Homeland Security research pt. 3

FOX News webpage

Reading this article opened my eyes to how concerned the majority of American residents really are about terrorism and keeping our country safe. In fact, fifty-eight percent believe that President Bush has the authority to monitor electronic devices used for international communication...six in ten even reported that they're "ok" with the National Security Agency (NSA) listening on their international phone calls. Correspondingly, over half of US citizens believe that the monitoring has helped towards the prevention of terrorism, and a similar number think extending the act is a good idea. "About half of the public (46 percent) attributes the absence of a terrorist attacks in the United States to the success of security measures, while 22 percent think it is more likely that no new attacks have been planned since 9/11 (20 percent say it’s some of both)."
However, many Americans also believe that the wiretapping is quite the invasion of privacy. A poll of 900 registered voters for FOX News concluded that nearly six in ten say they are "concerned that government efforts to track terrorists are harming the civil liberties of American citizens."


Questions:
- Have the NSA actually found any material while monitoring calls regarding potential terrorism or any other threats to the safety of the US?
- Does the NSA screen all international calls? Is it random? Could they have listened to just anyone's phone calls?

Homeland Security research pt. 2

The Washington Post

The Washington Post

For the past few years, the immigration issue has been widely recognized, turning the Southern American border into something to be afraid of. What some may not realize, however, is that as of September 11th, 2001, small changes have been occurring in the North as well. What used to be just across the street has now become an entirely different world for the residents of both Derby Line, Vermont, and our neighboring nation Canada. The Department of Homeland Security states that the changes were influenced by the higher awareness of terrorism to the United States, therefore sealing all entryways to possible threats. Running the new security will be the Secure Border Initiative, whom have already called for more than triple the border patrol agents, plus billions of dollars in new equipment.

Questions:
- As I've previously observed, so much money seems to be going to "protecting" our country from outsiders. How much will the government spend until they're satisfied with the level of security?
- The Unites States is a country built on immigrants. But now is it going to become an entirely fenced nation?
- Compared to other nations (such as France and Spain, who's borders are loose and very allowing), the US seems to have gone to an extreme as far as securing the borders go. Is the Department of Homeland Security just paranoid?

Homeland Security research

Department of Homeland Security webpage

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has set up plans to more tightly secure the nation's borders, in order to reduce the current statistic of illegal aliens living in the United States. However, to efficiently tighten these borders, a definite increase in investments would be made, including funds towards advanced technology and more actual officers to both enforce immigration laws & patrol the border. Although the website claims to want the absolute best for legal migrants it seems the government is more concerned with forcing people out then allowing them in.

Questions concerning the article & topic:
- Why does is there so much focus on keeping others away, when there will be a significant cost? Aren't there other issues within the United States that could use more attention?
- Many immigrants crossing illegally are not criminals (aside from the crime of breaking immigration laws), therefore coming to the US to work in jobs that aren't generally desired, at prices that are less than desirable. Why should the the dept. of homeland security (as well as anyone else) be so bothered by their presence?