You have to bear in mind that this "war" will be over some day, and then we will have to deal with a government with eyes in every part of our lives. I don't care in terrorists use cell phones to conspire: if the government monitors cell phones, the terrorists will just switch tactics, and we'll be stuck with government monitored conversation. In combating the forces that oppose freedom, it's important that we don't become an intolerant, restrictive nation in the process.

It all probably comes down to whether you trust the government to look out for your best interests or not. I don't. A government that is strong enough to give you whatever you want is strong enough to take it all away.

You've got to love the newspaper headlines lately. "Colin Powell suspects terrorists still in the United States." "Sleeper Cells look and act just like regular Americans, they might even live next door to you." "Government urges American people to look out for suspicious behavior." Okay, these aren't actual quotes, but in so many words this is what is being said. This could easily turn into a witch hunt.

Yes, we must combat terrorism. And yes, some restriction on our current privacy level is inevitable. We can't allow terrorist to run free. But I fear the consequences.

• My friend said exactly the same thing. - rggarfinkle - September 16, 2001 - 17:36 UTC
• More to add... - rggarfinkle - September 16, 2001 - 17:52 UTC
• playing into the terrorists' hands - dolphin - September 16, 2001 - 23:12 UTC
  • I don't know - stormcrow - September 16, 2001 - 23:45 UTC
    • I agree... - rggarfinkle - September 17, 2001 - 00:14 UTC
• conspiracy theory - jisbond - September 17, 2001 - 02:37 UTC
  • Innocence is a relative term - stormcrow - September 17, 2001 - 02:40 UTC