Privacy In America Essay
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After viewing Enemy of the State, one can not help but feel vulnerable to the technological advances of our government. However, most Americans find it difficult to believe that they are being watched by agents of the United States government. When Americans do accept that their privacy is being invaded, they assume that only the United States government, or rich and powerful companies are responsible, yet with today’s technology your next door neighbor could be listening. Americans believe that the right to privacy is a natural God given right, and that every American has the right to be left alone. Unfortunately, there are some individuals, usually labeled as terrorists, who would threaten the stability, and safety of America. Because of these select few the privacy of many must be compromised, and due to this compromise there is now controversy. Americans want to feel safe within their borders, free from foreign violence and terrorists attacks. We want our government to provide protection and security, however, with this protection we must be willing to surrender a certain amount of our privacy. The surrendering of our privacy brings about a debate, how much information does our government need.
Americans have acknowledged and accepted that terrorism is a growing concern in our country, and that the United States government must utilize every possible option when battling this newest and deadliest foe. Terrorism poses a serious threat, requiring a serious government response. From 1990-1997 there have been 25 incidents of terrorism on U.S. soil, with two incidents occurring in 1997 (Center 1). “Technology, America’s ally in the cold war has become the nation’s greatest national security vulnerability. Weapons of mass destruction may soon fall into the hands of terrorists, if they have not already” (Thomas 78).
The National Security Agency (NSA sometimes known as No Such Agency), claims it is rescuing America by battling terrorist, inside the country. Recently the NSA, cousin in the spy business with the CIA, has now joined forces with the FBI, in a new alliance that the American people could view as unfavorable. This new merger will help the FBI track terrorist and international criminals in the United States. Previously, the NSA concentrated on crime and terrorism outside of the United States. With this much power and control, there is huge concern about the risk of power abuse (Thomas 78). The concern that the American people feel about being monitored by the United States government should be equally matched by the fear of being monitored by the “next-door-neighbor.”
The technology to pry into a persons private affairs has become increasingly easier to own over the last decade. Scanners that are widely available to the general public at electronic stores can easily pick-up cordless telephone[conversations]. Approximately 62 percent of the households in the United States have at least one cordless phone. More than 40 percent have two cordless telephones and 2 percent have more than 2 cordless telephones. More than 60 million cordless telephones are in use. The first generation of cordless telephones use analog signals transmitted over FM radio waves in the 46 to 49 megahertz band and are easily picked up by a inexpensive radio scanners operated within a half a mile of the cordless telephone (Bast 407).
Scanners are the simplest and most basic form of electronic monitoring, and are used by many individuals and private companies. More advanced procedures and technology is use by NSA. The NSA encompasses a plethora of spying tools; spy satellites, and global listening stations to pick up broad casting transmissions and massive computers to sort and decipher them (Thomas 78). These are considered the older tools of the trade. Today’s new technology allows new ways to watch and monitor individuals.
Some 30 millions Americans will be subject to some form of electronic surveillance in 1999. “A recent poll by Louis Hams found more than 89 percent of Americans harbor concerns about invasions of privacy. What is more, surveys by the American Management Association reveal that 35 percent of companies monitor their employees by reviewing computer files of e-mail, video tapping them on the job, or listening to their phone calls” (Cook 1-2).
The monitoring of employee’s performances, within an organization, is an extensive and growing business. It is estimated that over...
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