Get The Flock Out! (Op-Ed By Todd A. McKinley)

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Note from The Tennessee Conservative: Editorial statements in this column are the sole opinion of the author; they do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the staff of this publication.

Submitted by Todd A. McKinley –

To Get the flock out! 

This includes any camera or technology that is used to spy on Americans, disguised as “keeping us safe.” The saying “the road to hell is paved with good intentions,” comes to mind. 

I include red light and traffic cameras, no exceptions, but I exclude temporary cameras at large events that potentially could be targeted by terrorist such as the Super Bowl which is designated a special national security event for good reason. Also, this doesn’t include private property or security cameras on public buildings that are solely for security purposes that only cover a small but reasonable footprint inside and outside buildings or structures, but nothing more, of course with provisions built in to allow for citizens to easily and within reason to audit the records to ensure that’s all that’s being surveilled, after all, we don’t have the right to trespass or break and enter or vandalize etc. However, government institutions have a duty to protect public property, but aside from reasonable security cameras not pointed at the public in a manner that cannot be justified, I’m fine with it. 

School security cameras within reason are perfectly fine as well, but when they’re used to surveil outside of school property boundaries without true and reasonable justification, then that’s a no-go for me as well. Example, a camera pointed at an entry point off a public road, where the main focus isn’t the public road is fine. People will say I don’t support law enforcement, not true, but I support and defend the Constitution and Civil Liberties first, foremost and always, ALL other government institutions get in line.

Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness as spelled out in the 2nd paragraph of the Declaration of Independence are the principles I stand on, and cameras that are permanently employed for most reason(s) certainly don’t comport with this in the least. For those who say something like “what are you trying to hide,” ask them why do you want to know and how is it any of their (or any government’s) business, it’s not. 

When governments live within the confines of the Constitution, the people are safe, when even one person is victimized by abusing these surveillance cameras, we’re all wounded as is the Constitution. Calvin Coolidge said it best, “all liberty is individual liberty.” So, when someone tries to defend this by talking about the “greater good,” it’s time for their ouster. If that’s a foreign concept to any public official (elected or appointed) then We The People should call for their termination ASAP.

BTW, you’re only voting for perceived safety if you support those who defend these types of measures as being necessary. Also, U.S. taxpayers are paying for what amounts to geofencing or as I say, geo-imprisonment, which our financial system has been allowed to do by in large, that’s why we must still print paper money and mint coins and get rid of Civil Asset Forfeiture, which is legalized theft and nothing more, it’s been abused many times, but once is more than enough.

Remember, those who give up liberty for temporary safety deserve neither, after all, liberty is the safest option, not the blanket of protection provided by any government, and I mean any government. We have the power now to fight this, after all, it’s election season. 

About the Author: Todd A. McKinley is a retired U.S. Army Paratrooper, Afghanistan and Iraq combat veteran, co-host of the Commonsense Conservatives, veterans advocate, author and local office holder. www.toddmckinley.com