51% Say Security More Important than Privacy

Rasmussen Reports ^ | 1/18/08

[freespirited]

Fifty-one percent (51%) of Americans say that Security is more important than privacy. A Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey found that 29% disagree and say privacy is more important. Twenty percent (20%) are not sure.

The survey also found public support for strict rules regarding identification needed to obtain drivers’ licenses. Sixty-nine percent (69%) say it is a good idea for the federal government to establish such rules, while only 17% disagree.

Over fifteen states have made headlines recently by speaking out against the REAL Identification Act of 2005, which would bar anyone not possessing the proper licenses from boarding airplanes or entering government buildings. In addition to concerns about privacy, many in the opposing states fear that states will not be able to create enough funding to comply with the technology required of new the licenses.

Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff and supporters of the legislation feel there are too many types of identification that allow people into the country, and creating federal requirements on drivers’ licenses will limit the amount of illegal immigrants entering the United States.

The public is divided on whether or not the new legislation will cut down on illegal immigration. While 49% feel the Act is at least somewhat likely to reduce illegal immigration, 42% say it is not very or not at all likely.

Regarding the new drivers’ licenses required in the Act, a quarter of those surveyed (25%) see it as an invasion of privacy, while the majority (44%) disagrees. Thirty-one percent (31%) are not sure.

Nearly half of adults (45%) have followed news stories on the issue at least somewhat closely, while another half (50%) have not followed the stories closely or at all.

[CowboyJay]

"Call them what they are: Marxists and Useful Idiots!" Not to worry. I use stronger names than that for them in private. I tend to tone it down a bit when discussing these things with those who may be unaccustomed to hearing the truth. Too big a pill for them to swallow whole sometimes. Nobody likes being called a useful idiot. Don't win many hearts and minds that way. The schools are a problem. Some parents don't have the means for private or home education. They're forced to make their children wards of the state 8 hours a day to make a living. However, they need to at least help their kids unspin the misinformation they're being fed when they come home at night. Too many would sooner numb-out in front of the idiot box for their own dose of indoctrination.

[elkfersupper]

Personal safety is at the bottom of my list of priorities.

I'm with you on that. The greatest threat to what is important to me has been from the day I was born and is now my own various governments.

[PA_Country]

Are you opposed to airport screening of your luggage? After all, it is an invasion of your privacy.
Nope not at all… you see the thing that I understand is this… when I go to an airport and get on an Airplane I’m getting into a privately owned vehicle operated by a privately owned – at least in theory – company and thus must submit to their rules… — Side bar… that’s what makes smoking bans in bars and restaurants illegal – but I digress… What I can’t tolerate is wondering if the CIA is listening me talk to my Arab friend when he’s traveling in England… which is more than possible… not because he or are doing anything illegal…but rather because tracking the citizenry is the stepping stone to the police state

[arderkrag]

What utter fools. Franklin’s rolling over in his grave.

[freespirited]

Nope not at all… you see the thing that I understand is this… when I go to an airport and get on an Airplane I’m getting into a privately owned vehicle operated by a privately owned – at least in theory – company and thus must submit to their rules…

"Their rules" come from the federal government. An outfit called the TSA. For ex, it wasn't the airlines who recently decided to limit the size of articles you take on the plane. It was an edict imposed by the govt. Your luggage is screened to insure you are complying ... with the govt rules.