The 4th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution reads, “The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.”
I get a little scared when I hear comments like, “I don’t care if the government taps our phones and monitors our emails; I have nothing to hide!” I find this to be a very slippery and dangerous slope. Sure, it starts with warrantless wiretapping of alleged terrorists. Then the scope is broadened to suspected criminals. And we think that’s fine because it’s for our own safety.
But if the government is not accountable today “by Oath or affirmation,” where does it end? If We the People give ground on this issue now, I shudder to think what law enforcement will be able to do in twenty years.
“The natural progress of things is for liberty to yield, and government to gain ground.” ~Thomas Jefferson
“Those who would give up Essential Liberty to purchase a little Temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.” ~Benjamin Franklin
I get a little scared when I hear comments like, “I don’t care if the government taps our phones and monitors our emails; I have nothing to hide!” I find this to be a very slippery and dangerous slope. Sure, it starts with warrantless wiretapping of alleged terrorists. Then the scope is broadened to suspected criminals. And we think that’s fine because it’s for our own safety.
But if the government is not accountable today “by Oath or affirmation,” where does it end? If We the People give ground on this issue now, I shudder to think what law enforcement will be able to do in twenty years.
“The natural progress of things is for liberty to yield, and government to gain ground.” ~Thomas Jefferson
“Those who would give up Essential Liberty to purchase a little Temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.” ~Benjamin Franklin