Privacy and Repression
Yesterday I commented on a post on the iammeblog about privacy and political contributions. Alerting us about a new website with information about political contributions.
The more I think about it the more I worry about public accessibility of records of political contributions in the United States.
The U.S. is a democracy, right? We have a system which operates openly and transparently. So why do I worry about others seeing my political contributions? Because I'm not so sure that we are open and transparent. I'm not sure that we follow the rules of the game. Ok, I think we don't.
In a repressive system one should be afraid to see one's political speech, actions, support, and contributions open to scrutiny by any who would choose to do so. We have something to fear if this information would be used against us. If one's political activity can put your job at risk, put your housing at risk, put your life at risk, then I'd damn well say that we live in a closed, repressive nation. What is put at risk here in America? Are we headed toward or away from an open system?
The political realm is not a private one, the political realm is one in which determinations are made about all of us. When we make such determinations it should be open and public. The amount of money given should be public, the candidate or group placing an advertisement should be stated. If I print up a pamphlet making a political statement or argument I should attach my name to it.
What worries me is that I'm not convinced that it is such a good idea to have such openness in the United States. I'm worried about what could be done to us. Will someone's income be placed at risk if they state their political convictions outside of the work place? Hell, it is well known that if one states their sexual convictions outside of my workplace that it could endanger their job, or ability to serve the country in the armed services, or even participate in the Boy Scouts.
Blogging is great, but I'll be impressed when everyone goes by their real name. I know I wouldn't. But this isn't so much a statement about blogs and the internet as it is about our society.
The more I think about it the more I worry about public accessibility of records of political contributions in the United States.
The U.S. is a democracy, right? We have a system which operates openly and transparently. So why do I worry about others seeing my political contributions? Because I'm not so sure that we are open and transparent. I'm not sure that we follow the rules of the game. Ok, I think we don't.
In a repressive system one should be afraid to see one's political speech, actions, support, and contributions open to scrutiny by any who would choose to do so. We have something to fear if this information would be used against us. If one's political activity can put your job at risk, put your housing at risk, put your life at risk, then I'd damn well say that we live in a closed, repressive nation. What is put at risk here in America? Are we headed toward or away from an open system?
The political realm is not a private one, the political realm is one in which determinations are made about all of us. When we make such determinations it should be open and public. The amount of money given should be public, the candidate or group placing an advertisement should be stated. If I print up a pamphlet making a political statement or argument I should attach my name to it.
What worries me is that I'm not convinced that it is such a good idea to have such openness in the United States. I'm worried about what could be done to us. Will someone's income be placed at risk if they state their political convictions outside of the work place? Hell, it is well known that if one states their sexual convictions outside of my workplace that it could endanger their job, or ability to serve the country in the armed services, or even participate in the Boy Scouts.
Blogging is great, but I'll be impressed when everyone goes by their real name. I know I wouldn't. But this isn't so much a statement about blogs and the internet as it is about our society.
2 Comments:
Your comments are what I was eluding to on the blog. At the time I donated to the Presidential race, I was working for liberal organization where I was a closet Republican. There were only a hand-full of Republicans at work and I was concerned that once my donation was made public, my company would find out. Of course, they couldn't dismiss me because of my political affiliations however it would have been difficult to maintain my position, especially as the senior management team was outspoken against the Republican party.
I worry a lot about these issues, too. I've heard stories about scientists applying for government jobs, being asked questions about their (irrelevant) political views. See:
www.commondreams.org/headlines04/1121-04.htm.
I feel the environment in this country is getting scary.
Post a Comment
<< Home