RE: Small Country Ideals Don't Work in a Large Country

First, you've done an excellent job in summarizing the problem; so much so that I'm fairly convinced there is no total solution, except the pie-in-the sky one where the U.S. becomes so beloved by the entire world that no one wants to hurt us in any way. (I guess there's actually some merit to that dream.) Until then, defenses must be implemented.

Here's the thing for me with the whole 'losing our liberties' argument when confronted with some of the intelligence gathering ideas that are floating around. If I could be assured that the people who want to implement these things are as dedicated to only that task of protecting me and mine as Agent K was, without some other agenda for further manipulation and control that comes with these increasingly powerful tools, then I might not mind being oblivious to their activities. But we all know what power does to some people at all levels. (Just think of the last over-zealous mall security guard you witnessed.) We all fear the slow, creeping Orwellian 1984 scenario, really; where agencies in power begin to self perpetuate the reasons for their own existence.

I think the idea of using EMT's, mail carriers, pizza delivery people, etc. might have some effect on noticing odd stuff worth investigating, but it also carries the risk of vigilantism, especially in the case of having a public reward system. I also know that if I was planning a major terrorist attack, I would have a P.O Box, die rather than call an EMT and definitely pick up my own take-out. It seems like as soon as one thing is solved at the possible sacrifice of liberty, the ones who want to harm us just switch tactics and the whole thing is like the clown trying to sweep up the moving spotlights.

On the other hand people already are trying to help on their own. With all the heightened awareness our response teams are getting their exercise.

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