"What do you gain if you give up American principles to save America?" This was her response to the 'Big Brother' question and the Patriot Act.

However, this isn't about Miss Rogdin, really. I'm writing this to deride, ridicule and chastise Kelly Turner from Monterey, CA for being a short-sighted buffoon. Yeah, I know she'll never read this, but this is my journal and I'll vent if I want to. ;)

Here's her take as reported in the Modesto Bee* (www.modbee.com).

"I don't have a problem with (government surveillance). I don't have anything to hide. I wish there was more government monitoring. I want to know if somebody on my block is reading a book on how to build a bomb or if there is anyone reading 'Catcher in the Rye.' They say there's a link between that book and many serial killers."

I can guarantee you that dear Kelly 'thinks' she understands where said surveillance would end and that's why she naively views this as only about 'other people'. Surely it won't affect her since everyone knows she's a good girl. Her 'I have nothing to hide' comment is laughable in that regard. Kelly, dear, if you give away your freedom in such a fashion this means they can also peep in your bedroom (why not? maybe you're a criminal!). They could see what you and hubby (or, gasp, someone else) get up to. They could see you when you go potty. Or when you take a nip off the cooking sherry. If they can monitor what 'they' read, they can also monitor what 'you' do. True freedom doesn't work they way you imagine it in your little dream land. If you take away someone else's rights, you end up taking away some of your own, as well.

And, yes, Kelly dear, there IS a link between some criminals and books**. Some tend to read as many of them have a fair amount of intelligence (just as many do not) despite their mental issues. So any book they read is now a 'serial killer' book? If they read Home & Garden would you feel the same? People tend to read what they find themselves drawn to, that doesn't mean a book will make a killer. They are drawn to a book like anyone else, not created by reading one. 'Catcher in the Rye' deals with a person who feels outside the mainstream, a loner. Of course other people who feel alone will be drawn to it. But do you really think that all the millions who've read it are now destined to become killers? If you do you're stupider than I had thought... and I thought you were pretty stupid already...

Wake up and educate yourself, Kelly. Wake up and think for yourself. And try and take the time to think things through before you open your mouth.

(* Originally spotted at Wil's)
(** Your 'Catcher' claim is specious at best. Are you confusing that Mel Gibson movie with actual fact? Or is it Mark David Chapman you're thinking of? Well, FTR, he is not a serial killer, just a killer. )