Invasive technology
“...It could take years for citizens to get used to the idea that the government could keep track of what streets they drive on and when they drive.” (RMN, 8/25/07) Is this the appropriate governmental response to utilizing authoritarian technology? Waiting for public opinion to catch up to and embrace an infringement on its privacy?
If the past seven years has taught us anything, technology can be used to enhance freedom or facilitate authoritarianism. Sure, global positioning technology would certainly help the Colorado Department of Transportation levy taxes on drivers in proportion to their use of the roads, but is the trade-off in privacy and personal liberty worth it? Governor Ritter’s panel on transportation seems to think so.
They put off implementing the GPS tracking program not because of its invasive nature or for privacy reasons, but because they want to “wait until the system is more fully tested.”
The great debate for American democracy in the 21st century is not how much “the terrorists hate our freedom", but whether or not our government LOVES our freedom and is willing to safeguard it against all threats — both foreign and domestic — including implementing invasive, authoritarian-prone technology here at home.
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I predict that if this ever passed, there would be a cottage industry pop up to defeat this, a la the iphone.
Lets see, the cRitters want the gas tax money and the cash from these little devices.... hmmm, sounds about right for a lib.
I can pretty much guarantee I can find a way around this silly device.
Posted by Dravur on August 29, 2007 02:19 PMThose traffic cameras you see all over the place are not just for the traffic reports on tv.
They are for tracking the people with both license plate tracking, and facial recognition technology. It will be used to furthe the control of the government over the people, in more ways than just taxes.
RP, you have no idea what you are talking about. The cameras replace the sensor technology that is laid in the asphalt. The camera "see" a car at the intersection and activate the signals as needed. Take the tin foil off your head...it's gonna be OK.
Posted by tmr on August 29, 2007 03:25 PMWhats a tinfoil hat? They tried electroshock therapy, but no hat was involved.
Posted by RP Mc Murphy on August 30, 2007 09:14 AMOnce again, where are all of the liberals that scream about terrorist surveillance - isn't this a violation of or basic rights as well? The governement should not be tracking anybody via GPS - that is a violation of our civil liberties - will the ACLU step in? Doubt it because a lib gov is proposing it - now if it were Governor Owens then they'd be screaming from the rafters.
Posted by on August 31, 2007 08:09 AMTouche RP..you have me laughing..
Posted by TMR on August 31, 2007 01:06 PM