In a society as complex as the United States, there is a need for organizations whose sole purpose is to gather information, which is required for the provision of security. As there are many American embassies all over the world the work of intelligence organizations does not limit itself to domestic matters but functions worldwide, observing, recording and then acting according to the information collected. The unfortunate fact is that there are instances when the information is very sensitive and private, which raises questions of personal freedom and human rights. But also there are processes of gathering information that is very unconstitutional and unethical, which lead to a violation of a person’s constitutional rights.
“Covert action” is a term used to describe the way an organization acts about carrying out its activities. Its means are hidden, away from the public eye, private and secret in most instances. Since the people or general public are unaware that some action is taking place, they cannot voice their frustrated opinion and cannot complain. This gives the organization much more freedom of action. Of course, sometimes there are cases where a quick response is needed and it is simply impractical and unsafe to look for a solution, which is less intrusive but will require more time to produce. Usually, violations of privacy and human rights come as a need and unavoidable action in the matter of national security. Also if there is an immediate threat to a group of people, a community or a city, an organized body of people united with one goal will take charge. It is understandable since the organization focused on information and safety has a very well-organized structure and everyone working there knows their job and must be efficient at it. The actions of these organizations are often undetected and secret. As technology has found its way into everyone’s home and pocket, it became much easier to access it with other technology. People who are involved in the “spy business” are almost always well funded and have connections with other people and organizations that reach far beyond anyone’s private imagination. The ways human rights are violated range from minor to very severe. From the very beginning when any “covert action” is set to plan there is a lot of research done by the staff of that company. They must have reasons of why the action seems necessary; otherwise it would be unwise to commit to it. As the company uses resources it would be impractical for it to watch or listen to someone they believe will not provide any useful information. Operations performed on a large scale often require previous research of the target, as well as authorizations from higher commanding posts. It is a false view that these organizations run around the country, listening to whoever they want and opening doors of regular people. No one is denying that there are sometimes mistakes made and innocent people get hurt or their rights violated but it is all done for a greater purpose, the safety of many others and the country itself. There is no doubt that this is a very sensitive matter and often people wonder who is watching over the companies that watch everyone else. Who controls those with control? The unethical and immoral acts carried out by people preoccupied with security are inevitable. It is unacceptable that someone who is enjoying a peaceful evening at home with their family is unaware that they are being watched, their phone conversations are listened to and the house is scanned with heat and infrared equipment. But the information that is gathered accidentally is not used against those people. If an organization becomes aware of some minor infractions that the people are involved in and this happens while a case of national security is being investigated, then there simply will be no time to take action against those people, plus the information gathered becomes inadmissible in court since it was collected unconstitutionally and “accidentally” without a complete set of reasons and for an absolutely different case. This sensitive matter of gathering information should be analyzed on a case-to-case basis because sometimes these actions are justified and sometimes not.
The reason why the intelligence organizations exist is to “watch over” the safety of people and the country and also to provide those with power and policy-making abilities this information, so that it can be used for the greater good, the benefit of people. During the Cold War there was a lot of “spying” from both sides. As the Soviet Union and United States are considered superpowers, the fact that they were involved made a lot of people feel uneasy. Both nations are very well organized and funded and have a significant base for resources and abilities to carry out their actions. It is ironic that even though intelligence agencies focus their work on the collection of information and its use in peaceful purposes, there was much disinformation during the Cold War. The US government was suspecting the Soviet Union of a nuclear strike and was doing anything possible to gather any evidence that would support that. And even though there was no such evidence the Americans still feared a nuclear threat. This shows how both people in the public and those at higher posts with real knowledge about the matter, can still skew the information and base some of it on opinion and unproven facts. The recent affairs in the US show that even though it is the age of information sometimes it might be wrong. Everyone was so certain about the nuclear threat of Iraq and Saddam Hussein that everyone “knew” further action must be taken. There were numerous speeches and explanations given as to why the Americans must go to Iraq. They ranged from anti-terrorism operations to the search for Bin Laden who was said to be responsible for the destruction of the twin. The general public believed all those messages and agreed that such action must be carried out. But the reality of the case turned out to be different. I agree that there are a lot of times when a certain level of disinformation is present. Whether it is done for a certain purpose or by an honest mistake does matter. There must be equally powerful organizations that monitor the actions and views of such “intelligence organizations”. The constant screening of personnel should be put in place to monitor for any illegal actions from their side or even a change in the world view or opinion, which might become detrimental to people and society in a form of personal goals. In any case, the actions taken against the threats must be most democratic and peaceful. Today there are still tensions between the world’s superpowers. As the countries are continuing their development and advancements in technology and military, this matter must be carefully taken care of. In the end there is no real harm if someone accidentally gets under the attention of the spy industry. It is their job and it is done with a higher purpose. The fact that sometimes there are cases where a right is violated is the unfortunate price that a single or even a group of individuals has to pay for the majority of people. It is very unethical and immoral but often the world itself is unethical and disrespectful towards an individual. Of course, there must be close regulation and monitoring of these organizations but the matters that pertain to national security should not be made public. It is a grim reality but there are many enemies that a country might have. Also, today is the time of extremists and people are searching for ways to better this world or quite the opposite—destroy it. It is understandable that society very much needs organizations that are well organized and keep a constant eye out for any threats; the invasion of privacy is a price that must be paid.
The intelligence agencies’ purpose is to protect the people and the country. Just like the police and the army, their goal is directed towards goodness for other people and individuals. There will always be individuals with power who abuse it, using it in their interests and their position in an organization but the majority of agents are doing their job in protecting the lives of innocent and unknowing people.