"You Are Being Watched!"

Every day I read the editorial and letters to the editor in our local newspaper: sometimes I agree; sometimes I don’t. There are times I would like to wring the neck of certain writers, or shake some common sense into them. Fortunately for me and for them, we are only connected by printed words, and not close physical contact, thus avoiding possible violence. Even though I have times of frustration when I read the opinions of those with whom I disagree, I’m glad I live in a country that allows diverse views which can be freely expressed without consequence.

In Hitler’s Germany and the old Soviet Union, most writers and speakers were very careful about expressing opinions that could be interpreted as “unfriendly” to the regimes in power. There were laws in place to “discourage” uncomplimentary words. A political opponent who was too vocal could easily find himself in prison, or worse. There was an ever watchful eye in NAZI Germany and Soviet Russia. In the novel “1984”, the slogan throughout the society was “Big Brother is Watching You”, and he was!

Our first amendment guarantees freedom of speech. This is our most valued right; that’s why it’s number ONE! We have newspapers and magazines of all types, periodicals which run the gamut of all subjects. Even certain aspects of pornography fall under the protection of the first amendment. We are not allowed to incite violence, but we are allowed to speak out against what we feel is unjust or illegal without fear of retribution.

As you are reading this, you know that I am primarily a political blogger, who is conservative by nature. I have strong opinions, most of which would probably offend our current President; I don’t care, it is my right to do this.

The National Operations Center is an arm of Homeland Security; it was established last November. This department now has the authority and written permission to collect and retain “personal information” from bloggers, journalists, newspaper reporters and basically anyone who voices an opinion to an audience. This puts all writers or commentators “under the thumb” of this agency. Joe Stalin or the Little Corporal would have loved this stuff; they liked keeping an eye on things!

This is a dangerous tool for any government; especially one that feels political opponents to be “obstructionists”. This will probably not be given too much press by media outlets, even though it threatens them as much as anyone else. It is strange that we have an administration that is more concerned about domestic speech than nuclear weapons from a crazed lunatic, or an invasion of illegal aliens from our southern border. I guess we know who “Big Brother” is watching!