Privacy and the Dodo Bird

We have been hearing it a lot lately...
"Illegal wiretapping", "national security", etc...
These are things the Government does, and how they excuse it.
Recently, the Attorney General said that he wanted the "Illegal Wiretapping" law suits thrown out because of the risk to "National Security" such law suit could bring.
Hmmm...
I am of the opinion that if doing something illegal exposes National Security, then the Government shouldn't' be doing something illegal! In this case, specifically, I am all for the law suit exposing "National Security" because it might teach the Government a little lesson...

However, it has a much chance of happening as a snowball surviving Hell.

Here is a list of other wonderful things that the Government is doing to invade your privacy and your life... I am also going to include information on how to protect yourself.

Md. Police Put Activists' Names On Terror Lists

The Maryland State Police classified 53 nonviolent activists as terrorists and entered their names and personal information into state and federal databases that track terrorism suspects, the state police chief acknowledged yesterday.

Don't we have the right to belong to any "non violent" organization we so choose?

CCTV boom has failed to slash crime, say police

Massive investment in CCTV cameras to prevent crime in the UK has failed to have a significant impact, despite billions of pounds spent on the new technology, a senior police officer piloting a new database has warned.

We see them going up all over. Many are for "traffic" management or accident identification, but they are used for a variety of things, including tracking people's movements.

U.K. turns CCTV, terrorism laws on pooping dogs
Since they have to use the camera system for something, I guess a violation of your rights and privacy is ok to justify the expense:

Recent reports in the U.K. media indicate that the laws are being used for everything but terrorism investigations:

* Derby City Council, Bolton, Gateshead, and Hartlepool used surveillance to investigate dog fouling.
* Bolton Council also used the act to investigate littering.
* The London borough of Kensington and Chelsea conducted surveillance on the misuse of a disabled parking pass.
* Liverpool City Council used Ripa to identify a false claim for damages.
* Conwy Council used the law to spy on a person who was working while off sick.

You are Destroying America. Yes, You.

These are the whining tantrum-throwers who live in such a fear-choked world that they will trade in America's Constitution and Bill of Rights for far less than thirty pieces of silver.

And isn't it good to know, if you are a Patriot, Religious, or associated to a non-mainstream Political Party, you can be placed on a Terrorist List and find yourself facing the FBI's Terrorist Task Force...
http://keepandbeararms.com/images/FBI-MCSOTerroristFlyer-Back.jpg
http://keepandbeararms.com/images/FBI-MCSOTerroristFlyer-Front.jpg

So, now the question is, what can you do? How can you protect yourself?
Unfortunately, there is no easy answer to that question, but here are some tips:

THE PROPER ROLE OF GOVERNMENT

All too often, answers to these questions seem to be based, not upon any solid principle, but upon the popularity of the specific government program in question. Seldom are men willing to oppose a popular program if they, themselves, wish to be popular – especially if they seek public office.

Holding Government Office isn't supposed to be a "popularity contest" but a position of supporting the Constitution and the People of this Country.

UNDERSTANDING PRIVACY

He argues that no single definition can be workable, but rather that there are multiple forms of privacy, related to one another by family resemblances. His theory bridges cultural differences and addresses historical changes in views on privacy.

This book actually goes into exactly what is "Privacy", it should be read by all.

The EFF on Privacy

New technologies are radically advancing our freedoms, but they are also enabling unparalleled invasions of privacy.

You would think the ACLU would be one of the biggest Proponents of Privacy, and I think they try, but other organizations are doing far more, like the EFF (Electronic Frontier Foundation).

Understanding the proper role of Government also includes understanding how the Government is supposed to work:
Essays Or Counsels - Civil And Moral

Know what is going on in your world:
Global Incident (Terrorist Activity) Map
News Map

Ass Free Citizens in this Great Nation, we also have the right to be heard. We are where the "buck stops" so we need to take responsibility. If you feel your voice needs to be heard, you can go to sites like Wikileaks.
Whistle while you work
Routine DNA Tests For Newborns Mean Looming Privacy Problems
And if you are concerned about Online Privacy, you can try:
EFF's Top 12 Ways to Protect Your Online Privacy
EPIC Online Privacy Tools

Don't let your privacy go the way of the Dodo Bird. Fight for your Privacy Freedom. Write your legislators and let them know where you stand.

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So today there is an article in the news asking: "City surveillance: Crime deterrent or invasion of privacy?"
We already know my answer to this question, but seriously... if England cannot make it work, and they have more CCTVs per capita than the USA, how do we think we can make it work? Their laws aren't like our laws, the people have fewer rights, and are more willing or less capable of stopping the Government intrusion into their lives.

Police in Sandy have such a system, and call it a deterrent to crime.

Yes, maybe it is a deterrent, but yes, it is an invasion of our privacy.
Where and how do we achieve balance with this topic?

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To make it even more disturbing, there is an article that tells us how Britain is planning on installing CCTV in people's homes...how very 1984 of them...
UK Government To Install Surveillance Cameras In Private Homes
ANd before you tell me "its fake", well, here is the UK Government's White Paper on the subject... note the URL, this isn't some 3rd party, this is the Official UK Government's Web Site.

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Chicago's Camera Network Is Everywhere
Chicago seems to be getting into the act with their CCTV network... but here is something to consider:
1,000 CCTV cameras to solve just one crime, Met Police admits

So the question is, "Is this practice of using CCTV a violation of Privacy?" and the other questions to help answer that one...
If we set a standard, "the CCTV network is to solve crime" shouldn't that network be proven to solve a significant amount of crime?
How much crime balances the cost in privacy?
Would you let them put a camera in your home, if, some day it might identify a burglar?

Hmmm...

What is your price for your privacy?

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How do you affect Privacy Laws?
Read this...
How online life distorts privacy rights for all - By Zoe Kleinman - Technology Reporter, BBC News

Some privacy concerns are just now coming to light, and have been around for YEARS...
Routine DNA Tests For Newborns Mean Looming Privacy Problems

What can or should we do about them?