Not a fan of government listening

 

By Lisa Shapiro
Staff Writer
 
Do I feel safe knowing the government is out there reading all of my texts and listening to my phone calls? The answer: no. 
I actually find it absurd. It makes me feel like I’m a target because the U.S. Government doesn’t trust me enough to let me have a personal phone call with a loved one without being eavesdropped by them. I am an American and I should be given the freedom that was promised to me through the constitution. I shouldn’t have to be treated like I’m living in this country illegally or some kind of a terrorist. I was born and raised here. I respect the law and I don’t rely on the government to take care of me. 
I think it is unconstitutional for the government to spy on every single U.S. citizen. I believe, however, that some individuals should be of interest and should be monitored carefully. Those who appear to be a threat to humanity, violate the laws of the United States, show hatred for our country or come here illegally should be kept an eye on. 
I’m not saying that every terrorist will have a criminal background or aren’t American. It’s quite possible that someone could plan a terrorist attack on the U.S. with a clean background.
I don’t think spying on everyone in the U.S. is going to prevent a terrorist attack. There is going to be someone out there who doesn’t have a concrete plan or even knows when they will attack. They can just snap out of nowhere and just randomly grab a gun or make a homemade bomb on a single day and just attack anyone who stands in their way. 
It’s gotten to this day and age that you can’t trust a single soul out there. I don’t think it’s entirely the government who should keep a watch out on terrorists. I think all Americans have the responsibility, the duty to make sure this country stays safe by reporting any suspicious activity. 
We all know that a terrorist attack can happen anywhere and at any time. 
I know the Obama administration has said spying on every individual in the U.S. has helped them find some terrorists. That’s great, but I’m sure there were obvious red flags that led the government to them. I’m sure they weren’t discussing topics such as Sally’s tea party, their family vacation to Sea World or a night at the club. It’s no telling how much useless information the government has collected from all of our conversations. I just think it is a waste of time and money.
I hope the government will come to its senses and allow us the freedom to text or call our loved ones minus the eavesdropping. 
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