Would you let your parents or your boss make copies of all your email "just in case" they suspect something later? Why let the central government do it now?
Warrantless wiretapping is not news — but the scope of what our national protectors are up to keeps growing. Many reply, "I have nothing to hide, I'm not a terrorist, who cares?"
The problem is if they think they are not doing anything that’s wrong, they don’t get to define that. The central government does, the central government defines what is right and wrong and whether or not they target you. So, it’s not up to the individuals. Even if they think they aren't doing something wrong, if their position on something is against what the administration has, then they could easily become a target. — William Blinney, NSA whistleblower
Meet your shiny, new security state
The entire country is being monitored in ways never before possible, and never before allowed. In fact, what the government is doing is broadly considered to be illegal, unconstitutional, yet persists under President Obama's administration. Consider this important spotlight on the whole affair: NSA whistleblower William Binney, who recently won an award for risking and complicating his professional and personal lives to protect constitutional liberties:
Who cares?
Individuals don't get to decide whether they are targeted. Maybe you trust Obama, but who will sit in the oval office after him? Do we want these powers in place if the US is attacked again? There is an incredible degree of abuse possible.
Think about data security. Do you trust the government to consolidate not only personal details, but an archive of almost your entire digital life for all time?
The USA already has a history of targeting and interfering with legitimate political groups. Sound crazy? Martin Luther King himself was a target, and these programs are alleged to have played a role in crushing unions and organized labor. Read all about the little-known COINTELRPO operations of the FBI (1956-1971): "COINTELPRO tactics have been alleged to include discrediting targets through psychological warfare; smearing individuals and groups using forged documents and by planting false reports in the media; harassment; wrongful imprisonment; and illegal violence, including assassination... The FBI's stated motivation was "protecting national security, preventing violence, and maintaining the existing social and political order.""
What can you do?
Talk about it. This is the worst form of big government that should be ringing alarm bells across political aisles.
Write the White House and write your representative.
Don't take it.