On NSA surveillance: Open up this process before it gets out of hand

My latest in the Pierre Capital Journal, on the NSA surveillance programs.  Here's a sample:

On a recent podcast on the invaluable Mars Hill Audio Journal, scholar Matthew Dickerson discusses J.R.R. Tolkien’s depiction of heroism and warfare. Dickerson notes that those who have only seen the Peter Jackson films will get a jaundiced view of Tolkien on these matters. As Mars Hill host Ken Meyers puts it, Jackson’s films look more like a World of Warcraft video game than Tolkien’s novels.

Dickerson notes that the character of Faramir, in the third novel, “The Return of the King,” has a confrontation with his father, Lord Denathor. Denathor chastises Faramir for being too “gentle,” which may lead to defeat in war. Faramir’s response is a simple and to the point, “So be it.” Faramir is saying that he would rather retain his morality than win while debasing himself.

Perhaps we can keep this in mind as we consider the recent revelation of the National Security Administration’s surveillance of American phone calls and Internet activity. Perhaps these endeavors are necessary for the security of the American people. But do we want to live in a nation where the government systematically and massively gathers data on the most intimate parts of our lives?

 

Comments

[catholic-vision.blogspot.com]

Good and concise, Jon. LIked the Faramir reference to introduce and challenge the implicit utilitarianism of the administration's response. "But look what good it has done!"