So, one argument goes that we need these snoop programs to keep us safe.

[Stinky The Clown]

I vehemently disagree with that.

Life is not without risk.

I think we need to deal with that. Sniffing our crotches to get on airplanes is too much insult. In my view, the government needs to stop all such surveillance. It is time to grow up and accept the risks.

[Manifestor_of_Light]

1. Is it not a false dichotomy? Either/or?

[NoOneMan]

2. Crucial point thats missing

Thanks

[Stinky The Clown]

3. What "either/or"?

Just stop snooping. Where's the or?

[Manifestor_of_Light]

4. False Dichotomy.

Either a)the government snoops on all its citizens and residents; or
b)we are not safe from terrorists.

I'd like to see some proof of causation: That government or private snooping on our citizens and residents actually prevents terrorist attacks.

It seems that Russia told the U.S. to watch out for the Tsarnaev brothers, but the U.S. did not watch them closely, for a recent example.

[Stinky The Clown]

5. Okay, we agree