All the current hand wringing and chest pounding over NSA & CIA security failures remind me of a funny old cartoon strip.
A long time ago Mad Magazine introduced two little guys in a cartoon strip entitled "Spy Vs. Spy." One spy was totally black and the other completely white. Both were heavily cloaked, and drawn as angular little fellows bent on destroying each other. Each installment displayed cartoons of one killing or maiming the other in some form of mayhem. Of course neither spy was ever killed, but relentlessly pursued gaining an advantage over his foe.
In the real world, I believe much of the fuss is a show, and part of the ongoing industry of spying. Sneaking a peek at your neighbors new grass seed, a competitors latest innovative toy, or another nations weapon system are all parts of the ancient practice of espionage. It's not unusual that our spies would want to listen to the private phone conversations of a German or British Prime Minister. As a matter of fact, it's likely their spies already listen to our leaders. The covert activities of nations spying on each other is a very old practice, and the only thing new are the occasional revelations. Truth be told, most nations probably want more of their national budgets spent on spying. While history shows many bad things happening because of spies, much of their activity is mundane surveillance and listening.
What our spies may gain as an advantage may be a temporary gain or a ruse put in place to counter our spying. If a real deep secret is uncovered it will eventually lead to greater snooping technology and newer inventions. I believe spying is necessary, good, and the more the merrier. As politicians proclaim "transparency" in government affairs should we not expect a world of revealed secrets ? Should the likes of Snowden be condemned or praised ?
What we should really worry about are the press releases issued from governments feigning alarm or outrage over spying. Are their pronouncements related to truth or new layers of deception ? In my opinion, the sneaky little guys from "Spy vs. Spy" aptly characterize international spying where most tactical gains are quickly neutralized in the on going spy business.
A long time ago Mad Magazine introduced two little guys in a cartoon strip entitled "Spy Vs. Spy." One spy was totally black and the other completely white. Both were heavily cloaked, and drawn as angular little fellows bent on destroying each other. Each installment displayed cartoons of one killing or maiming the other in some form of mayhem. Of course neither spy was ever killed, but relentlessly pursued gaining an advantage over his foe.
In the real world, I believe much of the fuss is a show, and part of the ongoing industry of spying. Sneaking a peek at your neighbors new grass seed, a competitors latest innovative toy, or another nations weapon system are all parts of the ancient practice of espionage. It's not unusual that our spies would want to listen to the private phone conversations of a German or British Prime Minister. As a matter of fact, it's likely their spies already listen to our leaders. The covert activities of nations spying on each other is a very old practice, and the only thing new are the occasional revelations. Truth be told, most nations probably want more of their national budgets spent on spying. While history shows many bad things happening because of spies, much of their activity is mundane surveillance and listening.
What our spies may gain as an advantage may be a temporary gain or a ruse put in place to counter our spying. If a real deep secret is uncovered it will eventually lead to greater snooping technology and newer inventions. I believe spying is necessary, good, and the more the merrier. As politicians proclaim "transparency" in government affairs should we not expect a world of revealed secrets ? Should the likes of Snowden be condemned or praised ?
What we should really worry about are the press releases issued from governments feigning alarm or outrage over spying. Are their pronouncements related to truth or new layers of deception ? In my opinion, the sneaky little guys from "Spy vs. Spy" aptly characterize international spying where most tactical gains are quickly neutralized in the on going spy business.
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