May 18, 2006

StreetTalk

by Carol Rosen

How do you feel about telephone companies providing the NSA with customer phone records?
(Asked at Almaden Center)


“I'm appalled by it. It's probably already been done and they certainly can't undo the fact that they [the phone companies] have shared the information. I suppose we could stop them from using it. ”

Debbie Scherer, 53
Almaden
Tax accountant


“I believe that without some cause or reason, it's an invasion of privacy. A blanket turnover of records is a violation of our civil rights. I’m opposed to it. I would hope we would be able to write our Congressional representatives to initiate an open discussion of these issues instead of a reaction.”

Karen Suymi, 48
Almaden
Marriage and family therapist


“I don't think it's right. The government shouldn't invade the rights of the people. This is taking away the first amendment, freedom of speech, and the government can't do that just for the hell of it.”

Danny Hull, 24
Campbell / Electrician


“It doesn't bother me in the least. I use the phone in the clinics. It doesn't make any difference. I think it's stupid, but if they want to listen, there isn't anything I would say that would crush my freedom."

Manuel Pantiga, 73
Almaden / Semi-retired


“If it's against terrorism, I'm all for it. I live in a cute little country place that's peaceful and I've watched all the terrorism news on the television and it's sad.”

Barbie Mayock, 44
Almaden
Caterer


"I think it's horrible, it's an invasion of privacy and whoever thought of it should be prosecuted."

Carol Laidlaw
Almaden
Retired


"I think it's an invasion of our privacy. We should have a right to decide whether our phone numbers are sent or given to someone. They [the government] took that away from us without even telling us."

Darlene Caldwell, 46
Almaden
Homemaker


“It's unfortunate that we are beginning to live in a society that can't tolerate personal freedoms at the level [the government] once did. And, without understanding the role that we all play by failing to acknowledge our fears of the unknown, these behaviors will continue to happen without thoughtful discussion by those in a place of power to make such decisions.”

Lara Windett, 34
Cambrian
Marriage and family therapist