Surveillance Cameras - Pros and Cons

How do you feel about surveillance cameras in your cities and neighborhoods? The benefits are safer streets, cheaper police work(after initial installation), and possibly lower crime and terrorism rates. The downside is Big Brother come to pass, far less privacy, potential for governmental abuse, less freedom for us all. What other pros and cons do you see? Do the positives outweigh the negatives for you personally or would you find yourself haeding for the woods after years of being watched?

 

I support them, glad they are there. I would rather have 'Big Brother' watching out for my family than having a 'Little Crook' stealing from me. My dad always said "those who have nothing to hide have nothing to worry about."

Ben

 

that is often the quote I hear to justify giving away freedoms to big brother As if you have to have something to hide to find it distastefull to give away rights and privacy...

I have nothing to hide but I dont want cops and government officials walking into my house whenever they please...I guess if you have nothing to hide...you shouldnt mind if cops randomly stop you to search your car, your wallet or make random visits to your home to search it...or hell...let them put cameras in your living room...why would that bother you if you have nothing to hide it just doesnt hold water.

 

^^^ Ahhhhh Ummmmm...

 

I think you can also find this exact quote attributed to Joe McCarthy, no disrespect to your dad of course.

 

My Old Man detested Communists. ... Well, you didn't say the cameras were going to be in our homes and underwear. You ONLY said cameras in cities and neighborhoods. No place else...

 

the quick capture of the "doctor bombers" in london has been attributed to london's vast camera system in place throughout the city. i don't feel like my privacy is being infringed upon when i'm out in public areas. my home, wallet, and phone lines are a different story...unless they have a valid warrant.

 

I was making a statement on the quote, not as much the situation as it can be used to justify anything...if you have nothing to hide...its just not as simple as 'if you have nothing to hide...it shouldnt be a problem...'

If I have nothing to hide then I shouldnt mind people listening in to my phone conversations...I have heard that used to justify random searches, phone taps, etc...

BTW..McCarthy retired in disgrace and died miserable, an alcoholic and alone...he was a fraud and when all his witch hunts, which destroyed innocents lives, came to naught and he dared to even point his finger at respected military heros...the game was up...

 

Have you ever heard of a Party Line? Used to be (not that long ago) in the country people had to share a telephone line. I remember that very well, trying to call a gril and ask if she wanted to go out on a date, etc., LOL... Now that also helped solve a lot of personal problems as well. If you had a problem and told a friend on the phone all your neighbors could be listening and help you solve the problem, LOL...

Yes, I was already aware that Joseph McCarthy was a loser in life...

 

Like everything else, the street would seem a good starting point. after a while, when everyone is use to it, then maybe your back yard. I mean from a bird's eye view your backyard would be public. Abuse would certainly occur. Maybe airing some guys whistling at a pretty woman.(I'm sure thier wives would be ****ed). On a slow news day NBC might be tempted to show that. Tough call on when and where to use it. I have nothing to hide, but I dont like the idea of someone spying on me to make sure I stay in line.

 

As the British example repeatedly demonstrates, surveillance doesn't prevent terror. But it does put a nice technology in place for someone in the future to control the population. The Founding Fathers were concerned enough with privacy of individuals against the power of the state to write the fourth amendment to the Constitution. If there had been advanced technology back then, it very well may have covered pervasive surveillance of citizens just going about their own business. The argument that only criminals have any reason to oppose such security measures has been the excuse used for centuries by oppressive governments.

 

It's an interesting question. Do you want to exchange some semblance of security for some degree of less privacy? I think an honest appraisal of this question isn't really possible given the current climate of fear that this country has experienced since 9/11. If you remove the fear part of the equation, I wonder how many would still think surveillance cameras were a good thing. It just sounds so un-American to me.

 

Youre absolutely right. Those guys had foresight enough that they pretty much encompassed everything that may have come along. Thanks for the refresher course. The ends dont justify the means. This is an invasion, and shoudnt be tolerated. Unfortunately it is tolerated because of so many frightened people. Cameras dont stop crooks from robbing banks. And I doubt anyone willing to blow themselves to pieces is going to be camera shy........ ''Drive full speed Abdul." ''Go, go.'''' I am goin. I cant wait to get to heaven.'' SSSCCCRRRREEEEEEECCHHH!!! '' Why did you stop Abdul?'' ''There is camera.'' Holy bachlava! Lets get out of here.'' Just dont see it happeneing. I change my vote to no cameras.

 

I am absolutely in favor of them for taking your picture, since I know that I can't trust you.

However, I consider it an invasion of my rights, since I know that I am a wonderful person and honest and all of that bull.

However, you, on the other hand......

 

DAD!??

 

Sonny Boy, is that you???
Where ya been?

LOL, (literally out loud).
Thanks, with the heat here today, I needed that!

 

Come on De Orc (Steve), let's hear your opinion. You've lived with these things for a long time. What have you noticed?

 

It is simply contradictory to all that is American, therefore it will be enthusiastically embraced by the right.

 

Sorry, just testing out some new emotes.