Since the caveman learned to covet possessions, the 1st oldest profession, spying, has been a necessary part of society, and for the express purpose of "protecting" that society. And as a result of that, when one clan coveted the other clans lifestyle, externalised spying was born. Yes - spy versus spy. So what does this have to do with a modern democratic society's need to alter spy legislation to better able "control" a society that is largely law abiding? Well there is the nub. Largely law abiding means that there is a small percentage that is not "law abiding" and can be counted as either an internal or external threat to either our own society or those of other countries.
It's fair to say the events of the past few years have lead to an escalation of dramatic law changes and new legislation to cover the loopholes posed by Kim Dotcom and the Urewera Five, but is it just that? Is it possible New Zealand stood reticent to change the laws and the means to catch subversives since 9/11 and with mounting pressure from overseas agencies and governments has had to get in line with the greater world and be a part of a global society geared to preventing terrorism and subversive elements, both internal and external?
And that pressure has fallen on PM John Key. Now I will admit that some of the handling of the GCSB legislation in the public arena has been less than desirable but I will also say that given the complexity of the legislation and the powers outside this country placing pressure on us as a society and ergo our elected representatives to get in line I think the PM has done swimmingly well. Let's not forget, GCSB and SIS are about secrecy, and all societies need secrecy to function. If we were to regularly let our cats out of the bag then subversive elements remain one step ahead. The GCSB Bill is about the global society staying two steps ahead. In our neck'o'woods too. And speaking of woods, how many of our forests hide other training camps?
And how many of our online information services hide probable people hell bent on preventing our society to function without fear? And that's what spying is all about. Information gathering and sharing. Preventative Action. And learning from experience and preventing further incidents against The Global Society.
It's fair to say that this legislation will not mean the Green Party will be investigated for breaches of good faith. After all they more than anyone pose a greater threat to society in that they preach Total Freedom. That's an odd analogy. The Greens are a political party and such not only have to abide by the rules, but if in power have to make and police them. If they think that the GCSB Bill is fraught with closing off personal freedoms, how when they get in power will they be able to work with other countries that rely on spying to ensure society is safe?
Yes, The GCSB Bill. Like it or lump it, it's necessary. But I also understand how it could be likened to the NSA (which by the way has been spying on online traffic since the internet began). That alone did not stop 9/11 or Oklahoma or any number of college shootings in the US. Yes legislation will protect for the greater good, but there will still be cracks and the GCSB Bill is designed to close some of them.
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