Attacks change context of discussions about privacy

Kelly McNeill writes: “In the fervor surrounding the nation’s desire to pinpoint, track and hunt terrorists, laws are being drafted to allow greater access to Americans’ personal data, including their cellular-phone conversations, e-mail messages and Internet use. In addition, efforts continue to create enhanced video monitoring in public places — recording people’s faces to match against databases of who did what, when and where. Today, as the nation mourns those lost in the terrorist attacks, these measures feel right to some. They make the country seem safer, many agree.”