Probably because I haven't yet realized what rights are involved with the internet. I don't think I've lost any rights regarding information, because when I want to look something up and can usually find it. Maybe there's more to it than the availability of information? If I knew the government was manipulating providers, content, or flat out filtering it, obviously I would have a problem with that. But I don't have a problem with the government tracking down dangerous hackers, and then working a deal with them to fight against other dangerous hackers.
I'm probably missing something, so enlighten me.
In the specific bill we are discussing it is the president being allowed to shut down and taking over control of specific private Internet networks whenever he deems it to be in the interest of security. That is the digital equivalent of quartering soldiers (
see Third Amendment). That is only allowed in very specific circumstances during time of war. If it is a terrorist attack or any non-war security threat without an invasion it violates that right, and is left to the discretion of the president. Since war powers are only held by Congress the president can't be allowed to just up and declare digital quarter (I may trademark this term) for whatever he deems to be a security threat.
Now, what I feel like you were saying before when you said:
I'd imagine the government has already done quite a bit of behind-the-scenes "regulation" and surveillance on the internet without any of us knowing. So far it doesn't seem to have gotten in the way of any information I might ever look for.
It sounds like you are saying that if they are monitoring you, deem you fine and move along you don't care. The "law abiding citizens shouldn't be concerned" opinion. I may be wrong, but I will go on anyway. For the case of being monitored (warrantless wiretaps anyone?) without knowing it I direct you to the
Fourth Amendment.
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
In other words, they cannot randomly search through your stuff without a warrant that specifically defines what they are searching for and what cause they have to believe they need to search you.
Of course, this brings us back to the "if you aren't breaking the law why do you care?" question. And that is a good one.
This brings up to the erosion of rights.
Keef, I know from your comments you see it in other places. It bothered you when your father, in the middle of the night, got a ticket for failing to use his indicator. Did he harm anyone or violate their rights in any way? No. Did he break the law? Yes. Wait, if no rights are being violated how does it break the law? Because someone decided it was a good safety law and everyone who cared said, "Well, you should use your indicators anyway, so I won't mind that law."
Or smoking. Smoking bans go into effect and we hear smokers themselves say things like, "It will help me quit, so I am for it." Or trans fats bans had people say, "It will help me lose weight, so OK." (Note: We are still fat three years later).
Erosion of rights happens to do to willful neglect, or saying, "It won't effect me, so I don't care." But then another law passes, and another, and another, all using the same excuse that was used on the one you didn't care about. The smoking and then trans fats ban is an example of this. In fact, I predicted fatty foods would begin getting banned based on the public health excuse used for smoking bans. And look at what the major topic is in politics now: Public health. Imagine what happens when government runs health care.
So, today they are monitoring your online activities only looking for a terrorist connection. But then maybe next year child protection groups use the same argument to monitor for any pron or other child predator profile activity. Then you visit 4chan. Next thing you know you have a cop asking you what you are doing as you walk past a park or a school.
