CreateDebate is a social debate community built around ideas, discussion and democracy.
If this is your first time checking out a debate, here are some quick tips to help get you started:
Arguments with the highest score are displayed first.
Argument replies (both in favor and in opposition) are displayed below the original argument.
To follow along, you may find it helpful to show and hide the replies displayed below each argument.
To vote for an argument, use these icons:
You have the power to cast exactly one vote (either up or down) for each argument.
Once you vote, the icon will become grayed out and the argument's score will change.
Yes, you can change your vote.
Debate scores, side scores and tag scores are automatically calculated by an algorithm that primarily takes argument scores into account.
All scores are updated in real-time.
To learn more about the CreateDebate scoring system, check out the FAQ.
When you are ready to voice your opinion, use the Add Argument button to create an argument.
If you would like to address an existing argument, use the Support and Dispute link within that argument to create a new reply.
It really bothers me that the NSA is increasingly engaging in domestic surveillance, data collection, and data mining. It is clearly another step closer to a Big Brother society. What right does the government have to collect so much personal information in such a clandestine manner? Where is that right established? What about the right to individual freedom? Oh yeah, the Constitution!
I will disagree with you. The NSA is just an easy target for people that fear we are slipping into a Big Brother society. Because of the secrecy that surrounds the agency, people tend to question the legitimacy and necessity of what they do. The NSA is essential to our country's well-being and overall national security. The role they play, albeit not a popular one, is critical to this country's survival. You brought up the way they go about getting their information. They are not the only institutions that use data collection and mining. Insurance companies, your employer, credit card companies, even grocery stores do it. Is what they do intrusive? I would say yes. But I would also argue that it saves countless lives. You have the right to individual freedom, but someone has to protect that right. Terrorism is evolving at an alarming rate. The government has to play a constant game of catch up. "Homegrown" terrorism is a very real threat the U.S. is facing and I feel the government and in particular the NSA not only has the right, but the duty to protect it's citizens. So if "snooping" on our e-mail is a way they have found to fight terrorism then I say snoop away. I have nothing to hide.
The NSA is just an easy target for people that fear we are slipping into a Big Brother society. Because of the secrecy that surrounds the agency, people tend to question the legitimacy and necessity of what they do. The NSA is essential to our country's well-being and overall national security. The role they play, albeit not a popular one, is critical to this country's survival. You brought up the way they go about getting their information. They are not the only institutions that use data collection and mining. Insurance companies, your employer, credit card companies, even grocery stores do it. Is what they do intrusive? I would say yes. But I would also argue that it saves countless lives. You have the right to individual freedom, but someone has to protect that right. Terrorism is evolving at an alarming rate. The government has to play a constant game of catch up. "Homegrown" terrorism is a very real threat the U.S. is facing and I feel the government and in particular the NSA not only has the right, but the duty to protect it's citizens. So if "snooping" on our e-mail is a way they have found to fight terrorism then I say snoop away. I have nothing to hide.