I continue to respond to an article called “Your TV Might Be Watching You” originally sourced from the Drudge Report. I encourage you to read to entire thing.
The government is listening in places you might not suspect. I am a teacher. Several years ago when they were spending millions on redoing the buildings they installed a PA system. In every room I have visited a large speaker and clock sits right in the middle of the front of the room. It keeps us from using screens and projectors. The location is typical of the government. The ones that had been installed years ago were on the side, over a door. That worked, this doesn’t. But that is another issue.
I was at the school when the installation was done. I talked to the workmen. I asked questions. I was told that not only did the PA have a speaker but it also had a microphone which enabled the administration or anyone with the codes to listen to what goes on in the classroom. In theory there is a warning sound that occurs when the microphone is turned on. The purpose behind it is so that the office and the teacher can have a conversation. Sounds legit. Then why do the administrators all deny that there is a microphone in the system?
The technicians installing the device said it had a microphone. The administrators say it doesn’t. Who am I going to believe?
Why would this ability be a good idea? There are legitimate uses. As I said, it would enable a conversation but we already have a telephone for that function and rarely when the office calls would I want the students to hear what was being said. It is possible that there was a deviant teacher and they wanted to listen for child abuse going on but that could be done with a warrant and a specialized bugging device. It could come in handy if we had an intruder on campus. There might be other legitimate uses.
Why would I not want it installed? First, I don’t know if the required warning sound is activated. Second there is the issue of the fourth amendment. There are also a long list of situations that require a belief in confidentiality. I am sure that parents don’t want unseen people listening to conferences with the teacher. They could be sharing personal information that no one else needs to know. We could be having a faculty meeting. What about the ability to listen to private phone conversations. How about when I child is confiding in a trusted teacher?
I am sure I could go on but Big Brother might be listening. If he went to public school there is a good chance he won’t be reading.
Be aware. Be proactive. Let the government know where you stand.
Or be a sheep and smile at the wolf when he arrives at your door.
homo unius libri
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Comments are welcome. Feel free to agree or disagree but keep it clean, courteous and short. I heard some shorthand on a podcast: TLDR, Too long, didn't read.