Monday, June 9, 2014

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.



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9 comments:

  1. This is one of those issues that's both right and wrong...

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  2. I'm pretty sure that anyone assigned to monitoring my online activity would either be frequently napping or maybe headed to Joann fabric to pick up supplies for one of many craft projects I've found

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  3. Video removed.

    Did the CIA call?

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  4. Thanks for stopping by, my dear Shadow!!! You have certainly got that right. Alas, I know that it will all be all-right when the dust clears, but until then, it ain't gonna be pretty!

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  5. Oh yeah, making me think about those government minions also being crafty is really easing my fears. Thanks for stopping by, my dear Ann!!!

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  6. Thanks for stopping by, my dear Adullamite!!! Whoa, that happened fast!

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  7. Like you, I have mixed feelings about Edward Snowden. But I know I'd never give any sort of sensitive information to our enemies. Is Snowden aware that thousands of Russians are spied on and imprisoned for their beliefs?

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  8. Thanks for stopping by, my dear Stephen!!! Oh yeah, I am quite sure the Russians were quite eager to find out just how the NSA is doing things.

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  9. If I understand correctly, they are not going into our bedrooms at night or in the daytime for that matter. The information they collect is pretty nebulous and since most of what I do in my life is benign I am not bothered by surveillance ... I am, in fact comfortable with them attempting to get eyes on the bad guys. My only concern is that the surveillers are honest and don't steal my indentity information ... Now that I would be upset about and who's to know. So, as you said, there is an up and a downside to the whole process. Sounds pretty much like everything in life, right? Great review.

    Also a quick thank you for including me in "377". It is a complement, indeed and much appreciated.

    Andrea @ From The Sol

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Since the Blogger spam filter has been found sorely lacking lately, I will start moderating comments. Be assured that I am only interested in deleting spam. So, if you feel a need to take me to task over something—even anonymously, go ahead and let 'er rip, and I will publish it as soon as I can.