X-Message-Number: 24618
From: 
Date: Sat, 11 Sep 2004 09:36:23 EDT
Subject: surveillance

Although it's probably a waste of time even to talk about it, I disagree  

with James about the surveillance problem. I'm all for surveillance of everyone
by everyone. 
 
First of all, it's unstoppable. Secondly, it's mostly beneficial, e.g.  

providing warning of crime or evidence to use afterward. (I understand there  
have 
been good results with TV cameras in public places in England.) Third, it's  
totally illogical to allow human observation as permissible--for example, 
police  patrols or alert citizens--but not allow automated means. Fourth, the  

possibility of abuse is overstated--nobody and no government has the resources  
to 
review all the data for illicit purposes. 
 
Remember too that the anonymity of big cities is partly a recent thing  and 
usually more bad than good. In earlier times, in small communities, and in  
large families, there were always nosy neighbors watching you, and that was a  
good thing on balance. 
 
Eventually, every home will have external and internal monitors with full  
coverage in continuous operation. Later every individual will have the same,  
with continuous uploads to secure remote storage, including smells as well as  
audio-video. That protection is worth a lot more than privacy.
 
R.E.


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