If we look at the openly defiant attitude Bush displays on NSA spying, we need to remember that the purpose of this program, like the Anthrax scare,the Arab terrorists and other assaults on reason,is to induce fear and create the aura of an omniscient Bush to whom we will all run as our savior.Considering the wimpy reaction of the Democrats, I think Bush has achieved his purpose.
Full Spectrum Dominance, anyone?
There are many other goals to pursue. Industrial espionage, political insider information to exploit, blackmail, witness awareness and control, cheap thrills.
Those other side effects that everyone is aware of makes the perpetrator seem even more ominous or omniscient,take your pick.
I noticed that your point seemed to be that the predominant effect is to turn to the abuser for protection but I think the Bush admin is just as happy enjoying the involuntary submission of antagonized, rebellious victims.
Threat of blackmail isn’t turning to the abuser for protection from an outside force. This is what the dems have to convey to the gop’rs, that the Bush admin will do it to them, too.
It’s more like mafia protection services.
As people are made aware that a pervasive spying system is able to monitor all our activities, they become powerless and numb.That is exactly the reaction the perp is looking for.Fear of being blackmailed may very well paralyze us.
I don’t mean to stray from your diary topic but this is a good chance to ask.
What do you think the chances are of a blowback effect and more people turning away from technology and telecom out of fear of surveillance? This could financially hurt those industries and hurt the businesses behind them.
I cannot foresee a groundswell of protest against the spying so addicted we are to the ease with which we can transmit information.
Long time ago, a boss of mine made a prescient remark to me that I cherish to this day.He said, and I paraphrase, when we see talent, we imprison you in your comforts so that you are no longer as free as you were when you entered this corporation.That is another way of saying Freedom is just another word for nothing left to lose.
We have too much to lose, so we are no longer free.And that is the bottom line that makes people like Bush,Cheney and Rumsfeld acquire power and domineer over us.
If we had reasonable guidelines and oversight I think most people would accept it. I can’t understand the BushCo secrecy. Generally, property with good security marks the perimeter as such to discourage possible breaches. It doesn’t try to keep the security secret unless it’s flawed.
You might be interested on my recent postings on this topic:
Spying as a Career
and the followup:
Fear and Spying
The first one has to do with how agencies invent missions for themselves to keep the funding coming in.
The second contrasts those who trust government-run secret police and those who don’t.
Thank you for your links.I enjoyed them.As soon as I return from work today, I will respond.Have a good day.