Come Monday...United States of Secrets

“Come Monday…” is a weekly series that will involve a review of (or commentary about) websites, movies, documentaries, television shows, sports, music, and whatever else may tickle my fancy at the time.  Be assured that these reviews will be generally positive, as in accordance to the Jimmy Buffett song “Come Monday.”  This is subject to change, however.  In fact, I would be most derelict in my duties to neglect going on a rant every once in a while.  For rants promote change, and change can be good—right?  Therefore, since good is generally considered as being a positive force in 99.3% of the parallel universes that I am aware of, even a rant could be considered as being something positive, and a genuine hissy-fit would be even better (so I’m told).

In sharp contrast to the absolutely awful [World Wars], Frontline’s (PBS) [United States of Secrets] is a masterpiece.  For it presents both sides of the very controversial issues concerning how far past the point of reason the [NSA] has taken surveillance of common citizens the world over to, and how this was brought to light by [Edward Snowden].  The documentary even includes interviews with a very great many of those directly involved in the development and operation of [The Program], along with many, who were instrumental in the very public uncovering of the secret operation.

To be quite honest about just where I stand, I am caught straddling the fence.  For I absolutely hate the thought of some government minion reading the text to my pieces before I have clicked on the publish button—not to mention knowing ALL of the sites I visit each week while doing research for projects that should never see the light of day.  On the other hand, I recognize the importance to finding out as much as possible about those bent on doing great harm, and since those types usually try to blend in with the crowd, everyone in the crowd has to be watched in order to tell who is who.

I find myself in the same position on Snowden.  For I hate it that he went to the press with such sensitive information, but since almost everyone with the power to quietly shut down the NSA operation and punish the guilty were either directly or indirectly involved in it, I do not know how it could have been done differently.

Alas, it has turned out to be a lose, lose situation.  For now that we know that the technology exists to keep a very close and constant eye on us all, how can we be sure of it never being used again, and since the bad guys now know how it works, will they not be taking steps to avoid being detected?

Anyway, United States of Secrets is a very impressive documentary.  The link below each video is to where both parts can be watched on the PBS website, just in case these YouTube copies are taken down.

Link: [Part One on PBS]

Link: [Part Two on PBS]

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