Are we losing our Right to Freedom of Speech?

During the past few days we have been discussing a significant point of our nations history in preparation for the AP exam in May. It is important to understand that a group of Colonies that were placed on the new found continental landmass known as North America fought for their freedom and became their own independent nation. Yet, more important then what happened is why it happened. Many attribute the cause of the Revolutionary War to the overbearing power of Great Britain which was using its authority to control many different colonies all over their global empire. Through many different acts, such as the Proclamation act of 1763 (which disallowed settlers to move past the Appalachians), and taxes on goods such as sugar and tea the English parliament forced their authority on the American colonies. Though these acts had consequences many believe that it was more of the principle that angered a majority of the colonist. The idea that a Parliamentary body in England was making the decisions for the colonies without actually being their angered the colonist. They wanted the unalienable rights that they would have received as British citizens. This is why they went to war. Once they gained their independence they no longer had to worry about their freedom being in jeopardy. Things were done legally and through a republican system that actually presided on the continent. People were given their rights as American citizen to many things such as freedom of speech. Until now.

In May 2013, media reports were released that revealed operational details of National Surveillance Agency and its mass surveillance of foreign nations and US citizens. This informations was uncovered by Edward Snowden who was a member of the CIA he released this information to Wikileaks to show the world the truth about the American government and then fled the country. This quickly exploded into one of the most important discoveries in recent history. Many agree that it was the most significant leak in US history. The idea of mass surveillance is that the entire population is being pervasively watched by the government. Anything you say or do can affect you. Though the government argues this is only for the protection of the American citizens against terrorist and other dangerous external forces, it is still morally wrong. Many have criticized mass surveillance as being a violation of privacy rights. It is also criticized for being illegal and for denying social and political freedoms. With these rights being constantly denied some fear that American will ultimately become a totalitarian state in which freedom of speech is not allowed and political opposition is instantly crushed. by releasing this information Snowden has allowed countless people to learn the truth about America's political system and how it is not the Perfect republic that everyone that it was. For this many consider him a hero and a patriot for deciphering information which would in every other way be hidden from us. He is also been called a traitor and a whistleblower because he went against his country and has thoroughly weakened our intelligence capabilities.

The idea of mass surveillance denies Americans a right that was clearly stated in the Constitution the founding document of our nation the right to free speech. No matter what you wish to say and who you support politically or in other matters you have the right to express your opinion. During the colonial days many American's who spoke out willingly against parliament were injured or killed. From this it became an important initiative of the rebel forces to fight for this right during the revolution.Yet in this day and age more things intimidate us more than British soldiers. The ongoing War on Terror has made a distinct mark on America. After the 9/11 attacks different intelligence programs have done all in their power to apprehend the perpetrators and to prevent another attack from happening. So in reality they use mass surveillance as a method of keeping American citizens protected. This brings up the question that I wish to propose. Should the United States use Mass surveillance? If so why? Is this something that our founding fathers would have thought our nation which was founded on rights of freedoms and individual rights would accept?

Written by
Ryan Adibi