There has been a surge in the number of surveillance cameras throughout the United States in recent years. With the September 11 terrorist attacks as a backdrop, huge amounts of federal funds have gone into placing cameras everywhere, even in small towns such as Millinocket.

Because these cameras are paid for by federal funds, municipalities view them as a gifts from the federal government, and gladly set up the cameras, whether or not they are of any practical use, setting the stage for a day, very soon, when our every move will be recorded.

Europe has moved further along this path, it being estimated that the average Londoner has his photo taken at least three hundred times a day, but the United States fully intends to catch up soon, so as to be able to become a full member of the new world order.

There was a time, not long ago, when the American people would have never put up with such an intrusion into their personal lives, but perhaps we are no longer deserving of our reputation for being a freedom loving people.

It saddens me that town governments would accept these gifts, which are not free at all, but paid for by federal taxes and through the erosion of freedom, and it disgusts me that people don't demand of their local government that these cameras be removed and, if necessary, returned to the federal government.

However, it doesn't surprise me that we do not, for we get the government we deserve.