There is something inherently despotic about framing seeking basic accountability as questioning the legitimacy of government. Security has always been the fir

There is something inherently despotic about framing seeking basic accountability as questioning the legitimacy of government. Security has always been the first resort of tinpots and despots for self seeking behavior. Only those ignorant of history or too distracted with material gain and hubris will fall for it. There always has to be a balance because ultimately everyone is safe in a cage. But that's not what we mean by free democratic societies. Spying on everyone gives some individuals a sense of power and the logical response to that must be to prosecute them in open courts so their regressive mindsets can be exposed for the sickness they perpetuate. Privacy is much more important and valuable than making day to day law enforcement and governance easier. Now back to the real world if there was any serious interest in dealing with terrorism Saudi Arabia would have been tackled 30 years ago rather than let them fund and spread Wahhabi ideology globally and the latest round of terror. Yet even today they are the USA and UK's closest allies in the middle east while Iraq, Libya, Syria and Iran who have nothing to do with global terror campaigns are casually destroyed with millions dead and millions in disarray making a complete mockery of the world we live in and the humanity we claim for ourselves. There is no legitimate argument for a surveillance society other than coming from ignorance of history or narrow self interest. It's high time this country makes an example of those emboldened enough to advocate it and reiterate its commitment to its fundamental values.