flamingjimmy Posted June 25, 2013 Share Posted June 25, 2013 But what do you think the word 'secret' means, then? I think it means information that is deliberately withheld from someone/a group of people. But the very fact that these organisations are known as 'secret services' does not justify them doing whatever they want and getting to keep it secret. If they go too far then we absolutely have a right to know about it, it undermines the very foundations of democracy, people cannot give informed consent to governments if they are not informed. It's this lack of accountability that is the very reason we have to rely on brave whistle blowers like Edward Snowden. No one is watching the watchers, so we have to rely on people within these organisations to become whistle blowers if and when their conscience dictates it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rupert_Baehr Posted June 25, 2013 Share Posted June 25, 2013 Why do you have a right to know about it? Just because an agency handles classified materials and doesn't talk about what it does does not mean that it is not supervised, nor does it suggest it is unaccountable. People are indeed watching the watchers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flamingjimmy Posted June 25, 2013 Share Posted June 25, 2013 Why do you have a right to know about it? Just because an agency handles classified materials and doesn't talk about what it does does not mean that it is not supervised, nor does it suggest it is unaccountable. People are indeed watching the watchers. It is unaccountable to the electorate. Let's say for the sake of argument that secret government surveillance has gone too far, whatever that is too you. If you think it has already, fine, if you don't, imagine a hypothetical scenario in which you do. Let's say the people at the top of government, from all major political parties, are ok with it. What now? How do you go back? People can't vote for a politician who would change it because they don't know its happening. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
altus Posted June 25, 2013 Share Posted June 25, 2013 Why do you have a right to know about it? Just because an agency handles classified materials and doesn't talk about what it does does not mean that it is not supervised, nor does it suggest it is unaccountable. People are indeed watching the watchers. Evidence seems to indicate they aren't doing a very good job. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SqueakyPete Posted June 25, 2013 Share Posted June 25, 2013 Why do you have a right to know about it? Just because an agency handles classified materials and doesn't talk about what it does does not mean that it is not supervised, nor does it suggest it is unaccountable. People are indeed watching the watchers. But who's watching the people that watch the watchers? lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deaf andy Posted June 25, 2013 Share Posted June 25, 2013 But who's watching the people that watch the watchers? lol the big naked blue guy? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NorthernStar Posted June 25, 2013 Share Posted June 25, 2013 "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing." These words were once used by a former US president I believe, Snowden is a hero and the world needs more people like him in my opinion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harleyman Posted June 25, 2013 Share Posted June 25, 2013 It is unaccountable to the electorate. Let's say for the sake of argument that secret government surveillance has gone too far, whatever that is too you. If you think it has already, fine, if you don't, imagine a hypothetical scenario in which you do. Let's say the people at the top of government, from all major political parties, are ok with it. What now? How do you go back? People can't vote for a politician who would change it because they don't know its happening. So the electorate should be kept fully abreast of all aspects of the war on terror because this is really what it's about... fully accountable even when terrorist groups change their ways of planning, operations which they continually do Sanctimonious misguided individuals like you must be a great comfort to them. As they might even think "useful idiots ---------- Post added 25-06-2013 at 19:19 ---------- I think it means information that is deliberately withheld from someone/a group of people. But the very fact that these organisations are known as 'secret services' does not justify them doing whatever they want and getting to keep it secret. If they go too far then we absolutely have a right to know about it, it undermines the very foundations of democracy, people cannot give informed consent to governments if they are not informed. It's this lack of accountability that is the very reason we have to rely on brave whistle blowers like Edward Snowden. No one is watching the watchers, so we have to rely on people within these organisations to become whistle blowers if and when their conscience dictates it. How do you know no one is watching the watchers? Have you gained some special insight into how governments operate their intelligence services and what information is passed between the various departments and branches? Do please enlighten us Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garrence Posted June 25, 2013 Share Posted June 25, 2013 So the electorate should be kept fully abreast of all aspects of the war on terror because this is really what it's about Nah that's just the cover story. It's about power. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harleyman Posted June 25, 2013 Share Posted June 25, 2013 Nah that's just the cover story. It's about power. Right so in your educated opinion listening in on conversations between various terrorists organisations and people who may be associated with them is a waste if time and they dont even have or know what cell phones are and E-mail is since they communicate by carrier pigeon and smoke signals. Yes. They're real backward those people. Not capable of even organizing a pizz up in a brewery so we're all okay.... no worries.... it's all just about power Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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