Code said:Things are moving the general direction of our collective society.
Meaning, we want to protect our freedoms, but aren't sure how to without limiting rights. Whether they are rights of non-citizens, convicts or honest citizens. We want to draw lines, but we want to be able to re-draw them when they make our lives different (not better or worse, simply different).
In the world I work in, higher security measures always equates to two certainties:
1.) Less personal control.
2.) More process and procedures.
Winston Churchill said it best, "If you want to make enemies, try changing something."
Tighter security controls and more accurate intelligence procedures always raise concerns about abuse and/or general use.
I'd suggest reading the following:
Executive Order 12333
http://www.fas.org/irp/offdocs/eo12333.htm
Basically, there are very strict and severe checks and balances to prevent the abuse of intelligence gathering. In fact, local police departments collect more humint on US citizens than the federal government does, mostly because they lack these very checks and balances.
Do I really think that abuse doesn't occur? No, that would be outrageous for me to suggest. But I do not think it's a major concern. I've seen it in action, and I've seen it stone-walled.
Code, are you a civil servant? Cop? Social Worker? At my age, "collective" means socialist. Maybe that's the new conservative. I prefer:
"Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!" Pat Henry (you all know that)