[Infowarrior] - Poll: Most Americans Support NSA's Efforts

[Richard Forno]

I'm reminded of the old saying by one of our Founders --- "Those who would
give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve
neither liberty nor safety."  -rf


Poll: Most Americans Support NSA's Efforts
By Richard Morin
Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, May 12, 2006; 7:00 AM

The new survey found that 63 percent of Americans said they found the NSA
program to be an acceptable way to investigate terrorism, including 44
percent who strongly endorsed the effort. Another 35 percent said the
program was unacceptable, which included 24 percent who strongly objected to
it.

A slightly larger majority--66 percent--said they would not be bothered if
NSA collected records of personal calls they had made, the poll found.

Underlying those views is the belief that the need to investigate terrorism
outweighs privacy concerns. According to the poll, 65 percent of those
interviewed said it was more important to investigate potential terrorist
threats "even if it intrudes on privacy." Three in 10--31 percent--said it
was more important for the federal government not to intrude on personal
privacy, even if that limits its ability to investigate possible terrorist
threats.

Half--51 percent--approved of the way President Bush was handling privacy
matters.

< - >

The survey results reflect initial public reaction to the NSA program. Those
views that could change or deepen as more details about the effort become
known over the next few days.

< - >

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/05/12/AR2006051200
375_pf.html