Americans have a desire and a right to be protected in the United States of America from terrorists. The most important statement or question that should be asked of the individual is where do you draw the line between security and civil liberties? Our technology is so vast and improved that the government has the power to track domestic information.
The goal or mission statement for NSA (National Security Agency), according to president Bush, is to prevent future terrorist attacks such as the one from 911. President Bush states the “911 was more than an attack from terrorists. It was an act of war.” Bush authorized NSA to eavesdrop on domestic calls from Al-qaeda. Furthermore, this idea of the government tracking and eavesdropping on domestic conversations is similar to operation Shamrock which happened during the Cold War.
Some citizens feel that Bush authorizing the NSA to eavesdrop on private conversations is an unconstitutional act. Although, when 911 occurred, many people were shocked, afraid, and ready to attack the people who had hurt so many. “There were 2,974 people that died and another 24 were listed as missing.” So to prevent a repeated attack, and to ensure national and individual safety, the government has organized programs to spy on targeted or suspicious individuals who are thought to be a threat to our society. In addition, when confronted with this idea of invading privacy one individual stated that “technology is not perfect. It is inevitable that totally innocent Americans will be affected by these programs.” This is hundred percent true. Although, what's more important, your child's safety or your conversation with grandma, or your location kept private? Personally, I'm willing to sacrifice the right to keep my telephone blocked in order to protect not only myself but my neighbors, relatives, and loved ones.
An ethical democratic citizen can look at this idea of security vs. civil liberties and understand that it's not about the individual, it's about the population as a whole and what's better for the society. Similar concepts are used when voting. When an individual votes they put the person they feel will do the best job to improve our country in power. Citizens vote to improve society as a whole not necessary to benefit the voter personality. Anther example, is when we are in an airport. We have to be searched by security in order to board the plane. Is it not our right to just board the plane? Why does security have the right to search through my belongings? Well, the answer is simple. It's for the safety of everyone else on the plane. In conclusion, the government listens in on billions of conversations for the safety of the citizens with the goal of preventing pain, loss, and sorrow from another terrorist attack.
