by Ed Anger
THE SCARLET BLOG
I’m angrier than a beaver in the desert. Friends, there are few things more important than keeping our children safe. They are the most precious members of our families and communities. They are our future. So what happens when that most valuable asset comes in conflict with one of our most treasured rights — that is, the right to privacy?As you’ve all read by now, the popular networking Web site, MySpace, has agreed to release data on registered sex offenders who are using its site and close them down. Understandably, MySpace doesn’t want these predators creating innocent-sounding profiles and then starting on-line friendships that can lead to real-life tragedy. Naturally, parents and various state attorneys general have applauded the action.
Me? I’ve got a few questions.
First, if these offenders are dangerous, what the hell are they doing out of prison? Why aren’t they being given drugs like Depo Provera that dulls their twisted libidos? Why aren’t their computers being monitored as a condition of their release?
Second — and this bothers me more — why aren’t parents doing more to check up on their own child’s activities? To find out who they’re communicating with, why aren’t they taking an active part in the process, maybe creating a profile of their own and joining them in some of these chats? Since when did it become the job of MySpace or AOL or Yahoo or anyone else to act as nanny?
Third, where does the prying end? The government wants information on terrorists? The Patriot Act gives them the right to poke around in our private communications. The public wants information on sex offenders? There’s a national registry that you can go to on-line, input your street address, and find out what kind of sicko lives near you. (The problem with this, of course, is that it also tells aspiring predators where they can go for advice. But I digress.)
While agreeing that these may be necessary intrusions in these dangerous times, and to protect the young, I have to wonder: what’s next? Will streets or apartments with smokers be IDed so everyone can be spared close proximity to toxins? Will bars or grocery stores be forced to report alcohol purchases over a certain amount just in case the buyer becomes irresponsibly drunk? Should vegans be alerted when there’s a pork roast in their vicinity, lest they inhale cooking carcass?
I return to what I said earlier. Know your kids. And know your neighbors. The government and corporations should not be taking over our responsibilities any more than they should be taking our rights and privacy.
Writing in the 19th Century, the Irish statesman Edmund Burke said, “The true danger is when liberty is nibbled away, for expedience, and by parts.”
We’re getting there, folks, and I don’t mind admitting it’s got me more than angry.
I’m worried.