Topic: In God we trust................

................but pretty much nobody else...........

We don't do political on here, which is probably just as well, and it not my intention to do it in this comment.

The rights and wrongs have long lists in both the pro's and con's column. Nevertheless, whilst spying can always be justified, being exposed and caught doing it only creates or intensifies a mistrust between the parties that the culprit was trying to understand in the first place.

The agencies involved ( amongst many others) have been doing this for years, but now the light has again been shone on these dark practices there seems considerable suprise. I suppose the sheer quantity of what they can see, read and intercept has been the cause of this...shock.

The agencies say considerable harm has been done through the leaks. They are not wrong, but the harm from the European side has been to the US standing here. Especially in Germany.

Should the US worry about that? Probably not. I mean, Germany isn't going to stop sending Beemers, Mercs and Audi to the States anytime soon so give it a little a time and everything in the garden will again be rosy.

Or perhaps not. Certainly not on an individual level anyway. This whole story broke just as Merkel and Obama were shaking hands and she wasn't happy about it. Many Germans, certainly with 1st hand knowledge and experience of the old DDR and the state spying that went on at an unprecendented level certainly don't appreciate the implications of these revelations. Merkel looked very uncormfortable whereas Obama didn't, and that sent its own very powerful message.

The story continues to be big news here, and for the first time in 10 years of livng here I find Germans discussing a major world news story on a daily basis. RTL showed yesterday at primetime 'The Bourne Ultimatum' (again) and I suspect it was no coincidence. A movie heavy on eavesdropping and very dirty tricks with the mantra ' a threat to National Security' being uttered at every plot twist to justify the next criminal act. But OK, that is just Hollywood's interpretation.....................

Germans though, like anyone else, live in the real world and they are not so stupid to believe that this kind of spying doesn't have its role to play, and to that extent they should probably be grateful that someone else is prepared to get their hands dirty doing it. That said, these revelations do serve a purpose I think. A reality check. You can and maybe should do it (spying) but don't take it for granted that you can. Mistrust won't help the cause. Good practice will.

As I said at the top. Rights and wrongs (if there are any anyway) are not for discussing here.

Here's hoping for a good news story soon. One thing we don't need is seeing Putin standing up playing the 'honest broker'!

Damn..........I said I wouldn't be polictical. Failed again with the Putin line. Just blew my place in their bunker........................


PS....if the mods feel this isn't an appropriate topic. Take it down. No harm done. It's Monday, I've got downtime and I just felt like writing something.

PPS. If anyone does comment then please keep it on an even keel. Remember, anybody could be reading this!

No Hits, No Hype.......................Classic Rock Jan 2012

Re: In God we trust................

Yep ... a little too near to a political topic - so probably will get deleted at some point - whistleblowers, yeah we need more of them!!! Oops.... is that a knock on my door .... gotta go!!! wink

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3 (edited by RickB 2013-07-15 11:26:59)

Re: In God we trust................

Well said. Everyone in these days of constant online communication should be well aware that every single transmission is subject to scrutiny and never goes away. We all are under constant observation in our way of life and habits. I just read this morning that your cell is tracked in stores to see where you stop and look. Your TV is a listening device if someone wants to. Your computer's camera can be turned on to watch your movements in your home. Your electronically controlled car can be taken over and used as a weapon with you as a terrified rider. These facts are just the tip of the iceberg. Those with a touch of paranoia are justified. I hope our worst fears don't come to fruition. Orwell was a prophet with uncanny vision.
Rick

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Re: In God we trust................

Thanks Rick for feeding my paranoia!

No Hits, No Hype.......................Classic Rock Jan 2012

Re: In God we trust................

should this thread be called "In Google we trust"?

- only fear something if you have something to fear. Fear God if you have something to be worried about. Or join the catholic church as confession absolves all apparently. 

or alternatively just turn up the music and enjoy it for what it is. Soothing blues. smile

My YouTube channel with plenty of my Joe's videos dating from 2009 inc his first Hammersmith Odeon ones:
http://www.youtube.com/ian916fun

Re: In God we trust................

Good call Ian. Google we trust.

Funny though. I was in the UK last week and the story really didn't feature on the news. Here it rumbles on big time.

I had forgotten that this year they have the elections to come. This affair could still have a role to play in those.

Rest assured the music IS turned up. Appropriately  'Million Miles Away' Good old Rory!

No Hits, No Hype.......................Classic Rock Jan 2012

Re: In God we trust................

As I sit in a small town on along side a river listening to the church bells from my youth, I'm reminded of something my father once told me "trust is given to those who've earned it."

I wish I was home. But actually, I am. As the world turns.......

sad)

Re: In God we trust................

hansamike wrote:

Funny though. I was in the UK last week and the story really didn't feature on the news. Here it rumbles on big time.

it is still not being covered here, - but there is a lot of other stuff going on right now that is hogging the headlines, and the country is fairly fed up with politics and politicians.

My YouTube channel with plenty of my Joe's videos dating from 2009 inc his first Hammersmith Odeon ones:
http://www.youtube.com/ian916fun

Re: In God we trust................

Ian916 wrote:
hansamike wrote:

Funny though. I was in the UK last week and the story really didn't feature on the news. Here it rumbles on big time.

it is still not being covered here, - but there is a lot of other stuff going on right now that is hogging the headlines, and the country is fairly fed up with politics and politicians.

You got that right. big_smile

Come on the Blades (sorry Idolbone just had to borrow your line)