Privacy and Security - part II

Privacy and Security - part II

https://www.justsecurity.org/70029/emergency-powers-in-the-time-of-coronaand-beyond/

Today, I am going to quote more of the linked article than I normally do.  Let’s see how it all fits

The article has a title of: “Emergency Powers in the Time of Coronavirus and Beyond”

“There is much we still do not know about COVID-19, but there is also much that we do know. We know we are dealing with a highly transmissible virus that can spread easily from person to person through respiratory droplets. And we know that if you do not want to be 6 feet under (or put someone else there), you’d better be 6 feet away.”

“In the past few months, we have witnessed numerous extraordinary measures adopted by various governments in response to COVID-19.”

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Yes, numerous extraordinary measures have been adopted - from the Federal Government down.  We have heard about “flatting the curve” - keep the virus from spreading so quickly by isolating and following the extraordinary precautions.  We have heard so many stories of groups (like the Washington State chorus group - that still had a rehearsal and spread the COVID-19 germs all around.

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But, the article continues in an interesting vein,

“A common rhetorical tool used, perhaps overused, by politicians, business leaders and consultants, motivational speakers, and others is “never let a good crisis go to waste.” Those who want to impress their listeners even further hasten to add that “the Chinese word for ‘crisis’ is ‘danger plus opportunity.’” Whether correct or, as some have argued, a widespread public misperception, this idea has been taken up and repeated, over and over again.”

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What?  ‘Never let a good crisis go to waste?’

The gist of the article comes next:

“The danger presented in such tumultuous times is not confined merely to the obvious risks—terrorism attack, hurricanes, an economic meltdown, or a pandemic. It also inheres in the fact that crises present governments, both democratic and authoritarian, with an opportunity to increase and concentrate their powers often at the expense of individual rights, freedoms, and liberties.

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WHAT - that governments love crises so that they can increase and concentrate their powers?  What - does the United States Government want to be more authoritarian?  Does the state of Texas want to have more powers?

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And …. The next big point:

“Whatever the case may be, experience teaches us several important lessons that we ignore at our peril. First, when faced with emergencies, governments tend to over-, rather than under-, react. Second, crises and emergencies almost invariably lead to the strengthening of the executive branch at the expense of the other two branches. Parliamentary acquiescence and judicial deference leave great room for executive action. Finally, and most significantly, counter-crisis measures adopted in response to a particular exigency, regardless of the nature of that exigency, are rarely fully scaled back and terminated once the crisis abates and is over.

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The authors suggest that (a) governments tend to overreact.  

Then, this leads to (b) executive branches (aka ‘the presidency’) to strength.  Kind of a “we have to take a strong stance on this”. 

And, finally, (c) once the emergency is over, the actions tend to be kept in place.  

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Not that this is all bad.  From the September 11, 2001 attacks, the Department of Homeland Security was developed - and still exists.  Some measures at that time led us (United States) to allow for more surveillance and more wire-tapping and more international espionage. 

Yes, that security was good and needed - and took a big step for security to keep such attacks from never happening yet.  

The article goes on to suggest that “War Rhetoric” is common in such crises.  “We are in a battle for this nation’s health”.  Fear, hysteria, and panic have worked on the American people.  (Did you see panic at the grocery store over toilet paper or anti-bacterial wipes?) 

While I may not totally agree with the article, it does raise some interesting points.  

Be safe my friends - but keep good sense and watch the eroding of our freedom as the Executive Branch attempts to crack down on such freedoms.

Hugs!!

Karen