I agree with the author wholeheartedly, except for the mathematical analysis at the end.
I believe one of the existential threats to our country is becoming a dictatorship. I'm always shocked when I share this point of view with people around me and their reaction is basically, "that's so unlikely it's not worth worrying about". There are many examples of this throughout history, e.g. the Roman Republic, the Weimar Republic, those that the author cites, etc. We should not be so arrogant to think that we are somehow exceptional and immune to this.
My personal belief is that there are certain constants in the dynamics of human nature, and one of them is seek power. Broad, unchecked domestic surveillance is a dangerous tool to give to a potential dictator. We should not set up a framework where a power-seeking individual can circumvent our democracy through coercion.
I believe one of the existential threats to our country is becoming a dictatorship. I'm always shocked when I share this point of view with people around me and their reaction is basically, "that's so unlikely it's not worth worrying about". There are many examples of this throughout history, e.g. the Roman Republic, the Weimar Republic, those that the author cites, etc. We should not be so arrogant to think that we are somehow exceptional and immune to this.
My personal belief is that there are certain constants in the dynamics of human nature, and one of them is seek power. Broad, unchecked domestic surveillance is a dangerous tool to give to a potential dictator. We should not set up a framework where a power-seeking individual can circumvent our democracy through coercion.