Does anyone worry that their opinions here may be compiled and used against them in the future?

Question

Can this "knowledge" database be used against those who disagree with US policies?

Answer 1

If you DON'T think they'll be used against you, you're just in denial. Haven't people figured out yet that the US government DOES data mine every source of data kept on it's citizens that it can and it DOES compile lists of potential threats posed by it's own citizens and those lists ARE gathered from places like this where people exercise their 'freedom'.

Hell, if employers use this information, why wouldn't the government? Do you really think they wouldn't make every effort to investigate who you've talked to, what you've said, where you've been? Of course they don't waste their time and resources reading every post and looking for people to target, but if they had cause to be concerned, you can bet your tinfoil they'd be googling your screenname faster then you can type WTF.

Answer 2

I have never said anything in this forum that I would not be willing to stand up in court and repeat wholeheartedly. So the answer to your question is NO.

But, yes, I do believe that some of the more subversive statements have made their way to monitoring stations, where information on the person who made the allegations is collected and stored, and ultimately analyzed by an overpaid government lackey for anti-government content.

If you have been making statements that can be construed as threatening to the current president, government, or your country, they probably have a dossier on you in Washington.

Answer 3

I'm not concerned, since I've never said anything of an incriminating nature. But I know exactly what your saying and asking. There have been a few people that I wondered if they really truly believed they could say and write such things without getting put under investigation from the US government. I even said as much to the person I thought totally stepped over the line.

Answer 4

I suppose it could. But, why worry? There is still a Freedom of Speach, and I still take very seriously my oath to uphold and defend the Constitution against all enemies, Foreign or Domestic. However, if they come for me, they will be in for a bloody surprise. (Armed Disabled Veteran with a SharpshooterMedal for pistols and Expert Shot Medal for rifles)

Answer 5

N O, Unless you make some kind of threat against the
President of the US or a threat against the United States
of America or someone else. N O to your last question.

Answer 6

You have to consider the logistics of all that. When the US in the Mcarthy days (and probably the Bush days) was recording news clippings, it was relatively easy to link particpation in a protest to a person. But the research required to link a rant on Yahoo answers to a real person is no small matter (me for example .... there are thousands of john lewin's out there. How do you know which one this is? To say nothing of people with names like free343bathead or what not).
Moreover, there's no proof or accountability. Its much easier to just snoop on your cellular phone conversations using word recognition software.

Answer 7

No, I think the lessons of McCarthyism were well learned. It is true that Big Brother is stepping on the heels of our shoes, but the American people will only stand for so much of that. They're only putting up with it now because of the fear of terrorism.

Answer 8

I have wondered about that actually. I wouldn't consider it a conspiracy theory or even excessive paranoia. In a world where everything is being monitored and people are willingly giving up freedoms for security I think it could happen if society keeps pushing towards this Orwellian existence.

Answer 9

This is why one should stick to answering factual questions, not offering opinions. If you are concerned about words being used against you, then don't provide any potentially compromising answers! (or ask questions in the same vein, for that matter)

Answer 10

It's possible, but not feasible. After all, America still does have freedom of speech... and that includes the right to disagree with or question the actions of our government.