Spying on American Troops?

Wow. I just read an article on CNN that got my blood boiling. The report is that the NSA used the Bush Administration's broad license to wiretap international calls to spy on American military officer's calls home. Forgive me if I don't trust the denials from the NSA saying that if they were personal conversations they were immediately deleted, but what reason do we have to trust what they say anyways?

Agree with me or not on the Bush wiretapping policies (see my previous posts) this is bad even for W. I cannot believe that the federal government would deem it ethical, moral, or its place to listen to the private converstaions of our military personell and their loved ones. Not only do we have our troops stuck in Iraq for who knows how long, but now we are giving them the ultimate slap in the face by violating their personal confidence and closest relationships.

I can't think of a better way for our federal government to say "thanks, but no thanks" for the ultimate sacrifice of these brave men and women who not only leave their families, but are risking their lives in the service of our country. I can only hope that people like you and I care enough to write our senators and representatives and let them know that this cannot stand.

Security vs. Privacy

An article by an Orlando news station cites the city's program of implementing high tech security cameras to attempt to reduce crime and give police a leg up on enforcement. While I believe that technology can be beneficial to law enforcement, I also get a little weary about this type of government intrusion into privacy. I have heard that those who are innocent have nothing to fear, but where do we draw the line? Wiretapping, email surveillance without warrants, warrant less searches, etc. are all forbidden by the Constitution. Maybe it's my libertarian leanings, or maybe it's just my love of personal freedoms, but I believe our government does not and should not have the power to monitor the actions of its citizens in public. One of the most basic powers of a government is the police power, but it is also one of the most volatile and easily abused, as seen by recent executive abuses. Those of you who read, feel free to disagree... I welcome debate. Let me know your reasoning, but I feel, like Jefferson, that our security is not worth sacrificing our freedoms.