Typical Problem-Reaction-Solution

So the issue of the NSA creating a database which tracks every phone call made in the United States is starting to make headlines. I first read about this issue a few weeks ago on some of my geek websites, but now the story is getting more press since the telecom giants (AT&T, Bellsouth, Verizon, but not Qwest) are under fire. Don't get this confused with the NSA wiretapping fiasco, that's a completely different privacy violation. Also, don't get that mistaken with the Department of Justice ordering Google to surrender their users' search logs.

This program tracks every call made in the US. From the database created, you can then extrapolate information from the matrices formed. Of course this program was created to increase intelligence in order to keep us safe from terrorist attacks. The only way to let the terrorists win is if we change our lives because of them. ..clearly that's not happening..

I thought terrorists worked in cells, where each cell was completely independent of the other. But who knows.. maybe tracking the frequency in which you talk to Miss Cleo might help our intelligence agencies?

Are any of yall creative enough to imagine how this information could be misused? Don't bother.. here are a few of my examples:

Insider Information: So there's a rumor that Microsoft and Playboy might merge to make software that has even more holes. It's just a rumor though.. but upon checking our new Big Brother program, our trusty government officials see heavy phone traffic between Bill G. of Redmond, Washington and Hugh H. at the Playboy mansion. Sounds like a good time to call your broker.

Maintaining Political Power: So you're in office, but notice someone gaining enough popularity to challenge your seat. Don't sweat it, just run the Watergate play out of Nixon's playbook and everything will be fine. The similarities here could fuel another post.

Crippling Social Networks: By monitoring the communications of terrorist cells, you can eventually follow the matrix to their leader. Unfortunately that also applies to other social networks. Think the civil rights movement would have had much success if this program had existed? How about the civil war?

Don't get me wrong folks, when I'm king.. I'll definitely have these types of programs in effect. It's much easier to stay in power when you can pinpoint and eliminate your opposition. Check out Problem-Reaction-Solution for some perspective.