Report: Government Spying Causing Self-Censorship, Privacy Fears Among US Writers
Benjamin Fearnow
November 12, 2013 9:49 AM
WASHINGTON (CBS DC) – In the wake of revelations about intrusive government surveillance, many American authors are worrying about the freedom of the press and some simply are avoiding controversial topics.
A new report from the PEN Center and the FDR Group entitled “Chilling Effects: NSA Surveillance Drives U.S. Writers to Self-Censor” finds that 85 percent of surveyed writers are worried about government surveillance of Americans, and nearly three-quarters (73 percent) “have never been as worried about privacy rights and freedom of the press as they are today.”
Sixteen percent of writers have avoided writing or speaking about certain topics due to threatening privacy concerns, and an additional 11 percent have seriously considered such avoidance.
Writer comments included statements such as, “I assume everything I do electronically is subject to monitoring.
The sad thing is that it is not just government that has done this. Liberals are vindictive and if you have a liberal boss you better keep your mouth shut if your are conservative. Government has made things worse because now they have no issue with sending out IRS agents, regulators, etc. to attack companies and individuals who speak out against liberal policies. This has to stop. There needs to be severe punishment for any government official that uses the power of the government as a way to punish free speech. And liberals, you better get on board because if you don’t, one day someone on the otherside is going to be in power (or perhaps one of your own will turn on you) and then you may end up being the victim. As Americans we should all condem this behavior no matter where you fall on the political spectrum.
Well, don’t we see this right in front of our own eyes everyday, in our own town? Scary part, its the people that are supposed to protect our civil rights. Nazi tactics, keep people scared, so they remain silent. Has that ever worked in history? Eventually, good always prevails. I admire your courage #1. But they say its for the cause….just the like Taliban. When does it end, when they are insane…. maybe dead. Ladies and Gentlemen, start your engines.