1984 becomes 2013!The Snowden revelations showed us nothing that we did not already know. It just bothered us more to know that it was really going on. We act with shock that our own technology would be used to gain access to us to protect us. The 1984 thesis that technology used for one purpose could eventually be used to gain power over us is hardly new. Let's beware, however, what Orwell said that "power once gained is never relinquished." To be certain, the dragging for information to protect us is also power over us. We are no longer living in the Little House on the Prairie. The question is: where do we draw the line between the power to protect the nation and to preserve privacy rights?
Just my opinion--but the fact is this: fail to protect the nation and we also fail to protect the basic human rights of "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" from terrorists.
For me, the single most important matter is who makes the decision about where to draw the line between protecting privacy rights and protecting the nation. Is it the choice of the citizenry in a democratic process? Or, is it imposed without legitimate claim to the decision making power?
Now think about your relationship to God. In the Middle Ages, the great windows in the Cathedrals were called "the Eye of God." He sees us and lets in heaven for us. Parker Palmer speaks frequently about "being known as God knows us." God opens life to us and gives life to all. The Collect for Purity in The Book of Common Prayer is read at the beginning of worship to remind us that true security is found in God's open relationship to God's people.
"Almighty God, unto who all hearts are open,
all desires known and from whom no secrets are hid...."
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