Arguments Notwithstanding
The USA Today has an exclusive revealing that the NSA has attempted to build a database of every call placed within the United States. The pretense is that they are studying calling patterns and social networking to better identify suspect communications. I am mixed on the reasoning because it makes strategic sense for someone to propose such an effort, but I don't know that I trust these calls to remain unheard, so I must unequivocally oppose the program unless absolute and verifiable safeguards were put in place.
What I find most interesting is that every major phone company has voluntarily participated, except Qwest. The former US West is the major telecommunications company in fourteen Western and Northwestern states. There are some interesting quotes and a big window into the company's concerns, especially in the last part of the piece. I'd say on the surface, I'm glad my problem-plagued carrier has steadfastly refused, but I also know that the overwhelming majority of domestic, homegrown terrorists have either resided or trained within Qwest's coverage area. So, though I'm happy at least one company has stood for my rights, I also have to be a little concerned that those who may be more likely to commit acts of terrorism within our borders could be escaping detection.
What I find most interesting is that every major phone company has voluntarily participated, except Qwest. The former US West is the major telecommunications company in fourteen Western and Northwestern states. There are some interesting quotes and a big window into the company's concerns, especially in the last part of the piece. I'd say on the surface, I'm glad my problem-plagued carrier has steadfastly refused, but I also know that the overwhelming majority of domestic, homegrown terrorists have either resided or trained within Qwest's coverage area. So, though I'm happy at least one company has stood for my rights, I also have to be a little concerned that those who may be more likely to commit acts of terrorism within our borders could be escaping detection.