4th Amendment - NSA Security or Tyranny?

National Security vs Tyranny:

Well another exciting week of news regarding the National Security Agency (NSA) ability to capture just about any electronic data and communications across the world. I think we all assumed the government had the ability, but I think what took everyone by surprise was the fact that the NSA was gathering blanket information on everyone in this country without probable cause. Seems to me the 4th amendment has become a problem for the warlords in power (Secret FISA court allows NSA to collect and use data without a warrant - Raw Story - Celebrating 17 Years of Independent Journalism).

• 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 can't see how anyone can defend the current NSA scandal after reading the text of the 4th amendment above. It is pretty clear like most of the amendments. What troubles me more is that you have talking heads trying to defend these actions by playing on fears of security threats. What security threats? If you are honest with yourself how can listening to my phone conversations, reading my e-mails, or monitoring my web traffic help protect America? Have I or any citizen given you cause for concern? If we have, then you would have a case of probable cause to go before a judge to be granted a warrant.

For many years prior to 9/11 and the war on terror we dealt with the Mafia, gangs, and other types of home grown radical groups without circumventing the 4th amendment. So I ask why do you need to trash our constitution now? What makes this enemy different? The last I checked most of the terrorist plots were carried out by non-citizens or those not within this country. So there is definitely more to this story than what is being touted as a story line. Let us consider some facts in totality.

1. The government is collecting information without probable cause on everyone. This includes journalist, politicians, private citizens, ....

2. The government has proven it will lie to cover up the truth (ie. Benghazi, IRS scandal, Fast and Furious....)

3. An agency of the government has used their power to discriminate against groups that are in conflict with the current administrations positions (eg. IRS scandal)

4. The information being collected is being stored

5. The Justice department accused journalist of being conspirators in a leak investigation in order to get a warrant to get their private information.

So with some of these facts in mind I wonder if the following theory is a plausible explanation as an alternative to what the government is trying to spin. In my opinion, this administration has shown a blatant disregard to the constitution and has done everything to transform America to a highly progressive - socialist society. In the course of this transformation it is imperative that it eliminate or negate the enemies to this agenda. How do you neutralize opposition groups? Well in a banana republic you would use force. The more efficient way is through information used in a strategic and tactical sense. So in order to know what the opposition is doing you have to have a great spy network to gather the information. Once you have it you can then defend against their attacks and mount a strong offense against these groups to thwart their mission.

So consider these facts: The IRS targeted conservative groups to deny their tax exempt status and make it extremely difficult to raise capital. The NSA is collecting information on everyone. Could they use that information against conservative groups? The Justice department targeted journalist and in particular some conservative journalist under the guise of an investigation. The government has tried to negate the National Rifle Association and impose even stricter anti-gun legislation. The State Department blatantly lied about Benghazi by blaming it on a video no one ever heard of rather than calling it what it was, a terrorist attack. The Boston bombing was not prevented even with the NSA supposed methods and tips from Russia. With all this in mind it is very hard for me to believe what comes out of the mouths of Washington.

I hope I am wrong, but I am reminded of a Ben Franklin quote: They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety. I see a government that will stop at nothing to defeat its enemies in its quest for absolute power which we all know corrupts absolutely. You are seeing the downside of having a big government. It is what our founders fought so hard to prevent from happening and yet we seem to be walking down the path of Tyranny rather than security. Time will tell but no matter what path we travel it will come down to you. I pray you have the fortitude and wisdom to right the ship.

Make Each Day Count!

Beach Bum Philosopher