“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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