[ntsplnkv2]

Democracy and separation of powers are not infallible.

> If we can’t trust democratic principles how can we trust any power or technology? The potential for misuse can apply to all power, big and small.

Exactly, we inherently DONT. That is why we have a constitution and bill of rights - to prevent abuse of the system.

Also I'm not buying the "all technology can be misused" argument. It's MUCH easier to be tempted into spying on a political opponent with cameras than it is to nuke them.

[jjcon]

> That is why we have a constitution and bill of rights - to prevent abuse of the system.

Right exactly, and the powers those guard are far greater than the sorts of surveillance being discussed here.

[ntsplnkv2]

I vehemently disagree. Surveillance at its very core can be argued to already violate the fourth amendment.

And now in this age of social media, any seemingly meaningless activity can be used against anyone - because surveillance can be cut and devoid of context.