Does Privacy Matter?

I was thinking about privacy today.  I was thinking to write in this blog that I do not give any security intelligence agencies permission to monitor my phone calls or emails.  This blog is fine as I choose my thoughts to be public.  I have nothing to hide but I choose whom I speak to about my thoughts and I would want to know if someone else is listening as it will affect what I say.  See below an interesting TED talk by Glenn Greenwald called Why Privacy Matters.

I find it interesting that governments are now monitoring the public through emails, mobiles and using other surveillance technologies.   I am into peace and I know traditionally that governments see people into peace as anti-government.  I’ve never been that but I will inform myself and question my government as they are paid by public taxes and are representing me, therefore, I have a responsibility to understand the truth.  Now if I say something that questions the government, and they have mindsets as ‘with us or against us’ then I become (if popular) a threat rather than a citizen being responsible. 

I would ask those who monitor secretly – how would you feel about being secretly monitored?  If your answer is that you wouldn’t like it, then I would suggest you think twice and don’t engage in something you do not want.  What you do to others returns to self would be the wisdom that comes to my mind. 

Every person needs to have a sanctuary so they can be themselves to speak their mind and let off steam.  Sometimes they get angry at what is going on and may sound really aggressive and may threaten, that doesn’t make them a threat.  It doesn’t mean they will carry it out.  If an intelligence agency is seeking to protect people, I do understand when monitoring happens in cases where people are plotting to hurt others, I get that.  Then I turn to the military (war, torture) and ask – why is this different?  Thus the cables released was really about saying we see what is happening secretly – is this legitimate or underhanded? With full disclosure would the majority of people agree with the activities of governments given they pay for them?  Do people have a right to know given they pay?  So does this access go both ways is my point.

I know from being an analyst recording conversations in focus groups.  I know that even when I type every word I cannot know what the respondent really meant.  I would have to sit with them and probe their comments to get their perspective.  Every person is different and what you think seems logical may be nothing like what they mean.  Imagine how different it is with culture and language.  So surveillance can get it wrong and falsly target innocent people or subjegate people speaking up out of honesty.  I found in my bullying research that mostly the ones who get targeted are the ones who speak up.  So I see that as interesting and in my view many of this category would be watched. 

We are seeing here in Australia another negative time arising whereby our government is speaking of threats again.  During the Howard years the government was on the band wagon of terrorism and unquestioningly chose to join the war on terror.  Later we find out from intelligence agencies that there was a low level threat and it was clear that the agencies had been politicised.  So speaking up is critical for agencies and government.  We were to find out that the war in Iraq was an illegal war of aggression by a government.  If we spoke out about that in this country ASIO would be watching rather than talking to people and analysing whether the actual threat was real or the government was creating it.  What was concerning about the laws introduced during these times is that people could be picked up and held for 14 days without seeing a magistrate (habeas corpus waved).  Online dictionary states habeus corpus is

Thus if this is waved a person is left unprotected by law. 

When people are in fear of attack (e.g. terrorism) they are more likely to give up their civil liberties (rights) which gives governments more control and they can avoid judicial processes.  We saw that with Guantanamo Bay in Cuba (not the US given US law). 

So what happens when governments are engaged in illegal behaviour avoiding their own laws – where do people go when they see that happening?  It could be frightening given that agencies of government do their bidding they don’t say no if they think it is wrong (typically).  Unless there is a whistleblower citizens can be vulnerable to arrest in the night. So do they say nothing when their conscience says otherwise? 

For those of us who are inspired by peace we desire a world that is fair.  This is a world where people can live in ways that are respectful, cooperative, truthful and in harmony with others.  Many who are genuinely into peace want to see strengthened international legal channels so that crimes against humanity can be dealt with like any crime.  Governments and citizens alike would be accountable for actions that cause harm or undermine peace and security.  This creates the ultimate security when all people believe their governments are honest, just and trustworthy.  It is critical for a stable social order and it walks the talk of democracy whereby all people are allowed to speak up, not seen to be allowed.  There is a significant difference.

Secrecy in my view undermines democracy and trust.  I think security in my experience comes from developing inner peace, unconditional love for others and visibility.  Some may balk at the word unconditional love but I know that when you truly love people it changes what you see.  I’ve been out in the public clowning and because I am viewed as a happy, peaceful character it brings out the best in those around me.  If I was to go out with a grimace on my face, sunglasses to obscure my eyes and a negative attitude I can assure you I would attract to myself negativity.  When you live in a state of unconditional love, you are fearless.  When you are no longer in fear you do not attract to yourself (or seek it) what you fear.  I love the acronym – fear is false evidence appearing real and the other – what you resist persists and what you look at disappears.  I find that when I investigate what I fear that is what not what I thought, there are always reasons and if I meet those thoughts with understanding I find the snake turns into a rope.  If you get the metaphor!  We jump at many shadows and we create many more.  If you expect the world to turn up aggressive, guess what, you will notice it. The media is a good example of negative news creating perception and I would say events.  If you expect goodness, amazingly enough goodness comes to you, if everyone models it there is your world peace.  This is not a wooly statement it is a choice and it is a universal law.  You may want to give it thought.  In fact you may want to deeply think about the nature of your thoughts, what you believe and ask is it true?  How many people have been wrongly accused by group think or trial by media.  Lindy Chamberlain here in Australia is a case in point for me.  She was found innocent of killing her baby Azaria yet the media and the public and the law initially decided she was guilty (scant evidence).  So group think is not alike the coliseum idea of baying for blood.  We have to be very careful in what we believe as true without evidence.  I personally do not take a position until I know, I try not to judge others. I did interview a surveillance agent and found him to be ethical so I can’t say all intelligence agencies are negative, I am sure much good is done that is unseen.  I would say make that visible and if it is absolutely critical that it is clandestine then have a very good reason for it.  Otherwise don’t do it as it will lead to more secrecy and without scrutiny, corruption flourishes. 

So face what you fear with courage, communicate and find out the nature of the conflict, be fair and be open to solutions.  Be authentic and open in your own communication so people know where they stand.  Respect the differences rather than demonising others who don’t think or look like you.  We live in a world of great diversity, our strength is in embracing difference not seeking to make it an enemy.  Problem solve so that violence is not used.  Lead by example so others know you live the democracy and freedoms you believe you protect.  Be aware that through contrasts (clashes, differences) we expand our desires and this is often where great ideas come out of the blue.  We also grow through conflict.  Conflict is healthy but abuse (bullying, torture) is not.  Moreover, I have found always there are two sides to every story.  All ways.  This is how we work towards peace, visibility and real security.  In my view. 

Here is the TED talk by Glenn Greewald providing a perspective about Why Privacy Matters.  He comments on Edward Snowden and it is clear through his contrast and visibility he has sparked a global debate on what is really going on.  It is indeed a search for truth, accountability and responsibility.