This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
In 1980, I helped the people of Utah stand against the federal government in opposing the MX missile in our state. I believe we should stand once again against allowing operation of any personally intrusive government facility.
It is ironic that only a short distance from a prison devoted to punishing physical acts of the inmates, we are building what may become a dark "prison for the mind," seeking ways to punish a vastly larger group.
Social media users should watch the nearly 13-minute video by a very brave Edward Snowden on the Guardian website. It will be especially frightening to you. Never forget Ben Franklin's advice: "Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." When we have bought temporary "safety" at Camp Williams, we will have created yet another monument to loss of true liberty and safety in Utah.
Gordon Woodruff Young
Salt Lake City