally, I'll take the safety of the masses over the privacy of the few any day. I suppose being in the military it's my nature to prefer to protect America's people rather than their private lives...but I also stand by this little bit of truth in life: The only people who want their private lives hidden are those with something to hide...
...and personally, among that crowd are a number of people I'd want the law enforcement agency to be keeping an even bigger eye on.
So, I guess what I'm basically saying is that the ACLU can STFU.
...That's it.
The ACLU is saying that this program, which is reportedly designed to give law enforcement agencies quick access to readily available info on suspects, is far too much like a program the Pentagon tried to initiate but dumped due to privacy outcries. Their support for their claims include several documents acquired through the Freedom of Information Act, including records of a meeting between the FBI, INS, DEA, LMNOP, EIEIO (...okay, ignore the last two.), and the Secret Service where they were allegedly aiding in the design of data-mining software for the Matrix program.
Now here's my question: What would you rather have:
Protection from psychotic criminals, terrorists, and the like in exchange for people who really don't give a shit about your personal life having access to it
OR
Having all your little secrets to yourself while you're down at the shopping mall getting blown to bits by a psychopath with 20 pounds of C4 strapped to his waist?
Personally, I'll take the safety of the masses over the privacy of the few any day. I suppose being in the military it's my nature to prefer to protect America's people rather than their private lives...but I also stand by this little bit of truth in life: The only people who want their private lives hidden are those with something to hide...
...and personally, among that crowd are a number of people I'd want the law enforcement agency to be keeping an even bigger eye on.
So, I guess what I'm basically saying is that the ACLU can STFU.
...That's it.